Hood River Hotel
"How did it strike you on arrival?Right in the middle of downtown, The Hood River Hotel marries historical intrigue with hipster cool. Walk into the old brick building’s narrow, but spacious, lobby and a black-and-white checkered floor greets you, just as it has for more than a century. Sleek modern couches flank a working fireplace with a crackling fire, while the head of an elk looms above. Indie rock pipes through the speakers while the din of diners at Broder next door lends an almost party-like atmosphere. What’s the crowd like?People are here for the cool vintage vibe, not luxe accommodations, so you’re looking at a cohort of young singles and couples who appreciate all things old-school. How was check in?Check in at the front desk and you’ll be given an old-fashioned key, complete with a brass tag. There are only three floors, but it’s fun to take the old-timey elevator, which has doors you have to open and close yourself. And what did you think about the rooms?There’s nothing cookie-cutter about this place. Every room is different; try to book a river-view room so you can peek at the action on the Columbia. The queen beds sport fluffy down comforters; in place of a headboard, there's a long, large-scale photo stretching across the back wall—usually '40s-era people engaging in outdoorsy fun. Two little tables flank the bed, sometimes with a vintage telephone instead of a cordless one. The standard rooms are tiny, with the world’s smallest bathroom tucked into what you might think is a closet: just a toilet and a tiled shower wedged in kitty-corner. But the sink is outside in the room itself, making for a fairly efficient use of space. A 10-bed hostel-style bunkhouse is set to open later this fall (or when COVID-19 restrictions deem it safe to do so), complete with lockers and a shared kitchenette. Did the little things, like mini bar or shower goodies, make a good impression?In the standard rooms, there's no space for a mini-bar—or really any in-room amenities besides a TV, for that matter. But the suites are like little apartments, with sitting areas, large bathrooms, a closet, and even a fully equipped kitchenette with a range, refrigerator, microwave, and sink and dishes. What are our dining and drinking options?Broder Ost, a spinoff of an insanely popular Scandinavian brunch spot in Portland, sits on the main level of the hotel, with easy access from the lobby. There’s no room service (yet), but it’s easy to pop down for aebleskiver, Swedish hash, or smorrebrod, Danish open-face sandwiches. At the front desk, you can order a bucket of mimosas for two ($15), or six icy-cold beers ($20-$32) to take to your room. Anything stand out about other services and features?The hotel partners with a bunch of local businesses to offer discounts on everything from coffee to bike rentals to tasting-room fees. Bottom line: why should we stay here?Staying here puts you in the heart of town. Plus, this place exudes vintage cool." - Danielle Centoni
