Commodore Hotel Astoria

"What's the story here?These days, Astoria’s long history as a rough-around-the-edges port town has gotten a bit of hipster sheen, and The Commodore Hotel serves as a prime example. The historic brick building in the middle of downtown stands adjacent to the city’s coolest third-wave coffee shop, with a minimalist awning welcoming guests into the gently nautically themed, thrift-store-meets-artist-loft styled lobby. Who will we see inside?These are bargain hipster rooms, so expect lots of young adults and creatives with a distinct sense of style but not a ton of money. How was check in?Check in at the funny little wooden kiosk that looks more like a vintage movie ticket booth than a hotel desk. You’ll be handed a key with a plastic tag, much like the pre-cardkey days. Then head upstairs and find your tiny room, which will look like it was built in the 1920s (because it was) but is now owned by West Coast hipsters (because it is). What did you think about the rooms?The rooms are quite small and bare bones in a clean, minimalist way. But even the Deluxe Riverview Suite, the most expensive category, with a queen bed, small sofa, and en suite bathroom, isn't roomy. If you’ve ever spent time in a tiny Manhattan apartment or budget Euro hotel, you’ll feel right at home here. Expect a simple but comfortable bed flanked by small nightstands, with just enough room to walk around. The Cabin rooms, both regular and deluxe, have an old-school apron sink right in the room, though the toilet and showers are down the hall. Clearly this isn’t a hotel for guests who plan to hole up and order room service (there isn’t any anyway). Anything else we should know?The hotel is in the middle of town, near the bars and the main roads, and old buildings weren’t built to be soundproof; you’ll likely hear your fellow guests walking around too. That's why the hotel provides ear plugs. Old-fashioned radiators keep the rooms toasty in winter. But when summer hits, you’ll have to open the windows and turn on the fan since there’s no air-conditioning. Luckily Astoria’s strategic location at the confluence of the Columbia River and Pacific Ocean means it rarely gets hot. You won’t find coffee makers or mini fridges or even a mini-bar in your room, but you might find pencils and old-fashioned pencil sharpeners, just in case you want to relive your grade-school days. And if you’re into vinyl, you can borrow a record player and records from the front desk, as well as an indie, artsy, or classic movie from the well-curated collection of DVDs to play on the small flat-screen TV in your room. What's the food situation here?There’s no room service, but there’s free morning coffee in the lobby. Or just wander into bustling, airy Street 14 Cafe, just off the lobby, for a perfectly pulled espresso made with Stumptown coffee, plus excellent breakfast plates like seasonal vegetable hashes and braised greens with farm eggs. Pastries, lunch dishes, cocktails, beer, and wine make it a worthwhile refueling spot any time of day. And from 5 to 8 p.m. nightly in the lounge, the hotel offers free samples of local beer. Anything stand out about other services and features?Inexpensive as they are, a good number of rooms have river views. Bottom line: why should we book a stay here?If you came to Astoria to experience the city and want a slightly quirky, vintage-inflected, non-cheesy room at an affordable price, The Commodore is your spot. It’s within a short walk of everything you want to see, do, eat, and drink." - Danielle Centoni