Hotel Sylvia

We stayed just after they reopened. It's a lovely and charming inn. Great to unplug from daily life and relax. Cozy library on the fourth floor. Friendly and attentive staff made us feel welcome. Note there are no elevators and the stairs are a bit steep (common for the age of the building). No A/C but the room windows open easily and being on the coast should more than enough to stay comfortable 99% of the time.

I'm a long-time guest of this hotel. I've been going from infancy to young adulthood. I visited almost every year of my childhood with only a brief gap between ages 7 to 10. I always bring my wife now and she's enjoyed it too. Unlike many long-time guests, I think a change could do this hotel some good. I realize that many people have expressed feelings about the new renovation. But in my opinion, if they want to stay in business, it's necessary to make the hotel more appealing to the younger generation. I enjoyed the hotel the way it was for a long time. Now I look forward to what it shall become. I'm pleased to hear that they're keeping my favorite room, Agatha Christie. I'm sure the C.S. Lewis room will be a great addition, too.

I wanted to write my novel while looking out at the stormy sea like a character in a Jane Austin novel and for my birthday, my husband delivered. We stayed in the Tolkien room which had these amazing murals and other decorations. The food was Incredible and the experience of talking about books and travel with the other guests was so fun. The hotel has so many vintage features, it feels like going back in time. The 3rd floor reading room and library was Exactly what you'd want in a historic beach hotel. Truly a 10/10 experience for this book nerd.

I love, love, love this hotel! Definitely the place for a book lover to stay on their visit to the Oregon Coast. Every room is thoughtfully and creatively decorated and furnished, immersing each guest into the lives of different authors. The staff were all very friendly and helpful. I also enjoyed meeting other guests in common areas. A wonderful experience all-round. I will certainly be staying here again.

Loved the literary theme of the hotel and the two-storey library on the 3rd and 4th floors! Amazing ambiance and exquisite attention to detail. Flights of fancy and wonderful decor. Lovely breakfast in a room with an ocean view. Watching the sunset over the ocean from comfy chairs in the library was unforgettable. Want to move in and never leave. The Nero Wolfe globe in the library was a fun bonus; just needed an orchid to their variety of plants.

For nearly a decade this has been one of my favorite places on earth. Even when we could only afford the cheapest rooms with no view, the upstairs library has been the crown jewel of the place, open for all to congregate to read, step out onto the balcony, enjoy the ocean views, sip tea, and enjoy the energy of retreat and love of the written word. It also made this the perfect cozy winter stay, since you can be cozy in the library and watch the storms. However, I understand the new owners are going to turn the library into a suite, which will not only be heartbreaking for those of us who love it, but completely remove the #1 reason to visit this place. As Portlanders, we drive 2.5 hours not to come to Newport (which is a lovely town) but to experience the Sylvia Beach Hotel. Without the library it will be “just another coast hotel” and we could have a nicer room, with our own balcony and fireplace, for a shorter drive, better beach access, and cheaper too, in places like Lincoln City. I truly hope the new owners will reconsider destroying the library, because if they do I doubt we will come back to this place again — somewhere we’ve stayed over 10 times, and brought friends to stay, despite the drive; somewhere we’ve said ‘why go to Europe when we just want to go to the SBH’. That’s how special it has been.

This hotel is a must visit for all bibliophiles traveling up the coast. Plan to cozy up in the library to catch up on your reading under a blanket in a one of the super soft leather lounge chairs facing the ocean.|You can peak in any open rooms to check out how much creativity and detail went into each author. Breakfast is included and pretty good (though the waitress served me pork hash after I said I was vegan which was super weird)|They are planning a renovation winter 2024-25 which should be nice as long as it retains its charm. Hopefully it will retain all of its Victorian charm while modernizing not just plumbing, but also the representation of authors who are not just white and male. I did stay in the Amy Tan room which was an exception ;)

Wonderful beach front boutique hotel, a book lover’s dream! We enjoyed the John Steinbeck room for our visit. Cozy space for reading and doing puzzles in the library makes this a special place. Breakfast was great and the walkable location in downtown Newport was a plus!

This hotel doesn't just have a library. You are expected to be very very quiet like it is a library. It really should be called the library hotel. Never have I felt so unwelcome at a hotel before. Just had family visit for a moment and was complained about immediately. They should show on their website as adult only hotel and not have a Dr Seuss room with toys in it.

Do you think this artwork is appropriate for kids?? (Located in the boys' bathroom next to dining area) Nothing like that is in the girls' bathroom, and a mother wouldn't even know what her son was subjected to unless he told her.

I've stayed in the Agatha Christie room, Oscar Wilde room, and Emily Dickinson room over the years and have really loved this place. I went in today passing through town because I wanted to show my kids the awesome rooms, but under the new ownership you mayn't tour the vacant rooms anymore. I don't see any decent reason for this and I think it sucks that it's been purchased by a company who owns several hotels rather than a smaller outfit that will actually care about the place like so many guests care about it.

What an amazing stay! I could have stayed for days. My husband found this in a guide book from years ago and he called as soon as our itinerary was set from our trip from San Francisco to Portland, OR. Although they have a website- reservations are old fashioned through the phone. You won't see people with IPads watching movies or going through Tik Tok. It is quiet and beautiful. This is a book lovers paradise. Each room is themed after a different author and the rooms are well done. And the hotel sits on a bluff with amazing views of the ocean. We stayed in the Mark Twain room (both literary majors) and as soon as we got to our room- I didn't want to leave. It had a large bed and desk and two windows that looked out over the ocean. You could see the ocean anywhere in the room. There was a window seat that I stretched out on and a fireplace. Our room had this beautiful balcony with ocean view and the day we checked in- it was windy. Very windy. Enough that I couldn't close the car door and when I almost had it- the wind flew the door back on its springs. We thought what a waste- this balcony but no way we could use it. But the location of the room blocked the wind and we enjoyed a bottle of wine outside with a premade cheese plate from the gift shop. The gift shop also has wine for purchase. We sat outside and watched the few people trying to walk on the beach in the small hurricane. Then we dug out our books and got cozy and read. And drank more wine. We did start a fire and it was wonderful. The employees were nice and there were books everywhere along with common library rooms with people quietly reading. I was so sad to have to leave in the morning. This is a book lovers paradise and you should make a trip to Oregon just to stay here.

If you love books and unique experiences this charming and quirky hotel is the place for you! Sylvia Beach Hotel is a lovely renovated historical building from the early 1900s and the owners did a phenomenal job keeping it's historic feel even after renovations. The hotel is designed in a way that allows guest relax and unplug from modern society. If you desire big rooms, up to date luxurious bathrooms, televisions and wifi you will want to look elsewhere. The aim of the hotel is to unplug and relax from our fast paced modern society. With author themed rooms , no wifi, a cell phone free library and sitting area this hotel transports its guest to another place and time. There are books, puzzles and fascinating book themed decor throughout the hotel. Every room is different. Some have views, multiple beds or only one bed. If you have particular requests you should do your research on your room's amenities before booking. The three course meal at Table of Contents was phenomenal! The vegetables are all grown in the owner's home garden. The restaurant requires reservations since it is a small dining experience. There are two large tables where guests are seated (cruise style). My husband and I met lovely people from Washington, Idaho and Oregon. Sylvia Beach Hotel is located directly on the beach and there are fun shops all around. My husband and I stayed in the JK Rowling room. The vacant rooms are left open so we took a tour of several other rooms including Ken Casey, Shakespeare and Dr. Seuss. Each room had its own unique appeal. If you are looking to relax and you're able to let go of our modern expectations this beautifully restored hotel is top notch!

It's a romantic bed and breakfast hotel with themed rooms. It's reasonably priced for the coast. Be careful....not all rooms have a view, private baths, or queen beds. Their web site is informative, and the front desk woman is very friendly and willing to reexplain everything. We stayed in the Virginia Woolf room. It's small, but the bed and room were overall comfy. The bathroom was tiny, cold, but functional. The room had hints and clues of Virginia Woolf like a scavenger hunt or an escape room. The complementary breakfast was excellent with pancakes, oatmeal, cereal, and yogurt. Coffee and OJ as well. Beautiful beach view in the dining area. Very romantic for weekend getaway. No wifi, and no tv. Just quality time with your sweetheart. Also, I like they have dedicated parking for about 8 cars. If you go early, you got parking across the street. Great location....on the beach, and a block away from Nana's Pub.

The Sylvia Beach Hotel is one of my very favorite places. Steps from the sand and an easy walk to the Newport Performing Arts Center, gobs of fun shops and tasty places to eat (Nana's Irish Pub is wonderful!). Comfortable themed rooms, a delightful staff and delicious breakfast every morning. Oh, and BOOKS everywhere! I've been several times, always excited to go again.

Picture walking up a flowered garden path into the entry way of an old friend's home. On entering you find a living room area filled with oversized chairs, couches, friendly people, fabulous funky art, all with literary reference. Explore every floor here and discover reading nooks, rooms dedicated (and decorated) to specific authors like Jules Vern, Virginia Woolf, Amy Tan, even Dr. Seuss! Don't miss the third floor library, complete with a nice selection of good books, games and puzzles and magnificent views of the beach and sea. Sign up on arrival for dinner at Bookends - the chef is special, and breakfasts are delicious!

Beautiful hotel and location. My wife and I actually stayed in 2021 in the Mark Twain suite. It was perfect. It was quiet. Our view was the coastline and we were lucky enough to see humpback whales in the morning. I have been trying to get back to Sylvia Beach hotel again, but unfortunately I haven't been able to. I would highly recommend it!!

Best coastal hotel EVER!! Every room has a different theme and decor based on a particular literary author; no TV, radio or WiFi-prepare to decompress and Relax! Their "Table of Contents" Restaurant is fabulous and headed by a most talented and creative chef! The resident cat may greet you and you will absolutely Love it!! I suggest the Agatha Christie or Mark Twain suites-with oceanfront decks and wood burning fireplaces!! So many shops, entertainment and restaurants are walkable and the ocean is a couple of hundred feet away awaiting you! I will be here again but call far in advance to book and no online reservations. Love it !!

Casual grace of bygone eras. Comfy, friendly, great views, good books to read. Perfect!

Each of the rooms is named after, and decorated in honor of, an author. Perfect place for book-lovers. Right on a beautiful beach, in a cute little historic neighborhood. Rooms are a bit small but the common areas are spacious and inviting - two decks and two library/reading rooms. Comfortable bed and nice sheets. It's a historic hotel; shabby chic is part of the charm. Yummy breakfast included. No elevator (there are guest rooms on the first floor which avoids bag-schlepping, but I wouldn't recommend the hotel to someone who can't do stairs cause some of the best areas are up/down stairs) No phones, tvs, wifi (but good cell service) No pets, but they have a hotel cat :) Price is reasonable compared to other places on the coast with similar views/location.

Comfie, charming rooms. Delicious breakfast, stellar views. We really loved our stay here. We will be back!

Had a marvelous time at their set dinner yesterday evening! Know ahead of time that you're sat next to strangers (which quickly become friends) at larger tables and served family style. The food was superb and the atmosphere divine. While we did not stay here, we did explore and will probably make a point of staying at this quiet, lovely historical hotel. It's so quiet and peaceful...the perfect getaway for writers and book lovers alike!

A great find on the beautiful OR coast right next to beautiful Nye Beach. A very cozy hotel with great decor and a homey feeling. A literature lover's dream come true, as each room is themed to a different author. We booked a room at the last minute and I was really hoping that we could either get the JK Rowling suite or the Colette suite. Luckily the Colette ended up being the only available room that day. It is also considered one of the largest rooms and the most romantic. It also has a balcony with an ocean view. The decor sticks cleverly to the whole literature theme, there is a resident kitty who is very friendly and curious, and on the third floor they have a cute and quiet library for you to sit and read with views of the beautiful ocean. There is no WiFi or tv. You simply have books and your lovely company. Dinner is optional (though highly recommended), breakfast is included and both are communal. I mention this because the word communal dining hall always invokes much fear and anxiety into the heart of my very introverted husband. I myself am not incredibly social, but it doesn't tend to bother me as much as it does him lol. Only reason I've given this establishment 4 instead of 5 stars, is because the bathroom was a little smelly when we checked in. It did have a very tiny hint of urine smell which was just not pleasant. After we aired it out though, it was totally fine.

I was really excited to stay at the Sylvia Beach Inn again when I decided to come visit Oregon. However, this time our visit wasn't as pleasant. For one, we booked an ocean view room - the Steinbeck room. We paid extra for what we thought would be a good ocean view, most likely with a patio like my previous stay in the Oscar Wilde room. No such luck. We had to crane our necks a little to get a good view of the ocean. Then, probably around 10 pm my friend was talking on the phone in what sounded like a normal tone to me, when we received a knock on the door. Apparently, we were being too loud and the entire floor could hear us. If that's the case, good thing she was speaking in Spanish. But seriously? I doubt we were that loud. Plus, we came home from a local bar at probably 2 am, thinking we would be able to get back in fine. It's a hotel, after all. They don't close their doors... but we were locked out. Someone in their pajamas finally came to let us in. But then, when we decided to go enjoy the leftover hot spiced wine upstairs, they were waiting - staring at us - as we exited out our door. What the hell. Maybe we were being too loud again? They don't like me here anymore :'( On the plus side, their breakfasts were still awesome. The first morning, we had a shrimp fritatta. The second, chocolate chip pancakes and bacon. The bacon was overcooked, but everything else was decadent. I only plan to come here again with my mother who has a very calm demeanor, but never again with a friend.

Really lovely spot to crash. This is a for real BnB so if that type of stay doesn't appeal to you just roll on to the Holiday Inn. We stayed in the Mark Twain Room. The room was amazeballs, ocean view, chooching balcony, fireplace with wood, clawfoot tub. This spot has a great breakfast and friendly staff. The mulled wine in the top floor library is super friendly. The bed was comfortable and the room was clean.

I loved our time at the Sylvia beach hotel! We stayed during a road trip down the Oregon coast, and booked the Herman Melville room. The room was decorated with a thorough (and passionate) attention to detail! Every room is uniquely designed around an author or a book. We were so excited to see that until a room is occupied, the door is left open. This means that guests can look at their awesome decorations until their occupant arrives. We had a blast exploring all the other rooms, and we will definitely book another room for the full experience. The hotel has a permanent resident in the form of a sweet cat. I don't think there were any elevators because the building itself is quite old. If you have a room on the top floor, I'd suggest bringing a backpack with limited supplies for the hike. I'd also recommend bringing your own shampoo and hair dryer, as our room didn't have either (thank goodness I have short hair!). The building itself is lovely, and the other guest amenities are also superb. The hotel has a library which extends to 2 floors. Adjacent to the library is a communal kitchen with coffee, tea, and hot mulled wine at night. It also had awesome games and puzzles available for the guests. The hotel has a free breakfast, which was by far my favorite breakfast on the Oregon coast. In addition to staples like cereal, juice, yogurt, and fruit, they have a hot meal option. Our hot breakfast option was a dutch baby. Since I'm a vegetarian, they were able to modify mine and make it without sausage. It was absolutely delicious! The maple syrup sizzled when it touched the plate, and they added some lime for a hint of citrus. Their restaurant also serves dinner, but we chose not to attend due to their limited vegetarian options. Thankfully, Newport and Nye Beach have many other restaurants available. I am a big fan of the Sylvia Beach Hotel, and I can't wait to return. I loved the building itself, the rooms, the amenities, and the cat (who, by the way, enjoys playing with plastic and paper bags). Next time, I must remember to bring cat nip!

Having heard many accounts of happy experiences had at the Sylvia Beach, I was excited to try it. Sadly, it did not meet with my expectations. Such a venerable and beautiful old hotel deserves the very best in service and those subtle amenities which make guests feel special and cared for...and wanting to return. I found the staff remarkably short on people skills, the bed pillows the worst I've ever experienced in a hotel and the breakfast disappointinting. I will grant the views from our room were magnificant and the private porch special. I may even give SBH another try. In the meantime, I hope they will up their game.

My overall experience was mixed, and I am glad it was only one night. I purposely chose the Oscar Wilde room, as I think you should be able to judge a hotel by it's more humble of rooms. I walked in and liked the dated decor of the tiny room, and was immediately grateful for the large deck out of the back. It needed air. Old building and all. Plus, the chair in the room is cute and dated and could break under weight. I was kindly checked in early, which was a nice surprise. I tried napping in the afternoon, which was not very possible with the loud creaky stairs nearby, and this continually running water sound like someone right above the bed was showering. I brushed it off and spent a little bit of time staring out of the "library" windows at the ocean. (Note to potential visitors: the actual library is on the 4th floor- the books and puzzles are up there, and it is more of an introverts retreat.) Then came dinner. Immediately it was very uncomfortable sharing a seating arranged table with a bunch of strangers (very like a wedding), the forced conversation was exhausting. Obviously this is a personal issue, many people would enjoy this arrangement, but for me it was strenuous. The people were lovely individuals, and the food was the real highlight of the visit- crafted by a chef who is exceptionally talented. When the meal had finally ended, I went for a walk on the beach, hoping that it would wear me out physically the way the dinner wore my nerves. (The front desk is personed 24h.) I came back and read the journals in the room. Then I tried sleep. Sleep was not possible. I spent hours trying to be comfortable, but the pillows were HARD and FLAT and I had developed cramps in my neck and shoulders very quickly. The running water sound (like a never ending shower above my head) was impossible to ignore. By 4am, with a headache, cramped shoulders, and a huge wish for earplugs, I had given up. The next morning at breakfast I was sharing a table with one of the owners, and this tidbit of my awful evening came up. She said "well, you should have come told us, we have new pillows." Hmm, yes, at 4am, I should have come down the very loudly squeaking stairs to the front desk in my jammies and with my considerably shitty unrested mood to beg for reasonable pillows. At this point I was irritably perplexed- if you have new pillows, why the hell didn't you put them in the rooms to begin with?!? Big sigh. Also a side note- unlike even the most basic of hotel rooms, this one does not provide any kinds of shampoo or conditioner or lotion. I was staying one night, and didn't think I would desperately need a shower, but after a night like that, it would have been a welcome and necessary notion. Also, breakfast was not impressive, and actually a big disappointment. This place is a BnB, after all, and I was under the impression that the breakfast was fantastic (according to their website)- which was a big motivator for booking the hotel. It was pancakes and sausage. The pancakes were very good (almond poppy seed), the sausage was the boxed commercial frozen kind, and the fruit at the cereal bar was flavorless. Coffee was good, and they use local honey- coffee things are thankfully on the table when you enter the dining room. Once again, sharing a table with a bunch of people in the morning at a hotel that touts quiet introversion was unnerving. I just wanted to eat and have my coffee while looking at the ocean and avoiding speaking about my terrible night. Another side note: The room was old smelling, fine and fine- it's an old hotel, but it was the smell of dust. And there were also pantry moths in the room. Hard to get rid of those critters, but the room is small, and if cleaned well it should not be an issue. Overall impression: The hotel owners were both present, and pleasant enough people. The hotel is an impressive sight on the edge of the ocean, and the idea of the rooms is interesting and fun. The Library ideas are great, the gift shop cute and fresh, and give a diverse feel to the overall experience of staying here. But what is the point of a hotel that you cannot sleep in? Why not provide basic linens, and decent pillows? Why no minimal toiletries that even shitty hotels provide? And what the hell is up with that awful continual showing sound? Plus, if I hadn't spent a chunk on the dinner there, I would not have known the food could be good. Breakfast was just a touch better than continental. Too much money for the stay. Disappointment.

Superb: My sweetheart and I went here with a couple of our friends who had been before and thought we'd like it. We did! I adore this place and am glad it exists- it's like an introvert's paradise. I've told so many quiet, bookish friends and those looking for a serene get away to check this place out. The themed rooms are inspiring and so much fun. On the top floor there's a space with a great view of the ocean filled with comfy couches and chairs and books. There are two little rooms attached to this room- a board game room and a kitchenette which is stocked with tea and at night mulled wine. There's a hotel cat that wanders around the premises named Sandy. She's the absolute cutest. She came into our room (we stayed in the Emily Dickinson room) and jumped on the bed and into my lap for a solid half hour before she went on her way. It was magical. :) Room for Improvement: In our room there was beautiful delicate white lace curtains. Gorgeous in the day, but at night it offered no refuge from the blinding neon signs from the place next door. Definitely bring an eye mask if you need darkness to sleep. Only one window wasn't painted shut in our room. From that window the sounds, smells, and sights of the ocean were refreshing and breathtaking. That being said, it would have been nice to be able to open all the windows. The breakfast looked lovely, but I would like to see some vegan options, even if that means just a milk alternative for coffee and tea at breakfast. We had toast, fruit, and black tea. All in all a lovely retreat that I would recommend to anyone.

So I wanted to go away for the weekend at the coast with my increasingly significant other, but this little Seinfeldian exchange kept popping into my head... JERRY: I'm thinking about asking this girl I'm seeing to go away for a couple of days. GEORGE: Oh no. No, no, no, no, no. I'd have to advise against that. What, you've known this woman for how long? And you're going to be with her seventy-two hours? That's a dating decathlon. Come on, Andy, don't let Costanza dissuade you. The Sylvia Beach Hotel's quaint Jane Austen Room has a beautiful north-facing view of the beach (and a sunset, if you're there around the summer solstice), and the hotel is in such a nice neighborhood, with all sorts of cute restaurants and cafes within walking distance. The literary themed hotel encouraged us to just spend the whole weekend reading, and we couldn't have been happier doing just that. With the superb lodgings accounted for, the other main consideration is the food. I had some fabulous duck for dinner with wholly adequate sides; however, my companion had an undeniably sub-par Cornish game hen. Add to the bone-dry bird a questionable incident involving a bottle of wine ordered but undelivered, and the staff's initial "I don't know what you expect me to do about it" response (followed by profuse apologies), and I'm left with no choice but to remove a star. It's a high four stars, though, for the simple reason that the Sylvia Beach Hotel made a wonderful, romantic weekend possible. Far from a dating decathlon -- more like a long walk on the beach.

This is the best place to stay in Newport, hands down. The hotel has a library, coffee/puzzle room, gift shop, decks, reading room, restaurant, and, oh yeah - fantastic rooms. Each room is literary-themed and comfortable. I love staying in the dorm room, which you share with a few other folks of the same gender in bunk beds (it feels a little like summer camp). Breakfast is included in the cost of the room. The hotel is right on the beach and it is also in a great part of town, in the historic Nye Beach portion. Nearby are plenty of restaurants and bars: Cafe Mundo, Savory Cafe, Nana's Irish Pub.

Love it! The Jules Verne room is the coolest. The sunroom is an amazing place to watch resident whales and read books... In any weather. The kitchen provides exquisite fare, and the staff is family.

Past due review. I stayed in March of 2020. Planning on going again in the next few months. I have seen many complaints re; mattress and pillows. I always take my own pillow and sleeping bag to any place I stay, and throw a sheet that I bring over the bed. Kind of a germaphobe. I do that, no matter where I go. I check all beds for bedbugs before I start. I bring a ziplock with Lysol wipes, and wipe things down quickly. I had no complaints about the mattress. Hoping I won't this coming stay. I do hope to get some restful sleep. Smell? it is an old building. Hard to make it smell brand new. If I wanted new, I would have stayed at a new hotel. You come here for old, and no fancy amenities. Of course, a place needs to be clean, safe, without bedbugs or rodents, which this place was that. I had no complaint about the cleanliness, during my stay. I don't want staff bugging me. I am fully capable to ask for something if needed. Yes, you may hear plumbing. It is a historic building. Be prepared to walk up/down stairs. No jacuzzi. No big fancy bathrooms. No internet. No phones. No tv's. This is for someone that wants to be left alone, isolate, checkout for a while from society. Read a book, knit, watch the waves, sit on a deck, sit by a fire, drink a glass of wine. If you plan on spending an extended time in the bathroom, these are basic bathrooms. Nothing fancy or big. Yes, it is on the spendy side... it is worth it to me, to be in a room that I feel like I have escaped the world for a bit, and relax. If you want new, fancy, artificial lighting, lots of activity and amenities, you need to go elsewhere. If you have physical disabilities, you should call ahead of time to be sure this place can meet your specific needs. Within this price range, you will find what you are looking for, I am sure. There are plenty of reviews that clearly describes what this place is and is not. Go elsewhere, if you are needing modern amenities. Don't come and complain about something that was not promised in the first place. Yes, communal meals. Go down the street, if you want a single table. No one said you have to eat onsite. There is a unstated expectation that you are quiet, as if you are in a library. People whisper. It is so nice to not hear tv's, boomboxes, videos, virtual meetings, loud chatter.... So nice to have quiet... I almost cancelled my upcoming stay, due to COVID, cost and much being closed down. Then I was reminded.... memories are what I will remember on my death bed. Will I regret not going and having a few extra bucks in my bank account when I die? Yes! Life is short! Who knows, next year I may not have the option. I will enjoy while I can, and maybe when I am 80, I can say I went every spring for 20 years...

Sylvia Beach hotel is a jewel. Loved the location, perched over the shore, the views of the lighthouse at night, the fact you can leave your window open and hear the crash of the waves. The rooms are small and the bedding in the Jane Austen room felt reminiscent of a great aunt's softly worn quilts and floral sheets. There is a bathtub in the Austen room and surprisingly lots of hot water. Not to mention a great view of the coastline. This place just has so much charm, from the library on the 3rd floor and its resplendent views (as well mulled wine at night) to the resident feline, the painting of the author's of the hotel, to the quirky gift shop. The neighborhood surrounding the hotel while a bit scrubby also offers several cute shops and an Irish pub. The best part of the hotel is the nightly dinner served community style- it's an opportunity to enjoy a well thought out meal as you drink wine and get to know your fellow guests. What fun!

Spent two nights here in February with my girlfriend, as an anniversary getaway. Let me start off by saying that this hotel is definitely NOT for everyone. People who come to expect certain amenities and modern conveniences from a hotel will be disappointed here: no TVs, no Wi-Fi, and no onsite gym. The Sylvia Beach Hotel's philosophy is centered around "getting away" from all that, and it's a philosophy that won't appeal to a lot of travelers. That said, the Sylvia Beach Hotel was definitely for me and my girlfriend. It's a beautiful, early 20th-century home transformed into the coziest hotel that I've ever stayed in. The hotel is three stories tall, and built on a cliff above Nye beach. We arrived in the midst of rain, hail, and wind, and against the gray sky the hotel looked like something out of a gothic romance novel. We could hear the soft crashing of waves every night, and it was some of the best sleep I've ever had. The surrounding neighborhood is a quiet, quaint beach-side town, with a few really fantastic restaurants and bars all withing walking distance. The rooms are all themed after famous authors. We stayed in the J.K. Rowling room, and it became immediately clear just how much thought and devotion went into lending the room an air of authenticity: The room featured a four poster bed, a quidditch broom suspended from the ceiling, and an antique study desk filled with Harry Potter memorabilia and books. We spent some time touring around other, empty rooms, and each one had a similar touch of authenticity that will impress book readers of all stripes. They serve a delicious dinner, which changes each day. When we went, they served an amazing butternut squash-filled curry crepe, and shrimp cakes. Breakfast was likewise unique, with different hot entrees each day, in addition to an assortment of standard Continental options like fruits, cereals, juices, and different granola bars. The third floor of the hotel has a library section with a variety of chairs, sofas, and blankets. Every night they would serve hot spiced wine, and people would sit on these sofas and read, paint, do puzzles, and simply converse with each other. It put me in mind of an old-time salon, and gave me something to look forward to every night. By the time we were on our way home, we were already thinking of our next trip back - we're thinking of staying in the Shakespeare room next. Oh, the hotel also has a cat. This cat loves being pet, but is professional enough to keep its distance unless beckoned to.

Quaint hotel right on the water in Newport. We stayed for one night as the theme appealed to my better half and I'm glad we did. The rooms aren't modern or luxurious but they are adequate and comfortable. The breakfast was very good and is included. Great value for the proximity to the beach.

Came across this place a few years back when looking for a place to stay that my boyfriend and I might enjoy. When we found Sylvia Beach Hotel, we struck gold. Books everywhere, rooms themed after some of our most decorated authors. Hand written journals of patrons that are full of confusion, love, and pure emotion. A calm and quiet atmosphere among like minded individuals. DELICIOUS hot breakfast included with your stay, not to mention countless cold options (cereal, fruit, yogurts, etc). A wonderful view of the beach from the library that serves spiced wine at no additional charge. Friggin intense, incredible, and refreshing. The staff are AMAZING. They feel like family and have a love and appreciation for the building that encourages them to carry full knowledge and great stories of its past. Every time I come here, the front desk women cater to our late nights, our comings and goings, and never fail to carry on excellent conversation with a warm smile. We have visited several times since and now have an open log book of which rooms we've already stayed in. We WILL return and we will continue to recommend this incredible place to every book lover, writer, and beach goer that we know. PS Melville room is INCREDIBLE for lovers (the journals and personal experience in this room confirm my words) :-) PSS a home away from home.

The Sylvia Beach Hotel is a quaint spot if you're looking for a calm and quiet getaway. The ocean views can't be beat - really, just incredible, especially from the top-floor library (which is insanely cozy). Loved the literary-themed rooms. We had the Emily Dickinson, which was a corner room, and had views of both the ocean and the town street. Very nice. I deducted one star for two reasons. 1) Though the Table of Content restaurant was top-notch, I did not like the community table idea. For some people, I'm sure that works, but for others who are here for a quiet getaway by themselves or with their spouse, some privacy would be nice. When we asked for a private table, we were awkwardly sat right next to the community table - we could hear their whole conversations and they could hear ours, I'm sure! Not really private. The dining room is large enough that there could be several small private tables, so I'm not sure why it was set up this way. 2) The second reason I deducted one star is because this place is definitely HAUNTED! The house was built in 1913 as a boarding house and later turned into a hotel in the 20's. We had a really freaky thing happen - on our second night there, I was abruptly woken up at 3am to ALL OF OUR LIGHTS TURNED ON. I didn't turn anything on. My husband didn't either. We were dead asleep. Needless to say, we were pretty freaked out. All in all, an adorable hotel, but if you're freaked out about paranormal stuff, I wouldn't reccomend it. It definitely has a spooky vibe. But if you don't believe in that stuff, or like me just don't care, then I'm sure you'll love it!

I don't usually give a hotel five stars (at least until I stay at The Ritz in Paris, which will never happen,) because it's so hard to rate them. But according to my own personal rating system, the Sylvia Beach is worthy of all five. We had a family reunion here. (I have a very small family - 14 people in all.) My husband and I splurged on the Mark Twain and my sister and her beau were in the Colette. The rest of the family was in Steinbeck, Stein, Dickinson, etc. There are 20 rooms in all. This is an older building, very atmospheric, and looks exactly like your expectations of a beach hotel. The lobby contains the registration desk, staffed by very helpful and friendly people, and a small gift shop with books, scarves, coffee mugs, jewelry, etc., relevant to the literary theme of the hotel. There is NO WIFI. There are NO PHONES. There are NO TVs. When you book, the records are kept on paper, and you get a paper receipt when you leave. No problem with any of that. But there is also NO ELEVATOR, and the hotel covers four levels, so be aware that you'll be lugging your gear up and down the stairs. Most of the rooms are standard sized. All have ensuite baths, except the Kesey room, which has four twin beds and a private bathroom down the hall. Some of the standard rooms have the sink in the room and the loo and tub-shower separate. Some have a queen, some have twins, and at least one (Oscar Wilde) has a double. All have a good view of the beach and ocean. Three rooms, Twain, Colette, and Christie, are significantly larger. They occupy the west, oceanfront, end of the building. Twain has a private terrace on the south side that also fronts the ocean. It also has a wood-burning fireplace, all laid for us, but we didn't use it. Our bathroom was self-contained, with a clawfoot tub. What we hadn't realized when we booked was that it has a hand-held shower and no tile or shower curtains. There was a heady-duty wooden shelf across the tub for sitting purposes, but it was hard not to spray the room. Each room is done up in the style of the writer it's named after - Rowling has a sorting hat and an owl. We had the complete works of Mark Twain in our room, lots of Twain memorabilia, and a knotted rope on the outside of the door that told you it was the Twain room. (The other rooms have name-plates on or next to the door.) The bed was so tall that we needed the provided step-stool to get in and out of it, but it was a handy height for gift-wrapping. One flight up is the lounge. It spans the west side of the building and is full of comfy sofas and chairs, all with good reading lamps. Also a wood-burning fireplace. And right off it is the game room, with a big table and at least five dozen jigsaw puzzles. Our gang, after recovering from the initial shock of no Wifi, was in there until 1:30 AM working on an impossible puzzle. This is where the coffee service is, too. The library is above that. The books are shelved higgledy-piggledy, to force you to browse. There are a couple of chairs up there, but I never saw anyone there. Everyone read in the lounge. The restaurant, Tables of Content, is one floor below the lobby. The tables seat eight people, so strangers sit together. Breakfast consists of a buffet table of mostly sweet things - bakery goodies, fruit, cereals, sweet breads, juices, etc. (I suggested to the reception clerks that they offer non-sweet choices as well.) There is also a hot cooked breakfast - one day it was huevos rancheros, and the next day it was pancakes. If you aren't a sweets-eater, you may have a problem. We had our big family dinner in the restaurant. Service was leisurely - a single older server for the entire room - but the food was delicious. Every evening, there are three offerings - meat, seafood, vegetarian - and set sides, which are served family-style. Special requests are accommodated if made early enough. It's open to the public, with reservations. $32 prix fixe. There is an elderly house cat, Shelley, who has the run of the hotel. He has a climbing tower at the top of the stairs and you can find him snoozing all over the hotel. If you leave your room door open, he will come in and make himself comfortable. If you are cat-phobic or have allergies, keep this in mind. The rooms are clean enough that allergies are kept at bay, and he doesn't go into the dining-room. You can walk all over Nye Beach from here. There are restaurants, bars, and some shops two blocks away, and it's a wonderful beach for walking. We saw people walking their dogs on the sand at 6:30 AM. All in all, this is a comfortable, relaxing place to stay. If you're looking for uniformity, Wifi, TV, in-room coffee, and the rest of the Hilton amenities, you probably won't be happy. But if you want a clean, comfortable, unique room, with an ocean view, rattly doors, a friendly cat, and relief from modernity, this is the place for you. Bring a book.

This is one of my favorite hotels ever for the following reasons: 1) Cozy atmosphere overlooking the beach in wide, cushy chairs in the top floor library. 2) Mulled wine + book + throw blanket + hearing crashing waves + cat = best times 3) Did I mention there was a cat? On my 2nd day there, she jumped up onto my lap and started kneading me for 5 minutes. It was like a scene from a quirky movie come true. 4) Cute walkable area 5) BOOKS!! The Jules Verne room was fantastically decorated and has a huge bathroom.

Unusual, relaxing and one of my favorite places on the coast. I adore this place and have been coming here for many years. A weathered former boarding house, perched 45 feet above historic Nye Beach, two Oregon women bought and lovingly re-furnished this place with a literary focus. No phones to ring, no tvs to stare at and peace. My favorite room in the place is the library: a fireplace, comfy chairs, stacked to the gills with books and the best view of the waves (great spot to whale watch too). i go to the attic during a storm and wrap up and read on the small chaise in the window. When the weather is nasty, the wind just howls and I LOVE that. mmmmm... that and a cup of hot tea is all i need. The longer you stay, the slower your respiration rate, and the bigger your smile. An Excellent breakfast comes with the stay and I have made wonderful friends here. I have come here alone, most often, and always feel comfortable and safe. The rooms are charming, and a bit pricey, but I always stay in the bunk room, its inexpensive. Take ear plugs, always. Shared bathroom/shower down the hall (very clean), just like an old boarding house (which it was). A morning in the life at Sylvia Beach: wake up to the sound of sea gulls and ocean waves, turn over and read a little, wander down to breakfast, walk on beach to recover from breakfast, go to library, find comfy chair next to window, open window, read, look up from book to stare at waves, read, look up at waves, read, sip tea, read, repeat... Heaven. Negs: the elder male staffer is not a people person - he always seems to be in a brooding mood or perhaps is just naturally taciturn, maybe its the coast weather, but the women at the desk seem to make up for it, they are very nice, as are the breakfast staffers. Stairs - I would like to bring my elderly parents here, but they can't do stairs and there are lots of stairs and there's certainly no one to help you with dragging your suitcases up the stairs to your room, so travel light. Sooo, Minus 1 star for the endless times I've dragged and bumped my damn suitcase up those charming stairs, with no offer of help, and for trying to get a ghost of a smile out of Ken, without success. sheesh, I'd settle for eye contact... otherwise, a remarkable place. Don't forget to go to the Oregon Aquarium while in Newport, and i always go to the tea shoppe that is walking distance from the hotel (strawberry tea and scones...mmm). And Toujour, my favorite boutique is in Nye, Chowderbowl is right there for marionberry cobbler and Whale's Tale down on the waterfront, or Georgie's Beachside grill for eats.

A Haiku Review of Sylvia Beach Hotel: The perfect retreat. Cozier than a snuggie made of bunny fur.

LOVE this place. Very friendly staff, great location, and the rooms are so much fun. In addition, there is a fabulous reading room that is open all day to curl up and read your favorite book. And, if you've run out of reading material, just take the stairs up to the top floor and find another book. Jigsaw puzzles are waiting too, if that's your desire. Need a cat to snuggle? Shelley will graciously allow you to pet her and perhaps tell you about her woes (which seem to center on not being able to get into a room that she wants to visit.) Breakfast was delicious and filling, several wines are available to order for your evening viewing of the sunset, and dinner is served on premises most evenings. The gift shop is full of fun, unique and author related gifts (not to mention some great chocolate). Check this hotel out if you are a book lover or travel with someone who is!

The Sylvia Beach Hotel is in my opinion the best kept secret on the Oregon coast. Situated in Newport it has an excellent view of the ocean. It's an old rickety building with charm, class, and two cats who own the place. They don't use a computer, which gives you an idea of what kind of place it is. No phones in the rooms and cells phones need to stay off, especially in the public areas. Here's why I give it a 5 out of 5: * Everybody that goes there (that I've met so far) is intelligent, thoughtful, respectful, honest, and easy to get along with. * Dinners are excellent and are designed to allow attendees, total strangers, to get to know each other and have meaningful conversations. * This is the kind of place for nerds and brainiacs. The shared areas are replete with comfortable furniture and views of the ocean as well as books galore. And don't forget the fireplace! * Free tea and coffee to enjoy while reading, writing, or what not. * The rooms are all themed after famous authors, playwrights, and the like. * If you can't afford a room they have shared room (hostile) where you can sleep in a bunk bed for about $20-$30 a night. I've now been there three times and plan to at least once a year. It is one of the best two hotels in Oregon (the other being the old historic hotel on Wallawa lake outside Joseph, Oregon), relaxing, and I could easily spend two weeks there relaxing, finding myself, and recharging--if only I could afford it! I suggest this place for all couples, book lovers, and brainiacs. Also a perfect place to celebrate your birthday or anniversaries! I really can't say enough good about them (though I will if they'd give me a free night there :-) P.S. If you do take kids there are places to play, games, puzzles, and such, but they're expected to behave and keep their volume levels down. If you can't control your kids please leave them at home as not to disturb others, but if they're well behaved consider putting them up in the Dr. Seuss room which is a lot of fun!

I just got done with a two day getaway to the Sylvia Beach Hotel and it was awesome. I stayed in the JK Rowling room which is decorated in a Harry Potter theme. It was amazing! The attention to detail was superb. There was even a picture of James and Lily by the bed. Not only was the room great but the library was also amazing. Overlooking the ocean this room was full of couches, chairs and books galore. They even serve hot spiced wine every night in the library. It was so good I had three cups. The breakfast was also very good, with a good assortment of fruit, baked goods, juice, milk and cereal they also offer a hot breakfast. My favorite while I was there was the Dutch Baby and Link Sausage. YUMMY! Overall I loved my stay here. The view from the room was great and the peace and quiet was sublime. I will definitely be coming back.

What is the one thing a hotel must get right? The bed. The mattress on this bed was horrendously uncomfortable. Not uncomfortable like it was too firm or too soft. Uncomfortable like it was saggy and old. Uncomfortable like my wife and I kept rolling toward the middle and got an awful two nights of intermittent sleep. It was even too awful to use for the other thing that beds are good for. I like a creaky old quaint hotel as much as the next person, but *come on*, at these prices there is no excuse for not changing out the mattresses often. This is not the atmosphere I'm interested in paying extra. Maybe this was an attempt at authenticity for theming the room, but I'm pretty sure that Hemingway would've broken a whiskey bottle over the head of the bozo that sold him that mattress. There's a lot to love about this place. It is a beautiful building. The reading room at the top is amazing. The breakfast in the morning wasn't amazing, but it was a convenient way to start the day. The hotel is right on the beach and a good place to watch kites being flown. It's very nearby a bunch of excellent shops and restaurants. But, christ on a pogo stick, that *awful* bed.

Pros: - the cats, particularly Dickens, the giant orange cat who asked to be let in our room so he could suck and knead a blanket (an experience that surely would have freaked me out if I didn't have a lot of experience with cats, particularly ones who were abandoned when they were little, as he was) - mingling with guests at the breakfast table - the beautiful view from the library and the perfect, perfect location on the beach Cons: - pricey! - got shuffled from one room to another in our two-night stay. Not the owners' fault, but frustrating nonetheless. - The crazy canopy/mosquito netting thing around the bed in the Tennessee Williams room. All in all, my concerns feel pretty petty -- this was a one of a kind experience that I'm glad I had. I'd heartily recommend that anyone who loves books (and cats!), and is feeling flush, visit this quiet, beautiful gem of a hotel.

A must do for your bucket list. We've been there multiple times and have stayed in almost every room. NO WIFI, but that's okay. Third floor library/ reading room is quiet and I've written several novel/stories sitting there watching the ocean. Always clean and welcoming. Breakfast included is excellent, freshly made and abundant. Table of Contents restaraunt is also excellent, served family style at each table. Great food and opportunity to interact with the other guests. New gourmet menu every day. Last trip was a little disappointing, though. We stayed in the Collette room one night. Roomy with extra day bed and balcony. Fireplace was nice addition, but it smoked up the room even though the damper was open. Tiny bathroom is very dated and need freshening and plumbing repairs. Sink didn't drain. Hot water was on/off for two days, but to their credit they did get an early morning repair finished before we checked out. We'll be back, but not to stay in a premium room. The additional cost for what you get doesn't seem worth it to us.

I love this hotel so much. I've been here 4 times and have my 5th stay already in the books. Call ahead and they'll tell you what rooms are available for any date of the year but book your favorite room early because this place can fill up! I've visited during all the seasons and I have to say that fall/winter have been my favorite. PERFECT atmosphere sitting by the fire and reading while storms hit the ocean. The restaurant is very delicious. Don't make reservations elsewhere without eating at Table of Contents but reserve a seat ahead. I was a little hesitant about the group dining but was pleasantly surprised. I met so many fascinating people at dinner from journalists to professors. This hotel attracts intellectuals and conversation did not disappoint. They also serve breakfast (included in your reservation). They have a full buffet filled with fruits and pastries and so many juices. I am a huge fan of tomato juice and they had it! YAY! They also have a hot breakfast of the day that you can ask for when you go downstairs to the dining room. I love love love this hotel. I wish I could live here.

Adorable and an amazing location on the Oregon Coast! Each quaint room has an author theme, you can choose from classics, best sellers and novel categories: For example there is a delightful Harry Potter room from JK Rowling and an Oscar Wilde style boutique room, too cute!! I stopped in earlier in the year and got to check it out a bit, they have a cozy home like lobby with pictures of everything too if you can't tour the actual rooms. The hotel it pretty striking out on a jetty along the coast-the perfect place for moody musings in general! Super reasonably priced, you can get a room in the off season for 115$-170$ a night and there's a hotel on the property called Tables of Content (right?!! love) with a fixed menu and community style dining. Corkage is only 10 bucks so grab that OR Pinot and bring it with to get a little sideways!

Do not come to this hotel if you are looking for tv or internet. That being said this hotel is a solid 5 stars as it is advertised. Each room is decorated to an author. Stayed in the jk Rowling room, felt like I was in a griffendor common room. The moaning myrtle in the bathroom might give you stage fright. The common library is very cozy for a relaxing day of reading and has a great view of the ocean. The only drawback of the library is the books it has are not the best, so bring your own book. They also have a lot of games and puzzles in the library. The hotel is right on the beach too.

This place has been amazing! Stayed in the Shakespeare room, and it was very clean and comfortable. The breakfast was great- served family style with zucchini pancakes and sausage as the entree. The view from the top floor library of the pacific is beautiful! Hot spiced wine in the evenings was a nice extra touch!

I can't express how much I adore the Sylvia. I will admit, it is NOT for everyone. If you are looking for a 4 star posh hotel experience, this is not the place. If you want something fun and unique, love reading and meeting strangers...THIS is the Holy Grail. Each of the rooms are inspired by a particular author. The attention to detail in some rooms is quite good and hilarious...the Poe room especially. Having dinner at the Table of Contents can be quite a treat if you are seated with guests that are open to strangers and enjoy playing Two Truths and a Lie. I don't recommend it for those looking for a more private experience. Definitely read through the journals that are in all the rooms and common areas. I even found some secret notes scattered in books. The attic library has an amazing little nook perfect for curling up with a hot cup of tea (complimentary assortment available) and a book. *sigh* I get wistful just writing about it. Time to plan a trip!

This is an unbelievable gem of a hotel. Located right on historic Nye Beach...in the heart of an adorable shopping/eating area. The bedrooms are each themed after an author...every one from Dr. Seuss to Jane Austen. The premises are eclectic, unique and not what I would call "posh" or pretentious. You are welcomed warmly and treated like family for the entirety of your stay. It's a quiet, peaceful place with a large library that looks out to the ocean and houses a number of books, board games and puzzles. Plus, the breakfast that comes with your stay is excellent and the chance to meet other hotel guests is delightful. Come here to be restored and rejuvenated.

Inspiring and quaint ! Wish I could give 10 stars! Clean, comfortable, friendly, beautiful! Good breakfast. They serve dinner, but you must give at least 3 hours notice. Looked wonderful! Hot spiced wine at night is a great touch. We were able to see many of the rooms. I was happy with Virginia Woolf room.

This place is, in a word, blissful. What is a vacation with CNN blaring and hours to surf the internet in a generic room? Yuck. How about curling up in the attic with a novel and a mug of tea, overlooking the calm grey waves rolling up on the beach? How about several sweet mellow cats, very friendly proprietors, adorable rooms, and a delicious homemade breakfast? Spiced wine is served each evening at 10pm (amazing!), it's a great location to walk to nearby shops and restaurants, and of course there's the beach. Rarely have I stayed in lodging that felt so welcoming and cozy. They get extra points for offering us breakfast at 6 am as we had to leave early to catch a flight out of Eugene. So considerate. Can't wait to return and rejuvenate.

My favorite place to stay! Great deals during the winter months and such a great place to spend time. So relaxing and enchanting and the Nye Beach area is a great place to be... lots of fun within walking distance. You can also order wine at the front desk to enjoy in your room or the library which is a nice little perk! Not a great place for kids. Go there if you're into literature and quiet and relaxation! You won't regret it!