The Society Hotel Hood River - Bingen
Hotel · Bingen
210 Cedar St, Cook, WA 98605
Highlights
Historic schoolhouse hotel w/ spa, saltwater pools, and cabins
210 Cedar St, Cook, WA 98605 Get directions
Historic schoolhouse hotel w/ spa, saltwater pools, and cabins
210 Cedar St, Cook, WA 98605 Get directions
"Opened in 2019, the Society Hotel in Bingen is an excellent place to sip on an Aperol spritz and nestle into a comfy lounge chair surrounded by a crackling fire and shelves upon shelves of books. The establishment, originally built as a school in 1937, is tucked away from the main street and draws mostly those who seek it out, meaning that for now, it’s still a hidden gem. Here you’ll find timeless cocktails like a classic daiquiri served up or a refreshing Pimm’s Cup paired with new-age mocktails made with nonalcoholic herbal spirits. The café and lounge also offers local beer and wine, sandwiches, and simple snacks." - Melissa Haskin, Molly Allen
"Why did this hotel catch your attention? What's the vibe?If it weren’t for the slate chalkboards, the old gym floor in the event space, and placards on the room doors denoting English, Home Ec and Music, you’d never guess The Society Hotel in the Columbia River Gorge town of Bingen, Washington, was an old schoolhouse. The wood siding on the main building is a painted a dramatic, hipster dark gray, and the old ball field has been transformed into a giant ring of modern-looking cedar cabins all joined under one circular roof, with hammock-strung breezeways overlooking the river, and a full-service spa in the center. There’s not a lot going on in the tiny town of Bingen, but vibrant Hood River, with its boutiques, brewpubs and outdoor outfitters, is a top destination and just a 10-minute drive across the river. What's the backstory?This is the year-old country cousin to the original Society Hotel in downtown Portland. Both have a similar youthful vibe with a upscale Euro hostel format. Their goal is to make travel affordable, fun and convivial. Tell us all about the accommodations. Any tips on what to book?There are three main types of accommodations: Bunks, standard rooms, and cabins. The bunks aim to elevate the typical hostel bunk experience. The mattresses are thick, the duvets fluffy, and the steel bed frames are so sturdy you’ll never feel your bunkmate tossing and turning in the night. Each bunk has a curtain for privacy, a little reading light, plug to charge your devices, and an assigned storage locker and bathroom. There’s even a kitchenette for all to share, in case you want to prep your own snacks or keep your leftovers in the fridge. The standard rooms are ideal for couples, who typically want more privacy and a bigger bed (queen or king), but don’t feel the need to have a toilet and shower in their room. There’s a sink, but otherwise you’ll share the bathroom with another couple or two. And the cabins are like a deluxe version of the rooms, sporting the same light, airy, and simple yet stylish décor, but better suited for families who need two beds or those who want a little more space to stretch out and enjoy a seating area and kitchenette. Outside, each cabin has patio overlooking the central spa area, with a hammock, picnic table and spot to lock up your bike if you brought it. Is there a charge for Wi-Fi?Wifi is fast and free. Drinking and dining—what are we looking at?The counter-service bar and café in the lobby opens at 7 a.m. for locally roasted coffee, tea and pastries. In the afternoon and evenings, you can get a cold pint or a cocktail to unwind with on the couch by the fire, or outside by the fire pit, plus a small selection of salads, sandwiches and bowl. The café at the spa has juices, kombucha, beer, cocktails and healthy snacks. But if you have a car, your best bet for a great meal is to head across the river to the town of Hood River, where upscale pubs and bistros abound. And the service?Getting checked-in is easy. The desk is centrally located in the big, airy lobby, which doubles as a community gathering space with a little café on one end and a library of books and sofas on the other. Though the rooms are all gorgeously renovated and up-to-date, they’re pretty analog in terms of how they work. What type of travelers will you find here?The Gorge is an outdoorsy playground attracting active people of all ages. But like its older sibling in downtown Portland, The Society Hotel is definitely geared toward a younger crowd, one that’s used to communal living and is willing to share a bathroom if it means getting to sleep in luxury and partake of spa amenities for the same price as a bland, cookie-cutter motel. Guests are hip, sporty and like to be social, congregating in the many gathering places throughout the property that promote getting to know your fellow travelers. What about the neighborhood? Does the hotel fit in, make itself part of the scene?There's not a lot going on in Bingen. In fact, the hotel is pretty much it. Most of the action is on the river, or in nearby Hood River. But that's why this place is such a great getaway after a day of fun in the Gorge. Rest up and relax, then drive 10 minutes to Hood River for kiteboarding and nightlife, or 10 minutes to White Salmon for white water rafting. Is there anything you'd change?More trees for shade would be ideal. Any other hotel features worth noting?The bright, airy spa is not to be missed. Available to all guests, it features an outdoor hot tub, as well as an indoor soaking pool, cold plunge and shower, plus a spacious sauna and changing rooms. All pools are saline rather than chlorine-treated. Private rooms for massage and bodywork are available by appointment for an added fee. A round sanctuary dug into the hillside provides a cool, quiet space for yoga and meditation. Just grab a mat by the front door. It can also be rented out for special events. And if you don’t have a car, don’t worry, you can get to the hotel from downtown Portland on the Amtrak train, which arrives just a few blocks away each afternoon. Bottom line: Worth it? Why?Who wouldn’t want affordable luxury in the heart of one of the most beautiful, and fun, areas of the state?" - Danielle Centoni
"This is the year-old country cousin to the original Society Hotel in downtown Portland. Both have a similar youthful vibe with an upscale Euro hostel format. Their goal is to make travel affordable, fun, and convivial. You would never guess the Society Hotel in the Columbia River Gorge town of Bingen, Washington, was an old schoolhouse. The wood siding on the main building is painted a dramatic, hipster dark gray, and the old ball field has been transformed into a giant ring of modern-looking cedar cabins all joined under one circular roof, with hammock-strung breezeways overlooking the river, and a full-service spa in the center. There’s not a lot going on in the tiny town of Bingen, but vibrant Hood River, with its boutiques, brewpubs, and outdoor outfitters, is a top destination and just a 10-minute drive across the river." - Danielle Centoni
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