Hood River Hotel

The hotel stands out for its captivating historic charm and character, housed in a beautifully restored old building that retains its original ambiance while offering modern comforts. Its signature feature is its prime downtown location, making it incredibly convenient for guests to explore the surrounding area on foot. This makes it an ideal choice for sightseers and explorers who wish to immerse themselves in the local culture, as well as couples seeking a charming weekend getaway. Dog owners will particularly appreciate the hotel's very pet-friendly policy, with many thoughtful touches for furry companions. While the historic nature contributes to its unique appeal, guests should be prepared for some noise from nearby trains and the building's older infrastructure; requesting an interior or front-facing room can help mitigate this, and earplugs are provided. Additionally, be aware that parking is not complimentary and often involves street parking or a paid lot.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers inviting common areas that enhance the guest experience, most notably a cozy lobby featuring a welcoming fireplace and comfortable seating, perfect for relaxation or socializing. Guests consistently appreciate the complimentary coffee, tea, and cocoa available 24/7 in the lobby, providing a convenient and warm start to the day. The hotel also features a unique, old-fashioned elevator with a distinctive pull-across metal gate, which, while adding to the historic charm, some guests find quirky or a bit challenging with luggage. While the hotel provides Wi-Fi, some guests have reported it can be spotty or unreliable, which might be a consideration for those needing consistent connectivity. Rooms are typically stocked with a selection of snacks and bottled water available for purchase, offering convenience for in-room refreshments.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally find the rooms to be clean and well-maintained, with many describing them as charming, cozy, and comfortable. The beds consistently receive high praise for being exceptionally comfortable, often noted as providing a restful night's sleep, complemented by good pillows. However, the historic nature of the building contributes to significant noise concerns. Many guests report considerable noise from passing trains, thin walls allowing sound from hallways and adjacent rooms, and creaky floors. The radiator heating system can also be loud, with some experiencing clanging pipes or difficulty controlling room temperature, and some rooms lack individual air conditioning. While earplugs are provided to help mitigate these issues, they are not always sufficient. Room sizes vary, with some described as small or tiny, and some older rooms show signs of wear like sloped floors. Bathrooms are frequently noted as being very small and cramped, with some guests reporting issues such as mold, dirty grout, or discolored fixtures, and a lack of counter space. Amenities like coffee makers or refrigerators are not standard in all rooms, and some guests found the Wi-Fi to be unreliable.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel features an adjacent restaurant, Broder Øst, which is consistently praised by guests for its delicious breakfast offerings, often described as Swedish-inspired and among the best many have experienced. While breakfast is not always included with the stay, its quality and convenience make it a highly recommended option. The hotel also hosts a bar or pub area that frequently features live music, particularly jazz, creating a vibrant and enjoyable atmosphere for many evenings. However, some guests staying in rooms above or near the bar have noted that the music can be quite loud and extend late into the night, potentially impacting sleep for light sleepers. The availability of a quality on-site dining option is a significant convenience for guests, complementing the numerous external dining choices in the immediate vicinity.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an exceptional central location directly in the heart of downtown, making it incredibly walkable to a wide array of attractions. Guests highly appreciate being within easy reach of numerous shops, restaurants, bars, and local points of interest, allowing for convenient exploration on foot. Its proximity to the train tracks and the river provides a scenic backdrop for some rooms, though it is also a primary source of noise. A recurring challenge for guests is parking, as the hotel does not offer a dedicated lot. Most rely on street parking, which is often paid and can be difficult to find, or a nearby paid parking lot at the Mount Hood Railroad, which can be expensive and requires vigilance to avoid tickets. Despite the parking inconvenience, the hotel's prime position is consistently highlighted as a major advantage.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receives high praise for their exceptional friendliness, helpfulness, and accommodating nature. Guests frequently highlight their warm welcome and willingness to assist with various requests, contributing significantly to a positive stay. The check-in process is generally described as smooth and efficient, though a few guests have noted instances of unfriendliness or delays. The hotel is particularly noted for its pet-friendly service, with staff often going above and beyond to welcome dogs, including providing special treats. Many guests appreciate the staff's local knowledge, which proves useful for exploring the area. While the overall service is highly commended, some guests have expressed mixed feedback regarding housekeeping, noting that it requires specific requests or adherence to a limited schedule, and some experienced issues with room servicing.

Additional Information
The hotel maintains a very pet-friendly policy, welcoming dogs with open arms and often providing thoughtful touches like dog goodie bags and treats, though a pet fee is typically applied. Guests should be aware that the hotel places an incidentals hold on credit cards upon check-in, which some have found takes an extended period to be released after checkout. Beyond standard accommodations, the hotel also serves as a popular wedding venue, with guests praising its charming and historic backdrop for events. Unique to the hotel's ambiance are the enlarged prints of old journal entries and local art displayed throughout the hallways, offering a distinctive historical narrative. While the hotel offers a unique experience, some guests note that certain modern amenities like in-room refrigerators or microwaves are not standard, and the historic windows may lack screens.