Last Updated on April 17, 2026
Quirky elevators with accordion-style gates that clang and rattle between floors. Brass doorknobs with decorative face plates. Ornate steam radiators that aren’t just for looks. If you love historic hotels, you understand the little thrill of discovering everyday objects from a bygone era.
I found these authentic antique details – and more – during a delightfully comfortable stay at the historic Hood River Hotel in Hood River, Oregon.
Built in 1912 as an annex to one of the town’s original hotels, the structure joined the National Register of Historic Places in 1994. Old photographs from the 1920s show the lobby’s distinct checkerboard floor, cozy fireplace, and the front desk under the balcony – just as it is now. In a nod to the original hotel founded in 1888, the sign from the Mt. Hood Hotel hangs prominently over the double doors at the entrance.
Today, the Hood River Hotel offers 41 rooms and suites, as well as a hostel-style suite sleeping 10 called the bunkhouse. The hotel also features event spaces and a cafe.
Located in the heart of downtown Hood River, the hotel is steps away from boutiques, coffee shops, outfitters, tasting rooms, art galleries, bicycle and watersport rentals, and restaurants.
The Rooms
In addition to the Bunkhouse hostel-style suite, Hood River Hotel offers a variety of rooms and suites, all decorated in neutrals with bright spots of color, for a fun, eclectic style. Suites include a kitchenette or full kitchen and a seating area. Some rooms and suites feature branding and perks from local partners, including the next-door bar Whisky Tango, pFriem Brewery, and Evoke Winery.
Dogs are welcome here and the hotel offers several packages and extras. The Pamper Your Pup package includes a charcuterie board for dogs, nose balm, a toy, and late checkout. Other packages and extras include champagne, chocolates, a fully stocked mini bar, a gift certificate to a local marijuana shop, rolling papers, birthday decorations, and a waterfall road trip kit.
I stayed in the Gorge Suite, a corner room with wide windows that sleeps up to five. I loved the comfortable beds and large windows that flood the room with natural light and frame views of downtown. The suite features a large sitting area and dining or work table, a kitchenette, and two full bathrooms. Toiletries from Beekman 1802 are provided, and they smelled marvelous.
I lappreciated the radiators and other antique details. The front desk provided instructions on operating the radiators, but there’s no thermostat, so it took a bit of trial and error to find the right temperature. The coffee pot with a built-in carafe seemed a bit complicated, but the detailed directions were easy to follow.
The suite offers views of the Mt. Hood Railroad depot, train tracks, and the river. The hotel provides foam earplugs but you’ll likely still hear the trains. I’ve learned to travel with silicone earplugs (they stay put better) for sleeping, but during the day I so enjoyed the sound of the trains. For a quieter experience, request a room facing Oak Street.
To my surprise and delight, the Gorge Suite is one of several rooms that feature a phonograph and an eclectic collection of vinyl records. I could choose from musicals such as West Side Story and hits by KISS, the Doobie Brothers, and Elvis Costello, among others.
Gorge Suite amenities include:
- Bath products by Beekman 1802
- Coffee maker with carafe
- Kitchenette with microwave and refrigerator
- Large screen TV
- Vintage radiators
- Mini bar
- Phonograph and records
- Dining or work table
- Free WiFi
- Earplugs
Hotel Amenities
I can’t remember the last time I stayed in a hotel that provides actual keys instead of keycards, but the Hood River Hotel does. Even better, the key gets you discounts all around town on everything from wine and beer tastings to merchandise and dinner.
Additional hotel amenities include:
- Vintage elevator
- Fireplace in the lobby
- Free WiFi
- Photo booth
- Puzzles and games
- Small market with swag and necessities
- Bicycle rental
- Complimentary art station
- Dry Sauna
- Complimentary coffee, tea, and cocoa 24/7
- Beer and wine are available for purchase at the front desk
- On-site cafe
- Event space
Dining at the Hood River Hotel
Broder Ost cafe, located in a cozy space beside the Hood River Hotel’s lobby, draws its breakfast inspiration from Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Denmark. The cafe serves espresso and breakfast starting at 8 a.m. daily. Lunch is served until 3 p.m. Breakfast however is not included in hotel stays.
The breakfast menu ranges from Swedish hash with smoked trout or braised beef ribs, to Norwegian-style potato crepes stuffed with chevre. Simpler options include Danish pancakes, Finnish porridge, or fruit fritters served with baked eggs and sausage. I loved the fruit fritters with maple syrup. Gluten-free toast is available.
The front desk also serves as a bar, pouring beer and wine for guests (for a fee). It’s perfect for enjoying a glass by the lobby fireplace and wondering how many other travelers have done the same over the last 100 years. If you prefer coffee, tea, or hot cocoa, they are available at a self-serve station in a corner of the lobby and are complimentary for guests.
The Hood River Hotel
I prefer to stay in the heart of the town I’m visiting, where I can walk to everything and my morning mocha is easy to find, and the Hood River Hotel delivers all that plus a restful night’s sleep. Add vintage character, authentic antique details, and friendly service, and I’m a happy traveler. I know I’ll stay there again on my next trip to Hood River.
