Why Oregon’s most memorable coast stays are good old-fashioned hotels

If you’ve been automatically booking Airbnbs for

your Oregon coast getaways

, The Oregonian’s travel reporter Jamie Hale has a message that might make you reconsider your approach: It’s time to rediscover the joy of a good old-fashioned hotel.

“I’m just feeling hotels these days. I’m kind of over Airbnbs,” Hale confessed to co-host

Chiara Profenna

on a recent Peak Northwest podcast episode.

This sentiment marks a notable shift for many travelers who once flocked to vacation rentals but are now rediscovering the charm, convenience and surprisingly affordable prices of character-filled hotels along Oregon’s stunning coastline.

Generative AI was used to summarize a recent episode of the

Peak Northwest podcast

. This story was reviewed and edited by The Oregonian/OregonLive.

But Hale isn’t talking about just any hotels. He’s championing

properties with personality

— accommodations that offer something beyond the standard experience.

“What I was trying to think of were places that are special, right? So, this is not just your Best Western,” Hale explained. “It’s not just your regular schmegular hotel that has all the regular amenities. These are places that have a little something that makes it feel a little different, at least in my mind.”

This renaissance of distinctive hotels spans the entire Oregon coast, from Astoria’s boutique

Norblad Hotel

North Bend’s geek-chic Itty Bitty Inn

. What makes these places special varies wildly — some occupy historic buildings with fascinating backstories, others feature themed rooms that transport you to another world, while some simply offer a perfect location with unbeatable views.

The Norblad Hotel in downtown Astoria has been operating since 1923, but has undergone modern renovations in recent years after new ownership took over in 2007.

Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

Take

The Drift Inn in Yachats

, for example — a former pub and brothel transformed into an eclectic hotel where each room boasts its own unique theme and decor. One room features a striking mural of a heron in an estuary, while others offer dramatic ocean views through floor-to-ceiling windows. The property maintains its historic charm while providing modern comforts at reasonable prices.

A room called “A Most Charming Space”, at The Drift Inn in Yachats on the central Oregon coast.

Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

Then there’s the Itty Bitty Inn, which has gained fame for its Star Trek room designed to resemble the original starship Enterprise. Other themed options include a ’70s disco room and tiki-inspired accommodations.

One of the most popular rooms at the Itty Bitty Inn in North Bend is the Star Trek room, which places guests on the bridge of the original Starship Enterprise.

Samantha Swindler/ The Oregonian

What these hotels share is a commitment to creating memorable experiences without breaking the bank. As Hale points out, “I’m always looking for something that’s a little bit different and part of that’s because it’s my job to find those places. But I’m also drawn to places that are taking some risks, trying some new things and keeping things affordable.”

This affordability factor is crucial, especially when compared to vacation rentals. “Beach houses are great if you have a huge family, but I’ve had a situation where I’m paying so much money for a big beach house for me and one other person. And I’m like, why? Why? Why am I doing this?” Hale recounted.

The beauty of these character-filled hotels is that they offer not just a place to sleep but a meaningful part of your coastal experience. They provide conversation starters, photo opportunities and memories that last far longer than the stay itself.

So the next time you’re planning an

Oregon coast getaway

, consider skipping the vacation rental search and instead explore these distinctive hotels that combine affordability, personality, and prime locations. As Hale discovered, sometimes the most memorable part of your coastal adventure might just be where you rest your head at night.

Want to hear more about Jamie Hale’s top Oregon coast hotel recommendations? Listen to the full Peak Northwest podcast episode for his complete rundown of unique stays from Astoria to North Bend.

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Jamie Hale

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Chiara Profenna

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