Any nature lover will fall for the beauty of Oregon. The state’s awe-inspiring spots have become inspirations for paintings, novels, movies, and social media content. One of the must-visit places is the Crater Lake National Park, which features colossal lava cliffs around an incredibly beautiful and deep lake — it will surely delight the eyes of any traveler. It is also a great spot for hiking and swimming. Meanwhile, Haystack Rack, soaring on the shoreline of Cannon Beach, has various rock formations and a myriad of bird and animal species. The state also boasts unique buildings that tell stories of the past, such as Aubrey Watzek House, and Deady and Villard Halls. Plus, it has plenty of hotels that have an interesting history. To know more, scroll down for our list of the top historic hotels in Oregon, USA.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) properties with historic significance, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 12, 2024.
1. Embassy Suites Portland - Downtown (from USD 204)
Embassy Suites Portland is located smack dab in the middle of Portland, close to major attractions. Each guest room comes with a flat-screen TV, fridge and microwave. Spa services and cooked-to-order breakfast are available, too.
The hotel is listed on the US National Register of Historic Places. Plans for it were made as early as 1912. It blends Neo-classical and Renaissance Revival architectural elements and was originally called “Multnomah Hotel.” Many well-respected guests came to Multnomah Hotel, including Elvis Presley and President John F. Kennedy. Although the hotel became a venue for government offices in 1965, it reopened later as Embassy Suites Portland - Downtown. With an iconic history and a great location, what’s not to like about this hotel?
Embassy Suites by Hilton Portland Downtown
Address: 319 South West Pine Street
1.62 km (1.1 mi) from OMSI
2. The Benson Portland, Curio Collection by Hilton (from USD 142)
This 4-star hotel, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, has been designed with the French Second Empire style in mind. It first opened its doors in 1913. Although it used to be an annex, it expanded in 1959. For guests who want to learn more about Portland and its iconic landmarks and buildings, they should drop by the Historic Stairwell, which was built in 2019.
Today, the hotel has well-furnished rooms with flat-screen television and WiFi. Those who want to pack light have nothing to worry about because the hotel has laundry services. As for dining options, you can check out El Gaucho or The Palm Court for delicious American fare.
The Benson Portland, Curio Collection by Hilton
Address: 309 Southwest Broadway
1.78 km (1.2 mi) from OMSI
3. Sentinel, a Provenance Hotel, Portland (from USD 177)
Book a room at Sentinel, a Provenance Hotel in Portland. Each room here has comfortable mattresses and plush linens that guarantee a good night’s sleep. Inside the guest rooms, guests will also find an exercise kit consisting of a yoga mat and other fitness equipment. Whether you order room service or eat at the on-site restaurants, your taste buds are in for a treat.
Built in 1909, this hotel was declared a National Historic Landmark during the mid-1980s. It has two wings. The East Wing used to be Seward Hotel, while the West Wing was Elks Lodge. It then became the Governor Hotel in 1992. Then, in 2012, it was acquired by Provenance Hotels. Despite having gone through renovations, it still exudes an old-world charm.
Sentinel Hotel
Address: 614 Southwest 11th Avenue
1.89 km (1.2 mi) from OMSI
4. Balch Hotel, Dufur (from USD 117)
Balch Hotel is an adults-only property that promises a fun time. You can buy a ski pass on site, and then go skiing nearby. Also, you can easily access hiking and windsurfing spots from here. The hotel also has a sun terrace and a bar, ideal spots for hanging out. There are no televisions here, but you can always access the WiFi if you need to go online.
Although this hotel first opened in 1908, its construction began in 1907. It claimed to already have hot and cold water in its rooms. Electric lights and steam heat were available, too. The building continued to house people, as it became an apartment, a rooming house, and even a private residence.
In 1988, it fell into the ownership of Howard and Patricia Green, who repaired and restored it. It was purchased once again in 2006 and became a venue for weddings and retreats in 2008.
Balch Hotel
Address: 40 South Heimrich Street
119.83 km (74.5 mi) from OMSI
5. Selina Commodore Astoria (from USD 89)
Nestled within the historic Lewis Building in Astoria, this 3-star hotel dates back to 1925. Although it shut down in 1965, it was restored by Paul Caruana and his partners. The revamped hotel is now pet-friendly and features both urban and vintage designs.
It also has comfortable rooms equipped with a flat-screen television. You can borrow a film from the on-site DVD library and use the in-room DVD player for movie nights. Although there is a restaurant within the premises, you can check out other eateries nearby. Should you need anything else, you can easily approach the 24-hour front desk on site.
Selina Commodore Astoria
Address: 258 14th Street
117.63 km (73.1 mi) from OMSI
6. Geiser Grand Hotel, Baker City (from USD 203)
This stunning hotel first opened in 1889. It was ahead of its time, featuring an elevator that will make it easier for guests to head to their rooms. As it was the picture of luxury, it was often filled with wealthy men and women. There were modern-day visitors who claimed to have caught a glimpse of a Victorian woman vanishing into thin air. Additionally, there were reported sightings of other guests from previous eras.
And if that’s not enough, the hotel also has underground tunnels that have been around since the late 19th-century. Don’t let that scare you, though. This unique hotel guarantees a wonderful stay. It has rooms and suites with chandeliers that will make you feel like royalty. Each unit has free WiFi, air conditioning, and a cable television.
Geiser Grand Hotel
Address: 1996 Main Street, Baker City, Baker City (OR), United States, 97814
387.87 km (241.1 mi) from OMSI
7. Hotel Elliott, Astoria (from USD 152)
This historic hotel in Astoria’s downtown district was first constructed in 1924. It had 64 rooms before it went through a renovation in 2003. Now, it features modern amenities, including cable television and air conditioning in each room. However, its wooden furnishings, handcrafted cabinets, and Victorian atmosphere will make guests feel like they stepped back in time.
Guests can hang out on the rooftop terrace, which offers lovely views of the surroundings. For those who want to explore the city and learn more about history, Oregon Film Museum and Columbia River Maritime Museum are within walking distance. Although there is a bar on site, you can easily access a number of restaurants and other eateries nearby.
Hotel Elliott
Address: 357 12th Street
117.7 km (73.2 mi) from OMSI
8. The Heathman Hotel, Portland (from USD 149)
Exceptional pricing for spacious, clean rooms in a prime downtown location.
Library, French press coffee, valet parking, and complimentary morning coffee.
Perfectly situated in the heart of downtown with easy access to attractions and public transportation.
Delicious restaurant offerings, though some found the menu prices to be a bit steep.
Featuring a 24-hour room service, free WiFi and modern amenities, this 4-star hotel makes sure you have everything you need. Aside from comfortable rooms, guests can book suites that come with a separate living room. Other on-site facilities include a gym, an art gallery, and even a library. A business center and meeting venues are also available.
Constructed in 1926 by George Heathman, the original hotel was stationed in a different location in downtown Portland. To accommodate wealthy guests, a sister property was built a block away. The newer Heathman Hotel opened in 1927 as a 10-story property with Jacobean Revival details.
From the 1930s up until the 1950s, the hotel housed the studios of KOIN, a radio station. It was renovated once again in 1984, then in 2018. Though it is now more contemporary, it is part of Historic Hotels Worldwide.
Heathman Hotel
Address: 1001 Southwest Broadway at Salmon
1.53 km (1.0 mi) from OMSI
9. McMenamins Hotel Oregon, McMinnville (from USD 109)
McMenamins Hotel Oregon is a charming hotel with a rooftop bar, where you can sip on refreshing drinks while admiring your surroundings. It also has an American restaurant on site, open for breakfast, lunch or dinner. More dining options are available within walking distance.
Located in McMinnville, this hotel has been around since 1905. Its rooms are named after people who played a huge role in the hotel. For instance, one room is named “Wayne the Singing Chef.” The hotel also has period furnishings and old photographs that tell stories of its past. So if you’re passing through McMinnville, don’t miss the chance to stay in this hotel for a night or two.
McMenamins Hotel Oregon
Address: 310 NE Evans Street
52.95 km (33.0 mi) from OMSI
10. Columbia Gorge Hotel & Spa, Hood River (from USD 159)
Reasonable pricing for spacious, comfortable rooms with beautiful views.
Well-maintained historic hotel with a beautiful garden, waterfall, and bar lounge.
Conveniently located along the Columbia River with easy access to town and stunning cliffside views.
Tasty dining options with great service, though prices can be a bit high.
This 3-star hotel was erected on the site of Wah Gwin Gwin Hotel, which was constructed in 1904. It opened as Columbia Gorge Hotel in June 1921. This hotel has seen its fair share of notable guests, such as Presidents Roosevelt and Coolidge and various actresses. Although it became a retirement home during the Great Depression, restoration for this hotel started once again in 1977. Now, this hotel is the go-to place for anyone in need of a break.
Aside from its lovely location amidst nature, Columbia Gorge Hotel & Spa charms guests with its Victorian-style rooms. Worry not, though, because these rooms come with flat-screen cable television and a refrigerator. When hunger pangs strike, head to the in-house restaurant that serves American fare with a European twist. End the day with a nightcap at the on-site Valentino’s Lounge.
Columbia Gorge Hotel & Spa
Address: 4000 Westcliff Drive
89.43 km (55.6 mi) from OMSI
Step into the past in Oregon's historic hotels
Home to a plethora of historical and cultural attractions, Oregon promises a fulfilling and enriching vacation. If you want a unique experience steeped in history and without giving up on modern comforts, check out the historic hotels listed above.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
Create an account to