The thing about adventure—what makes blood pump and horizons widen—is that you’re seeking something new. (And also maybe crisp linens and a sauna.) Lucky for you, intrepid Cascadian explorer, the hospitality sector has been hard at work building you bright-and-shiny hotels off the beaten path, and with them, a host of activities and delicious opportunities. We unveil three new boutique hotels that should have you scrambling for your suitcase, stat.
Fresh as mountain air: the historic Suttle Lodge & Boathouse gets a renovation from the team at Portland’s Ace Hotel, reopening later this spring.
Image: Uncage the Soul Productions
Suttle Lodge & Boathouse
If you’ve been watching Moonrise Kingdom all starry-eyed lately, pack your bags for this 1920s lodge just 14 miles northeast of Sisters, deep in Central Oregon’s Deschutes National Forest. This historic lodge was purchased last September by the Mighty Union—the crew behind Portland’s Ace Hotel. We don’t have up-to-date photos yet (the complete interior overhaul of the lodge and cabins is slated to finish in June) but those close to the build-out describe the vision as “a relaxed Cascadian forest lodge as imagined by a gently debauched scout troop.” Sounds quintessentially Portland to us! Plans are underway for a “huge roaring fireplace to read or sip bourbon by,” a beer garden, a craft cocktail bar, and lawn games. Ava Gene’s chef Joshua McFadden will be writing the menu for the nearby Boathouse Restaurant, so excellent veggies are basically guaranteed. Don’t forget your mustache and secondhand Boy Scout shirt purchased from Next Adventure’s bargain basement for this Portland-away-from-Portland. Non-gustatory attractions include the gorgeous mile-and-a-half Suttle Lake, which can be kayaked or canoed, numerous climbing spots and trails, hot springs just half an hour away, and a ski slope a mere 10 minutes away.
Opens: June 2016
Accepting reservations May 2016
Cabins start at $125 per night; Lodge rooms at $275.
Yakima wine country, in style.
IMAGE: HOTEL MAISON
Hotel Maison
When the Masonic Temple building in Yakima was completed in 1911, it was the tallest structure between Seattle and Spokane. Though the building’s original Freemason facades, Corinthian columns, and Mansard roof are all intact, the just-opened 36-room building now known as the Hotel Maison feels quite new for its 105 years. In the windowed lobby, sommeliers sling tastes of local wine in the midst of a local art gallery. According to the new owners, the Hotel Maison aims for a classic luxury boutique hotel experience while maintaining the Masonic Temple Building’s deeply historical value for city residents. Why head to Yakima? White water rafting, antiquing, and for beer drinkers, the American Hop Museum are all within reach, but most importantly, because wine country. The valley is known for its Italian and German grape varieties, with vines tracing back to 1903. More than 50 wineries ensure you’ll find something for your taste.
Opened: March 2016
Reservations: Call 509-571-1900
Rooms starting at: $169
Not to fret—the Jennings Hotel will provide you with cassette tapes to play on your in-room boombox.
Image: Jennings Hotel
The Jennings Hotel
Almost excruciatingly picturesque, the Jennings Hotel is the still-in-progress dream project of Greg Hennes. After falling in love with Joseph, Oregon and seeing the potential of the town’s rundown relic, the 1910 Jennings Hotel, Hennes embarked on an ultimately successful Kickstarter campaign to fund a remodel. One year later, three rooms are open for business (and they’re beautiful), and this summer, two more are expected to join the lineup. First up is Room Three, which is being co-designed by Ben Klebba of Phloem Studio and Matt Pierce of Wood & Faulk. Even more compelling is the communal kitchen currently under construction, which ultimately will be fully equipped with tools and dishes and available for guests’ use. Not one to miss a creative opportunity, Hennes has also devised a plan for a Family Supper Series: a once-monthly dinner with a guest chef and prix fixe menu. Jason French, chef-owner of Ned Ludd, has already spoken with Hennes about the idea, and many other Portland chefs are expected to make an appearance. With local resources like Arrowhead Ranch’s produce, Carman Ranch’s beef, beer from Terminal Gravity Brewing, and spirits from Stein Distillery, Wallowa County will be showcased in the dinners.
“As someone involved in tourism, what that means to me is attracting the right kind of tourist,” says Hennes. “People who are interested in adding to this place and experiencing the community, not just cruising through and leaving dollars behind.”
We’ll bet, however, that Hennes wouldn’t mind if you left a few dollars behind.
Opening: The additional two rooms will be finished by the end of June, but you can book a stay at the already-available three rooms while catching a glimpse of progress.
Reservations: Visit the website to book a room.
Rooms start at: $125
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