Description
In 1921 Oregon lumber magnate and philanthropist Simon Benson observed in part of the region fledgling tourism industry We have built good roads and invited the world to come view our beauty spots but we have done nothing toward taking care of them after they arrive.In response to that need Benson built the Columbia Gorge Hotel. Our property was first described in the Lewis and Clark Journals and originally the site of Phelps Mill in the mid-1800s after which our creek is named. The mill made staves for the whiskey barrels carried by mules from Hood River to the east. In 1904 Hood River pioneer Robert Rand capitalized on the area spectacular beauty by constructing the Wah Gwin Gwin Hotel named for the 208 waterfall on the property. The hotel operated successfully as a summer resort for 17 years until it was demolished by Simon Benson to make way for his new hotel. The layout of the grounds and trails that were developed by Rand remained the setting for the new Columbia Gorge Hotel. The hotel was designed by Portland architect Morris H. Whitehouse as the Hotel Benson and constructed in less than a year. The Italian stonemasons brought over to work on the new Columbia River Highway built the stone walls and bridges for Bensons new Waldorf of the West. The wooden beams visible in the public areas are actually made of plaster and required five artisans working in concert to construct. On June 21 1921 the Columbia Gorge Hotel opened with a grand reception and quickly developed an international reputation.Notable visitors in the early years included Presidents Roosevelt and Coolidge plus actresses Clara Bow Myrna Loy Jane Powell and Shirley Temple.The hotel is rumored to have been a favorite hideaway for Rudolph Valentino after whom our Valentino Lounge is named. During the depression the hotel fell on hard times and was purchased by the Neighbors of Woodcraft as a retirement home. It remained for a quarter of a century until the ongoing restoration began in 1977. PrDirections
Portland Intl Airport Portland International Airport 42Miles East to the property. One hour from Portland airport- I-84 East. Tri-Cities Airport Tri-Cities Airport 175Miles South West to the property.Recreation
Historic Columbia River Gorge Highway When the highway first opened in 1916 President Roosevelt praised its scenic grandeur and remarkable engineering. The Illustrated London News went on to call it the king of roads. With its mossy stone walls and graceful viaducts winding past dozens of waterfalls this All-American Road still reigns as one of the world's most glorious drives. Recreations On Site Cardio Vascular Equipment Limited Health Club Massage Nature Trails Spa Recreations Off Site Boating Bowling Camping Child Activities Diving Driving Range Extensive Health Club Fishing Game Room Heated Out Door Pool Hiking Horseback Riding Indoor Pool Jacuzzi Jet Skiiing Jogging Track Mountain Biking Mountain Climbing Outdoor Pool Playground Polo Putting Green Racquetball Court Safari Sauna Snorkeling Snow Mobiling Snow Skiing Sports Court Squash Courts Sun Bed Tennis Courts Weight Lifting Equipment WhirlpoolSafetyInfo
24 Hour Security Alarms Continuously Monitored Audible Alarms Audible Smoke Alarm Hardwired Audible Smoke Alarms in Room AutoLink to Fire Department Deadbolts on Room Doors Electronic Key Cards Emergency Backup Generators Emergency Evacuation Plan Emergency Info in Rooms Emergency Lighting Exit Maps in Room Exit Signs Lit Exterior Doors Lock Fire Detectors in Hallways Fire Detectors in Room First Aid Guest Room Doors Self Closing Parking Areas Well Lit Room Windows Open Security Personnel On Site Sprinklers in Hall Sprinklers in Public Areas Staff CPR Trained Staff Trained Duplicate Keys Staff Trained in First Aid Video Surveillance Entrance Video Surveillance Hallways View Port Audible Smoke Alarm in Public Areas Audible Smoke Alarms in Hallway Fire Detectors in Public Areas Fire Extinguishers in Hallways Guest Room Doors Have Second Lock Multiple Fire Exits Each Floor Property Meets Requirement for Fire Safety Video Surveillance Monitored 24H Video Surveillance Parking Areas Video Surveillance Public Areas Video Surveillance Recorded 24HFood & Drink
Restaurant Room ServiceRecreation
Info Not AvailablePool & Wellness
Fitness Center spaGuest Services
Concierge Service Entertainment Staff safeOther Amenities
Business Center Wifi Disabled FacilitiesPet Fiendly
Pets are Welcome