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| Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews |
Welcome back! Wait until you see the pictures of this place, The Hotel at Old Town . It was so pretty, and had all the extra little touches that made us feel right at home. The staff, especially Nic, were helpful, interested and fantastic! I don't know if this is the regular rate, but we paid only $124.50 a night (plus tax) for a studio apartment/suite on the bottom floor. It is THE place to stay if you are going to Old Town, because it is in the middle of everything.
The Room:
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| Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews |
Fit for a Queen. Or King. Or both.
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| Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews |
Oops, we should have moved the bag off of the bed for this photo shoot. Look at how high the windows are! We were on the ground floor, so they frosted the bottom windows so that nobody could peek in too easily.
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| Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews |
Cary is standing in the kitchen area. It has a microwave, stove, pretty dishes (which we didn't get a chance to use) a full-sized fridge and even a dishwasher. They thought of everything. Seriously.
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| Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews |
The bathroom was huge, with a very large shower.
This room was handicapped accessible, that is for sure.
The Lobby:
Get ready to feast your eyes. This was a lobby that we actually used and felt very comfortable in.
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| Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews |
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| Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews |
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| Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews |
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| Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews |
Over in the corner is the guest computer. We used it a lot.
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| Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews |
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| Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews |
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| Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews |
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| Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews |
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| Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews |
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| Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews |
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| Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews |
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| Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews |
The History of the Building:
The Hotel at Old Town is located in the Keen Kutter Building, built in 1905. There are displays throughout the hotel sharing the history of its former occupants and companies. History of the Keen Kutter Building
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| Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews |
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| Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews |
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| Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews |
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| Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews |
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| Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews |
If you ever get the chance to visit this place, it is worth your while as a destination point. We just kind of fell upon it, and were so glad that we did. Our stay was very enjoyable. Thank you, Hotel at Old Town!
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| Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews |
Yesterday, Cary said, "Hey, why don't we stay in Bend tonight?". So, we did. This is our third time over the years where we have rented a spa room and went the lounge for dinner and dancing at The Riverhouse As usual, we had a lot of fun!
Our Room:
This is an older hotel, but it has been kept up nicely. Ours was a spa room, and it was not inexpensive at $209.00 plus tax. Included were two free buffet breakfasts, two free drinks in the lounge, and 1/2 price on the snack menu in the lounge from 4:00-6:00. Plus the pool, workout room, etc.
The room was very nice. We had the big spa tub, a real fireplace and a small balcony on the top floor. The extras were nice ... there were bathrobes, lots of extra towels and extra pillows. I also liked the fact that there were wastebaskets where they were supposed to be and that glass glasses and cups were provided. The closet was also nice and big.
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| Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews |
The king bed was pretty and comfortable.
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| Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews |
All you had to do was light one match and
the Duraflame logs became instant fire.
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| Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews |
The spa tub. Make sure you fill it up so that the water is over the filter, or the jets will not work properly.
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| Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews |
What a handsome best friend husband he is!
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| Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews |
A flat screen t.v. (though half the cable channels were fuzzy); a DVD player, microwave and a cute little fridge and freezer.
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| Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews |
The bathroom was spacious and clean.
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| Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews |
Comfy robes!
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| Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews |
A happy Kathy Matthews.
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| Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews |
Cary on the balcony.
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| Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews |
The view from the balcony.
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| Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews |
We walked over a covered bridge to
get to the restaurant and lounge.
This picture was taken from the bridge.
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| Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews |
This little log cabin across from the dining area was used in filming the 1970's t.v. series "How the West Was Won".
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| Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews |
Flowers were all over the place.
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| Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews |
Outside dining.
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| Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews |
There is a poolside cafe and lounge for casual dining.
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| Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews |
The outdoor pool and hot tub.
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| Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews |
The indoor pool is being refurbished.
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| Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews |
Apparently, dogs are allowed.
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| Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews |
These rooms were across from the pool. I would not like to stay in one of them. On the ground floor, somebody could drive right into your room. There is no privacy at all, and I would think that you would want to keep your curtains closed and doors locked all the time.
The staff were all very friendly and helpful. The food was good too.
We will go back again ... probably next year when we want an easy change of scenery. It is a fun little get-a-way!
Our Date:
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| Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews |
After we settled into our room, we went into the Crossings lounge and got some nachos and artichoke crab dip. The nachos were fine, and the dip was good, but you did not get very much of it. My Merlot was very tasty for a standard house wine.
We went back to our room and I got dressed up. I am so glad that I colored and cut my hair that morning, it helped me look and feel better about myself.
We were considering trying to get into the Bob Dylan/John Mellencamp concert at the amphitheater but eventually nixed that idea. Instead, we went downtown for an hour or so and then decided to go back to our room, enjoy the spa and then listen to the live music at Crossings. The band was really good. It was a very enjoyable evening. Thanks, Cary!
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| Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews |
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| Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews |
I am now ready to join the health club and get this belly under control. Next week for sure. Still, my hair looks nice, I think, for doing it myself. Good, better, best, never let it rest, until the good is better and the better's best!
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| Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews |
#1 ~ McMenamins Edgefield: Troutdale, Oregon
We landed in Portland with no problem, got our bags with no problem, and actually found our car with no problem. That last one was a bit of a miracle. We drove to Troutdale and stayed at McMenamins Edgefield.
Talk about a bargain ... it is beautiful there, and quiet. No t.v.'s, no phone's in the rooms, bathrooms and showers are down the hall. Our room was only $50.00 for a queen with antique furniture. After we got settled in, we went to the downstairs restaurant and billiard room. I had a turkey sandwich for dinner. Cary had already eaten cheese curds and the rest of my taco's on the plane. We went to bed around 11:00 and got up early. I walked around in my p.j.'s and complimentary bathrobe and took lots of pictures of the artwork as I explored the hotel in the early morning. It used to be a poor farm, and then a nursing home. Here is the website: mcmenamins.com and then look for Edgefield.
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| Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews |
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| Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews |
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| Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews |
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| Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews |
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| Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews |
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| Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews |
Where we ate dinner.
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| Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews |
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| Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews |
And then we left, driving home over Mt. Hood. We stopped to eat at Warm Springs, and visited with the employees of the restaurant. It was a slow day, and we were the only diners. Cary suggested that they put up a bunch of Jacoby Ellsbury memorabilia in their eatery.
They have a new young woman who began managing it last year, and it is really clean and nice now. The whole place has been remodeled and updated.
Then, finally, we were home! And it feels like I have been on here ever since.
Some of the artwork in the Hotel at Edgefields:
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| Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews |
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| Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews |
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| Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews |
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| Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews |
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| Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews |
Stop #1: Olympia, Washington
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| Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews |
John and Shanna's house was the best of all!
Stop #2 - Quinalt Casino and Resort, Ocean Shores, Washington
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| Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews |
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| Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews |
We stayed at the Quinalt Casino around 5 years ago. The price had gone up, but we couldn't remember if we stayed there in the summer last time or not. It was $139.00 for the first night, and $169.00 for the second. Our room was very nice, but they are getting a bit shabby. Still, they are in the middle of renovation, so they are working on it. We were on the second floor with a great view of the beach and ocean. Our sliding glass window had bird poop on it and our bathtub didn't drain, but they responded immediately and promptly fixed everything.
They have a smaller casino, but the people were very friendly ... in there and throughout the resort. The pool was broken down when we were there, and there isn't a computer room to check your email (which is now a pretty standard option these days, I think.)
We ate the steak and lobster dinner the first night, and it was very expensive ($60.00 each). The steak was wonderful, but the lobster was kind of tough, and they served it with a fake butter dip. We were talking to a lady that said that her lobster was fantastic (and that is how we remembered it from the time before). The second night we ate the seafood buffet, which only cost $21.99 since we are seniors. It was very good.
It was very quiet there, despite the remodeling, and I liked the idea that there was a living area with a couch and ottoman. I used the couch to read and relax when I didn't feel like being downstairs. Also, it was nice to have a gas fireplace dividing the bedroom from the living area.
Stop #3: Silver Cloud Hotel, Seattle, Washington
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| Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews |
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| Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews |
The Silver Cloud is very nice, and very expensive (in my opinion). Still, you cannot beat the location, which is right across the street from Safeco Field and Qwest (now CenturyLink) Field. The rooms were standard nice hotel rooms, and the staff was wonderful. They have valet parking and bellboys, so be prepared to tip. They have a nice restaurant and a great bar. Our window opened to a courtyard, and people could look into your room or you into their's, if the privacy curtains were not closed. It was over $300.00 for one night by the time that we were done with this place.
Stop #4: McMenamin's Edgefiled, Troutdale, Oregon:
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| Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews |
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| Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews |
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| Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews |
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| Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews |
McMenamins is McMenamins. This is our third stay and fourth visit. The receptionist got us right in, we were able to check in early, and our room was great. It cost $105.00 for the room, but remember, you have to walk across the hall to used the bathroom and shower. We enjoyed exploring the grounds, the great soaking pool and all of the restaurants. It is noisy, because it is a huge old building that was once a poor farm and then a nursing home.
The art, the gardens and the whole design of the rooms are a treat. Still, there are things that bug me. Edgefield is the main winery and distillery that serves all the other McMenamins. You can only buy a glass of Merlot in one bar on this property, the rest of the wines are blends. I have learned over time that the blends play havoc with my system and it irritates me that I cannot buy a glass of Merlot from a place that makes it. I do wish that they would change that silly policy.
So, there you go. The prices vary and so do the locations and options. We had a great trip, and experienced a lot of different things during our six day adventure.
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