Hotel Cathlamet

Pros

• The hotel's historic charm and clean, comfortable rooms earn high praise from guests.
• The continental breakfast and well-equipped kitchen/lounge area are highlighted as standout amenities.
• The staff are repeatedly described as friendly, attentive, and accommodating.
• The location is lauded for being downtown near local shops, galleries, and the Columbia River.
• The atmosphere is consistently described as cozy, homey, and quaint.
• Guests value the extras like a lounge with games and a large, snack-filled breakfast area.
• The beds are consistently noted as comfortable and the showers as good.
• The property is seen as a good value and a unique alternative to chain hotels.
• Guests express they would definitely stay again and highly recommend.

Cons

• The rooms are small and cramped.
• A tray covered in old newspapers and trash was left in the lobby, which disgusted some guests.
• The EV charging stations did not work.
• The air conditioning is loud and disruptive.
• The entry area smells like dog.
• The bed was uncomfortable for at least one guest.
• The walls are thin, letting hallway noise be heard.
• Not many options exist in this one-horse town.

Review

Hotel Cathlamet is best suited for travelers who crave old-town character and a quiet, intimate setting over modern hotel uniformity. It fits couples seeking a romantic, low-key escape and solo explorers who want a memorable, conversation-worthy stay in a walkable riverside town. The 1926 building's charm - creaky floors, period decor, and a welcoming, home-like atmosphere - pairs with clean, comfortable beds and a reliable continental breakfast. Being centered downtown, with the Columbia River and local galleries, shops, and eateries just outside the door, makes it ideal for guests who want to explore Cathlamet by day and unwind in a cozy, communal space by night.

Those who demand generous square footage, high-end finishes, or predictably modern conveniences will want to consider alternatives. The rooms are consistently described as small and cozy, not expansive retreats, which can feel tight for longer stays or for families. Parking for larger vehicles is limited, and amenities such as electric vehicle charging aren't consistently reliable. For travelers who prioritize large, distraction-free suites, abundant storage, or ultramodern design, a larger hotel outside this town will likely deliver a more predictable, less character-driven experience.

Yet the positives outweigh these constraints in meaningful ways. Cleanliness is repeatedly praised, as are the beds and showers, which translate into genuinely restful nights. The kitchen/dining area and the 24-hour snack pantry create practical, social anchors that compensate for the compact rooms, giving guests a sense of hospitality-driven abundance in a small footprint. The staff emerge as a clear strength - friendly, accommodating, and engaged with guests - as a family-run operation that treats visitors as neighbors. The common spaces - the lobby, library, and game room - offer a generous, welcoming feel that makes it easy to linger and connect, offsetting the limitations of individual rooms. The historic ambiance, art-filled halls, and the hotel's earnest effort to preserve a sense of place deliver a memorable, authentic stay that can far exceed expectations for this kind of property. Location adds further value: proximity to the river, a short stroll to shops and eateries, and easy access to Puget Island and the nearby ferry enhance daytime options and evening strolls.

In practical terms, this property works best for a restorative weekend, a couple's retreat, or a solo wanderer who values ambiance and easy sightseeing over expansive accommodations. Families or groups will appreciate the social focal points - the kitchen and lounge spaces - where snacks and casual meals can be shared without leaving the building. For longer stays or travelers who rely on consistent room configurations, prepare for a more compact footprint and a nightlife that doesn't revolve around oversized suites. The combination of a charming, well-kept historic building and a friendly, attentive staff makes the stay feel personal, not transactional, a real advantage when the goal is a simple, relaxing visit to a small town with a big sense of place.

Practical tips help set expectations. Anticipate small rooms and possible hallway or floor creaks, which are part of the building's character. If ambient temperature is a concern, bring extra blankets or plan for variable heating since some guests noted temperature quirks. Parking is best for standard cars rather than large trucks, and those relying on EV charging should verify functionality in advance. Booking directly with the owners can yield small perks or discounts, reinforcing the case for direct engagement with this family-run operation. The overall message is clear: the experience hinges on hospitality, atmosphere, and community feel more than on hotel-scale amenities.

Bottom line: Hotel Cathlamet delivers a practical, charming boutique stay that resonates with travelers who prize character, attentive hosts, and a central, scenic location. It's an excellent pick for couples and solo travelers seeking a memorable, low-key retreat and a chance to immerse in Cathlamet's historic heart. Those needing large accommodations, ultra-modern amenities, or guaranteed soundproofing may want alternatives; for everyone else, the trade-off for authentic charm and personal service is a worthy investment. This is a place where hospitality and place outweigh size, offering a distinctive, repeat-worthy stay for those who value a true sense of "getting away."

Cathlamet, Washington, offers a peaceful and picturesque setting with various amenities within reach. The town boasts several places of worship, pharmacies, restaurants, physicians' offices, cafes, hospitals, parks, and even a nearby theater for entertainment. With its close-knit community and convenient access to essential services, Cathlamet provides a comfortable and convenient environment for senior living. Whether you enjoy attending religious services, dining out at local eateries, exploring the great outdoors at nearby parks, or catching a movie at the theater, this area offers something for everyone to enjoy in their retirement years.

Places of Worship

• Cathlamet Assembly of God (0 miles)
• Longview Bible Baptist Church (18.6 miles)
• United Pentecostal Church (18.8 miles)
• Church of Christ-Pacific Way (18.9 miles)
• Calvary Community Church (19.7 miles)
• Three Rivers Christian Elcthe Ridge Campus (21 miles)
• Northlake Baptist Church (21 miles)

Pharmacies

• Cathlamet Pharmacy (0.1 miles)
• Hi-School Pharmacy (10.8 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (19.4 miles)
• Fred Meyer Pharmacy (20.3 miles)
• Safeway Pharmacy (20.5 miles)
• Walgreens (20.6 miles)
• Paramount Drug Co. (21.4 miles)

Restaurants

• River Mile 38 Brewing Co. (0.2 miles)
• Star Systems (3.9 miles)
• The Birk (14.7 miles)
• Alston Pub & Grub (17.5 miles)
• Guadalajara Grill & Cantina (18.5 miles)
• Rogue Ales Public House (19.8 miles)
• Woodshed Restaurant & Lounge (20.2 miles)

Physicians

• Wahkiakum Family Health Center (0.2 miles)
• Wahkiakum Family Practice Clinic (0.2 miles)
• Wimahl Family Clinic (20.8 miles)
• UrgentCare NW - Astoria (20.8 miles)
• Pacific Family Medicine (20.9 miles)
• Astoria Women's Health (20.9 miles)
• Astoria Integrative Family Medicine (21.3 miles)

Cafes

• Overflow Cafe (19.7 miles)
• Coffee Girl (19.8 miles)
• Blue Scorcher Bakery Cafe (21.3 miles)
• Astoria Coffee House (21.5 miles)
• Coffee OR Waffle (21.5 miles)
• Monticello Wood Fired Pizzeria (21.6 miles)
• Dutch Bros Coffee (21.8 miles)

Hospitals

• FMC Astoria Dialysis (20.8 miles)
• Cmh/Ohsu Cancer Care Center (20.8 miles)
• Columbia Memorial Hospital (20.8 miles)
• Peace Health (21.7 miles)

Parks

• Shively Park (21.2 miles)
• Lake Sacajawea Park (21.2 miles)
• Garden of Surging Waves (21.5 miles)
• Fort Stevens State Park (21.5 miles)
• Vandercook Park (21.5 miles)
• Clatsop County Parks (21.5 miles)
• The Lake (21.6 miles)

Theaters

• Columbian Theater (21.5 miles)