Hotel Cathlamet

Pros

• The hotel lobby and downstairs entrance are described as absolutely lovely places to relax.
• The large kitchen and dining room area are highly appreciated by guests.
• Rooms are clean and comfortable, with many reviews praising the beds as wonderful.
• The staff and owners are described as kind, accommodating, and attentive.
• The continental breakfast is solid and the 24-hour snack kitchen is well received.
• The hotel offers a charming historic ambiance with art and collectibles decorating the space.
• The location on the main street of a quaint town by the Columbia River is praised, with easy access to local shops and galleries.
• Guests enjoy the lounge with games, puzzles, and books, enhancing the homey atmosphere.
• Guests note that the hotel has been thoughtfully revived, with well-kept rooms and common areas.
• The hotel is described as a gem - cute, quaint, and wonderfully maintained for an old building.
• The beds and showers receive particular praise, contributing to a positive experience.

Cons

• One reviewer felt the rooms were decent but were not seen or acknowledged by staff.
• A guest was put off by a tray of old newspapers, assorted trash, and old food left in the lobby for no discernible reason.
• There was no parking available for a large truck.
• Several guests described the rooms as small.
• A guest noted the pillows were small.
• A guest observed dust on the window sills and behind the beds.
• The floors are creaky, which some guests found noticeable.
• One guest found the room too cold and needed extra blankets due to insufficient heating.

Review

Hotel Cathlamet first opened its doors in 1926 and remains a venerable fixture in the small waterfront town of Cathlamet, Washington. Nestled downtown, the hotel is within easy reach of local businesses, art galleries, and an evolving streetscape that feels both historic and welcoming. The Columbia River sits just a short stroll away, offering opportunities for marine recreation, while the surrounding countryside - with farms, ranches, and dairy operations - rounds out the sense of place with fresh produce, beef, and dairy products available in casual, nearby settings. Guests repeatedly highlight the setting as one of the property's most attractive features: a quiet, low-key atmosphere during the evening and a charming, old-town vibe during the daytime.

Inside, guests find a mix of old-world charm and practical touches. The rooms tend to be on the smaller side, but they are consistently described as clean and comfortable, with amenities like televisions and refrigerators that work reliably. The building's character - the creaking floors, period furnishings, and tasteful art and collectibles - contributes to a sense of stepping back in time in a very pleasant way. Several visitors note that the hotel has preserved its vintage feel without compromising essential comforts, making it an ideal stay for travelers who appreciate atmosphere as well as convenience.

Service and hospitality stand out in many of the reviews. Guests repeatedly praise the staff for being friendly, attentive, and accommodating, with specific anecdotes about warmth and personal care. One guest even calls the service "top notch" and notes a level of kindness that made the stay memorable. Another review highlights Laurel by name for her genuine hospitality and dedication to guests, underscoring the owners' care for the property and its guests. The sense of being welcomed and looked after is frequently described as a highlight, echoing sentiments that the hotel's revival under its current owners has been thoughtful and successful.

The hotel's social and practical spaces receive high marks as well. A large kitchen and dining area function as a central hub for guests, supplemented by a lounge, a game room, and a library with puzzles and books. A 24-hour snack pantry and well-stocked continental breakfast are appreciated conveniences, especially for travelers on a tight schedule or those who want a casual start to the day. The dining room and lobby are repeatedly described as inviting places to relax, chat with fellow travelers, or simply unwind in a charming, historic environment.

Location adds to the overall appeal. Guests enjoy being able to walk to coffee shops, local eateries, the grocery next door, and the River Mile 38 Brewing Company. The town itself is described as quaint and easy to explore, with a sense of history amplified by the hotel's d?cor and the surrounding art and collectibles. For those who combine a stay with sightseeing, the nearby ferry to Oregon is just a short drive away, and nature and recreational options along the Columbia River and Puget Island are all within easy reach.

Every stay comes with a few caveats that guests acknowledge with good humor. A small handful of reviews mention that rooms are not large, and some guests note the practical quirks of a vintage property - such as forced-air systems that can be "centrally controlled" or space heaters in rooms that feel a bit chilly on cooler nights. Parking can be a challenge for larger vehicles, with one guest noting that large truck parking isn't available right at the hotel, though nearby public spaces provide a solution. A rare complaint concerns an unappealing sight in the lobby - a tray of old newspapers and assorted trash - that some guests found jarring. Overall, these are described as occasional, manageable quirks rather than deal-breakers, and many guests emphasize that the positives far outweigh the minor inconveniences.

In sum, Hotel Cathlamet offers a distinctive, comfortable stay that leans into its vintage charm while providing modern conveniences. Guests repeatedly describe the property as a perfect blend of history and hospitality: well-located for exploring the town's art and shops, quiet and relaxing at night, with a welcoming atmosphere created by a devoted staff. Whether you're drawn by the river's natural beauty, the small-town ambiance, or the idea of staying in a lovingly preserved historic hotel, Cathlamet's iconic hotel presents a character-filled option that invites you to slow down, enjoy the scenery, and savor the simple pleasures of a well-kept, thoughtfully run boutique property.

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)