Bowline Hotel

The river view and location were the good parts. We paid over $500 a night for a Saturday to Sunday stay in February, off-season, and the experience felt extremely overpriced. The bathroom wasn't clean, with hair and grime behind the toilet and product caked onto the soap and lotion dispensers. The rest of the room was dusty, the pillowcases had holes, and there was trash from the previous guest in a bin. The memory foam bed was extremely uncomfortable, and we both woke up with sore backs. There was no hot water, and the shower pressure was terrible. We heard several dogs yapping across the hall and farther down it, along with doors slamming. Check-in took 30 minutes standing in line. At checkout, staff barely acknowledged us and didn't ask how the stay had gone. I don't recommend it.

We often visit Astoria and love the town, so we chose this hotel for our anniversary. We expected something like Cannery Pier, just nearer downtown, and it was a huge disappointment. This was the worst hotel stay I've had, and the price felt absurd. Looking at other reviews, it seems guests run into these same problems often. Noise came straight through the poorly insulated walls. We could hear conversations word for word, music and TV from other guests, even a suitcase zipper opening and closing next door. The blackout blinds didn't cover the windows, so we blocked the light with bathrobes, pillows, and whatever else we could (see pic). The room was dusty and not very clean (see pic of towel where our glasses were kept). There's no air con. Even with mild, mellow weather at 64 degrees outside, the room was 74 inside.

On cold, rainy nights we loved staying warm by the fire and watching the freighters. The rooms are right on the Columbia, and you can walk to everything Astoria has to offer. They're beautiful and thoughtfully appointed, with the most comfortable hotel bed we've ever slept in, Frette sheets, delicious coffee and teas, and wonderful toiletries from all purveyors. Those locally made coffee mugs are gorgeous too. This was our second stay at the Bowline, and it won't be our last. The staff are so friendly and welcoming, and we loved chatting with Kat. The food and cocktails were amazing. That holiday Cranberry 75 was next-level delicious. Thank you, Hope.

A hundred sea lions were right under or beside our room, and they were so loud that sleeping was almost impossible. Before booking, ask whether sea lions are there or expected. Otherwise, it's a great boutique hotel in a great spot for downtown Astoria, with a nice restaurant, great staff, and top-notch service.