Balch Hotel

The Balch is a lovely place to take a break and slow down. It has an authentic old-western feel, and the rooms are comfortable, nicely furnished, and have distinctive views. We had shrimp linguine in the Bistro, which was really good, in a cozy, romantic setting. It's about 15 minutes from The Dalles. Ask for a room with a private bath, since some don't have one. There aren't any TVs, but the Wi-Fi is very good. A very relaxing stay.

The Christmas decorations made a lovely holiday backdrop, and our room was quiet and comfortable. We enjoyed a tasty, filling meal in the Bistro while catching up with friends. The service was so friendly, we can't say enough about it. We had a wonderful stay at the Balch Hotel.

After dinner, relaxing in the parlor with a glass of wine is hard to beat. The restaurant's food keeps surprising me, and it's five-star. The staff and owner are wonderful and treat you like family. There's so much life in this beautiful old hotel that the place feels magical. By the time you check out, you'll already be thinking about when to come back.

The only thing missing from our night was a ghost. The hotel apparently has a reputation, but we had no hauntings at all. Everything else made for a great stay: the grounds and nearby scenery are lovely to walk around, and the place is a peaceful change from a dull chain hotel. The staff were genuinely friendly and helpful. The on-site restaurant has a short menu, but it was excellent. Our dinner and light breakfast were just right, and the young chef was attentive and skilled. It's worth taking the drive off the beaten path.