February is known to be the month of love, and what better way to celebrate it than a visit to the charming town of Hood River, home to the majestic Columbia Gorge as well as the beautiful Columbia Cliff Villas (3880 Westcliff Drive, Hood River; 866-912-8366; columbiacliffvillas.com), ideal for romantic getaways, retreats and family gatherings. Thirty-seven luxury rooms and suites rest above a 208-foot waterfall. Accommodations in this condominium hotel incorporate everything from European-style hotel rooms up to one- and three-bedroom adjoining villa and penthouse suites along with the beautiful River Room, boasting both river and Gorge views. Amenities vary by room and may include gas fireplaces, marble and tile walk-in showers, soaking tubs, gourmet kitchens and private balconies, some of which look straight down the cliffs to the Columbia River. The best part is, you have full access to walk through the connecting pathways to the Gorge Hotel, where you’re able to go through the beautiful award-winning “Gardens of Distinction” along the creek toward the waterfall.
Right next door, the Columbia Gorge Hotel (4000 Westcliff Drive, Hood River; 541-386-5566; 800-345-1921; columbiagorgehotel.com) makes for another fabulous and especially romantic stay. What started as a haven for guests traveling by steamboat has grown into something so much greater throughout the years. Today, 40 luxurious guest rooms furnished with either brass or canopy beds, all with views of the Gorge or vibrant, perfectly manicured gardens. Again, accommodations vary by room but may feature fireplaces and brass or canopy beds, comfortable plush bedding, flat screen TVs, microwaves, mini fridges and more. You may not end up needing the mini fridge or the microwave unless it’s for leftovers from the on-site restaurant, Simon’s Cliff House; open for breakfast, lunch and dinner along with their renowned Sunday Brunch. Breakfast includes healthy starters, house favorites and comfort foods such as home baked biscuits and gravy, chef’s choice Belgian waffles and a variety of egg plates served with chef’s potatoes or fresh fruit. Lunch includes housemade soups, salads and variations of hot and cold sandwiches and burgers. Dinner starts with housemade herb garlic bread, followed by appetizers and gourmet entrees fit for screen legends (vegetarian options included). Sunday brunch is seven courses beginning with champagne, of course. The Valentino Lounge is ideal for enjoying Northwest-focused wines and specialty cocktails with light fare and bar foods with a spin such as lamb sliders. Simon’s Cliff House is open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and the Valentino Lounge opens up at 2 p.m., closing at 10 p.m. as well. For an extra restful stay, visit the renovated spa where you can relax and replenish. Cliff Villa’s guests are welcome, too!
“Gerry Frank’s Oregon” 3rd edition all new guidebook is available through oregonguidebook.com; 503-585-8411; gerry@teleport.com; Amazon.com; Macy’s; and P.O. Box 2225, Salem, OR 97308.
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