Where is it?

Newport, central coast in Oregon.  Roughly 3 hours’ drive southwest of Portland airport.

267, N.W. Cliff, Newport, Oregon 97365.  Easily found – thank you google maps, and plenty of parking nearby.

How much moola?

Room rates range from $130-$235 depending on your room choice and time of year.  Two-night minimum for Saturday nights.  Breakfast is included in rate.

Motivate me!

Easily done if you’re a reader, writer, lover of books or all the above.  If you’re not, you’ll love the location.  Sylvia Beach hotel sits on a bluff above Nye Beach and the Pacific Ocean.  Cascading waves and soft sand as far as the eye can see.  The house was built in 1912 and has enough nooks and crannies to make you feel like a kid again.

Why this hotel when there are countless others?

A visit to Sylvia Beach isn’t simply a hotel stay, it’s an experience!  Famous authors names adorn the doors, but it’s so much more than that.  How many hotels offer you a well-stocked library with stunning views and a cozy fireplace?  One floor up and you’ll find a book filled mezzanine equipped with half-finished puzzles.  This unique hotel, truly more of a guest house, comprises of 21 literary themed rooms.  Cheesy?  Far from it.  Each room has been thoughtfully and tastefully decorated to reflect the era and essence of your chosen author.  The JK Rowling room has a collection of wands, a broomstick and, very necessary for Oregon and Scotland, quidditch goggles.  Don’t be alarmed to discover moaning Myrtle peeking out from behind the toilet and fluffy the three-headed dog guarding your bed.  The Agatha Christie room, aside from offering a great view of the Pacific Ocean, has clues for you to solve a mystery.  Hemmingway’s room has a stuffed head on the door, and Jules Vern’s bathroom resembles the balloon from Around the World in Eighty Days.

Shock me!

There are no elevators, Wi-Fi, televisions, in-room phones, or radios, (does anyone even listen to radios anymore??).  A thoroughly spoiled cat, possibly Mrs. Norris, struts about like she owns the place.

Pushed a little from my comfort zone?

The onsite restaurant, ‘Table of Contents,’ offers family style dining.  Dinner is served promptly at 7pm (very Downton Abbey) and is simply delicious.  Four courses at a Prix-fix.  I informed the front desk two hours prior (as requested) of my entre choice.  Strangers were sitting at our table and, I think, we were expected to converse with them!!  We managed quite well.  Our dinner companions were very nice.  Only one of the six was a tad opinionated.  A great way to break the ice is to play, “Two truths and a lie.”  My husband and I revealed a truth which initiated raised eyebrows and side long glances.  It’s out now so I may as well tell you … we regularly, and thoroughly, enjoy audio books!

Anything to tempt me from this quaint hotel’s doorstep?

Yaquina Head Light, formerly known as the Foulweather Lighthouse is a fifteen-minute drive away.  It’s the tallest lighthouse in Oregon standing at 93 feet.  There is a $7 fee to enter the park and an additional charge to enter the lighthouse.  Plenty of gift shops nearby and Nana’s Irish pub serves a freshly made Shepherd’s pie, which tastes even better when accompanied by a pint of Guinness.

Should I bring the littles and four-legged friends?

Four-legged friends are not allowed at the Sylvia Beach Hotel.  I told you that cat was spoiled.  Children most certainly are and under twelves stay in their parents’ room at no additional charge.  The JK Rowling and Dr. Seuss room will earn you serious parenting points.  The beach is a kid’s paradise, and maybe all that sea air will wear them out enough they won’t miss the television.  A seven-year Oregon resident, and coincidentally one of our four children, says Newport boasts the best aquarium in Oregon.  The Oregon Coast Aquarium, equipped with crabs the size of a small house, is open every day except Christmas.  Entry for adults is approx. $23, 13-17 years, $20 and 3-12-year old’s, $15

What ‘others’ say about the Sylvia Beach Hotel

The hotel is worn and needs updating.  My thoughts … It’s an old building, and that’s all part of the charm.

How are we expected to check our emails with no Wifi?  My thoughts … It’s called an iPhone.

The Tolkien room is disappointing to true fans.  My thoughts … apologies but nothing to base that on so maybe go with ‘others’ on this one.

Tips before you go.

Book well in advance.  Especially if you want to sleep with that three-headed dog!

Don’t panic at the room’s conspicuously absent coffee pot.  On the third floor adjacent to the library, you’ll find a small kitchen with fridge and coffee/tea making facilities.  Pop back in the evening for hot mulled wine.

Bring rain gear and get out on that beautiful beach whatever the weather.

No hairdryer in the rooms so if you want to look pretty, bring your own.

If you can, and funds allow it, stay two nights.  You’ll want time to snuggle in the library and explore Newport.

This hotel is ideal if …

You love books.

You don’t hyperventilate when disconnected from modern technology.

You want to relax and unwind.

You want to impress your spouse with a romantic getaway.

You’re in need of a girl’s weekend, perhaps book club buddies, with sun (just kidding!) sand, ample books and plenty of wine on hand.

#authorlife #oregoncoast #booklovers #sylviabeach #teaandtravel