Finding a way to get away right now is tricky. I want to be safe, but I desperately need a change of scenery. That’s where I’m at right now, almost a year into Covid.
Good thing for me, I’ve got escape routes in all directions – the coast, the mountains, and my favorite spot of all, the Columbia River Gorge. Living in Oregon means a change of scenery and social distancing can coexist.
A weekend escape to The Society Hotel Bingen was just what my family needed. Although we spend a lot of time together at home, we’re often in our own rooms, doing our own things, distracted by our devices. A short stay at The Society Hotel was just what we needed to recharge and reconnect.
Accommodations at The Society Hotel Bingen
The Society Hotel occupies the former Bingen School, built more than 80-years ago. The historic schoolhouse now houses the lobby, cafe and guest rooms.
There are a variety of accommodations here – from hostel rooms to hotel rooms. But the cabins are where it’s at for families. There are 20 cabins on property, some sleep up to four people – in a configuration of two queens or a queen with a bunk bed. The cabins have private bathrooms and kitchenettes, too. It’s like a mini home away from home.
Inside your cabin, the furnishings are simple, comfy and clean. If you plan to prepare a meal, you’ll find kitchen essentials like a small fridge, induction burner, toaster oven, dishes, silverware and, perhaps most importantly, a French Press. With a single induction burner, you’re not going to be able to make a big family meal here, so think of something simple like tacos. Or toasted sandwiches and soup. We brought our raclette from home and had an easy meal of meats, cheeses and crusty bread.
There’s a small dining area inside the cabin. We ate our meals and played family games around this table.
Outside your cabin, you’ll also find a picnic table for outdoor dining. And perhaps best of all, a hammock. Yes, your kids will likely fight for control of the hammock like mine did.
There’s no TV inside the cabins, although there is WiFi. We played games, read books and when the kids tired of all that, they snuggled up in the bunk beds to watch a movie on their iPad.
Activities at The Society Hotel Bingen
The Society Hotel Bingen is centrally located in the Columbia Gorge with plenty of outdoor activities in close proximity.
When it comes to water activities, we’re talking kayaking, SUPing, and rafting. The hotel can connect you with nearby outfitters. There’s lots of places to hike nearby. If you visit in winter, you’re not far from Oregon’s Mt. Hood. You can leave the driving to someone else and can catch a shuttle bus to Mt. Hood Meadows to ski or snowboard.
KidTripster Tip: Did you know that Washington has its own Stonehenge? Just about a half-hour away is a full-scale replica of Stonehenge. It serves as a WWI memorial honoring the 14 men from Klickitat County, Washington who died in the war. Sam Hill, the founder of the Maryhill Museum of Art, built Stonehenge in 1918. Stonehenge sits on a bluff overlooking the Columbia River. The views here are impressive. It’s open daily and free to visit. While you’re in the area, consider visiting the museum, too. It has an impressive permanent collection consisting of both European and Native American works of art.
Don’t forget to make the most of your hotel stay, by taking full advantage of the amenities available on-site. Particularly the spa and bathhouse. It’s gorgeous and completely relaxing. There are three pools – cold, warm and hot. The bathhouse is one of the hotel’s best features. Pack your swimsuits because you won’t want to miss this.
Covid-19 Impact: In order to soak safely, the spa is open, following current state regulations and with safety precautions place. It’s limited to 10 users at a time, and by appointment only. Sessions last 60 minutes and the spa is sanitized for 30 minutes between each session. The sauna remains closed. Drinks aren’t currently served at the pool bar
The original gym was restored and now serves as a place to shoot hoops and play games, like foos ball and shuffleboard. This is a great place for kids to get some energy out.
Dining at The Society Hotel Bingen
There’s a small cafe on-site serving pastries, coffee and beverages daily. We enjoyed some really tasty cocktails (a nice change of pace to have someone mix up a drink for us).
On the weekends, the menu expands to include breakfast items, soups and sandwiches.
If you’re gluten-free like me, you’re in luck. The cafe offers some GF treats, too.
There’s a small gift shop serving up local snacks and souvenirs. You can also grab s’mores supplies and take advantage of the outdoor fire pits for a DIY dessert.
You’ll find lots of dining options within a short drive of the hotel. The front desk can provide you with a list of recommended restaurants. Some of our favorite restaurants and breweries are located just across the river, in Hood River. Broder Oest serves Swedish lunch and breakfast inside the historic Hood River Hotel. Solistice Wood Fire Cafe & Bar dishes up pizzas, pastas, and local brews. There are plenty of tasty choices for the whole family. The restaurant is located on the Hood River waterfront, right across from a fun playground.
Getting To The Society Hotel Bingen
The Society Hotel Bingen (210 N Cedar Street in Bingen, Washington) is located about an hour from Downtown Portland.
From Portland, you can get there via I-84 East or via WA-14 East. Bingen is located on the Washington side of the Columbia River across from Hood River, Oregon.
On your way to the hotel, consider visiting Multnomah Falls. It’s Oregon’s tallest waterfall, and one of the state’s most popular tourist attractions.
New in 2021, pets are allowed at The Society Hotel. Four cabins will be designated as dog friendly. Cabins start at $289 a night.
There are many other unique places to stay when visiting the Columbia Gorge. Elevate your stay by going vertical, at the Skamania Lodge Treehouses. Or go off the grid, and crash at the Getaway Pacific Northwest cabins.
The author received a complimentary stay for purposes of this review. All opinions are her own. An Amazon link is provided here for your convenience. KidTripster may received a small commission from your purchase, at no extra cost to you.
