Run Oregon loves running – that’s no surprise. But we also love the Pacific Northwest and all that it has to offer. Running is a part of us, but it does not fully define us. In our “Make a Day of It” feature, we aim to showcase some great local non-running events and highlight where to run and how to make the most of your experience! We recently spent a weekend on the coast at the Ashore Hotel in Seaside.
The Ashore Hotel is one seven lodging locations that are part of the Adrift Hospitality portfolio. These locations stretch along the NW Oregon and SW Washington coast and offer up some really cool renovated locations. I love the fact that there are entities who are stepping up to renew and restore old properties to bring in line with current lodging standards. Why rebuild when you can renovate – we love this!
The Ashore Hotel is right in downtown Seaside – mere seconds from the beach and in the heartbeat of everything coastal. When I think of Seaside lodging, I mostly think of vacation rentals, one newly upgraded major hotel chain, or bust. But with this new option, you could hardly ask for a better spot in town.
First the Running:
As a running town, Seaside is probably best known as the finishing location for the famous Hood to Coast Relay. However, the finishing leg through town is not the most exciting one in the relay and, aside from the final stretch, is mostly just a conduit to finishing the epic adventure. However, there are definitely a few other areas to explore on a trip to this coastal town.
One of the best runs in Seaside is the Promenade which runs parallel to the beach. Hood to Coast actually finishes here, although just for a short piece. The entirety of this length is right around 1.5-2 miles (depending on your turnaround location) so a round-trip of 4 miles is in the cards for most of us. It really is a must do, as the views can be really great and access is a breeze. It’s also a mere block from the hotel so just lace up and go!
If you are in the mood for trail running, you don’t actually have to go that far. Just south of town is the access point for the Louis and Clark Discovery Trail which opens up to miles of trail on the bluffs over the Pacific. This trail system is part of the Oregon Coast Trail and will take you up Tillamook Head. You should note that, depending on the season, this trail can be relatively muddy at times. But, we are in Oregon, so we pretty much deal with it – the views are quite worth it.
Our Room at the Ashore Hotel
Ashore Hotel has a modest 22 rooms (all pet-friendly), each with its own unique design inside. Our room (alone with all others) had the staples of a a flat screen TV, DVD player, wireless internet and a small refrigerator. The common areas provided an ice machine and microwave as well. They feature artwork by Giles Clement from his #22Faces Project. Though he is not locally based, his work really brings a brightness and reality to the hotel itself.
We stayed in a Queen Room – a 350 sq. ft. option that has an additional trundle bed and a daybed/seat as well. There was a surprising amount of space and we really felt comfortable with 2 people and a dog (and could have added the rest of the fam too if we really needed to).
There are other rooms as well, including King rooms, Suites, and even a “Suite Plus” that features a bedroom with a king, along with another small room with a set of twin bunk beds, and a sofa in the living room along – making it a perfect option for families or running groups.
The price was also really cost effective, at least in the winter (we are certain that, like everywhere in Oregon, prices rise as the temperature does). Rooms could be found as low as $84 in the days leading up to our trip – an absolute steal.
Refueling at the Ashore Hotel and Seaside
The Ashore Hotel is really in a prime location in Seaside especially when it comes to refueling. Not only does the hotel provide a great place to sleep and relax, the have on-site food options. The Ashore Bar offers brunch and lunch/dinner options with a solid selection of Oregon beers and wines, as well as an in-room options if you aren’t up for leaving. They have partnerships with tons of great local breweries, wineries, and PNW companies that really give it an impressive local feel.
If you are looking to refuel in other ways, there is a small on-site pool and a dry sauna if you need a little bit of a wind down. Or if you just want to go explore The Prom on wheels, you can check out bikes and helmets right at the front desk.
There are also a variety of packages that can add a little refueling fun to your trip, and actually decided to check out the Bonfire Package which came with cans of wine, a s’mores kit (from 1927 S’mores in PDX), firewood, newspaper and a beach blanket. It was a special memory for my youngest kiddo and myself.
While its obvious that you can have all your needs met within the hotel itself, there are a few ideal spots if you are wanting a change of pace. I was going to recommend them anyways, but realizing that they were literally ALL a minuscule walking distance from the hotel made it even better.
Sisu Beer Is a cool spot to check out for food and beer. This brewery is housed within a converted theater and they have events on the stage and screen from time to time throughout the year. It is less than a block away from the hotel.
The Funland Seaside Arcade is a surprisingly modernized and fun spot to take the little ones – or jump back in nostalgia with some gameplay yourself. It’s a huge spot right in the heart of downtown with two large rooms of ticket-earning games, as well as even a few that are a blast from the past. My 5 year old thought it was just about the most amazing thing ever.
Overall
The Ashore Hotel is highly recommended by us! The staff were all quite amazing and helpful and we could not have asked for a better stay. Everything was comfortable and clean, and we felt right at home. You may want to consider getting a room or two following HTC this year, or better yet just take a jaunt over and check them out. We don’t think you will be disappointed.
The Ashore Hotel Details:
Instagram | Facebook
Address:
- 125 Oceanway Street Seaside, OR 97138
Phone:
- 503.568.7506
More about the Ashore Hotel:
The idea behind creating Ashore is simple. We know it’s important to get away for a while, but we don’t think getting away should mean leaving yourself behind. With us, we want you to feel at home. Whatever your reason for escaping the daily grind – whether that’s relaxation, a solo retreat, or an adventure in the great outdoors – we’ve created a space which allows you to be yourself. To create an experience which is unique to you.
Many thanks to the Ashore Hotel for allowing us to check out their property! Please read our transparency page for info on how we do our reviews.
