Situated on the Columbia River in Astoria, Oregon, the Bowline Hotel makes relaxing wellness-inspired escapes easy. Photo credit: PORTLANDRONE and Adrift Hospitality.
Not long ago, a friend and I embarked on a wellness-inspired getaway at the Bowline Hotel in Astoria, Oregon. Surrounded by natural beauty and focused on relaxation, it was the perfect escape to recharge both physically and mentally. If you’re looking for a serene, well-being-centered retreat, this place is an absolute must.
Located on the Columbia River, the Bowline Hotel by Adrift Hospitality is a beautifully renovated 40-room property, once a fish processing plant during Astoria’s canning era. Fully converted into a hotel in 2021, it offers breathtaking river views and a peaceful setting to recharge and unwind. You could easily spend your entire stay right here if you wish, but who can resist the charms of Astoria, one of my favorite coastal towns?
Why the Bowline Hotel Works For a Wellness Getaway
- A champagne welcome in the lobby upon arrival
- Spacious rooms
- Private balconies overlooking the river
- Luxurious linens
- Combination of modern and industrial decor with live plants, local artwork
- Curated in-room book collection
- In-room fireplaces
- Free WIFI
- On-site farm-to-table restaurant/bar, the Knot
- Outdoor common spaces with tables, chairs and fire-tables
- Barrel saunas overlooking the river
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What Doesn’t Work as a Wellness Getaway
- Some guests expressed concern about the noise of nearby sea lions. The hotel, however, does offer earplugs and white noise machines in each room. We did not experience any noise from sea lions during our early summer stay.
Guest Rooms at The Bowline Hotel
The light-filled rooms with high ceilings and large windows invite you to take in endless river views. A modern industrial design creates a welcoming atmosphere, but it’s the private patio over the river that captivates. We kept the window open to let in the cool river air and drifted off to sleep with the sound of lapping waves and ships gliding by.
The Knot On-site Restaurant and Bar
The Knot Northwest restaurant and bar offers a menu inspired by Scandinavian flavors, featuring locally sourced ingredients, fresh seafood, and artisanal cocktails. We dined here for breakfast and had the loveliest mimosa board with freshly baked scones, house-made granola, cured meats, cheeses, fresh fruit, and, of course, mimosas. My favorite was the endless supply of French-press coffee and views of the river from every seat. You can also enjoy your meal and coffee on the open-air hotel patio overlooking the water.
Nearby eateries include:
Bowpicker Fish & Chips is known for having some of the best fish and chips around. I make a stop here anytime I am traveling this way. While you might have to wait in line at the outdoor boat that’s permanently docked on land, it’s definitely worth the wait. And whatever you do, don’t make the mistake of not ordering enough. For years, they only took cash, but lucky you, they now accept credit cards, too.
Daphne, an intimate farm-to-table restaurant highlighting the natural beauty and rich offerings of the Pacific Northwest, is a block from the river. Its menu features delicate, seasonal dishes crafted from local ingredients, while an expertly curated selection of wines and beers emphasizes regional producers.
Rogue Pier 39 Public House, a little more than 2 miles by car at historic Pier 39, is worth a visit. The oldest remaining cannery pier on the Columbia River is now home to shops, museums, and eateries like Rogue Public House. We started with the smoked salmon dip and shared an order of Prawns N’ Chips paired with some Rogue Ales Smoked Porter.
Coffee Girl, also located at Pier 39, is a great little spot with an amazing backstory. The name, which honors the women who once served coffee to cannery workers when the building was in operation, adds a unique historical touch. With the original lunch counter where coffee was served, it’s an instant throwback to a bygone era.
Other wellness activities:
Tranquil River Day Spa provides a wide range of soothing spa services. We indulged in luxurious foot baths, which included revitalizing soaks, exfoliating scrubs, hydrating foot masks, and soothing massages. The experience was pure bliss, enhanced with your choice of eucalyptus, orange, lavender, or chocolate aromatherapy, along with complimentary drinks and snacks.
The Astoria Riverwalk runs along the scenic waterfront, just a short walk from the hotel. Take your time exploring the area with its delightful mix of shops, restaurants, galleries, and landmarks. Or hop on the trolley.
Flavel House Museum and Carriage House is the former home of early Columbia Bar Pilot Captain George Flavel. Take a short stroll to learn a bit about the history of the region while taking in the stunning architecture of this beautiful Queen Anne-style home.
The Astoria Column can be reached by hiking the Cathedral Tree-Coxcomb Hill Trail, a perfect way to get some fresh air, a good workout, and take in breathtaking views along the way. Or you can take the easy way up by driving for panoramas that stretch as far as the eye can see.
For more information about Astoria happenings, visit the Astoria Warrenton Chamber of Commerce.
Bowline Hotel Details
The Bowline Hotel Can be found at 1 Ninth Street, in Astoria, OR. From Tacoma, it’s approximately a 2.5-hour drive and about 3 hours from Seattle. Located alongside the Columbia River in downtown, many local attractions and eateries are easily within walking distance. For a visit to places like Pier 39 (a must-see) or the Astoria Column (unless you opt for the walking trail), having a car is recommended. There is plenty of free street parking near the hotel, but we opted for the ease of valet service for an additional charge.
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