The Lightwell Hotel & Spa in Hood River, Oregon, is the perfect retreat for travelers seeking tranquility and connection in a stunning setting.
Highlights
- Incredible Atmosphere: Upon entering, guests are greeted by a beautifully restored lobby that blends historic charm with modern comfort, including a warm fireplace and captivating décor, creating a relaxing ambiance.
- Unique Wellness Amenities: Guests can enjoy plush spa robes, spacious relaxation areas and a delightful solar-heated hot tub—perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.
- Culinary Indulgence: The on-site restaurant serves Mediterranean-inspired dishes made from fresh, local ingredients, offering a range of dining experiences right at your doorstep.
The writer was hosted.
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Welcome to Hood River, Oregon’s newest wellness destination. Opening the aged original hardwood doors and walking into the lobby of the Lightwell Hotel & Spa, I immediately began to relax. From the fire burning in the original fireplace in the lobby living room to the exposed brick walls, historic photos and paintings by local artists, it is easy to see the care and love that went into restoring this property. I am a solo traveler aged over 50+ visiting to enjoy a mini wellness getaway. The moment I saw the incredibly Instagrammable hot tub on the hotel’s website, I knew I had to visit.
- Luxurious Wellness Amenities – plush spa robes in the room, an ample relaxation space with a pool-size hot tub and a giant sauna.
- Rooftop Bar – The first in Hood River with stunning views of the Columbia River Gorge.
- Full Service Hotel – The first full-service hotel in downtown Hood River in over 100 years.
- Mini Art Museum – The restaurant and lobby bar restrooms are in the basement. Each one is a work of art created by a local artist. A unique art venue, so make sure to check each one out.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Visit during the shoulder season, November through April. The hotel and the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area are much less crowded.
A New Chapter for the Lightwell Hotel & Spa: My First Impression of the Restoration
Owner and contractor Carrington Barrs speaks with passion when conducting tours of the hotel’s restoration. The former Waucoma Hotel, constructed in 1904, was one of the first brick buildings in Hood River. By the 1970s, the building was a shadow of its former self and no longer served as a hotel. Barrs, along with partners Loch Litwer and Gabe Genauer, worked tirelessly to bring their vision to life, along with VIP Hospitality Group. I loved their modern take on this historic building. They preserved its historic charm with unique details, such as turning the roof of the old elevator car into a chandelier over the front desk and using the original brick walls to add a sense of history.
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Lightwell skylight – The hotel got its name from this architectural feature in the restaurant. Historically, this shaft allowed light and air into the interior rooms.
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Missoula Flood stone – The basement was expanded deeper to create room for the spa. The walls are stone from the Missoula flood, creating a cavelike feel.
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Historic Photos – Historic photos are part of the decor, and many were used during the restoration. A historic negative of the building’s exterior helped restore the rooftop deck.
Accommodations at the Lightwell Hotel & Spa
The hotel offers 69 guest rooms and suites, many with views of the Columbia River Gorge. I stayed in the gorgeous Sandbar Suite. With a separate living room with a wet bar and a large spa-type shower, I was in wellness heaven. This room was made for relaxing.
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Plush cloud-soft bedding – My bed was seriously comfortable.
Steam showers – Both rain and side shower heads add a spa feeling to the shower.
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No carpet – Perfect when participating in outdoor activities. Rooms have places to store wet and bulky outdoor gear.
Decor – These rooms are not cookie-cutter, each one is thoughtfully decorated with fishing baskets, vintage books and works by local artists.
Dining at the Lightwell Hotel & Spa: Mediterranean Flavors Equal Wellness Win
Visiting during the soft opening limited my dining options, but I didn’t miss out. Noshing on housemade hummus served with pita bread, chips and roasted vegetables at the Lobby Bar, I wondered how this could be bar snacks. I loved the cozy community spaces. The Lobby Bar turns into a great spot to enjoy a cup of coffee or cozy up to the fire in the living room.
Lobby Bar – Even on a Tuesday night, this place is hopping. Lots of locals hanging out. I enjoyed selections from the most unique bar menu I have ordered from. Fresh items with a Mediterranean flair. A lamb and beef burger is the closest thing to typical bar fare.
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Rooftop at the Lightwell – Hood River’s first rooftop bar does not disappoint. It is the perfect place to apres (a Pacific Northwest snack and beverage after outdoor activities).
Basecamp – Where to get a light breakfast and coffee. The shop also carries grab-and-go options to pack a picnic lunch to enjoy while exploring the gorge.
Alia – I toured the space and this gorgeous Mediterranean-themed restaurant will be a great addition to the local dining experience. Fresh PNW ingredients will be used to create seasonal, shareable meals. Think whipped feta with house-made pickled vegetables or Columbia River salmon.
A Look at the Lightwell Spa Experience
Wow, the spa hot tub is stunning. As you can tell from my photo, I achieved my wellness goal of relaxing. The treatment rooms in the spa have soothing forest green walls with wood furnishings and rock walls. I had the sense of forest bathing in a cave. The large sauna emits steamy heat when pouring water on the heater. I was pleasantly surprised to enjoy this entire space to myself.
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Elevators – Whisk you to the basement level. Leave your room in your spa robe without having to traipse through the lobby.
Spa – It’s small but has solo and couple treatment rooms. Once it is fully opened, treatments and massages will be available as well as group wellness retreats.
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Free – No charge for hotel guests to use the spa amenities
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Reservations – Are a must for spa treatments
SheBuysTravelTip: The spa amenities are co-ed. I visited right after I checked in, which is a less busy time.
The Adventure Lounge – Gateway to Fun, Food and Wellness in the Columbia River Gorge
First Nation Tours runs the Adventure Lounge at the Lightwell Hotel & Spa. The company offers a variety of upscale tours and custom experiences. Enjoy the outdoors with transportation in luxury vehicles. Head out for a couple of hours or spend the whole day exploring the area. I like my adventure with wine and First Nation Tours delivers. If you are a foodie, the company can take you wild foraging and then enjoy chef-created delights from your haul.
- Solo Traveler aged 50+ Approved – The perfect way to explore and meet new people
- Wine and Waterfalls – Explore the famous gorge waterfalls and boutique wineries. What a great combination.
- Full Wellness Day – Yoga, meditation, forest bathing and so much more
- Adventure Sports – Kayak, SUP, wind sports and cycling
Wellness Suggestions To Pack
When I take a solo wellness trip, I love to bring spa items like bougie skin care products, hair masks and other spa treatments to enjoy in my room. Grab a good book, slap on a face and hair mask and relax while you beautify. Here are some of my favorites:
- Oka-B Flipflops – My favorite, these are American-made, top quality and super cute
- Kerstin Florian Algae Gel Mask – Such a soothing, moisturizing product
- Kitsch Aluminum Heat Cap – Holds heat in to improve the effectiveness of a hair mask
- Everist Deep Conditioning Concentrate – I love this product and consistently rebuy it.
Lightwell Hotel & Spa – Need To Know
My visit took place during the shoulder season, when the town of Hood River and the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area are typically less busy, especially on weekdays.
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What’s Open – Verify with the hotel what facilities and amenities are available during your stay.
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Weather – Pacific Northwest weather varies considerably; in one day, it can be sunny, rainy or snowy. Pack accordingly.
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Noise – The hotel floor was quiet, but know that the Columbia River Gorge wind can be noisy, as can I-84 traffic. The hotel provides earplugs, but light sleepers may want to bring a sound machine.
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Room Size – This is a historic hotel, so room size varies, with some even having “tiny” in the name. Prices reflect the size. When booking the room, the photos accurately show the room size.
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Parking – Currently, only street parking is available. This is expected to change before the summer season, with dedicated parking available. There are a few spaces available in front of the hotel for unloading and check-in.
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Solo Traveler aged 50+ – I felt very comfortable and safe during my entire visit. The staff at the hotel ensured I had everything I needed during my stay. A solo trip doesn’t need to be lonely.
Portland Airport – The Lightwell Hotel & Spa is a scenic one-hour drive from the airport.
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