Cannery Pier Hotel & Spa- Astoria, OR

Alright, I admit it. Not all of my favorite hotels are historic. Most are, but not all. On occasion, a hotel of recent vintage is so unique and impressive, I forgive it for being new. And that certainly describes the Cannery Pier Hotel in Astoria; built on a dock 600 feet into the Columbia River, it is a hotel you will never forget.

Built on 100 year old pilings that formerly supported a fish cannery, every room has a balcony, a magnificent view of the Columbia River, and a pair of binoculars. One look, and you will be hooked. All day, large commercial vessels travel by your window, their decks a flurry of activity. Sea lions, drawn to the docks, can be seen lounging in the water, while cormorants dive beneath the waves. The graceful span of the Astoria-Megler bridge sits right outside your window. Views rarely get better than this.

Every room also has a fireplace as well as a ridiculously soft, plaid Pendelton blanket, virtually ensuring you will never leave the window seat on dreary days. In the height of summer, the small balcony is a lifesaver, as the hotel is not air conditioned, and only one window opens. We were certainly thankful for the bottle of chilled champagne we found waiting in the room for us.

Nighttime at Cannery Pier is a live version of a sound machine set to ocean. You will fall asleep to the soothing sounds of the waves beneath you, punctuated by an occasional sea lion bark. Absolutely hypnotic. Coupled with the breeze off the water, it is likely to be one of the best night’s of sleep you will ever have. Absolutely and utterly relaxing.

It is certainly the kind of hotel that makes you want to stay in your room, no matter how quaint the surrounding town. Not that you shouldn’t explore Astoria- you absolutely should, starting with the riverwalk- just make sure to leave yourself enough time to enjoy the hotel’s setting. Cannery Pier most certainly is not cheap, but it also a hotel you will never forget.