Sylvia Beach Hotel

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A unique place to stay. Perfect for some but not for others.

I really liked staying at the Sylvia Beach hotel, but my man wasn't too crazy about it. Hence the reason I say it's perfect for some but not for others lol. Anyway, what appealed to me most about the hotel is the history of the place, the fact that it's meant for book lovers, and its proximity to the ocean and Historic Nye Beach. Staying there is literally like stepping back in time with no blaring radios, TV, computers (three of the reasons my man didn't like it...he's a gadget addict).

However, if one seeks peace and quiet, then the Sylvia Beach Hotel really and truly is relaxing place to get away from it all. The place is definitely geared towards adults who are also book lovers or authors. As quietness is expected at this hotel, I'd say that the Sylvia Beach Hotel is not an appropriate hotel for those who want to "party" or for families with children under age 14.

There is a common area for people to sit and read, and a very extensive library. Some of the books are autographed to the hotel's owners. I found a 'bonus' area there in the attic with overflow books, puzzles and board games. There's also a really neat "shabby chic" style chaise lounge up there...and there's a view. Perfect for artists for inspiration.

Advice: While they don't ban iPods, CD player, electronic games or laptops, they're not exactly encouraged. However, if you bring such items, then make sure you bring along headphones, too, so as not to disturb the other guests.

What makes the Sylvia Beach Hotel unique is that it's not some cookie-cutter resort kind of place. Each rooms is each named for a specific author and decorated in a style that is suited to the specific author. The last time I stayed there (2007), I stayed in the Edgar Allen Poe room and yeah, it has a pretty freaky vibe to it. There is a REAL metal pendulum above the bed and a stuffed raven, too. My boyfriend and I did hear some strange noises in that room at night. Therefore, we will pick that room NEVERMORE lol.

I had a chance to glance into some of the other themed rooms, though, and the Agatha Christie room while the most expensive room at the hotel is also the most romantic. So very beautifully decorated and has its own patio overlooking the ocean. The Dr. Seuss room is very whimsical in its decor, and I liked the other rooms as well. Each room has a private bathroom in it. Prices depend on the season.

If one is really on a budget there are simple dorm style rooms available for around $25 a night. They have a common bathroom and shower are Quite the deal, and very popular with local writers who need a place to get away to work.

The coffee served there is so-so, but they have an amazing array of Stash teas there, and each night they offer complimentary warm mulled wine. I sat outside on one of the balconies and enjoyed my wine and discovered a great view of both Yaquina Head and Yaquina Bay lighthouses.

There is a restaurant associated with the hotel called Tables of Content. I didn't eat there for dinner,but it sounds fascinating. They serve the meals family-style and they play a game called "Two Truths and A Lie" as an icebreaker for guests. In the morning, the restaurant serves a complimentary full breakfast to guests...the food was plentiful and very delicious.

There is a also very nice gift shop there at the hotel lobby.

Keywords: Non-smoking rooms, Romantic, Just you alone / As a single, Historic, Hotel, US$ 101 - US$ 250, Hostel / Student dormitory, 3 Star, Quiet, Scenic View, Bed and Breakfast, Good for vacation, In the city but not center, Breakfast included (Free), With business partners, As a couple, Parking (Free), As a gay or lesbian, US$ 51 - US$ 100, US$ 26 - US$ 50

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Wonderful getaway

I recently spent a Sunday night and Monday at the Sylvia Beach Hotel with a friend, and it was an amazing experience!

Highlights for me were the 24-hour tea (and coffee) in the kitchen, the attic library, the quiet atmosphere, the great breakfast, and the fact that I did pretty much nothing but read and drink tea for almost 24 hours! Well, I did add about three pieces to the community puzzle project, too.

While there are plenty of author-themed private rooms (~$100+), we stayed in the dorm ($28), which made more sense for us - we figured we wouldn't spend any time in our rooms anyway! The communal living room and attic are the places to be - ocean views, the aforementioned never-ending tea, and plenty of books to dip into. (Although I didn't find an excuse to use it, there is an enormous old dictionary upstairs - the next time I am at a regular hotel, I will ask where the dictionary is, just to see how they react!)

The Sylvia Beach Hotel has redefined lodging for me - ordinary hotels are never going to be as fun again! :-)

Keywords: Handicapped accessible, Non-smoking rooms, Just you alone / As a single, With teens, Historic, As a handicapped traveler, Hostel / Student dormitory, Quiet, Scenic View, Everyone, Bed and Breakfast, Casual, Good for vacation, Breakfast included (Free), As a senior citizen, As a gay or lesbian, US$ 51 - US$ 100, US$ 26 - US$ 50

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Sylvia is a must

Our visit to the historic Sylvia Beach Hotel is remarkable! What a great time we had dining with fellow travelers at a community table while getting to know one another over the host's 'you must play this' game. Over the top with fun! Our rooms were fitting of various authors and we slept comfortably due to the appointments (and the fine meal we'd had). Within steps is Nye Beach - generally a smooth surface upon which to walk and where one can go up or down the coast for miles for a nice workout or picking over seashells. And for a bit of sophistication, check out the Newport Arts scene as there is a studio as well as a performance hall within a block or two.

Keywords: Scenic, Just you alone / As a single, With teens, Historic Site, Interesting, All year, Museum (Art), Historic, Theatre / Opera / Symphony, With kids, As a senior citizen, As a couple, Need a car, Beach / River / Lake, Easy to reach