Unbelievable Ashland Escape: Ashland Springs Hotel Awaits!
Unbelievable Ashland Escape: Ashland Springs Hotel Awaits! (Or Does It?) - A Messy, Honest, and Mostly Wonderful Review.
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your average cookie-cutter hotel review. We're going deep. Because, let's be real, sometimes you're not just looking for a place to crash, you're looking for an experience. And, well, the Ashland Springs Hotel… it definitely is an experience.
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- Keywords: Ashland Springs Hotel, Ashland OR, Hotel Review, Spa Hotel, Accessible Hotel, Romantic Getaway, Family Friendly Hotel, Oregon Hotels, Historic Hotel, Ashland Oregon, Lithia Park, Theater District, Fine Dining, Wheelchair Accessible, Free Wi-Fi, Spa, Swimming Pool, Restaurant, Bar, Accessible Restaurants, On-site Parking.
- Meta Description: A brutally honest and detailed review of the Ashland Springs Hotel in Ashland, Oregon. Discover what's amazing, what's meh, and what's downright quirky about this historic hotel. We delve into accessibility, amenities, dining, and the overall experience. From the plush bathrobes to the potential for ghost sightings (maybe), we’ve got you covered.
- Category: Hotels, Travel, Reviews, Oregon.
First Impressions & The Grand Entrance (or, "Where's the Elevator?!")
Walking into the Ashland Springs Hotel is like stepping back in time… in a truly impressive way. It’s gorgeous. Seriously. The lobby is all chandeliers, plush carpets, and that smell… you know, that classic, "old-hotel-but-clean" smell? Yeah, I was digging it. The staff, bless their hearts, were super friendly and helpful – from the get-go. Especially helpful when my luggage got hilariously stuck on the wrong floor. "Don't worry, happens all the time!" the bellhop said with a knowing wink. Okay, then!
Accessibility: A Bit of a Mixed Bag…with Beautiful Views
Now, I need to be honest: accessibility is a bit of a mixed bag. They say it's wheelchair accessible, and technically, yes, they have an elevator. However, navigating the hallways, and some of the public areas, was a bit of a squeeze. My companion, bless her heart, found it a little challenging to maneuver in certain spaces. Important Note: While I don’t use assistive devices myself, I observed a few instances of less-than-ideal maneuvering in certain areas. Don't get me wrong, the staff were eager to help. This is a historic building, so it's just not perfect.
I really appreciated that the hotel had accessible rooms, and a good effort was made. There is a car park on site, and if your lucky, you can park close to the entrance. There is an elevator that can get you to the rooms.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa Day Dreams & Poolside Realities
Okay, let's talk about the good stuff: the spa. Oh, the Spa! I went full-on indulgence mode, and I am NOT ashamed. The massage? Bliss. Pure, unadulterated bliss. I opted for the "Deep Tissue - Get the knots out" package. I was told I had some serious knots… I now have my first massage on the books for next week. The pool with a view? Stunning. Seriously. The pool itself wasn't huge, but the view of the valley just swallowed you whole. I seriously considered just moving in. The Sauna and Steamroom were lovely additions too.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: From Sushi to Soup (and everything in between)
The Ashland Springs Hotel boasts a decent array of dining options. The restaurant, Lark's Restaurant, was excellent, offering a nice dinner experience and great food, with a solid wine list. The Asian Cuisine element, I thought, was particularly well-executed. But I am a big believer in Asian cuisine, so I may be biased!!
I was happy to see the Poolside Bar had a nice selection of drinks and was a great place to relax and chill during the day. I really liked the menu and was impressed by the bartender's knowledge of spirits. There is also a Coffee Shop on site.
The Breakfast Buffet was pretty standard, with the usual suspects – scrambled eggs, bacon, pastries. Nothing earth-shattering, but perfectly acceptable. Plus, the coffee was strong, which is essential.
Cleanliness and Safety: Sanitized & Sparkling (Mostly)
Look, we’re living in… a time. So, I paid extra attention to cleanliness. I was happy to see that they were taking cleanliness and safety protocols seriously. Lots of hand sanitizer stations, staff wearing masks (and being friendly about it!), and the whole shebang. Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, and room sanitization between stays were all in place. I noticed that the tables in the restaurants were well-spaced and the staff were diligent about wiping everything down. I felt pretty safe and secure.
The Room: Plush Robes & Potential Ghost Hunters?
The room itself was a treat. The Blackout curtains were divine (crucial for a good night's sleep). The Bed was comfy (extra-long bed, even better!). The bathrobes? Oh, the bathrobes! They were so fluffy and amazing, I pretty much lived in them. The satellite/cable channels were well-stocked, and the free Wi-Fi was a reliable connection. There was a refrigerator and a coffee/tea maker.
However, the most interesting thing about the room? My companion swears she sensed a presence. Now, I'm not much of a believer in the paranormal… but the hotel does have a long history. Maybe, just maybe, those creaks in the night weren't just old pipes… (cue spooky music).
Services and Conveniences: From Concierge to Cash Withdrawal
The hotel offers a decent range of services. The Concierge was incredibly helpful in providing useful information. They also have a Gift shop, for those all-important souvenirs. The Elevator was a lifesaver, though, as mentioned, sometimes a slow lifesaver. There is Car parking on-site (which saved me from a parking struggle). You can also use the Cash withdrawal service which is very handy!.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly Fun
The hotel is Family / Child friendly, while I didn't have any kids with me, I did observe some families, enjoying the hotel atmosphere and enjoying themselves.
Getting Around: Where Are We Going Again?!
The Hotel offers Airport Transfer services and Taxi Services.
My Overall Verdict: Worth the Whirl?
Okay, so, the Ashland Springs Hotel? It’s a winner. It's not perfect. It's quirky. It's historic. It's the kind of place that leaves a lasting impression, whether you're marveling at the architecture, enjoying a spa treatment, or hearing those ahem potential ghostly murmurs in the night.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Just be prepared for a slightly less-than-perfect accessibility experience, and embrace the charming imperfections. It's part of the magic. And, hey, maybe you'll even get to see a ghost! (Just kidding… probably.)
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. (Subtracting a star for a few accessibility glitches.) But honestly, it's a solid 4.5 in my book…and definitely an “experience” that I’ll be talking about for a while! Now, back to those bathrobes…
Escape to Paradise: Adults-Only Cabo Vista Hotel Awaits
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this itinerary isn't going to be your polished, perfectly-planned travel brochure. This is a diary of potential joy, likely mishaps, and hopefully, a whole lot of laughs, all nestled within the beautiful, slightly kooky confines of the Ashland Springs Hotel. Let's get this show on the road… or, you know, started at the hotel.
Ashland Springs Hotel: A Messy, Maybe Magical, Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and the Intimate Embrace of Victorian Charm (and Mild Panic)
Afternoon (ish): Arrive at Ashland Springs Hotel. Okay, first impressions? Whoa. It's… grand. Like, old-money-had-a-field-day-decorating grand. The lobby? Feels like you've wandered onto a movie set. I'm instantly overwhelmed in a good, slightly breathy way.
- First hurdle: Finding the parking, I mean, I'm terrible at it, so it took me about 20 minutes to park the car. I finally ended up parking in a space that I think, maybe was for hotel guests. Pray for me.
- Second hurdle: Check-in. My usual charm (read: flailing awkwardness) didn't entirely win over the impeccably dressed (and slightly intimidating) front desk clerk. I think I accidentally called her "ma'am" about five times.
- Room Rundown: Okay, the room. It's a vibe. Think high ceilings, antique furniture, and a claw-foot tub that's begging for bubbles and questionable decisions. I'm already calculating the optimal angle for a selfie.
- Impression: I am absolutely, positively going to accidentally knock something over in here.
- Anecdote: The hotel's elevator, I swear, it's plotting against me. It's a tiny, creaky thing that has a mind of its own. It took me three tries to get to my floor, and I'm pretty sure it gave me the side-eye. I felt like it was mocking me.
Early Evening: Wander around Ashland (yay!). Explore the quaint parks, the cute shops, and the (inevitable) Starbucks. I'm a creature of habit, what can I say? The town is adorable. I am tempted to wear a sunhat.
Dinner: Tonight, I'll dine at Larks Home Kitchen Cuisine. I've read amazing things about this restaurant, and I've heard that they're not too bad. The atmosphere is supposed to be romantic. I will use this opportunity to attempt to be sophisticated. Probably fail.
Nightcap (and potential existential crisis): Back at the hotel, in the bar. I'm going to ask the bartender, if they have some weird obscure cocktail. I want something I've never had before. Might also involve some journaling. Or staring dramatically out the window. Or both. The goal is to feel like I'm in a novel.
Day 2: Shakespeare, Spills, and the Search for a Decent Coffee
Morning: Wake up in a Victorian bed. I feel like a queen. The light is gorgeous. I'm almost certain I heard the ghost of a famous actor sighing happily at the window.
- Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel. Pray for good coffee. And for me to not embarrass myself by spilling something on the pristine tablecloth.
- Shakespeare Festival! This is why I came! Okay, I'm not a huge theater person, but Ashland is the Shakespeare Festival. This whole thing is a dream come true. I'll start with a matinee performance, probably some comedy to ease me in.
- Oh, the outfits! I will definitely people-watch. I'm already scouting for the most eccentric hat and the most flamboyant scarf. The people-watching is at least half the fun, especially when I'm this out of my element.
Afternoon: Post-theater wanderings. Explore more of Ashland. Maybe I can find some local art galleries.
- Incident: I'm fairly certain I got hopelessly lost. I also may have tripped over a cobblestone. My pride is more bruised than me. Maybe next time I should stick to the main road.
- Coffee Quest: The hotel coffee, while not dreadful, is hardly a life-affirming experience. I'm on a mission for a truly great cup of coffee. Any recommendations are highly appreciated.
Evening:
- Dinner: Tonight, I want something casual. Maybe a good burger and fries at a local tavern. My soul craves comfort food after my minor breakdown. So, I'd love to find some cozy pubs.
- Second play! Another play! Hopefully, I'll understand the plot a bit better this time. I'm relying on the pre-show cliff notes. I'm also hoping to make a mental note of the locations of the exits, just in case. I'm not a fan of a dramatic exit, but you never know.
Day 3: Adventure, Regret, and the Longing for Home (and Maybe a Good Cup of Tea)
Morning: Oh god, it's time to leave. I don't want to go.
- Last Chance: I'm going to try again to conquer the elevators. Wish me luck.
- Final Breakfast: One more chance for a decent hotel breakfast! And another opportunity to not spill anything.
- One final walk: Spend a final hour at the hotel, and say goodbye to some of the beautiful things within the hotel that are not mine.
Departure: The airport, I hate it, but I will have to say goodbye to the hotel, and go on to my next adventure!
In Conclusion (aka My Rambling Thoughts):
Ashland, you weird and wonderful place. The Ashland Springs Hotel? A relic of a bygone era, filled with charm and little quirks. This trip was a mix of highs and lows, triumphs and minor humiliations. But overall? Absolutely worth it. Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Just be prepared to embrace the mess and laugh at the imperfections. And for the love of all that is holy, learn how to parallel park before you go.
I'll be back. I'm already dreaming of that clawfoot tub. And maybe, just maybe, I'll finally master the elevator. (Or at least, make peace with its quirky personality.)
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