Fodor's Expert Review Ashland Hills Hotel & Suites

Hoteliers Doug and Becky Neuman (who also run the excellent Ashland Springs Hotel and Lithia Springs Resort) have transformed this '70s-era resort into a stylish yet affordable retro-cool compound, retaining the property's fabulous globe lights, soaring lobby windows, and beam ceilings while adding many period-style furnishings. Standard rooms and spacious suites are set in two separate buildings, and its 14 acres include two tennis courts, a pool, a hot tub, fitness rooms, and a restaurant, Luna Cafe, that turns out reasonably priced, farm-to-table pizzas, sandwiches, and other light fare (there's also a market selling gourmet picnic supplies and local beer and wine). In a part of Oregon abundant with cookie-cutter chain properties, this is a refreshingly distinct and fun alternative for value-seeking travelers.