(Sorry if this is repeated -- I don't think my first try ended up in Oregon!)

I'm heading to Ashland in about 10 days and trying to find the right place to stay for a night or two. I'm looking at the Plaza and Stratford Inn. (I've found inexpensive rates for both -- $59 and $55 per night.) I've got 2 kids - ages 11 and 15. Any opinions?

You should have no difficulty getting a cheap room in Ashland at this time; the town is well equipped to handle large summer crowds. I see the Super 8 near the highway is going for about $50 and the well-situated, downtown BW Bard can be had for $72.

You have two responses from your previous thread. Click on my screen name and you will find it. Definitely stay at the Plaza with the kids! It's a gorgeous property, walking distance to town, jacuzzi, etc. Get a suite so you will have lots of room with the kids! ***kim***

Belated thanks! We had a great trip. By coincidence, we hit plays during their preview performances, so even got discount tickets! I think I may do this every year.

Where did you stay? Did you like it?

Sorry not to have replied earlier. We had a great trip!

We drove from SF to Ashland, stopping at Redding to stretch our legs and see Turtle Bay Exploration Park and the Sundial Bridge. It was a nice break, and even though we left there near their closing time, got to Ashland in time for dinner. We stayed at the Strafford Inn, which was incredibly convenient -- we didn't drive again until it was time to leave! We walked around town during the day; the glass blowers were fascinating, and we spent a lot of time there. Back at the hotel, we swam at the indoor pool. It wasn't the classiest place I've ever stayed, but for the price it was a great deal!

We're returning to Ashland again this summer, and with only my older son we'll see more serious plays. Got a room this time at the Plaza for only $99. I'll post after that trip to let you know how the two places compare.

How did you manage that $99 at the Plaza this time of year (unless a Monday night?). I booked three rooms there for the end of July 6 months ago and the cheapest room I could get was $143.10 on a special senior or AAA rate. The other two rooms are $161. each, as they only had one standard room and the other two are Executive Kings. I've checked off and on for six months and have not been able to do better. In fact, now they are fully booked for our dates the end of July. Incidentally the Ashland Springs Hotel was fully booked for our July dates when I called in December!

Yeah, how did you do that? We just stayed there last Tues. night at $179 for the Executive King. We actually liked the EK room better than the Spa Suite that we usually stay in. Much more room and I like the panoramic views from the windows in that room. No balcony, tho. We are now on our 8th stay, two more stays and we get a free room. In March we stayed in the spa suite for about $99/night so they really hike up the prices in the summer here, but it's a great place.

Patrick, also a love the Springs. My daughter said they have a new restaurant now. No more Bull's Eye Bistro, it's called Larks I believe. Have to give it a try next time we're in Ashland the end of the month. ***kim***

What are your reviews of the Springs, None of their packages are available so its at $169/ night, worth it? Also any good dinner spots to suggest, will be going to a play in the evening so something close to the theatre. Cuisine type optional. Looking for something nice but not over the top pricey.

Well, I may be biased, I'm a huge fan of Ashland Springs. We first started staying there when they opened and I was hooked, but I'm a huge Historic Hotel fan. The lobby is just gorgeous and tho the rooms may be small (too small when we travel with teens in tow) they are very nicely appointed. The mezzanine level is so nice for their breakfast in the morning. I also really like the location, walking distance to everything.

We recently had a great meal at Peerless in Ashland. You will have to drive a few minutes to get there, tho. It is located on 265 4th St. Right up the street from the Springs is Chateaulin. www.chateaulin.com Another place we really like. Fixed price menus for $32/pp which include two glasses of wine. Always good here.

Quinz has great food, but we ran into a big service problem here, waiting almost 45 minutes for our salad. Once the food was out, we enjoyed the meatballs, duck breast and a very good seafood paella. Dining room is small but nice. Any other specific questions, feel free to ask. We'll be back in Ashland again in a couple of weeks. Still have to try Sammy's in Talent one of these days! ***kim***

I think one of the best restaurants (kind of old fashioned classic French with a few newer twists) is Chateaulin, which is right in front of the festival. It is a bit pricey but they have a special fixed price deal which is a great bargain, especially with the wines, which are very nice selections.

I also love KatWok, which is practically next door (or maybe right next door). Good Asian dishes.

The Ashland Springs really is a lovely hotel. While the regular rooms are not spacious, they are beautifully furnished and very comfortable. We'd have stayed there again this year if they had any availability, but they did not. The price seems high, but let's face it -- all of them are during the festival.


Meanwhile, we're all waiting to find out about that great price at the Plaza!

www.ashlandspringshotel.com is the website for those who are curious about this hotel. Enjoy! ***kim***

I agree with the recommendations for Chateaulain, Kat Wok and Peerless. Two others within walking distance of Ashland Springs Hotel and the Shakespeare Festival are Tabu -( Latino Nuevo) at 76 N. Pioneer St. and Amuse (slightly more formal like Peerless) at 15 N. 1st St.

Sorry to be so late in replying -- I just saw the questions tonight. I booked the room through hotels.com. Definitely needed 2 beds in the room so I called and they said a 2-bed room was available. Then I got a confirmation of the room, stating they couldn't guarantee the 2 beds! All worked out (I think -- we go later this week) because I called the Plaza directly and they made note of this on my reservation.

Will report back when we return!

I've had good luck with that website also. We just returned from a stay at the Plaza, we had the standard room this stay since we were arriving late and leaving early in the am for Portland. Wouldn't want to get that room again after being spoiled by the nice Executive King and Spa Suite rooms. Very small room, no robes, no view of the creek, but our room was just steps from the jacuzzi that was nice. ***kim***

We weren't in the Spa or Executive room, but it was fine for us! Maybe I wasn't spoiled, so settled for less, but our room was average size with a large bath. Our room may not have been typical, though -- it looked like it was an ADA room.