mimi1968

We will be heading to the Oregon Coast in 2 weeks time and are booking a hotel in Lincoln City for the first night there. We would like to play the rest of our week there by ear - is it a mistake not to book hotels for the other evenings and taking a chance that a hotel at whatever location we are at might have availability? We are probably looking to stay at between 2 - 3 star hotels. Thanks!

Andrew

September is still "in season" on the Oregon Coast (and usually a great time to visit) but less busy than the summer when the kids are out of school so you may be OK after Labor Day winging it. Friday and Saturday nights will be harder. During the week, unless you hit a town that has some sort of big event or festival, I can't imagine you will have trouble finding a place last minute.

There aren't many nice hotels along the Oregon Coast if you want 2-3 star hotels. You could probably list all of the nicer hotels for the entire coast on one side of a piece of paper. Other than a few larger cities, most of the Oregon Coast towns are tiny. Most hotels/motels are in the 1-star range.

If you want to save a few bucks, pick up one of those hotel coupon books at places like McDonalds when you arrive - even the nicer hotels will usually offer good discounts for Sun-Thur stays. Try HotelCoupons.com .

Pick up an AAA tourbook for Oregon to get easy access to the hotels to make it easier to "wing it." I also highly recommend you get AAA's Oregon Coast Tour Map.

Andrew

happytrailstoyou

Andrew's experience is the same as mine.

Another problem is that most places require cancellation three, five or more days before arrival. I think there is no reason to tie yourself down unless you are certain where you want to be on specific days and exactly where you want to stay. Otherwise, your better off shopping.

Also, I am curious why you have chosen Lincoln City as your destination.

mimi1968

Thanks for the info Andrew and Happy Trails! We've chosen LIncoln City as one place to stay as my dad likes the casino, so we're using that as a one-night stop.

beachbum

I'll chime in agreement with Andrew and happytrails. Which direction are you heading from Lincoln City? I'd think that going south, you'll have an easier time finding accommodations, but north is where you'll find nicer hotel/motel/B&B options.

mimi1968

We'll be heading down to the Gold Beach area - and were considering even driving down into California a bit - can you see any of the Redwood Forest just past the Oregon/California border?

Other than that, it's a pretty laid back trip - stop wherever we please and will be heading up towards the Astoria area before going back home to Alberta via Vancouver, BC.

beachbum

If you just need a taste of the redwoods, drive into California to hwy 199, only 15 miles or so, then NE on 199 to 197, and back to the coast. The short stretch on 199 will take you through a couple redwood groves.

Andrew

Yes, Highway 199 is a nice drive from Crescent City back up to Grant's Pass. You'll get a taste of the Redwoods. But DO NOT be tempted to take 299 from Eureka over the mountains to Redding!!! This looks like an easy drive on a map, but it is an extremely windy, hilly, slow drive (beautiful though). I've done this drive twice and hope never to do it again unless it is the ONLY driving I will be doing that day!

FYI, I don't think there are any really nice hotels in Gold Beach itself. Crescent City may be the best place to find a nicer hotel if you head that far south - otherwise you'll probably be in a motel. Check out AAA's listings or go to Orbitz.com - perhaps my memory is failing me.

Andrew

sunbum1944

Last time I was in Gold Beach we stayed at Gold Beach Resort in a condo- it was quite nice with a deck overlooking the ocean and trail down to the beach -

or you could treat yourself and stay where Beachbum stayed at the Tu Tu Tun Lodge- but you would definately need a reservation for that one.

I live in Eugene but am a fellow Canadian- from Saskatchewan.
Have a great trip

beachbum

Yeah sunbum, Tu Tu'Tun is a treat by just about any measure. My wife is already planning to return.

I thought about you when driving 101 between Newport and Florence. It is pretty nice. If only someone would light a fire to that Sea Lion Caves building...

sunbum1944

Beachbum- I have been to the Sea Lion Caves more times than I care to remember- visitors always want to go - I vowed I would never go again but this summer- Canadian relatives wanted to go and I was going to back out but heard there were over 100 sealions in the cave so I have to admit- I went again - and it was pretty amazing to see so many in the cave at one time - but that was absolutely THE LAST TIME!!!

Its fun to see the sealions in Newport as you mentioned - but sometimes they go south to California and there are none there -

Sounds like you had a great trip!!

April

Sorry to butt in on the thread but Sunbum1944, is there anywhere to rent a car in Eugene other than at the airport? And if you were going to the coast for a quick overnight trip that didn't involve too much driving, where might you go?

sunbum1944

There is Kendall rent a car - 242- 5820
and Eugene Van and car rental 342- 6161

When I go to the coast for a weekend we usually go to Yachats or Waldport
In Yachats we stay have stayed at the OverLeaf or the Fireside

April

Thanks. Any preference between the OverLeaf or Fireside? Is the OverLeaf nicer?

beachbum

April,

I've not stayed at the Fireside, but stayed at Overleaf last week. If you click on my name, you'll find a trip report. Judging by what I saw, the Adobe appeared maybe the nicest place around Yachats, but we thought the Overleaf was fine. I've never stayed in a place quite so close to the surf though, so from our groundfloor room, it was almost a little unnerving to be separated from the ocean by a scant few feet of elevation and distance.

You don't say when you're planning to go. Part of the Overleaf is under construction right now, but it really didn't bother us. In fact, they delivered delivered the complimentary breakfast to our room rather than serving it in their common area room.

April

Perhaps the Adobe is worth consideration then. Will be in the area mid Sept. I'll check out your report, beachbum. Thanks.

sunbum1944

I just realized its the Adobe we usually stay at - not the Fireside (although I have stayed there once)
The Overleaf is the nicest of the 3.

The Adobe does have some suites with nice balconys and a fireplace that I have enjoyed staying in.

Also have stayed at the Driftwood Shores in Florence which is pretty nice- but havent stayed there recently.

April

The Adobe and Driftwood Shores might be too large and 'conferencey' for me. Overleaf may be our best bet then... unless you know anything similar to Eugene's wonderful Campbell House Inn, but out on the coast.

sunbum1944

If its a B&B you are looking for - there are several along the coast although I have never stayed at any of them
Sea Quest is one I hear recommended -
right on the ocean -

April

Not a B&B necessarily but just anywhere good. Thanks again.