TL;DR
- Riverside retreat: Boutique hotel set in a former fish-processing plant, stylishly reimagined.
- Local favorite: Onsite bar “The Knot” is one of Astoria’s go-to cocktail spots.
- Unique amenities: Cedar-barrel saunas, fireplaces, and river views.
- Check prices here
Off the central streets of Astoria, Oregon, tucked along the riverside, there’s a little white box of a boutique hotel called the Bowline.
If you’re looking for something hip, unique, and by the water, this is your chance. The hotel bar is a local favorite for a fancy drink, the amenities unique and super-cool.
The building was a fish-processing plant, and the hotel does a good job of toning down the horrifying aspects of this and talking up the interesting ones.
You’ve got moody but subtle photography, quick references in the name of the rooms, but nothing too…fishy.
Ultimately, the scales will come off, and you’ll be left with a comfy, chic hotel you’ll be excited to come back to.
What are the rooms like?
- Total rooms: 40, with either city or river views.
- Top pick: River View rooms overlooking boats and waterway.
- Options: King, Luxe King, Buoy Suites, and Ice House rooms on the pier.
- Style: Bright whites, deep blues, natural woods, and antique touches.
- Amenities: Coffee/tea, mini fridges, TVs, fireplaces; some with balconies or soaking tubs.
- See each room in detail here
Rooms are pretty varied, most divided by view. There are windows that face out towards the river, to the boats moving by, and those that face the city.
These trolley-view rooms look to the Riverwalk Trail and the somewhat empty city beyond.
They’re not horrible, but the River View is definitely what you want to go for, if you get the chance.
There are King rooms, Luxe Kings, Buoy Suites, and rooms in the nearby Ice House.
The Ice House is set further out on the pier, with a suite on the first floor and two King rooms above.
Decor is quite nice, with natural wood accents, bright whites and deep blues creating a fresh palette and relaxed atmosphere.
Furnishing are sophisticated, with touches of antique glam and chic leather.
All rooms feature coffee and tea capabilities, mini fridges, TVs, and fireplaces. Many rooms have other amenities like private balconies, soaking tubs and, fireplaces.
What are prices like?
And what’s the food like? Any facilities we should know about?
- The Knot Bar: Scandinavian-inspired food, American-style cocktails.
- Dining: Small plates and breakfast options available.
- Social spots: Outdoor firepit area with hot drinks and cocktails.
- Unique: Two cedar-barrel saunas overlooking the river.
The onsite bar, The Knot, is a darling of a super-cool post-industrial riverside hangout.
The cuisine is Scandinavian, the cocktails American as they come, full of tequila-based twists on classics and local flavors.
The menu is mostly shared plates, but they do have breakfast options if you want to take your most stylish robe for a short walk.
There’s an outdoor common area as well, which can often be a bit rainy, but holds up to the cold well with a fire pit and a hot coffee/tea/toddy.
Finally, we’re looking at the two cedar-barrel saunas out on the pier. They face the river, with a cursory screen from some potted trees to give you just an once of privacy.
How is the neighborhood? Anything interesting nearby?
- Nearby museums: Columbia River Maritime Museum, Oregon Film Museum, and Flavel House.
- Scenic walks: Along the Riverwalk Trail or up to Astoria Column for panoramic views.
- Cafés & restaurants: Scattered across town, with a standout spot at Coffee Girl café on the pier.
It’s not the coolest part of town, but we’ll give it a pass for the river views. You have to walk a bit through the emptier bits of the city to get to the fun stuff, but it’s an easy stroll.
Once you get past Commercial Street, you’re into the city near the Oregon Film Museum, which we were surprised to learn covers more than just The Goonies.
If you want, like, history history, there’s plenty. The Columbia River Maritime Museum is a ten-minute walk from the hotel, while the Victorian-times Flavel House Museum is back towards the Film Museum.
Those who like a walk can go along the Astoria Riverwalk for as along as they like. Another great in-town walk is a short hike up to the Astoria Column, roughly 45 minutes to panoramic views of the Oregon coast.
You can find cafes and restaurants throughout town, and you’ll never be far from any.
The furthest is the lovely café, Coffee Girl, out on a pier in the direction of Tongue Point.
And what about the reviews? What did other guests think?
Some things guests liked:
“Location is great; right on the river with a neat view and close to everything in town. Loved our sea lion neighbors! A great touch for the hotel to provide ear plugs and a sound machine…just in case….”
“The hotel looks really cute inside and outside. It’s in a great location, right on the water, and walkable to everything in town. The in-room fireplace was cozy (although it only turned on when heat was needed according to the thermostat vs. an ambiance fireplace). The white noise machine and earplugs perfectly covered up any seal or neighbor noise. The free glass of bubbles when you checked in was a thoughtful surprise. Loved the saunas and the view of the water from them. The GM clearly loved her job and was passionate about service..”
Some things guests didn’t like:
”No central heating. Just an electric fireplace and a couple in-wall Cadet heaters. It’ll get toasty but it takes a while….”
”A word of caution for very light sleepers: there are many sea lions living around the property. They are funny, but they bark all night long. The hotel does the best they can to mitigate the noise by providing earplugs and a noise machine, but they can still be heard. My husband slept through it no problem, but they woke me from time to time….”
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