09/08/09

This place has gone WAY downhill - so disappointed!

by amgzsg

We used to live in Portland in the late 90s and frequented Skamania Lodge. We even got married there in 1999. The lodge was a very special place to us. Had not been back since moving to CA in 2000. Decided to spend our 10th anniversary there with 2 young kids and grandparents in tow.

Sadly, we were very shocked and disappointed with how Skamania has gone so downhill under the new ownership. It still looks nice from the outside, but inside it was a whole different story. The front desk staff was not very friendly. The rooms had been redone with very cheap looking furniture.

The biggest disappointment was the restaurant, which used to have incredible cuisine. The quality was mediocre at best (and we ate there several times - hoping it would get better, I guess!)

If you had never been to Skamania the way it used to be, you might be okay with this average hotel. But the old Skamania was a world-class, top quality resort - a very special place with outstanding service, amazing food and luxuriously appointed rooms with solid wood furniture.

When I mentioned the changes to a couple of employees I talked to, they all confided how their pay had been drastically cut under the new ownership. They all cared very much about the hotel. They were long-time employees who were and how dismayed they were over what Skamania had become - just another average, corporate hotel.

Very sad.

I hope another company will purchase the hotel and restore it to its former grandeur. Until then, we won't be back (and will be sure to avoid any properties owned by Destination Hotels & Resorts).

• Pros: location
• Cons: poor quality food, mediocre rooms, poor management

11/08/08

Amazing getaway with my husband!

by BriannaLeah1690

My husband and I spent 2 nights, mid week, at Skamania Lodge this summer. It was hard to come home!

We loved the hiking trails, the golf, room service and the spa. It was perfect for a little relaxation and escape from Portland.

We did not care much for the dining room. For the price range, it just did not have the atmosphere that we expected. The food was good, the waiter friendly- but I felt like I was on a college campus in the cafeteria. It just didn't fit. However, the food in the bar was amazing! We sat on the patio and had one of the best lunches we can remember, just eating hamburgers (which were amazing). We also loved room service for lunch, dinner and late night snacks. It was not that spectacular for breakfast.

The spa was an incredible experience! Much too expensive to justify it regularly, but a great way to treat myself. I loved the massage and wrap I got. I found the Spa employees to be incredibly concerned with my comfort, and very kind. The worst part about the spa was having to leave it!

Golf was very fun. Since we were there mid week, it was very quiet and peaceful. We completely forgot we were only an hour away from home!

I think the very best part of Skamania Lodge was the natural beauty. The hiking trails are beautiful, but easy enough for anyone to conquer. Watching the sun rise from the front lawn was absolutely worth getting up for, and the highlight of our summer. Even the drive out to Skamania was beautiful.

• Pros: Great golf, spa, and hotel grounds.
• Cons: Dining room's poor atmosphere.

03/31/07

Wonderful place to getaway!

by portlandanne

My husband and I love staying at Skamania. It's so beautiful and peaceful, especially in the off-season. Take a walk around the trails of the hotel. They're just marvelous.