About
A HISTORIC HOTEL REIMAGINED
Lightwell Hotel & Spa has been completely reimagined for today's travelers. 120 years of Hood River history meets high thread counts and laid back stays. Located in the heart of downtown, Lightwell is the perfect jumping off point for Hood River adventures. Wind-whipped waves, hills laced with trails, and views that don’t need a filter. Discover 69 thoughtfully designed guest rooms, a spa for slowing down, and restaurants where great food, craft drinks, and grand plans flow from dawn to dusk. You're going to love it here.
The Storied History
BEHIND THE HOTEL
Early Hood River Growth (1900)
In the early 1900s, Hood River was full of promise with blooming orchards, trains rolling in, and folks looking for a place to stay. The town’s first hotel couldn’t keep up with the demand from buyers and growers. The need for something bigger was clear.
Birth of Waucoma Hotel (1904)
Built in 1904, the Waucoma Hotel was one of the few brick buildings in town, standing tall along the waterfront. Designed by architect C.J. Crandall, the original hotel featured 27 guest rooms across three stories, each with verandas with big views of the Columbia. Its ambitions were bigger still, aiming to attract elite travelers, but competition was heating up.
A New Era: Hotel Oregon (1910-1911)
By 1909, the hotel was sold and rebranded as Hotel Oregon, adding a new wing to increase its size to 100 rooms. Modern amenities and a proper lobby fireplace were added. Verandas came down, sidewalks went in, and progress marched on, but challenges were not yet behind them.
Decline & Changing Fortunes (1920-1950)
As travel habits shifted and the economy hit some tough years, overnight stays slowed down. Ownership changed hands, updates lagged behind, and slowly, the hotel began to fade into the background.
Closure & Abandonment (1973-2023)
By the 1970s, time had taken its toll. Floor by floor, the building was shut down until the whole thing closed in 1973. For decades, it sat mostly untouched, less a few small business leases. Quiet and boarded up, the hotel sat waiting for someone to bring it back.
The Making Of Lightwell (PRESENT)
After decades of quiet, a group of locals recognized the building's potential, and embarked on an ambitious hotel restoration project to bring it back to life. Preserving key architectural details and updating the rest, to create something rooted in the past but completely reimagined for modern travelers.
A New Beginning
LIGHTWELL HOTEL
A local dream, decades in the making. From Waucoma Hotel in 1904 to Hotel Oregon in 1910, this landmark’s had many names, but it took a team of locals to bring it back to life. Alongside VIP Hospitality Group, we kept its bones, reimagined the rest, and built Lightwell Hotel & Spa for travelers and locals looking to stay well. We can’t wait to welcome you.
Unlock Your Story
OUR PURPOSE
At Lightwell, we encourage our guests to lean into adventure, explore deeper, and make the story their own. We take pride in thoughtful stays designed with care, and we’re just as committed to doing right by our community and the environment along the way.
Careers at Lightwell
WORK WITH US
We’re building something special at Lightwell, and it starts with a solid team. If you’re all about collaboration, care about the guest experience, and love Hood River as much as we do, we’d love to meet you. Check out our jobs in Hood River, and apply to be part of the Lightwell team.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What time is check in and check out?
Check in begins at 4pm each day. Guests must check out by 11am on the day of departure. Please call us if you plan to arrive after 9pm so we can assist you with your late arrival.
Where should I park?
Undercover Valet Car Parking is available (charges apply). Street parking is also available.
Is Lightwell a pet-friendly hotel in Hood River?
Dogs are welcome in dog-friendly rooms and must be leashed while on property. Although we love them, dogs are not permitted in our restaurants or spa.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellations must be made by 4pm, 48 hours before your arrival date. If you do not cancel by this time, you may be charged for one night’s stay. Additionally, if you have a multi-day reservation and leave early without giving at least 24 hours notice, a $50 early departure fee may apply.
EXPLORE THE LIGHTWELL
OUR GALLERY
