Hampton Inn & Suites Astoria

With a spacious pool and good amount of a meeting space, this modern hotel appeals to both families and business travelers. Another major draw is its peaceful location. A lovely grassy area on the grounds provides a spot where guests can sit at picnic tables and watch ships pass by on the Columbia River. Even barking sea lions can be heard from nearby piers. Inside, the lobby is bright and cheerful, with high ceilings, laminate wood floors, and lots of natural light. The spacious breakfast room features river views, plenty of comfy seating, and a gas fireplace at one end. Tasteful curios convey a nautical theme.

This Hampton Inn has a lovely location on the shores of the scenic Columbia River, near an area where sea lions are known to congregate. The Astoria Riverwalk path is situated between the hotel and river, as are the tracks of the historic trolley that runs into downtown Astoria and stops at the hotel. Downtown is about a five-minute drive, or short trolley ride when it’s operating. The Columbia River Maritime Museum is a three-minute drive, and the Lewis and Clark National Memorial Park is about 15 minutes by car. A coffee shop and the popular Rogues Brewery restaurant are on the river at Pier 39, just three minutes on foot. A few other restaurants also are a short walk away. Astoria Regional Airport is 19 minutes by car, and driving to Portland International Airport takes roughly two hours. 

While guest rooms at this Hampton Inn have the standard look of a chain hotel, they're contemporary and tastefully decorated. Sage and olive green hues provide a restful color palette used in fern-patterned carpeting, accent walls, and drapes. Bright white duvets and light beige walls keep things from skewing too dark. The matching wood furniture -- including headboards, work desks, and media stands -- has a pleasant amber finish. Ocean-theme artwork in pastels provide a finishing touch. Rooms and Suites facing the river also have balconies with pretty panoramic views. All rooms are nicely equipped with microwaves, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi, although they do lack safes.

Throughout the room categories, there is ample space for comfort. Even the Standard Double Queens include desks with office chairs and plenty of room around the beds. Studio Suites have sleeper sofas, ottomans, and armchairs in their sitting areas, as well as wet bars. Suites have their granite vanities placed outside their bathrooms, while Standard Rooms have their vanities inside. Both have shower/tub combos framed by basic acrylic inserts, plus hairdryers and Neutrogena toiletries. While generally quiet, river-facing rooms can often hear the barking sea lions, and those guys can be quite raucous at times.

Fans of the Hampton Inn brand will find all their favorite amenities on offer here. The free daily breakfast buffet is a solid meal with several hot items. Free coffee and tea are available in the lobby 24/7, too, and the on-site mini-market sells sundries snacks, soft drinks, and frozen entrees and treats. Vending machines can also cover the need for snacks, but it's worth noting that there's no full restaurant or bar on the premises. 

The fitness center is exceptionally large and well equipped for a lower-middle-range hotel. It's filled with modern Star Trac equipment including three treadmills, a universal strength-training machine, and free weights, among other workout gear. The indoor pool is also decently sized in an enclosure with a whirlpool and lounge chairs.

Business travelers can take advantage of multiple meeting spaces, including a ballroom that can host up to 210 people. A business center is also on hand in a quiet and dedicated space with a computer, printer, and office equipment. There is a guest laundry room on site, but it only has one washer/dryer set. Valet dry cleaning and laundry services are available as well. Parking, Wi-Fi, and weekday newspapers are all free.