Holiday Inn Express and Suites Astoria

A handsome, four-story hotel, the Holiday Inn Express and Suites Astoria plays to its strengths -- namely its location overlooking the Astoria-Megler Bridge and Columbia River. The hotel takes full advantage of its picturesque setting, with large, bridge-facing windows in both the meeting spaces and the spacious breakfast area. The cozy lobby provides living room-like areas clustered around two gas fireplaces. Hallways display vintage photos that depict Astoria’s long history in logging, fishing, and shipping. Outside, there’s a large grassy area with picnic tables that make a great spot for watching the river traffic or a historic trolley pass by. This is a quiet, family-friendly property that attracts tourists and business travelers alike. Guests consistently praise the staff for being friendly and attentive. 

Travelers who enjoy watching big freighters passing by on the river will love the location of this Holiday Inn Express that’s situated under the Astoria-Megler Bridge on the mighty Columbia River. The tracks of the historic trolley that runs into downtown Astoria are situated between the hotel and river, as is the Astoria Riverwalk path. The trolley stops at the hotel, taking guests about one mile to downtown’s many restaurants and shops in just three minutes. (It's five minutes by car.) A pub and tavern are next door, and a few restaurants are also a short walk away. The Maritime Memorial is two minutes away on foot, and the Lewis and Clark National Memorial Park is a 12-minute drive. Astoria Regional Airport is 12 minutes by car, and driving to Portland International Airport takes roughly two hours. 

While they're not high-style, guest rooms at this Holiday Inn are tidy, well-maintained, and tastefully decorated in a traditional style.  Two-tone gold wallpaper, handsome dark carpet with geometric patterns, and drapes in a lattice print add a level of polish. Textile patterns can compete with each other, but their neutral tone pulls the room together. Matching wood furniture in an amber finish includes headboards and work desks with leather office chairs. Amenities are a big plus, with Keurig coffeemakers, microwaves, mini-fridges, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi throughout all room categories. 

The Fireplace King Room we saw had ample space to include a sofa and gas fireplace along an exterior wall. Its bathroom, also finished in neutral prints, held a roomy granite vanity and white acrylic shower/tub insert that looked brand new. Rooms facing the river have great views of the Astoria-Megler Bridge and passing freighters, although these can create some minor ambient noise along with the bridge traffic and trolley tracks that run between the hotel and river. Other rooms have views of the surrounding streets that aren’t as memorable. 

This modern Holiday Inn Express features the chain’s signature free breakfast buffet with eggs, a pancake machine, and other hot dishes. It offers free coffee all day, too, and has vending machines and a convenience store that sells soft drinks, snacks, and sundries. However, there's no full restaurant on the grounds. The heated indoor pool has enough space for a decent dip. It also has views of the adjacent Astoria-Megler Bridge, as does the neighboring whirlpool. The fitness center is open 24/7, but it can be a disappointment as it’s small and sparsely equipped, with only three pieces of Precor cardio equipment. For business travelers, the hotel offers four separate meeting spaces are available, with the largest capable of accommodating up to 150 people. A business center with two computers and free Wi-Fi are also provided. Long-stay guests might appreciate the guest laundry room, which has three dryers but only one washer; valet dry cleaning and laundry services are offered as well. Parking is free, and pets are welcome with a surcharge.