Shearwater Inn

Formerly the O’dysius Hotel, the Shearwater Inn is a stylishly designed property with a subtly elegant atmosphere. The exterior is flanked with exposed stones on the ground floor and a driveway leads to covered parking spaces and the lobby entrance. Black balconies stand out against the five-story building’s cream exterior. Hallways have white walls and classic patterned carpeting, while the lobby has wood paneled wall details and classic furniture along with a stone tiled fireplace in the lounge area. Coffee and tea are on-hand and there are board games for guests to borrow. Dog-friendly rooms and services appeal to pet owners, but most people staying here are couples who come for the ocean views and nearby access to the beach.

On the north banks of D River, the Shearwater Inn, a beachside hotel that’s no more than 200 feet from the sand. Another hotel blocks direct access to the beach, which is reachable via a parking lot. Next door to the hotel is Kyllo’s Seafood & Grill and a few gift shops and markets on Highway 101, the main thoroughfare in Lincoln City. On the north end of town is the Chinook Winds Casino, a 10-minute drive away. The historic Taft District is on the south side, with restaurants, art stores, and the Jennifer Sears Glass Art Studio. It’s a five-minute drive to the Connie Hansen Garden Conservancy. Siletz Bay Park, which is near Mossy Creek Pottery & Gallery, takes 10 minutes by car. Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area is a 35-minute drive. Cannon Beach, with the Haystack Rock and Ecola State Park, is two hours away. Portland is also about two hours by car and has the closest major airport.

Muted, classic furnishings, stylish wallpaper, and gas fireplaces in rooms create an understated, elegant ambience and allow the ocean views to be the focal point. All rooms have ceiling fans, but they lack air-conditioning. Most rooms have coffeemakers, mini-fridges, microwaves, writing desks, irons/ironing boards, flat-screen TVs, DVD players, and many are dog-friendly. Saltwater taffy in rooms is a nice touch. Patterned wallpaper and bathrobes add charm to otherwise standard bathrooms with hairdryers, wall-mounted toiletries, and shower/tub combos or separate walk-in showers and whirlpool tubs. 

King Standard Rooms offer sofa beds in living rooms, but only have partial ocean views. King Studio Rooms have small ocean-facing balconies and sitting areas. King Deluxe Guest Rooms have the best sea views from fifth-floor balconies. One-bedroom Parlor Suites have sofa beds in living areas, balconies, and kitchens with ovens/stoves, dishwashers, and large refrigerators. Two-bedroom Grand Suites offer two bathrooms, sofa beds in living rooms, balconies, and kitchens, and have whirlpool tubs and separate walk-in showers in the master bathrooms. 

The custom services at the Shearwater Inn set its apart from other upscale properties. Every morning trays of free continental breakfast are delivered to rooms -- although the selection consists only of cold foods. Pet baskets are a welcoming perk for dog owners and come with towels, sheets, treats, and water and food bowls. Guests are encouraged to gather every evening for the social wine hour. Holiday lights strung on a wooden fence create a charming atmosphere at the outdoor hot tub and there are two small patio areas, one of which -- while outdoors -- is partially enclosed and has windows facing the ocean. There’s also a business area with a PC computer and a printer. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property and there's free covered parking on-site.