February 06, 2009

Adieu

Early this week, Oregon's Columbia Gorge


lost its landmark hotel.



one of the most beautiful hotels I have ever seen,
located in a spectacular Pacific Northwest setting,
has closed after being open for 88 years.

Another victim of the recession.

Associated Press story here


Anyone have an extra $6 million?


35 comments:

Unknown said...

aw...too bad..recession is definitely here, so scary ;(

Anonymous said...

What a shame, such a beautiful hotel and position!

Michelle Engel Bencsko said...

That's sad. I think at some point there will be a resurgence and it will come back to life. The setting is too pretty not to take advantage of.

Anonymous said...

Such a shame. It looks spectacular.

Lisa's RetroStyle said...

I 'bout had a heart attack! I thought maybe it had burned down or something. Ahhh...sigh of relief...it's still there.
It's too bad the recession has...I'm going to say...temporarily closed it. I feel bad for the hardships of the current owners. What a time to have to try and sell! If only I did have an extra $6m lying around!

Beautiful photos. Hopefully the recession will be behind us soon and the hotel will be able to re-open.

Rosebud Collection said...

Always sad to see a wonderful place like this close up..

A Wild Thing said...

Breathtaking...such views...but let's take heart that it will rise again as so many others have. After the recession fades and people take to the roads again, this majestic beauty will again sing with the voices of happy travelers.

She is only resting, waiting the fall of the gas-guzzling SUV's to a more eco-friendly vehicle that doesn't pollute her vistas. I can dream can't I...

Golden West said...

I'm sure this stately hotel will reopen under new management. What a spectacular location - really stunning!

Anonymous said...

Oh man, that's a heartbreaker. I hope it's just a temporary closing.

Unknown said...

that first shot is breathtaking. and how beautiful the scenery is around the hotel. it's so tragic for it to have to close.

A Cuban In London said...

I think I might still have some loose change in my pocket but don't go that far. Stunning view. Many thanks.

Greetings from London.

time worn interiors said...

How unfortunate! Are we losing everything of beauty in this life! Country Home closing it's door, Rachel Ashwell filing Chapter 11, I'm affraid to ask whats next?
Theresa

Unknown said...

What a shame, its beautiful and that scenery is to die for!

:(

jewelstreet said...

Oh, how sad! It's beautiful. I wish I had an extra 6 million. Then I could live there and let all my friends stay free. :)

Tess Kincaid said...

What a gorgeous place. This is so sad.

Unknown said...

Oh that's sad! What a stunning vista - must have been a fabulous place in it's heyday!

Unknown said...

I wish I did (have the extra $6mil that is), what an amazing setting for a hotel! 88 years and then poof, done. Makes me very, very sad! Did they/are they trying to sell the building now?

Elizabeth said...

I agree with all the above.
But I suppose people simply cannot afford to keep them on.

High Desert Diva said...

Yeah...it's been for sale. Started at 10 mil, 2 sales have fallen through. The owners are elderly and sick, can't get refinancing. Sad story.

Cecile/DreamCreateRepeat said...

What a beautiful property! 6 million seems like a bargin. ; ) I feel sorry for the elderly owners caught in such a tough spot.

Ana said...

boo them :( Your pics are awesome btw

Beth said...

That's a shame. It looks beautiful-and what a fantastic setting. I hope someone can buy it when things turn around.

Amy P. said...

How devastating for the owners.. sounds like the hotel has emerged from dire financial circumstances in the past, let's hope it can do it again.

Teri and her Stylish Adventure Cats said...

Yes, I too thought Oh No, it burned down. Now, I can still hope, can't I? Lovely photos, thanks for sharing them!

Teri and the cats of Furrydance

Learning Spanish at 41 said...

How sad, indeed. That the hotel has to shutter it's windows but a casino could come to reality someday in this lovely part of our state. The Gorge is too precious for such goings-on, in my humble opinion.

Heard the tunnel on the Old Highway is scheduled to open this weekend. We'll check it out soon for sure!

Jeanne Estridge said...

It feels like the whole country is swirling down the drain. And, as someone who lost her job in the recession, I feel the tug of centrifugal force....

Cynthia Pittmann said...

Hermosa vista...what a lovely view, I wish all vintage hotels could be revitalized...too, sad.

littlebyrd said...

I just heard about this the other day. Sad I never got to go and stay.

Helen said...

Maybe if everyone in blogland chipped in? How beautiful!

gtyyup said...

What a shame...that is something I remember growing up outside of Hillsboro...we can pray for a small miracle...

Greetings from Eastern Oregon~~

Nancy said...

I love the Columbia Gorge Hotel! How sad.

Bonbon Oiseau said...

gulp...that stinks...

Hey Harriet said...

That's so sad. I hate losing old buildings like that :(

Congrats on the award below & great tag answers! Couldn't leave a comment on that post for wome reason...

SweetPeaSurry said...

That is sooo depressing. Is it just going to sit unused? Perhaps the government could house those people who've been evicted out of their own homes due to forclosure?

Clare said...

This is the first news I've heard about the hotel closing! How heartbreaking!