The hotel sits atop the Columbia River
Last weekend we stayed at Astoria, Oregon’s unique Cannery Pier Hotel, and it was a terrific experience! This boutique hotel is situated on the Columbia River at the base of the 4.1 mile long Astoria-Megler Bridge. It’s built on the former site of the Union Fishermen’s Cooperative Packing Company, atop renovated hundred-year old pilings that extend 600 feet out into the river. Boats, shorebirds, and Stellar sea lions are the only “traffic” passing by the hotel. Looking out the windows toward the water, it almost seems like you’re on a boat — but luckily for us landlubbers, it doesn’t move!
The lobby is a great place to sit back, relax, and enjoy.
About a two-hour drive from Portland, the picturesque town of Astoria sits along the south side of the Columbia River just before it meets the Pacific Ocean. We arrived a little earlier than check-in time and our room wasn’t quite ready, so they offered to take our bags and give us a call when the room was available. They suggested that we explore Astoria or enjoy their beautiful lobby area with its comfortable seating, cozy fireplace, and view of the river traffic. We went out to explore, but we did see several people just taking time to relax and watch the world go by.
Our room was a corner one-bedroom suite on the fourth floor. It was bright and filled with light. All the rooms look out on the river, and the views from the living area, the bedroom, and even the Jacuzzi tub in our bathroom were fantastic. The furnishings are beautiful, and all the rooms have hardwood floors and fireplaces. We saw lots of boat traffic, and we could see car lights on the bridge at night, but we didn’t hear any river or bridge noise at all. Even out on our cute little balcony we didn’t hear bridge traffic.
There were lots of little details at this upscale hotel that added to its value. We definitely enjoyed the gourmet chocolates in our room. We also took advantage of the binoculars in our room to watch the cormorants, gulls, and Bald Eagles flying by as we sat in front of our gas fireplace. Many historic photographs of Astoria hang in the hallways, providing insights into local history — including that of the site of the Cannery Pier Hotel. Finnish sauna, whirlpool, and spa services are also available.
Love this classic car that they use to chauffeur guests to dinner!
Each night there’s a lovely wine and cheese (and smoked salmon!) reception in the lobby. We ate enough snacks there that we didn’t need dinner, so we didn’t take advantage of their chauffeur service: the hotel owns three cool antique cars that they use to drive guests to dinner — at no charge. We definitely did take advantage of the fresh-baked cookies available at night. Yum!
In the morning, a breakfast bar that includes yogurts, hard-boiled eggs, pastries, cereals, fruit, coffee, and make-your-own-waffles provides guests with a hearty start to their day. And we found the staff at Cannery Pier to be quite helpful and very friendly.
This boutique hotel isn’t necessarily a budget option, but considering its location and amenities, it’s a good value. We definitely recommend it for a little splurge, a romantic weekend, or to celebrate a special occasion. You’re sure to enjoy the Cannery Pier Hotel! We hope you enjoy your next getaway, wherever it is — and whether it’s for a week or a weekend.
Disclosure: we received a free night’s lodging in exchange for our review. However, all opinions are our own.
A Week or a Weekend 
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