The little things have cemented the Stephanie Inn's place among the West Coast's premier romantic destinations.
A welcoming fire in the entryway. A bag of popcorn and two bowls waiting in the in-room microwave. Fresh-flower bouquets. Service that is always friendly, never pretentious.And so, having completed its first major overhaul since opening 16 years ago, the Cannon Beach icon's managers keep hearing the same, slightly worried, refrain from loyal customers:
"I hope you haven't changed anything."
After a whirlwind renovation that closed the property for two months until early March and cost more than $4million, some striking changes are evident: a spa expansion; several bigger guest rooms; new paint, carpeting and renewed furnishings throughout; and bathrooms that were stripped down to bare wood and reconstructed.
What's remained the same, however, are those little things: The fresh-baked cookies at the front desk; the afternoon wine reception; after-dinner liqueurs; breakfast of apple spice pancakes, omelets and more; the in-room fireplaces.
The inn continues to serve romantic four-course dinners, but at a slightly higher price (up $10 to $59). We enjoyed a butter-lettuce salad with pears and crumbled Oregonzola cheese; seafood chowder; New York steak so tender that for fun I sliced it with a fork; and a light, creamy cheesecake for dessert. All around us, couples were holding hands and talking quietly.
The only thing missing in the dining room is a view: The inn backs against the beach and an incredible vista of Haystack Rock, so the dining room on the front side is left with a view of the parking lot.
During a March stay, guests said the Stephanie Inn has improved on a good thing.
The inn's charms have drawn George and Connie Culbertson of Blaine, Wash., back every year -- usually twice a year -- since its opening.
"The reason we like it so much," George Culbertson said, "is it's warm and cozy. You can walk on the beach, go into town or just stay here and read a book by the fire or visit with people from all over the country."
Sharon Major, the inn's general manager, says roughly 75percent of visitors are repeat guests. Return visitors receive a 30percent discount for weekday visits -- more than $100 off the inn's standard $359 nightly rate.
One of the changes Martin Hospitality introduced -- as it did last year with sister property The Surfsand Resort -- was installing high-end Tempur-Pedic mattresses. I love the way they mold to your body, but Major said some guests dislike the shift from standard bedding.
Ryan Snyder, Martin's president and chief executive, said the company is working on other mattress options for those who want them, including a featherbed topper.
Amid all the changes, Snyder said, one constant at the Stephanie Inn remains the dedicated staff. He said staff turnover is extremely low; for example, Major has been the general manager since the inn originally opened.
"When you see a familiar face greeting you at the door or in a hallway, it makes you feel good," Snyder said. "You feel warm, and want to come back and experience it again."
Some things just don't change.
-- Travel Editor Alex Pulaski; travel@news.oregonian.com
Beach resorts show off their new looks
Remember that dreamy Oregon coast hotel your parents took you to as a kid?
Fast-forward 25 years, and what seemed swell then is likely to come off as rustic now -- emphasis on rust. But here are three coastal properties whose owners have each invested in multi-million-dollar makeovers over the past decade, with spectacular results:
Salishan Spa & Golf Resort, Gleneden Beach. This classy resort, like Sunriver Resort in central Oregon, is the perfect property for a family reunion. About the only thing it doesn't have is a beach, which is just on the other side of U.S. 101.
The rooms ooze comfort and style, from granite countertops and leather-upholstered furniture to copper and brass fixtures to comfortable wicker deck sofas overlooking green fairways. Kids reign supreme here. We spent hours at the enormous indoor pool, on the 18-hole putting course and in the game room with Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 video games to rent.
The giant resort is on 750 acres, and also includes a spa, shopping, covered walkways throughout, a modern fitness room and pleasant dining options that feature kids' menus. Room rates start at $180 per night; 800-452-2300, salishan.com.
The Ocean Lodge, Cannon Beach. Enter the lobby and you immediately feel at home with a roaring fire, rocking chairs and a treasure chest brimming with candies.
This beachfront hotel features modern, pleasant rooms with microwaves and mini fridges. Flat-screen televisions were added last year.
"One of the things that's a constant is we're always updating something," said Wendy Higgins, general manager.
Complimentary breakfasts are served in a loft area, where you can also enjoy a book or little ones can play with Tinkertoys or Lincoln Logs. You may want to play along.
Room rates start at $170 per night; 888-777-4047, theoceanlodge.com.
Surfsand Resort, Cannon Beach. We stayed here last spring, and again this spring. Probably next spring, too. This beachfront sister property to the Stephanie Inn completed a $13 million remodel last year, and it shows. (For a full story, go to tinyurl.com/cov9e5.)
This property is very similar in many respects to The Ocean Lodge, whose owners were mentored by Steve Martin of Martin Hospitality, owners of the Surfsand. You can expect the same excellent service, free DVD rentals and room amenities, plus an indoor pool and a small on-site fitness room.
Also, like at the Stephanie Inn, you'll be sleeping on a form-fitting Tempur-Pedic mattress. Sweet dreams. Room rates start at $159 per night; 800-547-6100, surfsand.com.
-- Alex Pulaski