McMenamins Kalama Harbor Lodge

I don't think I could say one bad thing about staying here. Except for the heater in our room was not working, but other than that, it was perfect. From Jeri, the bartender at the Cabin & Cove , Eric in the lodge, both morning servers were so fun and beautiful ,Donna & Rachel at the front desk ,John the brewer. I can't remember everybody's name, but everybody was wonderful. And if you have children don't forget to show them the secret rooms.They will have the most fun looking for those secret rooms. Celebrating my mother being cancer, free, almost four years and being able to share that experience of that place with her was absolutely wonderful, and we will be there again for sure.

The only employee that was really friendly at this hotel and their restraunts was Rachel at check in. She was so sweet and accommodating. We ate at the cloud bar on the 4th floor. We also ate at the McMinnimums restraunt down stairs on the first floor. I have to say the employees were so very unfriendly in the restraunts. No smile, no chit chat, they all just seem miserable. We did encounter a male bar tender that was kind of friendly. But all female bar tenders and wait staff were very unhappy looking. McMinnimins needs to look into why their employees are so unhappy. The hotel was a treat, the secret rooms were a blast to find. Our room was 214, we loved it!! Thank you again Rachel!!!

I really liked this hotel, especially the location. I had a room with a balcony facing the river and it was so peaceful. One reason is that there are no other buildings on the other side of the river, so the view is pristine and not cluttered with other hotels, condos and homes. The staff was very nice and the grounds are well laid out. I especially liked the park where free musical groups played in the evening and the public market which featured boutique shops rather than the usual tacky tourist souvenirs that so many other tourist locations seem to have. There is also a paved walkway along the river that guests and others use for a stroll or more vigorous exercise. The only negatives I have are that my room was very dark when the sun went down, in spite of multiple lamps and ceiling fixtures which made it hard to read. The other is that the restaurants on site have disappointingly mediocre food. However, I did have a great mai tai. I would not hesitate to return!

Nestled along the scenic banks of the Columbia River, McMenamins Kalama Harbor Lodge's Cloud Bar offers a serene escape with its rustic yet cozy ambiance and panoramic views. During my recent visit, the enthusiastic and friendly staff elevated the experience, providing excellent service that added to the enjoyment. The diverse menu offered delicious options, from the rich and flavorful seafood chowder to the mouthwatering Kalama Burger, all showcasing the chefs' passion for their craft. However, the highlight was undoubtedly the breathtaking view of the river, whether enjoyed indoors or from the spacious deck. This combination of welcoming atmosphere, delightful food, and stunning scenery made dining at the Cloud Bar an unforgettable experience, perfect for both local residents seeking a weekend getaway and travelers passing through the area.

Visit Jeremy at the Ahles Point Cabin down the path from the lodge. He is so friendly and knowledgeable about the area. We learned a lot and he answered all of our silly questions. And the service can’t be beat! We stopped in for a quick bite and beverage and he made our day! Such a nice guy.

Despite the captivating ambiance, scenic views, and an enticing drink selection at Kalama McMenamins, the culinary experience falls short due to a watered-down white bean and bacon soup lacking in both beans and bacon and a dried-out flavorless chicken sandwich. It seems the owners should consider investing in culinary classes for their staff to ensure the overall dining quality matches the price and charm of their establishment.