#237 - Ashland Springs Hotel

Since 1925 in Southern Oregon
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Recently, Don and I had our first visit to Ashland and its historic hotel in the heart of downtown. The hotel is now Ashland Springs, but you can see the letters on the glass above the marquee. In 1925 was called Lithia Hotel. When we pulled up, this past October, the entrance to the old hotel was pretty grand, with golden eagles and bold marquee. ​

 

94 years ago when the luxury hotel opened, there were 100 guest rooms. Travelers heading back and forth, between the Northwest and California, enjoyed stays at the hotel. They also enjoyed the therapeutic Lithia Spring Waters of Ashland.
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Lithia Springs Hotel

At nine stories, the Lithia Hotel was the tallest building between Portland and San Francisco. By the late 1930's, hotel guests could also enjoy the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, which is what the city is mainly known for today. By 1960 the hotel changed hands and tied into the Shakespeare theme, with a British Tudor appearance. I can't even picture that. 

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When we pulled up, the hotel still seemed tall, standing on the corner, in Ashland's charming downtown.It looked like a big city hotel, minus the traffic and valet parking headaches. We headed around to the back, where we found ample free parking for guests.

You don't get free parking in big cities.​

From the Back

From where we parked, the back of the building looked very dramatic in the afternoon sun. Not many hotels have such impressive backsides!

I grabbed my suitcase and took a peek over a fence, where I spotted a lovely courtyard, below. I read later, that the garden area once held a swimming pool, that was added in 1960, when the hotel became the Marc Antony... with its British theme.  

2-Story Lobby

It was about 3 when we headed into the sun-filled lobby.  

While Don checked in, I took advantage of the quiet space and snapped photos.

I'm glad the owners who bought 20 years ago, did away with the British theme. There was still a formality, with the  stained glass and the chandelier, but it felt relaxed.

Comfy Touches

There were lots of little things that made the lobby feel more homey. 

The fireplace was cozy and there were some pieces of furniture and decor that added some fun. My favorite piece was the oval, marble top table in the center of the lobby. I kind of liked the oddly shaped pumpkin and the purple arrangement, too!

Nature Theme

The British theme left years ago, but a new focus took over. I think the current Nature theme, is tied to the old hotel's connection with nature and the healing Lithia Springs waters.

There were little "wonders of nature!" everywhere you looked. There was a bold looking eagle on the front desk and nature prints on the wall. There was a whole case of bird eggs, nests and a stuffed bird.

Riding Up

The elevator even offered a nature lesson as we traveled upward.

I had a good time studying the elevator walls, which were covered with dried leaves and plants. That's a first!

Our Room

I didn't get a photo of our door, which I often do. But I did capture an image of the curious thing, mounted on our door. I thought it was a brass door knocker, until I saw another door with a note clamped down, by the tiny hand. How handy! Another first!

Our room was cute as can be. It wasn't huge, but it was probably larger than the original rooms. Lithia Springs Hotel opened with 100 rooms in 1923. Now there are 70.

Lamps and Prints

The nature theme continued on our wall, with pretty framed herb art. I appreciated having 2 tables and 2 lamps in our tiny room.

I liked the soft colors and the French style bed cover. There was a surprise up by the pillows.

The gift was a little cloth pouch tied with ribbon. The note said it was "Lavender Bath Tea" and it smelled heavenly. It was made for hanging in the shower, or putting in a drawer. Much nicer and healthier than a pillow chocolate.

Cozy Corners

The rooms were small and every corner was put to use. The corner with the chair and lamp was so squished, it was sort of amusing. But I liked the nature themed lampshade and the view beyond the buildings was pretty.

The small bathroom had been remodeled with newer pedestal sink and corner shower. The original floor tile was nice.

Tea Time

After checking out our room, Don and I made a dash up to the Mezzanine to enjoy the complimentary tea time.

There wasn't too much going on, but we were happy to serve ourselves some tea and grab a cookie. We chose a table overlooking the lobby and did a little people watching. 

Enjoying the Town

We may have missed Ashland's Shakespeare Festival season, (by one day) but we were just in time to see gorgeous fall colors!

Walking through Lithia Park in the late afternoon sun, was heavenly. Tasting the bubbling mineral water from the public fountains was not heavenly! It was stinky and foamy. Honestly, I almost threw up from laughing and gagging at the same time! 

Evening

We peeked in the hotel's restaurant earlier. The multi-layered space was inviting.

The tables with cozy wicker and pillows, seemed very appealing.

But Don and I kept it simple by sitting at the bar. We ordered martinis and a scrumptious artisan cheese board. Our kind bartender gave us lots of extra bread, when I raved about it!

Morning

I stepped out early to check on the morning. I often do that to try to snap a hotel photo, free of cars and people.

There were no cars, but there was a truck. It was October and they seemed to be putting up Christmas lights already! I also noticed something I hadn't, the day before. Look at the sweet water fountain for pups. Yikes I hope it's not that bubbly stuff!

Breakfast

A complimentary breakfast was served upstairs and all the hotel guests seemed to arrive at the same time. Don and I were amused to see the room filled with people, all our age or older.

The crowded room had one table left and it had a sweet pumpkin and nice view. But we decided we needed to get away from all those old people... who kept reminding us of ourselves. We found a quiet sitting area, near the garden patio.

It was a bit too chilly for sitting outside, but we enjoyed the view through the glass. It was a lovely place to relax, before getting back on the road.

What's Notable?

Our hotel stay was filled with lots of classy touches, without a huge price tag. They did a nice job renovating this lovely hotel in recent years.

I imagine during summer months (or Shakespeare months) this hotel and town might feel very different. ​But I will always remember the peaceful feel of our hotel (except at busy breakfast) and the ease of strolling in and out, to explore the park and town.