The Society Hotel Bingen – Hood River: A Historical Gem with a Modern Twist

Navigating the myriad of lodging options can often feel like deciphering an ancient text. But every so often, a place like The Society Hotel Hood River – Bingen emerges, making the decision delightfully straightforward for travelers with an appetite for history, simplicity, sustainability, and a dash of adventure.
A Phoenix from the Ashes
Originally erected in 1909, this establishment has seen more lives than a cat. After being engulfed by flames in the 1930s, it rose from the ashes during the Depression era. Its journey from a primary school to a windsurfing hostel, and finally to the charming hotel it is today, reads like a gripping novel you can’t put down.
The latest chapter? A complete renovation that marries minimalism with necessity, a concept appealing to the modern traveler who fancies “everything you need and nothing you don’t.” 
They’ve got free wifi and parking and allow dogs under 50 pounds. 
Hostel Sleeping Quarters: A Triple-Decker Treat
Society Hotel Bingen’s Hostel
Imagine tucking yourself into a triple tall bunk in a room reminiscent of your childhood dreams, except with way better design. At just $30 a night , these bunks offer a nod to simplicity and community, especially since you must be 18 to book (hello, co-ed living). It’s like college dorms, but cooler and without the final exams. Plus, the original lockers and over 100-year-old books bought from a different school’s library sprinkle an educational charm you didn’t know you needed until now.
2 Bedroom Cabins
For those that want or need more room and privacy they have 2 bedroom cabins with a bathroom, tiny kitchen, and little dining area. We stayed in one of these and loved it! It was a peaceful stay and the area is so beautiful. 
Nourishment for Body and Soul
The on-site café promises more than just your average hotel breakfast. Offering a selection of healthy options that include sandwiches and bowls, the cafe ensures you start your day right. And let’s talk about the chalkboards – original pieces that whisper the secrets of countless lessons taught over the years.
Happy hour is every day from 4 – 6 PM with discounts on beer, wine, and some cocktails. 
Architectural and Wellness Wonders
The design intricacies, from the roof angled to frame the majestic mountains, to the Japanese and Chinese-inspired covered walkways, transform the hotel into a visual storybook.
The cedar temple and the hydrotherapy facilities, including a massive cedar dry sauna, indoor saltwater soaking pool, an outdoor hot pool, and a cold plunge pool, are not just amenities; they’re sanctuaries. A day pass here could easily turn into the most serene $30 you’ve ever spent.
The spa offers a variety of treatments including massages, facials, waxing, and more. I wish I could tell you how they were but they were closed for some reason when I was there. 
More Than Just a Stay
This isn’t merely a place to sleep; it’s a hub of community and wellness. Whether it’s hosting yoga events, facilitating retreats, or providing spaces for community gatherings like weddings or basketball games, The Society Hotel blurs the lines between a hotel and a community center. The gym, with its original flooring and refurbished lights, serves as a testament to the hotel’s dedication to preserving history while serving the community.

Concluding Thoughts
In a world where the lines between the past and the present often blur, The Society Hotel Hood River – Bingen stands out as a beacon of balance. It’s a place where history is not just remembered but experienced; where simplicity doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort and where community and privacy coexist harmoniously. For the traveler looking to shrink their space without shrinking their expectations, this hotel promises an adventure akin to the choose-your-own-adventure books of yore, with each stay offering a unique storyline crafted by the guests themselves.
So, when planning your next getaway, why not venture into the heart of history and simplicity at The Society Hotel? It’s more than a stay; it’s a step back in time, a leap into relaxation, and a journey towards a more connected self.
Check current rates.
Read Next:
8 Kid Friendly Wineries in Hood River
14 Best Hikes for Kids in the Columbia River Gorge






If you found this information helpful consider buying me a cup of coffee aka helping me pay to put kids through college! Just scan the QR code or click the link. As always, thank you for your support!



Get Travel Insuranc e



Unfortunately, there are a lot of things that can go wrong on any trip. Be prepared for the worst with travel insurance. We use Travelex or Safety Wing (often cheaper).



Book Flight s



I use Skyscanner to find flights. I use it so much, I wrote an entire guide to finding cheap flights with Skyscanner ! My second favorite site to find flights is Momondo , another great site for finding cheap flights.



Book a Place to Stay



I recommend using Expedia.com or Hotels.com for most hotel bookings. I prefer to book directly with Marriott when I stay there because of their excellent military discount.



If you prefer staying in a vacation rental instead, I recommend VRBO .



Rent Clothes



Rent clothes for your trip with Travel Style Expert for only $50 a month! The first 30 days are free!



Choose Activities and Tours



To find great activities in any area I use Get Your Guide and Viator . If we are visiting a city with lots of popular attractions I always check CityPass and GoCard to see if they have discount cards available.



When I want to book a full-on multi-day tour I use TourRadar . They’ve got fantastic weekly deals. If I am going somewhere in Mexico or the Caribbean I use Apple Vacations .



Rent a Car or Take a Lyft



More often than not Lyft is cheaper than Uber. Use my Lyft link for an $18 credit ! For a car rental in any country, I recommend Discover Cars .



Save Money on Gas



Upside , a free app gets you cash back on gas! Use promo code RV2Q2 to get an extra 15¢/gal bonus on your first purchase .



Get a Visa



I use iVisa to get all of my Visas.



Disclosure : This post contains affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended but doesn’t cost you any extra. Please check out our  disclosure policy  for more details. Thank you for your support!

The post The Society Hotel Bingen – Hood River: A Historical Gem with a Modern Twist appeared first on Mommy Travels .