Nearly 100 years old- this lobby has stood the test of time and is gorgous to boot!

In all of the many times I have been to Ashland I have always admired the Ashland Springs Hotel. It’s beckoned to me as I pass by- I can’t help but stare up at this many storied and elegant pillar of downtown. I’ve always wondered what it would be like to rest my feet here and this last weekend I found out-

The Crystal Room- a place for a future book reading?

How happy I was to land here after a day on the Rogue river!

Now, my trip began in a very anti-fancy way- rafting the Rogue with Sawyer Station (more on that later) and so when Dave and I walked in I was still in my rash guard, flip flops, and “Rogue hair don’t care” attitude. I felt a little out of place but only because the interior is so refined. Still, we were welcomed with a smile and we soon felt right at home.

I have always wondered what its like to stay here

The hotel was originally built as the ‘Lithia Springs Hotel’ and was to cater to guests coming to take advantage of the famous healing waters of Ashland. Lithia water is rich in lithium salts, and in the late 1800s and early 1900s, it was marketed as a remedy for various ailments. Although the popularity of the water in Ashland has wained….I have waded in the Springs and I do believe. The healing waters fountain has recently reopened to the public and is right in the heart of downtown.

My first order of business was to take a shower and start a new. Not that a dip in the Rogue isn’t cleansing enough….but a place as whimsical as Ashland deserves a fanciful dress and a fresh powder. Our room was on the 6th floor- room 616- a corner nook with a high end view of downtown. To my left The Elizabethan Theater, the venue of choice for our Oregon Shakespeare Festival showing the next night. I could watch the busy street with theater goers and college students alike. To the West a view of the far off highway and rolling hills of Southern Oregon. What a perpective!

After I washed up we walked across the street to dinner and strolled around in the late August evening, still nearly 90 degrees. The theater was alive with laughter and Lithia Park was a magical and festive stroll as night fell. We walked back to the hotel and fell into a long, blissful sleep. That morning my Apple Watch told me I had met my sleep goal of 8 hours- a rare event and so I like to note when it actually happens.

The morning light painted itself across the hotel’s opulent decor and we wandered to the second floor, past a painting of Queen Elizabeth to the catered breakfast, included in our stay. Diners lined the balcony, coffee and eggs and the chatter of the scenes they’d seen the night before. We were off for another day on the Rogue river.

Elizabethan Theater at Oregon Shakespeare Festival

That evening was Shakespeare night, after another rejuvenating shower and a bit of Oregon wine from the restaurant Lark downstairs it was time for dinner and ‘Much a Do About Nothing’ under the stars!

Again, entertainment was just a short walk away and we were not alone. A crowd of excited patrons accompioned us into the warm air, excited to see the show as well. A band was playing in the square and so all we had to do was follow the music. We basically danced there.

The set was beautiful and the show amazing!

The show was electric and so full of energy I could barely sit in my seat. As an actor and director myself it’s hard to watch a show and not want to BE IN IT! I nearly went to SOU and have many memories of coming to the school on field trips to see plays and compete in speech tournaments. Ashland has always been my vibe!~

We exited the (most excellent) show and made our way up the street back home- the hotel a beacon of light. After two days on the river, good food and a fantastic, show I slept deeply and woke refreshed.

I noticed my skin was a glow again- something I did not expect after two days in sun and heat. I’d gone in with a bad breakout and now my face was completely clear. My hair, tousled from waves and wear brushed out easily and my silvers seemed to shine a bit brighter in the light. Perhaps the water really was good for you!

I do regret not visiting their lovely secret garden- I’d planned to capture the morning light but found it closed for a private event. Ahh, yes this is the place for a retreat or better yet- a union! The hotel is perfect for an elegant wedding or reception. I hope to see the garden one day.

I was sad to leave so soon- with only a bit to wander around the sitting areas in the lobby. In large glass cases are 100 year plus collections of natural wonders. The chairs are big and squishy and I’d like to sit by the fire and read a script or two…

I’ll certainly see you again Ashland Springs- as this won’t be my last show and once you’ve found a place this charming it’s hard to stop the dreaming- “As merry as the day is long.” I bid you adieu.

Id like to also note- this hotel is dog friendly!

Ashland Springs Historic Hotel

Healing in the Red Wood Forest- a journey of discovery along Highway 101

Crater Lake Resort “Glamping Pod”