Sylvia Beach Hotel

Sylvia Beach Hotel has a particularly beautiful panorama of both Nye and Agate beaches including Yaquina Head Lighthouse to the north. All the rooms are author-themed. This is truly a hotel for book lovers! There are no TVs, radios, telephones or wi fi in the rooms. A hearty breakfast is included. We serve a delightful family style dinner every evening. We offer all the privacy you want, while being in the good company of strangers.

Great concept, but....

Fun, author-inspired rooms, great view of the ocean, lovely library upstairs. But: a) the hotel should advertise front and center that people with cat allergies should stay away. I'm not allergic but I'm not a fan of cats either, and what it comes down to is hygiene. For example, the cat's water bowl should have never been on top of the water cooler. The cat was sprawled on my bed when I arrived (the staff keeps the empty rooms' doors open for people to peek inside). I kept thinking, I don't like this, but what if I were allergic? b) the bathroom smelled at all times, not because it was dirty, but because the building is so old and needs renovation. c) staff was friendly enough, but being reminded to tip both during breakfast and during checkout kind of ruined the experience. Never seen that at a BnB before. d) breakfast was okay.

Charm may not be enough

We love the idea of the Sylvia Beach Hotel, and have visited on special occasions over the years. As others have explained, each room reflects a different author. The most recent update being the JK Rowling room.No wi-fi or TVs, as the point is to get away from the modern world of media. Recently we were able to do a last minute getaway to Newport and stayed in the Hemingway room. Room decor was fake animal trophies, lots of photos of Papa, and tropical furniture. A sweet idea, but one that badly needs updating. Bed was lumpy; all the linens were clean but old. We realize there are compromises to staying at a place like the Sylvia Beach, but decided it did not balance out in the end. Would love to see the place have a complete overhaul, with new beds, carpets, etc. Perhaps less emphasis on charm and more on comfort.

If I had a bookish, bohemian aunt, this would be her west coast house.

When my partner and I were looking to hug the Oregon coast another night, una colega suggested SBH. Books everywhere. Ocean views. Plenty of quiet, laughter, good food. It reminded me of every cottage rental, ever, in the best possible way. Cozy room. Soft bed. We wish we were staying longer. Sweet. Laid back. Easy.

Last minute availability for book lover

We called one morning and were magically able to get into the hotel for that one night at short notice. We stayed in the Virginia Woolf room. The hotel is lovely and kitsch. Very good for book lovers but equally people seeking the most streamline and modern facilities may be disappointed. This is a great boutique hotel and cooked breakfast to order - only one option - but there is a little buffet too. We enjoyed our stay. If the heat had been higher it may not have been as enjoyable with no air con. The house resident cat - Shelley - was around too which was nice.

Quirky and homely hotel for those who love books but not good food

When my husband booked three nights at Sylvia Beach I was a little concerned that this hotel may turn out to be a kind of Literary Theme Park. However, it is a lovely, friendly odd-ball place with mostly happy and welcoming staff. The rooms are interesting and comfortable and some have great sea-views. The library is a gorgeous place to relax, read or play one of the many board games available. Where the hotel needs to improve is in the kitchen. I'm afraid there is now no room for soft cornflakes in tupperware containers and tasteless, sugar-laden 'pastries' for breakfast. We ate dinner once, and although it was a pleasure to meet some lovely guests, the waitress was graceless when she tried to organise the numbers sitting at the tables and the food was terrible. Lumpy polenta, ordinary salad and slimy cod. Truly awful. I know that Americans are perennially positive and polite (great qualities) which may explain why this is tolerated. I think it is a real shame that the food lets down the whole experience and if I owned this hotel I would make it my priority to improve this urgently.

Virtual reality is almost as good as being there.

TripAdvisor Ratings & Reviews

Great concept, but....

Charm may not be enough

If I had a bookish, bohemian aunt, this would be her west coast house.

Last minute availability for book lover

Quirky and homely hotel for those who love books but not good food