I recently had the opportunity to stay at the Whale Cove Inn for just one night, and I wish I could have stayed longer! It felt like being at home - in a REALLY nice home! :) I went zipping by in my search for a room for the night, on a fast and furious road-trip and I slammed on the breaks, turned around and went back to see what this place had to offer. So it must have curb appeal! I was intrigued. Kind of a modern - meets - quaint type of feel. There was so much history to take in, with all of the retro photos of the original buildings adorning the walls, but the new Inn is fresh and clean and modern and comfortable. I also felt very safe here. The front doors automatically locked at night, and it gave me a feeling of being in a "Safe harbour" as it were. :)
When I walked inside, I was sold - immediately! The atmosphere was elegant but cozy, with comfy seating areas and fires burning. There were delicious aromas coming from the open dining area of Restaurant Beck, and the desk staff (just one girl, actually, and her name escapes me), was friendly and very comfortable to deal with. She showed me the room type and I checked in right away, looking forward to a relaxing evening after a long drive.
The list of "positives" about this property are waaaay too long to fit into a review, but I'll try to cover a few things.
The girl (wish I could remember her name) guided me through all aspects of the amenities that the room offered, quickly and efficiently. How to work the gas fireplace, the jacuzzi on the balcony overlooking the bay, the kitchenette, the rain shower...
There were chocolates on my pillow, beautiful, luxurious, complimentary toiletries. If you forgot to pack anything - this is the place to stay! They spare no details in looking after their guests!
There were three bottles of wine on the counter of the wet bar, and I have to tell you that I really enjoyed the one that I chose. They were VERY reasonably priced, and I was so happy not to have to find a liquor store at that point in the day (I really wanted a glass of wine).
I watched two grey whales swim past the cove, seconds after I closed the door to my suite (and when I say suite, I really mean it - this is not just a room! A person could live there!) I also woke up to hundreds of seals sunning themselves on the rocks adjacent to the property, shore birds singing and swooping past my balcony, and a lovely sunrise painting the sky.
But I'm just getting to the good part! Breakfast! When you're on a road-trip, breakfast is critical, and I was well looked after in that department. Andrea (I bow at her feet) was just amazing. She made me such a lovely breakfast, and the service was impeccable and the presentation of the food was so pretty and EVERYTHING tasted wonderful! I ate every bite of everything she gave me! Didn't need lunch or dinner! I wanted to bring Andrea with me for the rest of my trip! She's an absolute delight and such an asset to this business. I am attaching photos of my "buffet" even though it wasn't even a buffet (well, there was a small fresh food buffet as well, now that I think of it... fresh berries, cottage cheese, yogurt, fresh granola and churned butter. "Fresh" is the key word here.
So. If you are passing through the Depoe Bay area, and will require accommodations for one or more nights, stay at the Whale Cove Inn (but make sure Andrea is scheduled to work while you're there, first). This property is top-drawer, but the human aspect of things is really key to a solo traveller. It was one of the times on my long journey, that I didn't feel alone. :)