We were hesitant to visit Hotel Diamond but had heard so many good things that we decided to go anyway. We now return each year. For those of you who can tear yourselves away from the reality TV, blackberries, Wifi and constant bellyaching, you will find that Hotel Diamond is a place to relax and enjoy the surroundings. The “unique” furniture, or as some like to call it “antique” furniture, was fitting for the well, renovated historic hotel. The food is excellent of often comes from family recipes that have been passed down for generations. There is a small cabin behind the restaurant where we ate lunch, played pool, enjoyed a game of cards, and visited with the friendly owners. The most relaxing time we’ve had was spent at Hotel Diamond and I would recommend it to anyone.

Here's my review of the DIAMOND HOTEL. What a PIT....ugh....other than the screen porch and the comfy couch in the entry way, what IS there to like....the mosquitos, or would it be the uncomfortable/squeeky bed...or maybe it is the "unique" furniture ah-la Salvation Army, or the carpeting in the bathroom ...or it could be the no cable, no puzzles, no games, no wifi or no books. Even my husband took a sleeping pill....and he's NEVER had one before. I don't recommend it...charm....that's not what I'd call it.

Hotel Diamond is a truly unique establishment. Sitting no fewer than 40 miles from a town with a full-service gas station, a visitor feels that he/she has stepped back into time upon reaching this well-kept inn. The Hotel is at the center of the town of Diamond--population five. The visitor will need to be aware of their surroundings: there is absolutely nothing out here--and in this case, it is most appreciated.

Innkeeper Shirley and staff member Jean were extremely friendly, helpful and fascinating with their local anecdotes. To give an idea of how unique this hotel is, Shirley's family owns the hotel again--nearly a century after her great-grandfather
owned the hotel when it first opened! According to the staff, the Hotel Diamond is the furthest lodging from any interstate, which is believable as I-84 is 175 miles away!

The hotel contains a fantastic wrap-around porch with plenty of chairs. There is a charming dining area and plenty of seating throughout the inn with books and interesting family/local pictures for perusal. There is also a small store with souvenirs and necessities available.

Dinner was served at 6:30; reservations are required. I was seated at the table with other guests and we had good conversation while enjoying meatballs, potatoes au gratin, some excellent beets, bread and wine, among other items. We were treated to a fantastic Buttermilk Pie for dessert, which was made from a family recipe.

My room was small, with an armoir, floral decor and a sturdy bed with an extra-firm mattress, located directly across from one of the shared baths. Despite that the walls are thin and the inn was almost full during my stay, I slept extremely well under a very comfortable quilt.

In terms of value, I felt that for $75, I received a very unique experience in a clean and comfortable setting. The dinner was $19, and this charge could have been less. Although the dinner was good and the pie was excellent, I would have expected something in the $10-$13 range for what was served. While the dinner price seemed expensive, the breakfast contained cereals, fruit, an Easter concoction (due to the holiday), excellent coffee and homemade jams--which were provided free of charge.

Visit Hotel Diamond to get away from television, cell phones, the internet--the World in general. It is a wonderful place to relax, with good accessibility to some of Oregon's finest scenery. The staff is helpful and informational--should you ever find yourself in Oregon's ninth-largest county, inquire about lodging at Hotel Diamond. You'll have no regrets!

We have stayed here and at the nearby Frenchglen Hote. We prefer the Frenchglen by a very small margin but this place is wonderful, too.

Diamond Oregon is in the middle of nowhere, near the Maheur Wildlife Refuge and Steen Mountains. It is a lovely place. Rooms were clean and comfortable. Dinner was very good, and the complimentary continental breakfast was one of the nicest I've had for a long time.

Owner/managers are very friendly and helpful.

We look forward to going again someday.