I should start by saying I have stayed at Sakura numerous times over the last number of years so I feel that I'm an expert on this lodge. Regardless of how many trips I take to the lodge the property still blows my mind every time. Photos cannot do the view of Mount Hood justice. The grounds and lodge are straight out of a magazine. Deanna (the owner)is known in the Hood River area for having the most impeccably clean guest rooms and for having over the top beautiful breakfast fare. The presentation of the room and the meal always inspires me to go home and try and recreate a little bit of her style at my own home. My husband has a wheat and dairy allergy and Deanna has always worked around his food issues. This is VERY important to us since he is extremely sensitive. She prepares items that are seasonal and from the farm. Every single meal I've had at Deanna's table has been unique, creative, and most of all.....DELISH! I've had Asian inspired food and of course I've also been treated to Marta's traditional mexican breakfast. If you have the chance to stay on a Saturday morning this is an incredible treat.
The lodge is located away from town and nestled up in the hills allowing for a wonderful view. It's quiet here and the owners encourage you to walk the grounds and take in the farm experience. It's quiet, beautiful, and relaxing. Go here with your husband for some alone time or get your best friend and treat yourself to this incredible experience. Oh, and stay two nights....one just won't be enough!

I came to Sakura expecting quality - was definately not disappointed in that respect. What I wasn't expecting was the education I received from the very patient and accommodating owners. The organic farm, the animals, the bees - I had tons of questions about all of it and John fielded them all and generally put up with me. When it came to putting all the fresh produce and herbs together, Sakura Ridge excelled. Lastly, I'm a coffee snob-high honors there too. Fun place to meet up with extended family-great mix of private and common space. My wife and I could join in with others but still get away for some quality time on our own. Perfect-thanks!!

Let's start with what I loved. The farm was beautiful and it was so fun to visit the animals. The lodge itself is spacious and well-decorated in a style that is definitely rustic/ranch. The town of Hood River, several miles away, is wonderful and I will DEFINITELY come back to H.R. Can't say enough good things about the Columbia Gorge.

Regarding drawbacks, we went in winter, and our room was a bit drafty and chilly, and there was no bathtub or fireplace (though interestingly enough the toilet seat was heated). The proprietors were pleasant people, but when we asked about lighting a fire in the common area (there wasn't a fireplace in our room), the proprietor became pretty unhappy and was adamant that we could not build a fire when we got back from dinner. I understand him not wanting to damage the property, but both my husband and I have plenty of experience lighting fires and were fine following his instructions to a tee. Even after my husband conveyed that to him, the proprietor was adamant that we couldn't light a fire. Eventually, very reluctantly, he relented, but it put a damper on things.

I also found a lot of dustbunnies around the bed, which isn't a huge deal except I'm really allergic to dust and all the previous reviewers were talking about it being "immaculate," etc. and I'm just reporting that that wasn't my experience -- my allergies acted up.

Lastly, the breakfast was just ok. Our first day there, the breakfast was fine -- the owner was taking a much-needed break and I was actually very pleased with the cold breakfast of farm-raised hard boiled eggs, mini muffins, yogurt, honey, and granola. The second day, we had a 9 a.m. meal served, but it was a bit strange, honestly. Greens, radishes, miso soup, and fried rice. Would've been a fine lunch. Guess I'm a breakfast traditionalist. There was a sticky bun from a local bakery and yummy juice, so it wasn't a total miss.

In all, I respect and applaud the proprietors for what they are doing, as it is no easy task. Running a big farm like that as well as being in the hospitality industry is undoubtedly very difficult. I really appreciate the hospitality they showed my husband and I but I also wanted to present a balanced and honest review.

We picked Sakura Ridge because of TripAdvisor. We were not disappointed, it was very nice and very comfortable. My recollection is probably not as "sterling" as it might be because I was coming down with a cold.

Our room was the only one available, and has almost no view, but was very nice. The building was warm & comfortable in the shared spaces. The breakfast was quite good and a bit to the "healthy" side.