We staid at the Audobon Cottage which was recently remodeled with lots of interesting woods inside. It's absolutely amazing inside and very classy. We also are frequent travelers up and down the Northwest coast and hands down China Beach Retreat ranks as one of the top places to stay. I read the negative comments with amazement, we also saw the main house and it's also very beautiful. The views are amazing. I saw eagles, herons, sea otters and sea lions from the hot tub outside the cottage. it was a very relaxing vacation for my wife and I despite the weather having been aweful. We also really enjoyed talking to David the owner who's simply a wonderful person. We will be back frequently.

This is one of the best spots on earth and coupled with a great innkeeper and staff; it really makes for a romantic and very scenic vacation. There is so much to see - The Columbia River Bar, Cape Disappointment, wildlife everywhere and a very private retreat. Did I mention the terrific breakfasts too? I recommend this to friends, family and anyone else who can appreciate just how special this place is!

My husband and I celebrated our 15 year anniversary this weekend at the China Beach Retreat's Audobon Cottage! We were welcomed warmly upon check-in at the nearby Shelburne Inn and a few minutes later arrived at the Cottage. We were amazed at the gorgeous woodwork inside. Upstairs was a sumptuous bedroom with a beautiful view of Baker Bay and the marshlands. It was soooo quiet and peaceful! The breakfasts at the Shelburne were 5 star and our host, David Campiche, was so warm and genuine. I can't say one bad thing about our experience. It was perfect in every way. We cannot wait to return!

Normally my husband and I cannot afford to stay in a place in this price range but this place is completely worth it. We loved the huge glass windows over looking the bay. I watched the tide go out and come back. Even in the winter the view is spectacular, the wildlife abundant and the facilities rejuvenating.

I luxuriated in the huge jetted spa and loved all the unique tile work. The innkeeper took the time to give us a complete tour of the property and we loved each room. They were each so unique and each one invited you to stay promising you comfort and luxury. The living rooms is LARGE and it has a fireplace to keep you cozy. The communal kitchen was very convenient. We were able to put some things in the fridge and get to it anytime we wanted. It is like renting out a complete house. Also, if you are lucky like we were and get to rent one of the rooms and no one else is there it feels like the whole place belongs to you. It is really an amazing place. When we left we had never felt so relaxed, rejuvenated and content.

We are nature buffs and for anyone so inclined that still wants a little luxury this place is perfect. You get everything you need without anything you don't. This place is right on the water of Bakers Bay and the mouth of the Columbia River. The road is above and behind the house hidden by many trees. It is so very quite and out of the way that I felt like we had hidden away from the world there. It was so convenient though. A small store was no more than a mile away in Ilwaco. The road it is on is not often traveled but very convenient and well taken care of. The electronic gate ensures your private getaway. No tourists can go wandering around here to bother you in the summer or winter.

Having only 3 rooms in the main house and of course the Audubon Cottage next door (which we really wish we could have afforded! Talk about luxury!) means even when the place is at full capacity it is not crowded and you only have to share the place with a few people.

I asked the Innkeeper what their policies for China Beach Retreat were and he assured me that they only allow children when a group takes the whole place so that the rest of us that want a quiet retreat are not disturbed. Also, I was glad to hear that they do not allow pets, which means my allergies were not going to get irritated. I love to see and watch wildlife but I also like staying in a place I know is clean.

The best part about China Beach Retreat is that except for when the housekeepers come down to clean there is no one else there. It is a true retreat. Assistance is only a phone call away though but I love that it felt so private.

Each day of our stay we enjoyed the amazing GOURMET Shelburne Inn breakfast. The Shelburne Inn is only a few miles away and they are not well known for their breakfasts for nothing. The innkeeper is also the breakfast chef and I must say I have never had such a divine meal. The staff was attentive but unobtrusive and always there to help answer questions and see what they can do. Breakfast felt like going to a friends house but better since you don't have to help clean up afterward and how many people have such amazing chefs as good friends?

I think we will have to go back and stay in the Audubon Cottage however. We also received a wonderful tour of the Shelburne Inn. We felt like we were walking back in time. We have since stayed at the Shelburne Inn with our children and it was also a unique and memorable experience.