The Chateau at the Oregon Caves (I am unsure why they call it "the Lodge" here) is celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2009, and a visit there is like a step back into a different time. Everything from the design, to the furniture, from the diner to the ambivalence created by the 30s and 40s music playing in the lobby, takes you back to that time, similar to today, of economic and international uncertainties. But, as back then, the magnificent Chateau in the mountains can also transport you away from all those troubles.
The pace there is much more relaxed than at any of the other National Park Lodges I have visited. The guests seem to be less tourist like, and while families are found there, children are fewer, and the average guest age is a bit more mature. Aside from the caves themselves, which generally warrant only a single 90 minute tour in a visit, and a few short and generally unchallenging trails, there are few attractions, and Monument calls for a overnight visit as opposed to a longer stay more common at Yosemite, Yellowstone, or even Crater Lake. This probably accounts for the lack of families, as most would make a day-trip rather than overnight stay.
This is not to say that the sights there are not wonderful. The Siskiyou Forest and mountains in which the Chateau sits are beautiful and the Caves are the most unique in the West. The graceful pace and serene setting create a more romantic retreat, attractive to couples. And the architecture and facilities are awe inspiring and inspirational.
Inside your room, however, be prepared to be under-whelmed. While the views can be gorgeous, particularly if you are looking out at the canyon, or the Caves Creek pool, the walls are thin and lined with unattractive fire-retardant tiles. The sprinkler system hangs from the ceiling, and the bathrooms are plain. The beds can be sunken in the center, though the furniture is authentic period western-lodge style. You will hear the neighbors walking about, and running the water, and you might be awoken in the night by the pipes knocking. If you can attribute this all to the fact that it is a historic lodge, operated on a restricted budget, and not a modern comfort and convenience center, and can appreciate the lack of telephones and TVs in your room, you will enjoy your stay.
Dining at the Chateau is one of the places most pleasant surprises. For as few guests as make their way there, and with it so out-of-the-way and lacking of competition, the Chateau performs grandly. In fact, I can say that the evening dining room is the best of any national park lodge in which I have eaten. Most lodge ding rooms seem to take for granted that their guests will accept what they get in exchange for the views.
The Chateau, perhaps recognizing there are less families and more discerning couples, strives for excellence. The food has been unique, scrumptious, and tastefully presented, with a fair price. The service has been good, perhaps because the servers seem to be local and comitted rather than the seasonal workers usually found in National Park Lodges. The view from the Dining room is gorgeous, and the Cave Creek stream runs through it. The 30s style Diner is a kick and serves up a nice continental breakfast for hotel guests, as well as lunch at additional cost for all. Be sure to look into Cave Tour, Dinner and room package deals.
Please keep in mind, The Chateau is simply not for everyone, and those seeking luxury and urban elegance would be severely disappointed. But those appreciative of architecture embracing nature, and a wonderful and romantic setting, will find it memorable. I did so much so that I proposed to my wife five years ago there, and celebrated the five year anniversary with a return trip this year, and I can think of no more memorable place to have done it.
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
