
Skamania Lodge
Best for travelers who want on-site recreation, a spa, and lodge-style dining in the Columbia River Gorge.
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Skamania Lodge is a full-service, all-ages resort on wooded acreage above the Columbia River Gorge with on-site spa, restaurants, and outdoor activities. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Hood River is a dependable 2.5-star branded hotel in Hood River with an indoor pool and complimentary breakfast; this guide helps travelers choose between a resort stay and a simpler town base.
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Best for travelers who want on-site recreation, a spa, and lodge-style dining in the Columbia River Gorge.

Best for visitors who want a familiar, budget-conscious hotel with free breakfast and convenient Hood River access.
When Skamania Lodge wins: Choose Skamania if you want resort-scale amenities (on-site spa, indoor pool and hot tubs, zipline/ropes course, golf, hiking trails) and on-property dining options—it's geared to families, active travelers, and guests who plan to spend time on the grounds.
When Holiday Inn Express & Suites Hood River wins: Pick the Holiday Inn Express when you want a straightforward, recognizable brand with free buffet breakfast, an indoor pool, free Wi‑Fi, and easy access to Hood River town services and attractions.
Bottom line: Skamania is a full-service Gorge resort for an activity-driven or wellness-focused stay; Holiday Inn Express & Suites Hood River is a practical, no-surprises base in Hood River for sightseeing and short stays.
| Category | Skamania Lodge | Holiday Inn Express & Suites Hood River |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Full-service lodge and resort focused on recreation, spa, and scenic grounds. | Midscale, branded hotel focused on convenience and reliable basics. |
| Location | Stevenson, WA on 175 wooded acres above the Columbia River Gorge; near Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center Museum. | Hood River, OR (city address: 2625 Cascade Ave) with quick access to Hood River attractions and services. |
| Size / rooms | About 254 guest accommodations across multiple room types including suites, cabins, treehouses and villas. | 64 air-conditioned rooms and suites (rooms include Standard Room, multiple pet-friendly options, and suites). |
| Ages / audience | All ages — family-friendly with playground, family rooms, and child services. | All ages — not adults-only; family stays allowed and policies allow up to 2 children 18 and under to stay free in existing bedding. |
| Pools & hot tubs | Large heated indoor pool, indoor whirlpool hot tub, saunas, and an outdoor hot tub (outdoor hot tub adults-only after 6 PM). | Indoor pool and wheelchair-accessible pool; pool access hours published by property (pool open; check front desk for details). |
| Restaurants & bars | Multiple on-site outlets including Cascade Dining Room (PNW American) and River Rock Lounge (pub fare). | Snack bar/deli on-site; no full-service signature restaurant listed; complimentary buffet breakfast daily. |
| Spa & wellness | Waterleaf Spa with massages, HydraFacial, warm stone therapy, facials, body treatments; fitness center with Peloton bikes and Precor equipment. | Fitness facilities on site; no full-service day spa listed in supplier facts. |
| Pets | Pet-friendly in select rooms (Skamania policy: up to two dogs/cats, fees and deposit apply). | Pet-friendly room options available (pet fee: USD 50 per pet, per night; service animals exempt). |
| Business & meetings | Extensive meeting and event facilities, multiple ballrooms and outdoor venues for weddings and conferences. | 24-hour business center and meeting support; smaller-scale business amenities compared with a resort conference center. |
| Notable extras | On-site zipline, ropes course, 18-hole golf course, free shuttle to downtown Stevenson, guided excursions available through concierge. | Complimentary ski shuttle (seasonal), free self-parking, 24-hour front desk, complimentary breakfast. |
Skamania Lodge sits on 175 wooded acres above the Columbia River Gorge with immediate access to Gorge trails and scenic viewpoints.
Choose Skamania if you want time on a large property inside the Gorge and easy access to outdoor sites.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Hood River is located in Hood River with convenient access to town services and riverfront activities.
Pick Holiday Inn Express for a simple, central Hood River location when you plan day trips into the Gorge.
Skamania offers a wide range of accommodations, from standard lodge rooms to suites, treehouses, cabins and multi-bedroom villas.
Skamania suits travelers who want a range of specialty rooms and larger suites for family or multi-night stays.
Holiday Inn Express has 64 air-conditioned rooms and suites with basic in-room conveniences.
Holiday Inn Express is a solid, predictable option with practical room amenities and accessible room choices.
Skamania provides full-service dining across multiple outlets for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Skamania is better when you want full meals on site and a range of dining settings from casual to sit-down.
Holiday Inn Express focuses on convenience with a snack bar/deli and a complimentary buffet breakfast.
Holiday Inn Express is convenient for travelers prioritizing a free morning meal and grab-and-go options over on-site full dining.
Skamania’s wet‑area facilities are part of its resort offering and include indoor and outdoor thermal features.
Skamania’s pool and hot tub setup is more extensive and integrated with the spa and family programming.
Holiday Inn Express has an indoor pool and lists wheelchair-accessible pool features in its amenities.
Holiday Inn Express provides a basic indoor pool suitable for short stays or families needing a quick swim.
Skamania includes a full-service spa and a fitness center with modern equipment.
Choose Skamania if spa treatments and a fuller wellness program matter to your trip.
Holiday Inn Express lists fitness facilities but does not list a full-service day spa in the supplier facts.
Holiday Inn Express is geared toward guests who need fitness gear and practical services rather than a resort spa experience.

Skamania — zipline, ropes course, golf, hiking trails, and bicycle rentals on property.

Holiday Inn Express — branded chain standards, free breakfast, and practical room features.

Skamania — Waterleaf Spa with multiple facial and body treatments and a connected pool/sauna complex.

Holiday Inn Express — straightforward amenities and an included buffet breakfast to start the day.
Skamania Lodge — it's specifically family-friendly with playgrounds, family rooms, kid-friendly pool hours and activity options on site.
Skamania Lodge has the Waterleaf Spa. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Hood River lists fitness facilities but not a full-service spa in supplier facts.
Both properties allow pets in designated rooms: Skamania permits up to two dogs or cats per room for a fee and deposit; Holiday Inn Express lists a pet fee (USD 50 per pet, per night) with service animals exempt.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Hood River includes a complimentary buffet breakfast. Skamania offers on-site restaurants; breakfast inclusion depends on rate/package and is not described as included by default.
Explore how Skamania Lodge stacks up against other hotels nearby:
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