
Skamania Lodge
Best for activity-filled stays: on-site golf, a full spa, indoor pool and kids' options make Skamania Lodge the choice for guests who want resort amenities and on-site recreation.
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Skamania Lodge is a full-service resort in Stevenson, Washington, with a spa, golf course, on-site dining and family-friendly activities; this comparison is for travelers who want an activity-rich Gorge base. Sunset Motel Hood River is a long-running, budget 2.5-star motel in Hood River near the Columbia River; read on if you want a simple, low-cost option near downtown Hood River and river access.
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Best for activity-filled stays: on-site golf, a full spa, indoor pool and kids' options make Skamania Lodge the choice for guests who want resort amenities and on-site recreation.

Best for clean, no-frills stays close to Hood River attractions and the Columbia River without the resort price tag.
When Skamania Lodge wins: Choose Skamania if you want a single property that provides dining, a spa, a heated indoor pool, golf and on-site adventure (zipline, ropes course) — it’s a destination resort for families and active travelers.
When Sunset Motel Hood River wins: Choose Sunset Motel for a straightforward, budget-friendly room with free parking and Wi‑Fi in Hood River proper, especially if you plan to spend most of your time exploring the Oregon side of the Gorge and don’t need resort facilities.
Bottom line: Skamania Lodge is a full-service Gorge resort that costs more but includes activities and facilities; Sunset Motel Hood River is a practical, lower-cost base for Hood River and Columbia River access.
| Category | Skamania Lodge | Sunset Motel Hood River |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Destination resort with activities, dining and event space | Basic, budget motel focused on value and location |
| Location | Stevenson, WA — on 175 wooded acres above the Columbia River Gorge | Hood River, OR — in town, within walking distance of the Columbia River |
| Size | Large resort (about 254 rooms across 4 floors plus cabins/treehouses) | Small motel (36 rooms) |
| Ages / audience | All ages — family-friendly with playground and kids' programming | All ages — not adults-only |
| Pools & hot tubs | Indoor heated pool, indoor whirlpool, outdoor hot tub (outdoor hot tub 21+ after 6 PM); saunas in locker rooms | Not published |
| Restaurants & bars | Multiple on-site options (Cascade Dining Room, River Rock Lounge, other casual outlets) | No on-site restaurant listed; vending machine and nearby dining in Hood River |
| Spa & wellness | Waterleaf Spa with massages, facials and body treatments; fitness center with Peloton bikes | Not published |
| Known for | On-site activities (golf, zipline/ropes course), meeting and wedding venues, family amenities | Simple, budget rooms near the Columbia River and downtown Hood River |
| Parking & connectivity | On-site self-parking (resort fee covers parking and Wi‑Fi per many listings); free Wi‑Fi | Free self parking and free WiFi |
| Accessibility & extras | Shuttle to Stevenson; EV charging stations; wide meeting/event facilities | Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations); upper floors accessed by stairs only |
Skamania Lodge sits on 175 wooded acres overlooking the Columbia River Gorge near downtown Stevenson.
Best if you want to stay inside a large natural setting with resort access to Gorge trailheads and attractions.
Sunset Motel Hood River is a small motel in Hood River within walking distance of the Columbia River.
Best if you want a compact base in Hood River for Oregon-side Gorge activities and town amenities.
Skamania Lodge offers a long list of room types from standard lodge rooms to suites, treehouses and cabins.
Choose Skamania for more variety and unique stays (treehouses, cabins, suites).
Sunset Motel has straightforward, air-conditioned standard rooms with basic in-room amenities.
Choose Sunset Motel for basic, clean rooms with small kitchen conveniences and simple in-town access.
Skamania Lodge has multiple on-site dining outlets serving Pacific Northwest American fare and casual pub food.
Plenty of on-site choices for meals and drinks without leaving the property.
Sunset Motel does not list a full-service restaurant; the property offers a vending machine and easy access to nearby Hood River dining.
Expect to eat out in Hood River rather than on property.
Skamania Lodge provides a multi-part pool and hot tub setup that supports families and adults at different times.
Skamania’s aquatic facilities are a major draw for families and visitors seeking relaxation.
Sunset Motel’s listing does not publish pool or hot-tub facilities.
If a pool or spa is important, Skamania is the clear choice; Sunset Motel does not publish pool amenities.
Skamania Lodge includes a full-service spa and fitness facilities plus on-site outdoor adventure.
Skamania is a self-contained option for wellness and daytime adventure; nightlife is low-key and centered on the lodge bars or nearby Stevenson/Hood River venues.
Sunset Motel is a simple base; nightlife and wellness options come from nearby Hood River.
Pick Sunset if you want to be in town with quick access to Hood River nightlife and outdoor-sport providers rather than relying on hotel amenities.

Skamania Lodge — playground, indoor pool with family hours, zipline and kid-friendly programming.

Skamania Lodge — Waterleaf Spa and fitness center with Peloton bikes.

Sunset Motel Hood River — straightforward rooms, free parking and central Hood River location.

Sunset Motel Hood River — in-town base steps from dining, windsurfing and Columbia River access.
Skamania Lodge — it has family rooms, a playground, a kids-friendly pool schedule and on-site activities; Sunset Motel is a basic motel with simple rooms.
No — Skamania Lodge charges a mandatory resort fee that covers parking, Wi‑Fi and pool/fitness access but does not include meals; Sunset Motel lists no meal plan and has no on-site full restaurant.
Sunset Motel Hood River is located in Hood River and is the closer, in-town option; Skamania Lodge is in Stevenson on the Washington side of the Gorge.
Skamania Lodge allows pets in select rooms for a fee and deposit. Sunset Motel lists a pet-friendly room type (Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Refrigerator & Microwave (Pet Friendly)).
Explore how Skamania Lodge stacks up against other hotels nearby:
vs. sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and other OTAs ·