A 1940s Motor Lodge on the Oregon Coast With Thoroughly Modern Vibes

Published 01/27/26 at 7:55 a.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Newport, Oregon) - Agate Beach in Newport has seen plenty of history, which includes a time when it was rich in agates – hence the name. Although that's not usually the case now.

Among the finds was the once-famous Agate Beach Inn, a Bavarian-style landmark that burned down in 1948. Yet just before that loss, the area - like all of the Oregon coast - was already shifting into a new era of seaside lodging. In 1940, a modern and novel concept for its time. This was the motor lodge: and this one appeared on the bluff above what was then still prime rockhound territory. Whether it originally went by Agate Beach Motor Lodge or Deluxe Cottages isn't entirely clear, but by the latter half of the century it had settled into the name Agate Beach Motel.

The 1930s marked the transition from tents on the sand to small beach cottages, and then to the motor lodge - the early form of the motel, where rooms (often still called cottages) lined up in a single building with parking right outside the door.

Plenty of travelers still seek out this vintage style, drawn to the nostalgia of the Oregon coast in the '60s and '70s. Agate Beach Motel manages to preserve that atmosphere, even with its updated paint and modern amenities.

A few old newspaper ads from 1948 mention Deluxe Cottages in Agate Beach, while a 1976 article shows the property had become the Agate Beach Motel by then - with rooms going for $14 a night. A different era, indeed.

Owner Wendy Kelley knows this appetite for the historic well. She's had the place in since 1989 and has kept up the vibe. You can see it in the moulding and the wood that run throughout the place.

“We have tried to keep the motor lodge feel that was so popular in those days,” she said. “Some people travel in search of original motor lodges. We had a group awhile back that came strictly because it was a motor lodge.”

Over that time, plenty of guests have come in saying they've been here before, and there are some interesting tales that were told around campfires, Kelley said. These would get a chuckle if they were revealed, but she said they can be a bit spicy.

Each room has a starkly individualistic quality and vibe all their own: a completely different interior. They're bright, upbeat and resplendent in coastal views.

There are three room types available.

The Yaquina Suite is the signature queen suite, offering more than 700 square feet, a private sun deck, sweeping ocean views, and covered parking. A fully equipped kitchen and a generous living room - complete with a queen sleeper sofa for additional guests - create plenty of space to unwind.

The Buoy Suite spans 825 square feet and accommodates up to six guests.

The Dory Suite is their standard queen option, though there's nothing standard about it. It features a charming kitchenette, a private sunning deck, and ocean views worth lingering over. A roomy living area with a queen sleeper sofa provides space to relax and map out the day's adventures, while a separate bedroom and custom-tiled bath with tub and shower round out the comforts.

One of the more recent additions was the cajoling firepit overlooking that stunning beach. They do allow pets.

These days, the Agate Beach Motel hosts one of the coolest webcams on the Oregon coast, pointed to Agate Beach. Sundowns are beyond fab, even if just from the webcam. You'll probably want to hit it in-person, though. 175 NW Gilbert Way. Newport, Oregon. 541-265-8746. Agate Beach Motel.

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