Coho Oceanfront Lodge Hints at Its 'Oregon Coast of Old' Beginnings: History

Published 06/17/26 at 5:55 a.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Lincoln City, Oregon) – Deep within Lincoln City, yet still on a stunning oceanfront setting, one longtime hotel just quietly passed the 55-year mark. It feels a little hidden until you get there, and then the ocean explodes out in front of you. Just like it did back in 1970.

These days, it's called the Coho Oceanfront Lodge, after a few minor name changes over that half century. Wander into these rooms and you cannot tell its age, either. It's like most of the Oregon coast hotels owned by VIP Hospitality: they all seem to have some kind of history but look completely future-forward on the inside.

You could say that's a family tradition. The VIP Hospitality Group, owned by the Lee family of Oregon, has acquired numerous properties over the last decade or so and breathed new life into them.

Vintage ad from 1970

The famous lodge got its start in 1970, constructed by Eric and Mary Pekkola. An old ad from that year shows it being called simply Coho Inn – a name that stuck with it for decades. They touted having TV's, kitchens, private patios and wood fireplaces, which was indeed regarded as somewhat higher end back then.

It didn't take the Pekkolas long to move on from that initial venture, selling it in 1975 and then just two years later building and starting the Nordic Motel – according to one article in 2000. This is interesting because the Lee family and their VIP Hospitality Group bought what was by then called the Nordic Oceanfront Inn in 2021. That became the much renowned Surfland Hotel not long after.

The Pekkolas didn't keep the Nordic for an especially long time, either. By '84 they sold it and started another hotel in Lincoln City which they sold in '89. It's unclear which that one is due to various name changes. Otherwise, not much is known about the Pekkolas – except that Mary was born in Carlton.

Somewhere along the line, the hotel doubled its rooms from 26 to 53.

Presently, the Coho Oceanfront Lodge has long been one of Lincoln City’s standout stays, thanks to its prime perch above the beach and a reputation for hitting the mark with attentive hospitality. It's a boutique hotel to be sure, still with sweeping views, easy access to the sand, and a location that's a decent walking distance to gobs of what Lincoln City can offer up.

Outside, the Coho hints at its 1970s beginnings. Some of the archectural lines and textures look back a bit, definitely a glimpse of that "old Oregon coast" that those over a certain age still remember.

Rooms and suites are designed with a modern, eco-minded touch, using reclaimed materials and a variety of impressive details throughout. Along with complimentary Wi-Fi, each unit includes an LED flat-screen TV, eco-friendly bath products, a French press with fresh-ground gourmet coffee, a Serta Prestige Plush mattress, luxury linens, air conditioning and other comforts that give the property its polished feel.

The lineup of room types covers everything from simple studios to indulgent suites. Oceanview Studios keep things elegant and streamlined while delivering those full, unobstructed Pacific views. Oceanview Suites add private balconies for taking in the breeze, while Fireplace Suites turn up the coziness for storm-watching season.

Partial View Studios offer a more economical option without losing the hotel’s signature warmth and amenities. At the top end, the Sunset Suites provide a spacious, adults-only retreat with a king bed, 40-inch HDTV, fireplace, jetted soaking tub and a private balcony positioned for those postcard-worthy evening skies.

The lodge also builds out the coastal experience with themed packages. One of the most popular is the Beach Bonfire Package, which sets guests up with firewood, roasting sticks, a beach towel, a beach bag and a gourmet s’mores kit - everything needed for a classic Oregon coast night by the fire. 1635 Northwest Harbor Ave. Lincoln City, Oregon. 800 848 7006. www.thecoholodge.com.

Also of historic interest: the family helped create a public park right next to the Coho, which is among the smallest city parks in Oregon. Lincoln City's Oceanview Walk Park May be Tiniest on Oregon Coast

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