Cushy Nights, Stunning Days at Oregon Coast Resort

By Andre' Hagestedt

(Oregon Coast) - This central Oregon coast wonder truly deserves the term "resort," as it's a legendary travel landmark that is practically its own self-contained city. Within the complex housing your bayview unit, there's a swimming pool, sauna, crab ring rentals, fishing boat guide, scenic docks to wander, a general store, a fine restaurant (that also delivers to your room) with a lounge that features live jazz music. There are even conference facilities that could host and cater your wedding.

The Embarcadero Resort sits at the inside of Yaquina Bay in Newport, with all units looking out over the bay, in full view of all the wildlife and boat-filled docks that inhabit this placid place, and that beautiful bridge stretching across the horizon.

On my first visit, I stay in one of the patio guestrooms in a complex right up against the bay. The entire complex is made of a deep brown cedar, with a labyrinth of walkways snaking throughout. I enter my door, and a quick flight of stairs leads up to the actual room. This lovely little studio pad comes with huge windows, microwave, small fridge, and a couch facing the TV. Just outside the door, a patio - slightly cloistered from the wind, and very private - lets you walk out and look over the bay in person.

On this particular day in late October, I arrive well after dark and can't see all the beauty. But at night, this bay is alive with the lights of Newport shimmering gently in the slowly heaving water, and the faint sound of the surf in the far distance. It's enchanting. I smack myself for having to stay alone and not bringing a date.

In the morning, I awake to a warm day of blue skies, with the sounds of sea lions barking and gulls zipping around. It's noisy - but it's a natural kind of noisy and positively heartwarming. It's the best alarm clock I could've asked for.

I immediately open the shades and let the sun and blue of the bay and sky fill the room. I then dart for the restaurant and indulge in a steak and eggs for breakfast that was perfectly done and tasty. The view here is engaging as well.

On another stay, I'm in the stretch of buildings behind and above the bayside bunch. The patios here still provide beautiful views of the bay. There's not a bad view in the house.

This time, I'm afflicted with a bit of a cold and utilize their 24-hour store sometime around midnight. I manage to find what I need to nod off and get some rest.

That morning, and in the next two or three times I spend the night at Embarcadero, it's always breakfast at the restaurant: quick, convenient and delectable. On this I can depend.

Rooms at the Embarcadero all come with the private deck on the bay. Sofas in the studio-style rooms pullout to accommodate more people if necessary. The one-bedroom suites come with the same, as well as a fully equipped kitchen and fireplace. You can combine the two kinds of rooms to create a huge living space for a large family.

You can rent movies, boats in the bay, bikes, kayaks or rent the equipment to go crabbing from their private dock. There are two Jacuzzi's, an indoor heated pool, and saunas for men and women. Right in front, you can go on fishing trips or sea tours with Yaquina Bay Charters. www.embarcadero-resort.com. 1000 SE Bay Blvd., Newport. 800-547-4779.

DIVE INTO LUXURY, HISTORY AT THE TIDES

THE TIDES BY THE SEA, Seaside. For over 80 years, The Tides has been a favorite of Seaside visitors. History meets modern luxury here. 51 oceanfront condos, individually owned and decorated. Find suites for couples, small apartments with fireplaces and kitchenettes, one or two bedroom family units with fireplaces, kitchens and dining rooms. There are wonderful oceanview cottages that sleep anywhere from two to eight people, with two bedrooms, some with lofts, fireplaces and kitchens.
Meanwhile, the heated outdoor pool, enormous grounds with picnic tables and location at the quiet southern end of Seaside make for some memorable means of play and repose. 2316 Beach Drive. 800-548-2846. www.thetidesbythesea.com.

Weiss' Paradise Suites & Vacation Rentals - Seaside

Unique Luxury Accommodations in Seaside. 1BR Suites, 1BR & 2BR Duplex Units and 3BR Houses, units for 2-8 people. Rent our entire property for 20-26. All units close to beach, river and Broadway St.
Suites are designed for two adults; vacation rental units for families. All units have kitchen and many have fireplace, deck and jetted tub. Enjoy comfy robes & slippers, luxury bath amenities, quality linens and more. See us on The Travel Channel's "Great Escapes" show in August 2006. 741 S. Downing St., Seaside. 800-738-6691. www.SeasideSuites.com