An Oregon Coast Legend Reopens: Hotel Sylvia in Newport's Nye Beach in a New Century

Published 07/22/25 at 5:55 a.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

Newport, Oregon – What was old is new again – and yet still old.

That is one way to think of the new Hotel Sylvia, the "revised printing" of the Sylvia Beach Hotel in Newport.

VIP Hospitality Group, LLC, a Pacific Northwest–based hospitality company, just recently officially unveiled Hotel Sylvia, a newly renovated and independently branded boutique hotel on the Oregon coast. The oceanfront retreat in Newport's historic Nye Beach area opened early in July, welcoming guests into a literary-inspired sanctuary that blends historic charm with modern coastal comfort.

The building was originally built in 1913 as The Cliff House – a hotel created at the first heyday of Nye Beach. In 1987, Portlanders Goody Cable (originator of the Rimsky-Korskacoffee House) and Sally Ford reopened it as the Sylvia Beach Hotel, which then saw almost 40 years of an outstanding, quirky presence with rooms built around the themes of famed authors.

Brightly-decorated interiors were decorated with the vibes of Agatha Christie, Shakespeare, Jane Austen, Maya Angelou, Hemingway, Alice Walker and CS Lewis. Those, among others, are still there. Others, like the Edgar Allan Poe, JK Rowling or Dr Suess rooms are gone – or were replaced years ago by Cable and Ford.

Now, genre-themed interiors are part of the 22-unit beauty, such as rooms devoted to literary non-fiction, fantasy, historical novels or even romance or mystery. It's still a bookworm's dream. (Sylvia Beach Hotel in the early 2000s)

Jenny Nelson, Vice President of Oregon Operations at VIP, said when they bought up the property a couple of years ago they wanted to stay true to that much loved reputation, remaining inspired by its approach and yet offering a smooth turn into the new century.

“We felt compelled and inspired to curate a hospitality environment that fosters connection, growth, and exploration,” Nelson said. “Throughout the renovation process, we remained committed to honoring the past while creating a space for meaningful guest experiences.”

The property’s transformation was led by design teams from Vida-Design and Fourth Wall Creative. Sheena Brittingham, Managing Partner of Vida, crafted interiors inspired by the golden hour—capturing the essence of the location’s natural beauty and historic spirit. According to Russ Olivier, VP of Operations at VIP, the completed renovations enhanced the hotel’s structural sustainability and comfort, updating all guestrooms, bathrooms, and shared spaces with warm, inviting features.

Staying true to the legendary Oregon coast hotel's ethos includes phones and televisions are still intentionally omitted from rooms to encourage guests to disconnect from everyday distractions. Instead, bookshelves line guest rooms of the Hotel Sylvia and common areas, stocked with a curated selection of classic and contemporary literature. A newly designed fourth-floor library offers a quiet retreat for reading and reflection.

Guests can enjoy locally roasted Good Coffee, served complimentary in the first-floor lounge. Oceanfront fire pits and patio seating create relaxed opportunities to enjoy sunsets and conversation. The hotel also includes space for private dinners, holiday events, and small gatherings.

The history of the hotel is a colorful one. At one point after the mid-century it became the Gilmore – a low rent residential housing establishment. It took on various other uses, such as a Greyhound bus station and a boarding house.

By the '70s and early '80s, Nye Beach was its absolute coolest – or worst – depending on whom you talk to. On one hand, nifty little seaside cottages were insanely cheap (compared to now), and it was at times a flourishing artist haven. On the other, it was kind of rundown and rife with substance abuse issues – including some at the Gilmore. There was a wild party scene at the flophouse at times.

In 1984, Cable and Ford acquired the building and refurbished it, reportedly saving it from eventual architectural doom. Three years later, Sylvia Beach Hotel was opened, using some of Cable's successful and quirky approach from the Rimsky-Korskacoffee House (which included figures dressed as famed composers). Except here, it was cleverly named for the American expatriate literary figure of Sylvia Beach, who owned a famed bookstore in Paris between the two world wars.

A new neighborhood eatery – Cafe Sylvia - is located on the lower level of the hotel. It is now open daily, offering house-made breakfast and brunch fare. It's open to the general public as well. Guests can sip Bloody Marys or dine on eggs Benedict while overlooking the Pacific from oceanfront tables.

Hotel Sylvia is located at 267 NW Cliff Street, Newport, Oregon 97365. For more information, visit www.hotelsylvia.com

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