GLENEDEN BEACH, Ore. The beach near Westin Salishan Lodge &
Golf Resort is long, wide and lined with dunes. On our first
afternoon at the resort, my family and I strolled along it toward
what appeared to be hundreds of beached logs.
“Hey, one of the logs just moved,” my daughter cried. Turns out
they weren’t logs, but harbor seals sunning themselves on shore.
It’s not unusual to spot wildlife during a stay at the Salishan.
Set on the Central Oregon Coast, the resort harmonizes with the
environment as if it grew there itself, and sightings of various
animals are common. One morning, we were playing a round on the
resort’s putting course when a wild rabbit poked its head out of
the bushes to monitor our progress. Later, as we meandered along a
nature trail, we spotted a beaver and a family of ducks. Open since
1965 on a forest preserve, the Salishan is part of a 750-acre
oceanfront development at Gleneden Beach. The architects took great
care to preserve as many trees as possible, and the natural terrain
determined the layout of the buildings.
One of its unique aspects is the campus design. Rather than put
everything in one building, the designers created a lodge with a
reception desk, two restaurants, a lounge, a library, meeting rooms
and a gift shop. The 205 guest rooms are positioned around the
lodge in eight-plex units. Rooms are connected to the lodge by
covered walkways through heavily wooded terrain. The decor features
local art, gas fireplaces and balconies overlooking the forest,
golf course or Siletz Bay.
The resort underwent a $7.5 million renovation in 1997 before
Westin took over in January 1999.
We appreciated the Service Express program, where you can push
one button on the guest room phone for any request, from lost and
found to room service. Also great for families are Westin’s
complimentary services for kids. Our daughter enjoyed listening to
the prerecorded stories on our guest room phone, and ate free in
both restaurants.
The Salishan’s 18-hole course is one of two in Oregon and nine
in the United States certified by the Audubon Society. But we
bypassed the links and enjoyed the outdoor recreation center’s lap
pool, Jacuzzi, saunas and fitness room.
Hotel Review
Hits: Architecture blends well with the environment.
Misses: No spa.
Clientele: Groups during the week, leisure travelers on the
weekends.
Be aware: Accommodations are in separate buildings from the lodge,
where the front desk and restaurants are located.
Rates: Rooms $159 to $329 per night; suites $329 to $629.
Contacts: Call 800-WESTIN-1; www.salishan.com.
