Historic Central Hotel

A touch of farmhouse flair, a dash of industrial influence, and a whole heap of vintage Americana set on a prohibition-era foundation…now that’s my kind of unique, boutique hotel.

Sometimes you find a place that's so special you just have to write home about it. Or immediately text your mom to gush over it before you've even had a chance to pounce on the fluffy, white, king-sized bed. Sometimes places like this take us by surprise. Other times, we had a feeling they'd be something to remember all along.

I had that feeling about the Historic Central Hotel in Burns, Oregon. I just knew it was going to be a place I'd want to return to. And as memorable as I thought it was going to be, this wonderful property turned out to be so much more than I ever imagined.

From the moment you approach the warm, wooden doors on Broadway Avenue, you're instantly enchanted. You feel like you're doing something good for your soul. Enter, and you'll be delighted to discover a lobby unlike any you've stepped foot in before. Originally built in the roaring 20s, this historic hotel still exudes that iconic, prohibition-era ambiance that's been brilliantly preserved and perpetuated by the Keady family.

Ornate, patterned tiles stretch across the floor from the entryway that welcomes you to the stairs that lead to your room. And a sparkling, crystal, chandelier glistens over the antique wood and brass accents that line a powder-blue, branded front desk. Once buried behind layers of plaster, an extraordinary stone surface was rescued and brought to light in the forefront of their hotel. Though its original builders probably never intended for it to be seen, Forrest Keady transformed this beautiful stone structure into a monumental accent wall that stands proudly for all to see today.

Old world accents meet more modern finishes in a lovely, antique-inspired sitting room that's somewhat connected and somewhat separate from the lobby. It feels funny to even label the space a "lobby" because it's just something different. Something better. It's more comforting and more inviting than a standard lobby with big, cushiony couches waiting to swallow you whole while you wait to check in. Instead, the Historic Central Hotel's entryway had decoratively upholstered chairs that looked like they might've had a story or two to tell.

Also, unlike most hotels, the Historic Central's modern, self-check-in process is the quickest and most convenient I've ever experienced. With one access code for the front door and one for my room, "Hop Gold," I was able to check myself in lickety-split. It's no wonder their motto is, "Think different, stay different." When I wanted to buy a souvenir t-shirt, I simply texted owner and visionary, Jen Keady and she replied right away with her Venmo info.

Adding to the hotel's cool factor: its rooms have names, instead of numbers. When I stopped to really think about that, I realized how symbolic that little detail was. Their rooms are named, not numbered, and their guests might as well be family because they're spending the night in a place that this hardworking, tight-knit family has put so much heart and TLC into. And they've made it so easy for you to feel right at home.

But nothing made me feel more at home or more elated than walking into my gorgeous, golden bedroom for the night. I smiled instantly, opening the door, taking in every detail. There were chairs and benches, big cozy blankets, a plethora of pillows; there was an antique calendar, a wooden sink, a towel specifically for removing your makeup. There were simple yet elegant lamps and curtains, a silver-studded, navy blue headboard that complemented the accents of gold beautifully. And the bathroom! It made me feel pampered from the minute I slid that big, beautiful, Chip-and-Joanna-style door open. It was spectacular! History, charm, and character at every turn.

But the real draw to this place is wrapped around every grain of wood repurposed from the hotel's heyday. Every exposed brick and beam and all the nuts and bolts that were tightened by the many hands that helped breathe new life into this unique, boutique hotel.

So if you're rolling into town, road-weary and ready for an out-of-the-ordinary hotel experience, go to their website, or just call or text the number on the door and ask Jen about their availability. Or better yet, if you're passing through Oregon, heading west for the California coast or east for Idahonian adventures, book your stay in advance. I just know you'll be blown away by the Historic Central Hotel.

PS: The Central Hotel is centrally located on the way from Crater Lake to Craters of the Moon, Grand Teton, and Yellowstone. Just another reason it's the perfect place to hang your hat along the way.

PPS: Ask them about their exclusive, speakeasy-style bar, "The Boiler Room." And Cecelia's! It's as close to an actual speakeasy as you'd ever hope to find in eastern Oregon.

Learn more at https://historiccentralhotel.com/.