Lightwell Hotel & Spa has officially opened its doors, introducing a new era of hospitality to downtown Hood River. Set within the restored 1904 Waucoma Hotel, the property marks downtown Hood River’s first full-service hotel in over a century, and features a sunlit atrium, rooftop bar, Pacific Northwest–Mediterranean restaurant, and subterranean spa, all thoughtfully designed to reflect the Columbia River Gorge’s natural beauty and community spirit. With 69 guest rooms and suites, the boutique property seamlessly blends historic craftsmanship with contemporary design and sustainability. Lightwell stands as both a vibrant community hub and a refined basecamp for exploring one of the Pacific Northwest’s most scenic destinations.
SPACE & DESIGN, BUILDING HISTORY & FOCUS ON COMMUNITY
Lightwell’s name pays homage to the defining architectural feature of the historic 1904 Waucoma Hotel: a four-story light well first constructed in 1910. Throughout the property, intentional design details tell a story of restoration and renewal: from reclaimed oak floors in the restaurant and bespoke furnishings crafted from basalt boulders unearthed during construction, to solar panels on the roof and an elevator system designed for quiet and energy-efficient operations, every element was chosen to honor both history and environment.
The hotel’s original entrance has been fully restored, welcoming guests into a grand lobby anchored by a stone fireplace, a surrounding lounge, and a historic baby grand piano once owned by Hood River’s first female hotelier, Ola Bell, installed in partnership with the History Museum of Hood River County. Reimagined as a social gathering place, Lightwell embodies the warmth, creativity, and adventure that define the community, serving as a welcoming hub for locals and travelers alike.
A recreated rooftop veranda with its wooden trellis canopy mirrors the original hotel’s design, now home to Hood River’s only rooftop bar. Open year-round, the terrace invites guests and locals to take in panoramic river and mountain views with a fire table and cozy seating.
WELLNESS REIMAGINED
Designed as an effortless extension of adventures in the Gorge, a key element of the property is its subterranean spa, anchored by the building’s original basalt-stone foundation, which naturally regulates temperature to create a cool and grounding retreat. Opening in December 2025, the spa will feature a 20-person soaking pool and 10-person sauna. This winter, the experience will be complemented with the additions of single and couples’ massage treatment rooms, as well as customizable experiences that encourage full-body recovery after a day of hiking, biking, white water, snow sports or windsurfing. Guests can enhance their experience with locally inspired wellness packages, restorative treatments or a complimentary tonic tea service between sessions.
ELEVATED FLAVORS
A celebration of Pacific Northwest and Mediterranean inspiration, the property’s on-site dining options offer something for every appetite and occasion, including:
- Rooftop at Lightwell, the first in Hood River, pairs panoramic Columbia River views with oysters, sparkling wine, and sunset cocktails.
- Lobby Bar at Lightwell features custom woodwork, local art, and a menu of Mediterranean-inspired small plates alongside cocktails, Oregon wines, and craft beer. With live music and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, it serves as the hotel’s social heartbeat for both guests and locals.
- Basecamp Café & Provisions highlights local makers through an exclusive coffee partnership with Portland’s Proud Mary Coffee, as well as breakfast and lunch for mornings on the move or afternoons on the trail. Charcuterie fixings, including local jams, tinned fish, regional wines, and grab-and-go provisions round out the offerings.
- A signature restaurant (coming Spring 2026) will serve as the property’s Mediterranean-inspired primary dining destination, spotlighting regional seafood, locally sourced meats and seasonal produce.
ADVENTURE AWAITS
Nestled in the Columbia River Gorge, Lightwell Hotel & Spa is the ultimate basecamp for year-round adventure, from windsurfing and kayaking on the river to hiking, biking, skiing, and chasing waterfalls in the surrounding mountains. To help guests make the most of their stay, First Nature Tours, a Hood River–based company specializing in regenerative travel and guided outdoor experiences, will operate an “Adventure Lounge” dedicated to curating personalized itineraries, from waterfall hikes to immersive day-long tastings across the Gorge.
ABOUT LIGHTWELL’S FOUNDERS
The revitalization of the long-abandoned historic Waucoma Hotel building was spearheaded by Lach Litwer and Cal Blake of Columbia Gorge Capital. They partnered with Gabe Genauer and Carrington “Ceb” Barrs, whose construction and development company, GB Pacific Construction Inc., managed the Lightwell’s design and build out, on site to attend to every detail. Genauer’s previous experience as a developer of the Society Hotels gave them insight into what it takes to create a memorable lodging property in an historic structure. Lightwell’s fifth partner is VIP Hospitality Group, a family-owned real estate development and hospitality management company founded by Managing Director John Lee. VIP’s team brings extensive background in providing a top-tier guest experience.
For more information and to book a stay, visit https://lightwellhotel.com/ or follow on Instagram and Facebook.
