Historic Hotel in the East Columbia Gorge
CASUAL ELEGANCE & VINTAGE CHARM
An intimate getaway in the Oregon countryside, our award-winning boutique inn and spa is an oasis to relax and recenter, while mountain views and rustic dining fuel the soul. Built in 1907 and protected under the National Register of Historic Places, the Balch is an iconic historic hotel steeped in PNW history. It's a one-of-a-kind destination offering pure relaxation, connection, and inspiration.
Among Oregon's Best Boutique Hotels
FOR THE MINDFUL ADVENTURER
Full of character, curiosity, and soul: the Balch shares a lot in common with our guests. Whether you're venturing off the beaten path for the first time, need a retreat from hectic city life, or bucket list travel is the only sort you know — you're our kind of people! For most of us, conventional, cookie-cutter hotel stays rarely make a mark on our lives. The Balch treats guests to a different, more personal experience, which like all great journeys, leaves an unforgettable impression.
"Travel changes you. As you move through this life and this world, you change things slightly. You leave marks behind, however small. And in return, life — and travel — leaves marks on you." — Anthony Bourdain
Things to Do in the Columbia Gorge
IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE
& THE CENTER OF EVERYTHING…
Perched on the eastern edge of the Columbia Gorge, the sleepy town of Dufur invites travelers to slow down and enjoy the view. But when adventure calls, we're surrounded by world class recreation in every direction! The Dalles and Hood River are within 15 – 35 minute scenic drives, along with a half dozen other stunning Gorge destinations. You don't need to venture far to reach breathtaking waterfalls, hiking and biking trails, Mt Hood, and the mighty Columbia and Deschutes Rivers. Culture lovers will appreciate the area wine tasting, many excellent museums, music venues, and craft breweries that the Columbia Gorge is celebrated for.
Our Rooms
Guest Amenities & Features
Know Before You Go:
Guest rooms at the Balch Hotel are refreshingly free of phones, alarm clocks, and televisions. The property boasts great WiFi, however, to use and stream your own devices if you choose to stay plugged in. Or forego screens while you're with us, relax and reconnect all the more!
We love kids of all ages, but respectfully require that overnight guests be limited to ages 12+. All ages are encouraged to dine with us, but a lack of modern sound-proofing, the absence of TVs, and many fragile antiques make lodging with us most appropriate for older youth and adults. (Parents, you earned an adult getaway, too!)
Please be aware that all guest rooms are accessed by 1 or 2 flights of stairs. We do not currently have an elevator to support ADA access inside the building, a complex engineering challenge for a historic landmark. We're working hard in that direction! Thank you for your patience and understanding.
We continue to prioritize a clean and safe environment for our guests and staff, and carefully follow all guidance and advisories from the CDC and Oregon Health Authority. Even as the pandemic wanes, we will remain proactive to protect the well-being of our guests.
OUR REVIEWS
What Guests Are Saying:
"The hotel was outstanding! Upon arriving we were offered fresh baked cookies and everything was already ready for our stay. Went up to our room and was amazed by its beauty and preservation, was able to escape from technology (for the most part, had our cell phones lol) and the peace and quiet was amazing. The next morning we walked into the dining hall and was immediately offered breakfast and fresh coffee which was also GREAT! The staff is SUPER polite and very friendly, if we weren’t in such a rush I’d sit and talk with the receptionist all day 🙂 Tavern for drinks and burgers are right across the street, the market which was extremely nice with good food is just a short walk ahead, and a beautiful scenery! 10/10 would recommend everyone to go here for a real getaway. Super happy and content with our stay, thank you guys for being so good to us 💕"
Esmeralda Brock, 5/5 Google Review, June 2022
"A relaxing refuge that brings you to another place and time. Surrounded by rolling hills, one is left with not much else to do but to play with the kittens in the back gardens while listening to the breeze whisper through nearby trees. The food is phenomenal. The hosts clearly care about the well-being of their guests easily seen by their attention to detail. If we had more time we would have used the on-site spa services. This is a great destination if you have an EV, as they have a level 2 EV charger on site."
Ian Sergeant, 5/5 Google Review, June 2022
HISTORIC STYLE, NOT HISTORIC VALUES
LGBTQIA+ Allies
Black Lives Matter
Practicing Sustainability
Invested in Community
Guest Amenities & Features
