Lovely dinner, charming historic small town atmosphere, welcoming staff and environment. We especially appreciated the limited menu as it ensured freshness and a focus on local produce. Highly recommended!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Rob MacWhorter
I stayed over the last few days, and was just fabulous. The staff, atmosphere and service was marvelous. I'll be back again. Regards
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
343carrih
The place is beautiful and the atmosphere is so peaceful (even during fore season). The staff is attentive but not smothering...anything we needed from an extra towel, to dishes and utensils for midnight snacking, to directions...they were happy to help. They accommodated my food allergies without making me feel like a bother. I highly recommend this lovely place and I plan on visiting again.
kathysI8359AS
We really enjoy staying here, especially the king bedrooms with the attached bathroom .It has its quirks for sure but it has character and the staff are so nice. They even put flowers in my room after they found out it was my birthday. We were on motorcycles so I couldn’t take them home but really appreciated it. Of course the best part of it all its the back yard/grounds, stunning, calming, just plain beautiful.
441donaldj
This was our 53rd - replay of 50th dimmed by covid - anniversary. We were looking for exceptional and unique ambiance and service. At our age we were concerned about how many times we could make it to the 3rd floor but based on a recommendation by a friend we took the chance. When we arrived Lizzy cheerfully grabbed all of our bags and equipment and hoofed it to our room. At breakfast it was offered to deliver but we opted to eat out in the beautiful shade covered garden with cheerful bird song and delicate warm breeze. We had intended to spend the day reading in our delightful and cozy room but it was so comfortable and cheery outside that we read and talked and remembered in the garden. Well-done Balch crew on making another fond memory.
JoeChepe
This is a striking beautiful out of the way place to spend some relaxing time. We have come for several years during wheat harvest to celebrate our anniversary. Morning and evening drives through the wheat country are spectacularly beautiful. The hotel is charming and comfortable, and the staff kind and helpful. We always find interesting people both as fellow guests and hotel staff. Lots of time to read, write, and converse in the room, the commodious lobby, or the lovely garden. Highly recommended.
MarianneTanner
I highly recommend checking out this little gem on the east side of Mt. Hood. It’s historic, decorated with lovely period furniture and fixtures, very clean, and the staff were all friendly, helpful and professional. My sister and I did a hike in the Badger Creek Wilderness nearby, then stayed here in a room that had its own (big) bathroom. Everything is very thoughtful and intentional, from the little chocolates on the water glasses to the ear plugs on the bedside tables (we were happy to have them since we thought it might be a little noisy with the old hardwood floors etc, but found we didn’t need them at all!). Do yourself a favor and have dinner at the Bistro. Beautiful outside setting for the warmer months and we had delicious salmon cakes and a fruit crisp for dessert that was perfect. Reasonable prices for really good food. The grounds behind the hotel are gorgeous and such a nice place to hang out any time of day — very peaceful and well manicured garden and fountain. In the morning there is self-serve brewed coffee and breakfast baskets with hard boiled eggs, homemade muffins, yogurt, granola and fruit. We were so pleasantly surprised by it — way better than a traditional hotel “continental” breakfast. I plan to come here again! Also like the proximity to hiking trails all around the east side of Hood. Treat yourself to this little slice of Oregon history in small, quiet Dufur.
851janim
A charming historic hotel on beautiful grounds. Nicely appointed with antiques and a cozy room with a comfy bed. They included a delightful breakfast basket and the staff were helpful and super nice people!
TjoD1234
This was a wonderful and nostalgic visit for me. Although I haven’t been back in about two decades, I lived in Dufur as a young child and had relatives who temporarily resided on the second floor of the Balch Hotel in the mid-80s before it was so lovingly restored (although as a young child I still had a blast playing in the space with my cousins!). The hotel has many wonderful touches throughout, and I enjoyed exploring the different spaces within it. The outdoor grounds are very well-maintained and offer gorgeous views, as well as a peaceful place to read or do some journaling. All of the staff I interacted with were incredibly friendly and helpful. Finally, the bistro provided a delicious meal that I ate in a delightful outdoor setting. My only complaint is that my husband wasn’t able to travel with me on this trip and enjoy this visit with me - but I hope to be back and bring him with me next time!
envhutter7
A welcoming boutique hotel 2 hours drive from our home. The room was clean, quiet and perfect. The small town of Dufur allowed us to get away even for just a night. The gardens and surrounding grounds were so inviting. We stayed up late, drinking wine, cocktails and desert.
We recently stayed at the Balch on a trip to Oregon. Dufur was a lovely remote place and The Balch is ot's gem. Bed was comfortable, food was yummy, gardens were lovely, and the view was spectacular! Highly recommended!
Leo Carden
Food was delicious but a little limited (but the low prices made it worth it!), the hotel is gorgeous and well worth the stay
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Escape261374
Beautiful, comfortable, great food, and very romantic! Great view of Mt. Hood out the window... We were on a road trip, and this was a real highlight. Friends from the Dalles told us they bike out there for weekend getaways.
paulcT9375DO
The Balch Hotel provides one for the distinctive hotel experiences in the entire Pacific NW. It is a delightful place, a fully restored Victorian era hotel located in the middle of nowwhere, Oregon (Dufur). I had no idea the place would be this lovely, antique yet comfortable, with full amenities (though some rooms have a shared bathroom). Across the street was a local grill that was something right of the roadhouse from Twin Peaks. Though the town is isolated it is a short drive from lots of hiking along the Gorge and on Mt. Hood, as well as close to the geological wonders of north-central Oregon.
Trek12381800395
This place is such a treasure! Charming and inviting with friendly and helpful staff. We stopped by for the weekend and enjoyed wine tasting as well as a quaint downtown exploration of the Dalles. The chef at Balch made us a delicious vegetarian dinner and we spent the evening reading in the parlor. Highly recommend and can’t wait to visit again soon!
Lovely dinner, charming historic small town atmosphere, welcoming staff and environment. We especially appreciated the limited menu as it ensured freshness and a focus on local produce. Highly recommended!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
I stayed over the last few days, and was just fabulous. The staff, atmosphere and service was marvelous. I'll be back again. Regards
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The place is beautiful and the atmosphere is so peaceful (even during fore season). The staff is attentive but not smothering...anything we needed from an extra towel, to dishes and utensils for midnight snacking, to directions...they were happy to help. They accommodated my food allergies without making me feel like a bother. I highly recommend this lovely place and I plan on visiting again.
We really enjoy staying here, especially the king bedrooms with the attached bathroom .It has its quirks for sure but it has character and the staff are so nice. They even put flowers in my room after they found out it was my birthday. We were on motorcycles so I couldn’t take them home but really appreciated it. Of course the best part of it all its the back yard/grounds, stunning, calming, just plain beautiful.
This was our 53rd - replay of 50th dimmed by covid - anniversary. We were looking for exceptional and unique ambiance and service. At our age we were concerned about how many times we could make it to the 3rd floor but based on a recommendation by a friend we took the chance. When we arrived Lizzy cheerfully grabbed all of our bags and equipment and hoofed it to our room. At breakfast it was offered to deliver but we opted to eat out in the beautiful shade covered garden with cheerful bird song and delicate warm breeze. We had intended to spend the day reading in our delightful and cozy room but it was so comfortable and cheery outside that we read and talked and remembered in the garden. Well-done Balch crew on making another fond memory.
This is a striking beautiful out of the way place to spend some relaxing time. We have come for several years during wheat harvest to celebrate our anniversary. Morning and evening drives through the wheat country are spectacularly beautiful. The hotel is charming and comfortable, and the staff kind and helpful. We always find interesting people both as fellow guests and hotel staff. Lots of time to read, write, and converse in the room, the commodious lobby, or the lovely garden. Highly recommended.
I highly recommend checking out this little gem on the east side of Mt. Hood. It’s historic, decorated with lovely period furniture and fixtures, very clean, and the staff were all friendly, helpful and professional. My sister and I did a hike in the Badger Creek Wilderness nearby, then stayed here in a room that had its own (big) bathroom. Everything is very thoughtful and intentional, from the little chocolates on the water glasses to the ear plugs on the bedside tables (we were happy to have them since we thought it might be a little noisy with the old hardwood floors etc, but found we didn’t need them at all!). Do yourself a favor and have dinner at the Bistro. Beautiful outside setting for the warmer months and we had delicious salmon cakes and a fruit crisp for dessert that was perfect. Reasonable prices for really good food. The grounds behind the hotel are gorgeous and such a nice place to hang out any time of day — very peaceful and well manicured garden and fountain. In the morning there is self-serve brewed coffee and breakfast baskets with hard boiled eggs, homemade muffins, yogurt, granola and fruit. We were so pleasantly surprised by it — way better than a traditional hotel “continental” breakfast. I plan to come here again! Also like the proximity to hiking trails all around the east side of Hood. Treat yourself to this little slice of Oregon history in small, quiet Dufur.
A charming historic hotel on beautiful grounds. Nicely appointed with antiques and a cozy room with a comfy bed. They included a delightful breakfast basket and the staff were helpful and super nice people!
This was a wonderful and nostalgic visit for me. Although I haven’t been back in about two decades, I lived in Dufur as a young child and had relatives who temporarily resided on the second floor of the Balch Hotel in the mid-80s before it was so lovingly restored (although as a young child I still had a blast playing in the space with my cousins!). The hotel has many wonderful touches throughout, and I enjoyed exploring the different spaces within it. The outdoor grounds are very well-maintained and offer gorgeous views, as well as a peaceful place to read or do some journaling. All of the staff I interacted with were incredibly friendly and helpful. Finally, the bistro provided a delicious meal that I ate in a delightful outdoor setting. My only complaint is that my husband wasn’t able to travel with me on this trip and enjoy this visit with me - but I hope to be back and bring him with me next time!
A welcoming boutique hotel 2 hours drive from our home. The room was clean, quiet and perfect. The small town of Dufur allowed us to get away even for just a night. The gardens and surrounding grounds were so inviting. We stayed up late, drinking wine, cocktails and desert.
Restaurantji Recommends
We recently stayed at the Balch on a trip to Oregon. Dufur was a lovely remote place and The Balch is ot's gem. Bed was comfortable, food was yummy, gardens were lovely, and the view was spectacular! Highly recommended!
Food was delicious but a little limited (but the low prices made it worth it!), the hotel is gorgeous and well worth the stay
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Beautiful, comfortable, great food, and very romantic! Great view of Mt. Hood out the window... We were on a road trip, and this was a real highlight. Friends from the Dalles told us they bike out there for weekend getaways.
The Balch Hotel provides one for the distinctive hotel experiences in the entire Pacific NW. It is a delightful place, a fully restored Victorian era hotel located in the middle of nowwhere, Oregon (Dufur). I had no idea the place would be this lovely, antique yet comfortable, with full amenities (though some rooms have a shared bathroom). Across the street was a local grill that was something right of the roadhouse from Twin Peaks. Though the town is isolated it is a short drive from lots of hiking along the Gorge and on Mt. Hood, as well as close to the geological wonders of north-central Oregon.
This place is such a treasure! Charming and inviting with friendly and helpful staff. We stopped by for the weekend and enjoyed wine tasting as well as a quaint downtown exploration of the Dalles. The chef at Balch made us a delicious vegetarian dinner and we spent the evening reading in the parlor. Highly recommend and can’t wait to visit again soon!
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