My Review of the Ebb Tide Resort Motel in Seaside, Oregon

There are many fine hotels in Seaside, Oregon. There are several national chains represented, Best Western, Holiday Inn etc. There are also several great local hotels. Generally the hotel that most locals prefer is the Ebb Tide Resort. There are several reasons why we locals prefer the Ebb Tide. The rates are reasonable for one thing. Prices depend upon several factors. Generally they range from $59.00 per night (a walk in coupon rate), up to about $275 per night. Prices are of course higher in the summer months and lower in the fall/winter season. There are several room configurations with variables including the number of beds, whether there's a kitchen or a kitchenette, if there's a bedroom etc. All rooms come equipped with a 27" TV and DVD player.

The Ebb Tide is a 100 room motel. The motel is built right along the famous 3 mile walking "promenade". The rooms are generally spacious and the staff members are congenial. If you have a problem, ask for Debz the resort manager. Her sense of humor and local knowledge will make your day. In addition to great beach access, there is a nice indoor pool and spa and also a small gym. The Ebb Tide doesn't have balconies but most of the rooms do offer an ocean view.

One of the pleasures experienced by fall and winter visitors to the Ebb Tide is the "up close and personal" experience of winter storm watching. The winds are a sight to see as they hurl the sand skyward and the sound and sight of the wind, ocean waves and the rain storms are really memorable as you huddle inside around the cozy gas fireplace eating a delicious pizza from Harbor Pizza.

During the spring and summer there are kite shows, volley ball tournaments, vintage car shows and plenty of other entertainments. The downtown has a huge video arcade for the kids and also a merry go round and some electric bumper cars. "The Cove" at the south end of the Prom is the place to go for regular surfing. Sometimes if you're in the right place at the right time, you'll see the distant spout of a whale. If you want to get closer, whale watching and Columbia River salmon fishing is available when you charter a boat at the marina in a town north of Seaside called Hammond.

Every 4^th of July there is a spectacular fireworks display. This event is extremely popular and reservations are often made for a year in advance. Weather in Seaside can vary widely no matter which season and we recommend that you bring a variety of clothing. When the temperature is 100 degrees in the Portland area, the coast temperature can be in the 60's. When the interior of Oregon is 20 degrees, the coast might be sitting at 45 degrees. Generally the winters are windy and sometimes rainy. The temperatures hover in the 30's and 40's most winters.

The prom, immediately in front of the motel is a 3 mile walkway along the wide sandy beach that provides locals and tourists alike with a nice scenic walk and a chance to detour and do some beach combing. The small Seaside Aquarium is located within 2 blocks of the Hotel. The "turnaround" and the many shops and restaurants are very close by as well.

The beach at seaside is one of the best in the Northwest. It consists of tons of pristine sand and some really great clamming areas too. The Necanicum River which runs into the sea at the north end of the beach makes much of the resort area an island which is joined to the rest of the town and highway 101 via 5 bridges. The river provides some great crabbing from the bridges and in the fall you'll often see salmon fisherman working the river with lures from the bank or from boats. You may also see millions of anchovies and herring in the river. It's really an astonishing sight and of course the Caspian terns are in heaven as they make astonishingly precise dives for their lunch.

If you have a laptop, you're in luck. The Ebb Tide offers free wireless internet. There are plenty of snacks available at the front desk and they offer a good deal on DVD rentals. If you want you can get a cup of good northwest coffee and watch the TV in the lobby. All of the front desk people are congenial and if Debz is around you can have fun trading stories and learning more about Seaside and Oregon.

Seaside is located between 2 lovely towns, Cannon Beach and Gearhart. Astoria, which another beautiful small town filled with great shops, is about 15 miles away to the North on the mighty Columbia River, and well worth a visit. Depending on the season, there are county fairs and festivals at the Clatsop County Fairgrounds. You can also visit Fort Clatsop, founded by the Lewis & Clark expedition.

There are plenty of sights to see in the area and so you should probably plan on spending 3 or 4 days here on your visit. Reservations are definitely recommended during the summer season. Pets are welcome at the Ebb Tide for a small additional fee, so don't leave fido at home! Oh and don't forget to bring your camera! The Resort is located at 300 N. Prom, Seaside, OR 97138. The tel. nos. are 503-738-8371 or 800-468-0938 for reservations.