The Balch Hotel is located in Dufur, Oregon, which is found near the northern border between Oregon and Washington, which is the Columbia River. The hotel has a total of 20 units available for reservations, each one uniquely decorated with antiques and artwork. There are a variety of common areas that patrons can use throughout their stay, including the lobby, parlor, and dining area. Outside, one can also find a patio and pond. The owners of the business would like their visitors to feel comfortable and welcome. Due to the historic nature of the hotel, children are prohibited. The building was erected in 1907 and has been used as a private residence, rooming home, and hotel throughout the years. It wasn’t until 2015 that the current owners acquired the property.
The Balch Hotel, a three-story historic hotel located in a rural town, offers a unique blend of old-world designs and modern comfort. With 20 rooms spread across multiple floors, the most sought-after accommodation tends to be the King Suite, which offers a more spacious interior compared to the other units and features a king-size canopy bed and a Jacuzzi tub in the bathroom. According to the owner, there is also a view of Mount Hood from the King Suite. Some of the other rooms provide similar views from the front of the building, while the traditional rooms maintain the historic charm and include shared bathrooms. All of the accommodations are decorated with antique furniture and original artwork as well.
In addition to the accommodations, the hotel offers a range of amenities in an effort to enhance guests' stay. The Balch Hotel's spa, operated by the owner's wife, provides a variety of spa treatments, which can be bundled with room packages. The rooms themselves come with standard amenities such as shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and soap. Some rooms have shared bathrooms, while others feature private, upgraded facilities.
A few common areas can be found on the first floor, namely a lobby, a parlor for relaxation and reading, and a dining area where guests can partake in local fare. The Balch Hotel also features an acre of landscaped gardens, with a patio that accommodates up to 40 people. As for the outdoor spaces, the grounds comprise a pond with a waterfall, lounge chairs, fire pits, and views of the surrounding wheat and alfalfa fields.
Guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast basket, which typically consists of homemade granola, breakfast bread, yogurt, a hard-boiled egg, fresh fruit, coffee, and orange juice. Special dietary needs, such as gluten- or dairy-free options, are accommodated upon request, provided that the owners have enough time to assemble an alternative meal.
The hotel also organizes various themed weekends, such as historical tours, art events, and wine tastings, in collaboration with local organizations. These activities are often included in packages, which can help in making for a more memorable stay.
The Balch Hotel not only offers rooms for reservation but also serves as a venue for various events, including weddings, family gatherings, and even unique occasions such as fashion shows for local wool groups. These events are hosted in different areas of the hotel, specifically the parlor or the patio and lawn, depending on the season and the size of the gathering.
The hotel has a set of policies and practices aimed at ensuring the comfort and satisfaction of guests. One of their primary goals is to provide world-class hospitality by anticipating the needs of their visitors and going above and beyond to meet them. The focus on hospitality is accompanied by a focus on the property’s physical features, including the gardens and artworks. Generally speaking, the overall aspiration is to provide a respite from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Additionally, the Balch Hotel places importance on its role within the community. They actively support local businesses by sourcing products locally and embracing sustainable practices, including composting and recycling. Furthermore, they encourage creativity and personal growth among their staff, making an effort to foster a positive work environment where employees can advance in their careers. In parallel with this, the owners would like their visitors to experience a warm, welcoming atmosphere where the staff members treat them as neighbors. With regard to policies, the hotel offers a few pet-friendly rooms to accommodate guests who are traveling with their dogs. However, they discourage families with children due to the historic significance of the building and the desire to maintain a quiet, relaxing atmosphere.
One of the unique aspects of the Balch Hotel is its location. Situated amid the Columbia River Gorge, it offers views of Mount Hood and access to wineries, museums, hiking trails, and other outdoor activities. There have been many patrons in the past who have stayed at Balch Hotel, and a few of them have left reviews that detail their time at the establishment. The Balch Hotel has become known to various visitors for its hospitality, service, and the maintenance of the grounds. One person wrote, “Small town charm, the hotel cat even took us for a walk along the street, and the patio is so beautiful at night. We love exploring the gorge and coming back to enjoy our wines with dinner and a relaxed adult environment.”
The Balch Hotel primarily attracts guests from the Portland metro and Seattle areas, including both young travelers and retired folks seeking a quieter and more romantic getaway. The hotel offers romantic packages to cater to couples looking for a retreat of that nature. Throughout the year, the hotel's occupancy varies, with peak seasons during the summer months when guests come to explore the Columbia River Gorge, wineries, and outdoor activities. In contrast, the winter season, while generally quieter, offers opportunities for winter sports enthusiasts and those seeking a getaway.
The Balch Hotel, under its current ownership for nearly seven years, has an extensive history dating back to its construction in 1907. Over the years, it has transitioned between being a hotel, a rooming house, and even a private residence before being restored and modernized in the 80s by a dedicated contractor from Portland.
In 2008, the hotel was acquired by the previous owners, Jeff and Samantha Irwin, who made further changes to the property in an effort to make it a welcoming place for guests. The hotel transitioned to its current ownership in 2015 when the present owners, John and Claire Sierra, took over.
John Sierra, with over 30 years of experience in the industry, had a longstanding dream of owning a hotel. Together with his wife Claire, they explored the opportunity and stumbled upon the Balch Hotel while searching for potential properties. With a particular interest in the Balch, they decided to make an offer and have been managing it ever since.
While the hotel has yet to see significant renovations under their ownership, it has benefited from ongoing maintenance and repairs. The Sierras have been focused on addressing deferred maintenance and upgrading essential systems. Their future plans include energy-efficient improvements, such as potentially installing solar panels on the roof and introducing electrical vehicle charging stations. Aside from the physical aspects of the hotel, John and Claire also try to emphasize the importance of creating a welcoming atmosphere for guests.
40 Heimrich St
Dufur, Oregon 97021
United States
Bed and Breakfast
John and Claire Sierra
