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Oregon Travel Tips: Newport's Embarcadero Resort

By Andre' Hagestedt

(Oregon Coast) - This Central Coast wonder truly deserves the term "resort," as it's practically its own self-contained city. Within the complex housing your bayview unit, there's a swimming pool, sauna, crab ring rentals, fishing boat guide, scenic docks to wander, a general store, a fine restaurant (that also delivers to your room) with a lounge that features live jazz music. There are even conference facilities that could host and cater your wedding.

The Embarcadero Resort sits at the inside of Yaquina Bay in Newport, with all units looking out over the bay, in full view of all the wildlife and boat-filled docks that inhabit this placid place, and that beautiful bridge stretching across the horizon.

On my first visit, I stay in one of the patio guestrooms in a complex right up against the bay. The entire complex is made of a deep brown cedar, with a labyrinth of walkways snaking throughout. I enter my door, and a quick flight of stairs leads up to the actual room. This lovely little studio pad comes with huge windows, microwave, small fridge, and a couch facing the TV. Just outside the door, a patio - slightly cloistered from the wind, and very private - lets you walk out and look over the bay in person.

On this particular day in late October, I arrive well after dark and can't see all the beauty. But at night, this bay is alive with the lights of Newport shimmering gently in the slowly heaving water, and the faint sound of the surf in the far distance. It's enchanting. I smack myself for having to stay alone and not bringing a date.

In the morning, I awake to a warm day of blue skies, with the sounds of sea lions barking and gulls zipping around. It's noisy - but it's a natural kind of noisy and positively heartwarming. It's the best alarm clock I could've asked for.

I immediately open the shades and let the sun and blue of the bay and sky fill the room. I then dart for the restaurant and indulge in a steak and eggs for breakfast that was perfectly done and tasty. The view here is engaging as well.

On another stay, I'm in the stretch of buildings behind and above the bayside bunch. The patios here still provide beautiful views of the bay. There's not a bad view in the house.

This time, I'm afflicted with a bit of a cold and utilize their 24-hour store sometime around midnight. I manage to find what I need to nod off and get some rest.

That morning, and in the next two or three times I spend the night at Embarcadero, it's always breakfast at the restaurant: quick, convenient and delectable. On this I can depend.

Rooms at the Embarcadero all come with the private deck on the bay. Sofas in the studio-style rooms pullout to accommodate more people if necessary. The one-bedroom suites come with the same, as well as a fully equipped kitchen and fireplace. You can combine the two kinds of rooms to create a huge living space for a large family.

You can rent movies, boats in the bay, bikes, kayaks or rent the equipment to go crabbing from their private dock. There are two Jacuzzi's, an indoor heated pool, and saunas for men and women. Right in front, you can go on fishing trips or sea tours with Yaquina Bay Charters. www.embarcadero-resort.com. 1000 SE Bay Blvd., Newport. 800-547-4779.

BREATHTAKING CLIFFTOP IN NEWPORT

STARFISH POINT is located on the Central Oregon Coast - in Newport - and offers only the finest in luxury condominium lodging. At Starfish Point, every unit is focused on the beauty of the sea and the beach.
All of the units boast two bedrooms, two bathrooms, designer kitchens, wireless broadband Internet, fireplaces, Jacuzzi’s and private decks - surrounding you in soothing relaxation. We have a friendly staff dedicated to high quality and superb customer service. 140 NW 48th Street, Newport. (541) 265-3751. (800) 870-7795. www.starfishpoint.com