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Covering 160 miles of Oregon coast travel: Seaside, Cannon Beach, Manzanita, Nehalem, Wheeler, Rockaway, Garibaldi, Tillamook, Oceanside, Pacific City, Lincoln City, Depoe Bay, Newport, Wadport, Yachats & Florence.

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Firing Up Summer Romance at Oregon Coast Lodgings

A romantic walk at a secret spot near Cape Kiwanda

(Oregon Coast) - Sure, it’s true that come February, thoughts of the tourist and traveler turn to getting gooey and romantic, and strategies are made to surprise and thrill that special someone. But you’d be an idiot to believe late winter is the only time of year where the kissy-kissy stuff is relevant. Late summer, too, begs for handholding behaviors on the beach, long embraces during warm, ocean air-laden breezes and panorama-fueled, colorful sunsets.

How do you really impress that relevant other of yours? Wining and dining? A romantic stay overnight?

Now you’re talking. You can do all these in your own backyard, whether you live in Portland, Salem, Eugene, Ontario, Bend Corvallis, Silverton or Seattle.

It all lies on the Oregon Coast. For the natural wonders and causing the warm flushes among the starry-eyed set, it's hard to beat the beach, especially on Oregon's rather quiet, unspoiled shores.

Finding the right lodging is a sure way to fire up the romance on your Oregon coast getaway. From tiny, cozy places to the lush and grandiose hotels, Cupid has a field day here.

Seaside

The Tides By The Sea. For about 80 years, The Tides has been a favorite of Seaside visitors. There’s a strong sense of history as well as modern luxury here, with a feeling of having stepped back in time while keeping all the amenities of present day life. Like ancient sentinels, the stone pillars out front scream history, and seem to desperately want to tell tales of the generations of visitors that have stayed here.

Over 40 rooms are either oceanfront or just steps away, all individually decorated and so charming it hurts. They come in various incarnations: from suites, small apartments with fireplaces or kitchenettes, one or two-bedroom units, and rooms with fireplaces, kitchens, and dining rooms. There are wonderful cottages that sleep anywhere from two to eight people, with two bedrooms, fireplaces and kitchens. A glorious pool, beautiful grounds and its setting at the solitary southern end of Seaside create something special for lovers. 2316 Beach Drive. www.thetidesbythesea.com. 800-548-2846.

Sand & Sea Condominiums. Right on the beachfront, the Sand & Sea is a gargantuan hovering over the famous Promenade, with all of its one or two bedroom condos providing full ocean views or at least partial views. With all rooms owned by someone, each is decorated differently. There's even that funky room ALL in red (which some guests love and some detest). The two bedroom units are enormous, clocking in at 11,000 sq. feet and coming with two bathrooms. All have full kitchens, floor to ceiling windows and balconies overlooking Seaside's stunning natural features. Some rooms contain other wonders, like flat screen TV or surround sound. Winter rates apply until June as well. 475 South Promenade. 800-628-2371. http://sandandseaoregon.com.

Cannon Beach

Stephanie Inn. This is one must-see on Oregon’s coast. This beautiful beachfront resort sports almost 50 beautifully furnished rooms that often come with a fireplace, balcony, Jacuzzi tub, wet bar with complementary refreshments, VCR, cable TV, telephone, compact disk players and air conditioning. There's a complimentary in-house library and a complimentary evening wine gathering featuring Northwest wines. It’s posh, lush and deliciously romantic. www.stephanie-inn.com. 800-633-3466.

Tolovana Inn. Here is yet another gush inducing resort in Cannon Beach. There are stunning ocean views from units that come with living rooms, full kitchens, dining rooms and private balconies. The resort also features a spa, sauna, on-site masseuse and a fitness center - all within a few steps of Cannon Beach's charming streets or sands. 800-333-8890. www.tolovanainn.com

The Ocean Lodge. This oceanfront beauty excels and soars in the realms of luxury and romance, where the dazzling entrance practically glows with its plethora of delicately etched glass, chandeliers, and the wooden beam ceiling. All this with the misty, historical sense of a 40's style beach lodge. In the warming lobby, a stone fireplace flickers, along with coffee and cookies awaiting guests. There's a light breakfast available in the morning, and wine at night. Occasionally, they host wine tastings. There's also a library here and wireless Internet is available. All rooms are smoke free and have Jacuzzis and fireplaces. Some rooms are pet friendly. Inside, are gorgeous woody color schemes, wicker furniture, and beautifully crafted doors open to balconies overlooking the waves. The kitchen units are plentiful in amenities, including a wet bar, refrigerator and microwave. 2864 S. Pacific. www.theoceanlodge.com. 888-777-4047.

Wheeler

Old Wheeler Hotel. It's been nicknamed "the Westin-Benson of the Oregon Coast."

Beauty resonates and oozes from this place, with a soothing color scheme, a bay view from every room, hard wood floors and a classical décor that's warm, inviting and imparts sumptuousness. The common room has a microwave and Internet access. The piano room/lobby area is decked out in a lush red, stuffed with comfy couches and containing a nifty hammock-like seat. Each room has a vibrant charm to it that's the result of a myriad of nice little details - from the bedspreads and the art on the walls, to the intricate light fixtures and the stuffed animal you may find on your bed. There's also a masseuse in residence there. All rooms are non-smoking. Hwy 101 and Rorvick. www.oldwheeler.com. 877-653-4683.

Pacific City

Pacific City Inn. Not only is this little charmer pet friendly, but there is even a gated park across the street for pets to romp around in after their long ride. Some of their rooms have French doors that open into the back patio/garden so that Fido doesn't have to encounter other guests or pets. Each room is extremely clean, coming with king or queen beds, direct dial phones with free local calls, cable TV, microwaves and refrigerators. You've got access to a freezer, fax and copier, as well as parking for oversized vehicles. There are some family units with three beds and a separate room. Next door is the fabulous Delicate Palate Bistro - Pacific City's most high-end eatery. 3520 Brooten Road. www.pacificcityinn.com. (503) 965-6464.

Lincoln City

Siletz Bay Lodge. It's a gorgeous, sprawling hotel overlooking the bay, right around the corner from the pristine beaches of Siletz Bay, which are perfect for long walks while holding hands. Each of the 44 units has a bay and ocean view, facing the bay and this chunk of beach that's intriguing all its own. There are computer ports in every room, as well as amenities like a hairdryer, TV, microwave, VCR and a coffee maker. There's an elevator, and the whole place is handicap accessible. Plus, in-room spas are available. www.siletzbaylodge.com. 1012 SW 51st Street. 888-430-2100.

Whistling Winds Motel. Already charming as a restored motor coach motel from the 1920's, the Whispering Winds recently upgraded its image with a few renovations. The end result is a lush, extravagant feel in a log cabin-like setting - with a touch of a maritime theme. Gorgeous, gleaming wood covers the walls, and you're not sure if you've stepped back into the past or not. Pet friendly (with restrictions), family friendly or for the romancing couple, there are rooms to fit all situations. There are four rooms with Jacuzzis, four with full kitchens, two large family units, three rooms that are pet friendly and two quaint little cottages (although not all rooms may be available as the renovations continue). The "fireplace suite," for example, sports wood floors, a hand built rock fireplace and vaulted ceilings. This little beauty sits in the middle of a lovely neighborhood, next to a broad beach that's a bit on the secluded side. 3264 NW Jetty Ave. www.whistlingwindsmotel.com. 866-384-9346.

Depoe Bay

The Channel House. One of the legendary romantic lodgings on the coast is the Channel House in Depoe Bay, where the idea of an oceanfront view is given spectacular new dimensions. The ever-charmer sits on a rugged, craggy cliff overlooking the often-tumultuous ocean of this area. Most of the rooms have a whirlpool Jacuzzi on a private deck, and most of these can only take two people. It's about as romantic as things can get. Rooms vary in price in season and depending on the suite - anywhere from $150 to $250. 800-447-2140. www.channelhouse.com.

Newport

Elizabeth Street Inn. One of the big stunners in Newport, the Elizabeth St. Inn wows from the beginning - even its covered parking area exudes elegance.

Rooms come with king size beds, beautiful furnishings, gas fireplaces and incredible ocean views from high above. There are even private balconies opening up onto this unforgettable surf. Inside, you'll find microwaves, refrigerators - and the deluxe suites have wet bars. Nonsmoking rooms are available, and there's a deluxe continental breakfast in the morning. For your further relaxation, the Inn has an indoor pool, spa and a fitness room for those feeling a little mushy after all the coast's pampering.

They offer romance packages for $225, which include an extravagant gift basket. 232 SW Elizabeth. www.elizabethstreetinn.com. 877-265-9400.

Yachats

See Vue Motel. Dazzling, plush rooms; 10 of them, each with different themes and all seriously romantic. Princess and the Pea is done in burgundy velvet, with shower for two done in mermaid mosaic. Mountain Shores has a kitchen, fireplace and a bed with flannel sheets. Flowers and baskets can be arranged. There's the Far Out West room, with a predominantly cowgirl theme. The Crow's Nest has a nautical theme for the guests who want to play Captain and First Mate. 95590 Hwy 101 - 6 miles south of Yachats. (541) 547-3227. www.seevue.com

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

Weiss' Paradise Suites & Vacation Rentals - Seaside

Unique Luxury Accommodations in Seaside. 1BR Suites, 1BR & 2BR Duplex Units and 3BR Houses, units for 2-8 people. Rent our entire property for 20-26. All units close to beach, river and Broadway St.
Suites are designed for two adults; vacation rental units for families. All units have kitchen and many have fireplace, deck and jetted tub. Enjoy comfy robes & slippers, luxury bath amenities, quality linens and more. See us on The Travel Channel's "Great Escapes" show in August 2006. 741 S. Downing St., Seaside. 800-738-6691. www.SeasideSuites.com

DIVE INTO LUXURY, HISTORY AT THE TIDES

THE TIDES BY THE SEA, Seaside. For over 80 years, The Tides has been a favorite of Seaside visitors. History meets modern luxury here. 51 oceanfront condos, individually owned and decorated. Find suites for couples, small apartments with fireplaces and kitchenettes, one or two bedroom family units with fireplaces, kitchens and dining rooms. There are wonderful oceanview cottages that sleep anywhere from two to eight people, with two bedrooms, some with lofts, fireplaces and kitchens.
Meanwhile, the heated outdoor pool, enormous grounds with picnic tables and location at the quiet southern end of Seaside make for some memorable means of play and repose. 2316 Beach Drive. 800-548-2846. www.thetidesbythesea.com.