http://camashotel.com Camas Hotel, a romantic hotel in the heart of downtown Camas, is a delightful romantic getaway spot, located only ten minutes from the Portland airport, with easy access to Portland, Vancouver, and the Columbia River Gorge. Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:02:00 +0000 http://snappages.com en http://camashotel.com/blog/2012/02/02/thoughts-on-love http://camashotel.com/blog/2012/02/02/thoughts-on-love Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:02:00 +0000 http://camashotel.com/blog/2012/02/02/thoughts-on-love Valentine's Day is normally associated with hearts aand flowers and romantic love. However, love manifests in many different ways. Plato describes 4 types of love: Eros, Agape, Platonic & Philia in his writings.

Eros, the son of Aphrodite, whose alter ego is Cupid, is the god of passionate love. You may have read of [...]]]> Valentine's Day is normally associated with hearts aand flowers and romantic love. However, love manifests in many different ways. Plato describes 4 types of love: Eros, Agape, Platonic & Philia in his writings.

Eros, the son of Aphrodite, whose alter ego is Cupid, is the god of passionate love. You may have read of the difficulties his wife, Psyche, encountered when she doubted him. If not, it's a myth worth reading and helps explain why we all have so much trouble with Eros!

Agape is described at selfless, brotherly or charitable love, which is something we all forget sometimes in our efforts to achieve our goals. Philia is about familial love, or the affinity we feel with like minded people. Platonic love shared between friends. At the Camas Hotel, we try to express all forms of love in our work. Hospitality, after all, is what we are all about.

Of course, we don't always achieve the perfection that we aspire to, But all of our staff agrees that the main reason we're here is to give you, our guests some respite, a chance to escape the demands placed on you every day, so you can relax and refresh your spirits. We believe if our guests leave with a smile on their faces, they'll have the energy to express their affection and support to others throughout their day. So, in our small way, we have made the world a better place. With that in mind, we wish you all a very Happy Valentine's Day!

Karen & Tom


“The true measure of a man is how he treats someone who can do him absolutely no good.” ~Samuel Johnson



]]> http://camashotel.com/blog/2011/11/19/downtown-camas-associaton-awards http://camashotel.com/blog/2011/11/19/downtown-camas-associaton-awards Sat, 19 Nov 2011 17:09:00 +0000 http://camashotel.com/blog/2011/11/19/downtown-camas-associaton-awards
You can see from the photo that the award winners won all kinds of things, from large stars, to jars of change (change is good!). Tom & I were given a safari hat and map for "Putting Camas on the Map" with the Camas Hotel. Naturally we were delighted, and this followed being bestowed the Vancouver USA "Tourism Ambassedor" award for Clark Count, which was a great honor.

It is a pleasure to be honored for doing something that we love to do, i.e. sharing this special place with friends and visitors. We are thankful for guests of the Camas Hotel and Olivers Restaurant, those intrepid souls who are willing to get off the beaten track and discover quirky little corners of the world where there is real treasure to be found.

We are also grateful for all the people we work with, especially Chefs Morris Fenton & Gwyn Manney, and our hotel managers Amanda & Diego Obando, who bring their warmth and impressive talents to our hotel and restaurant.

Happy Thanksgiving! We hope you'll join us sometime soon.

Karen Hall
Camas Hotel

]]> http://camashotel.com/blog/2011/06/04/hidden-gems-in-camas-outdoor-activities http://camashotel.com/blog/2011/06/04/hidden-gems-in-camas-outdoor-activities Sat, 04 Jun 2011 16:26:00 +0000 http://camashotel.com/blog/2011/06/04/hidden-gems-in-camas-outdoor-activities Heriitage Trail Park, nearly 800 acres of wilderness & trails, can be accessed from downtown, just a few blocks from the Camas [...]]]> Heriitage Trail Park, nearly 800 acres of wilderness & trails, can be accessed from downtown, just a few blocks from the Camas Hotel. Several Camas Hotel guests have taken to having a morning jog before they tackle their business for the day.

The trail from downtown Camas runs north along Lacamas Creek and connects to the Round Lake and Lacamas Lake Trails. Mountain bikers also this lovely area.

Many people have already discovered Lacamas Lake, but fewer people know about this little spot. On weekends guests may enjoy visiting the Camas Postholes in Summer. They are a popular spot to cool off at the top end of Heritage Trail Park, just below Round Lake.

]]> http://camashotel.com/blog/2011/05/23/girls-night-out-returns-to-camas-on-thursday http://camashotel.com/blog/2011/05/23/girls-night-out-returns-to-camas-on-thursday Mon, 23 May 2011 14:40:00 +0000 http://camashotel.com/blog/2011/05/23/girls-night-out-returns-to-camas-on-thursday Watch out for flying Pink Feathers! Last year 400 women descended on Camas to kick up their heels while raising money for local breast and ovarian cancer charities. On Thursday, May 26 from 5-9 pm we are repeating this popular event, complete with free goodies all over town, hoops for pink, Oliver's special drink, named by [...]]]> Watch out for flying Pink Feathers! Last year 400 women descended on Camas to kick up their heels while raising money for local breast and ovarian cancer charities. On Thursday, May 26 from 5-9 pm we are repeating this popular event, complete with free goodies all over town, hoops for pink, Oliver's special drink, named by Jennier Ryan, the facebook contest winner as "Tickled Pink." Elida's art studio will be open for visitors to make a work of art, and free massages, hand treatments and goodies, raffles, and more are availalble throughout town. The Camas Hotel is offering a raffle for an overnight stay at the hotel. Oliver's is raffling off drinking lessons for 8. For more information visit www.downtowncamas.com where you can also register for this very special event.

]]> http://camashotel.com/blog/2011/04/05/camas-hotel-sweethearts http://camashotel.com/blog/2011/04/05/camas-hotel-sweethearts Tue, 05 Apr 2011 15:57:00 +0000 http://camashotel.com/blog/2011/04/05/camas-hotel-sweethearts
We caught this photo as the happy (but tired) couple headed out for their honeymoon. We see a lot of lovers here at the hotel and they are each delightful in their way. However, [...]]]>
We caught this photo as the happy (but tired) couple headed out for their honeymoon. We see a lot of lovers here at the hotel and they are each delightful in their way. However, during the long, wet, rainy season, we were especially happy to see these two sweet people shine!

]]> http://camashotel.com/blog/2011/02/07/the-lights-are-on-at-the-liberty-theater http://camashotel.com/blog/2011/02/07/the-lights-are-on-at-the-liberty-theater Mon, 07 Feb 2011 13:58:00 +0000 http://camashotel.com/blog/2011/02/07/the-lights-are-on-at-the-liberty-theater Historic Liberty Theater reopened in March. Read all about it in the Vancouver Business Journal. The Camas Hotel will [...]]]> Historic Liberty Theater reopened in March. Read all about it in the Vancouver Business Journal. The Camas Hotel will offer some special movie packages once opening night is set. Visit the Liberty Theater website for more information.

]]> http://camashotel.com/blog/2011/01/29/camas-hotel-celebrates-100-years http://camashotel.com/blog/2011/01/29/camas-hotel-celebrates-100-years Sat, 29 Jan 2011 13:53:00 +0000 http://camashotel.com/blog/2011/01/29/camas-hotel-celebrates-100-years Camas Hotel
Some things old, some things new ...

Built in 1911 by Prussian immigrant Paul Hinz, the Camas Hotel will be 100 years old this year. The hotel is the oldest commercial building in Camas, and thanks to recent renovations, is in excellent shape, in spite of having weathered heavy storms since it opened its [...]]]> Camas Hotel
Some things old, some things new ...

Built in 1911 by Prussian immigrant Paul Hinz, the Camas Hotel will be 100 years old this year. The hotel is the oldest commercial building in Camas, and thanks to recent renovations, is in excellent shape, in spite of having weathered heavy storms since it opened its doors as the "Commerical Hotel".

One of the hotel's rivels, the first Camas Hotel, originally stood across the street. However, in the 1930's that hotel was torn down, possibly due to fires that destroyed other buildings in that decade. After the first Camas Hotel was demolished, Paul Hinz' "Commercial Hotel" adopted the name.

Paul Hinz lived in the hotel with his wife and three children for several years after completing construction. His wife passed away while his children were still young, so he raised his three children in the hotel. He was rumoured to be very strict, according to some older Camas residents who still remember the Hinz children as their classmates.

No story in Camas would be complete without some mention about the local Paper Mill, which is an integral part of the town's history. In the 1930's the city agreed that the Crown Willamette Paper Mill could ad pulp processing, and it became a 'kraft' mill". This provided many new jobs, but unfortunately led to a distinctive odor in the town. Camas, in spite of it's charm, beauty and lovely lakes, became known for being the "stinky town across the river" to many Portlanders. This didn't help the town's hotel business, and Paul Hinz decide to fight the mill. He sought damages for the loss of business, and was awarded a settlement of $5,000 in 1932. This was a lot of money in those days, but it made Paul a somewhat unpopular man in town, due to the fact that so many people worked at the mill.

Fortunately for Camas, Georgia Pacific, who currently own the mill, installed hi-tech clean smokestacks over a decade ago so residents and visitors can enjoy fresh air along with all the many other charms of this historic riverside town.

Paul Hinz' grandaughter, Rosemary Greenlee visited Camas last year, and brought a number of old photos of her grandfather, his family and the hotel. We'll be happy to share them with you on your next visit.

A 100-year-old building is bound to house a few ghosts. There have been two sightings that I know of, one by our onsite manager, who heard a woman cry out in the basement one night (no one was there). We've heard rumours of a tragic love triangle that led to 3 deaths in Camas in the 1940's. One of the people involved was staying in the hotel. This could be one source of ghosts.

We invite you to celebrate our 100th birthday by joining us on "Centennial Sundays" with 25% off your room rates. Also, on the First Friday in March at 5:00 pm, local historian Virginia Warren will reminisce and share some colorful stores about growing up in Camas. Come and vist Oliver's new Atrium lounge on first friday if you care to learn a little more about the history of Camas.

]]> http://camashotel.com/blog/2010/09/09/olivers-earns-citysearch-fine-dining-award http://camashotel.com/blog/2010/09/09/olivers-earns-citysearch-fine-dining-award Thu, 09 Sep 2010 14:43:00 +0000 Oliver's earns Citysearch Fine Dining Award http://camashotel.com/blog/2010/09/09/olivers-earns-citysearch-fine-dining-award Best Fine Dining catgory with ease. Chefs Morris Fenton and Gwyn Manney were beaming like happy parents when they first learned of the award. Morris, a Scotsman, quickly warned his staff, "Now we've really got to step [...]]]> Best Fine Dining catgory with ease. Chefs Morris Fenton and Gwyn Manney were beaming like happy parents when they first learned of the award. Morris, a Scotsman, quickly warned his staff, "Now we've really got to step it up because everyone will expect more of us." If they continue to turn out amazing fresh & flavorful cuisine presented with style, and the staff provide attentive and courteous service we'll all keep going back for more. Did I mention those awazing cocktails that Ben, the bartender turns out? Mark your calendars for some "Drinking Lessons" in October, hosted by Ben. More on that later ...

]]> http://camashotel.com/blog/2010/06/14/new-onsite-restaurant-olivers-opens-thursday-june-17-2010 http://camashotel.com/blog/2010/06/14/new-onsite-restaurant-olivers-opens-thursday-june-17-2010 Mon, 14 Jun 2010 00:07:00 +0000 http://camashotel.com/blog/2010/06/14/new-onsite-restaurant-olivers-opens-thursday-june-17-2010

Oliver's will be open for

Oliver's will be open for Father's Day, on Sunday, June 20. with some special additions to the dinner menu!

For more information on the menus and upcoming events visit: www.oliversatthecamashotel.com

]]> http://camashotel.com/blog/2010/05/24/and-the-winner-is http://camashotel.com/blog/2010/05/24/and-the-winner-is Mon, 24 May 2010 13:50:00 +0000 And the winner is ... http://camashotel.com/blog/2010/05/24/and-the-winner-is Girls Night Out in Camas on May 20th was blast. Hundreds of Ladies turned out for the big event, and had fun dining, shopping getting free spa treatments, and winning prizes while raising funds for local breast cancer charities. Organizers Carrie Schulstad and Shannon Van Horn deserve (shown left), among others, deserve a big [...]]]> Girls Night Out in Camas on May 20th was blast. Hundreds of Ladies turned out for the big event, and had fun dining, shopping getting free spa treatments, and winning prizes while raising funds for local breast cancer charities. Organizers Carrie Schulstad and Shannon Van Horn deserve (shown left), among others, deserve a big round of applause.

Raffles were offered all over downtown. The winner of the Camas Hotel Raffle was Amy Richie of Vancouver. She won a night at the hotel for two, with breakfast included, and some free goodies (pink spa socks, pink notepad, a couple of Harwood's drink coupons, etc.) and two tickets to the Coronation of the Rose queen at Portland's upcoming rose parade.

Congratulations Amy!

]]> http://camashotel.com/blog/2010/04/13/camas-hotel-voted-2010-best-boutique-hotel http://camashotel.com/blog/2010/04/13/camas-hotel-voted-2010-best-boutique-hotel Tue, 13 Apr 2010 11:53:00 +0000 http://camashotel.com/blog/2010/04/13/camas-hotel-voted-2010-best-boutique-hotel Best Boutique Hotel" in the Portland area for 2010. I would like to personally thank our guests for their votes on citisearch and thoughtful reviews. We have worked hard to make our little hotel the best it can be, and we will continue to make improvements (more flatscreen TVs, more flowers [...]]]> Best Boutique Hotel" in the Portland area for 2010. I would like to personally thank our guests for their votes on citisearch and thoughtful reviews. We have worked hard to make our little hotel the best it can be, and we will continue to make improvements (more flatscreen TVs, more flowers on the terrace, new bamboo fiber bathrobes in the queen & king rooms, etc). We also believe that much of the credit for our success goes to the plucky little town of Camas. Everyone here is so kind and welcoming and this makes a huge difference to our visitors. That wonderful hospitality is what makes visiting in Camas so special.
►

]]> http://camashotel.com/blog/2010/03/03/36-hours-in-camas http://camashotel.com/blog/2010/03/03/36-hours-in-camas Wed, 03 Mar 2010 14:07:00 +0000 http://camashotel.com/blog/2010/03/03/36-hours-in-camas Travel Writer Katlin Smith spends "36 hours in Camas!"
Read about her adventures in Camas, and all around Southwest Washington! [...]]]> Travel Writer Katlin Smith spends "36 hours in Camas!"
Read about her adventures in Camas, and all around Southwest Washington!

]]> http://camashotel.com/blog/2010/02/16/arts-letters http://camashotel.com/blog/2010/02/16/arts-letters Tue, 16 Feb 2010 18:06:00 +0000 http://camashotel.com/blog/2010/02/16/arts-letters In March our first friday, on March 5 is especially exciting because we will feature book signings and readings by local authors, with local art providing a backdrop in [...]]]> In March our first friday, on March 5 is especially exciting because we will feature book signings and readings by local authors, with local art providing a backdrop in shops and restaurants. This is something everyone will enjoy. Come and check out the talent!
Karen

]]> http://camashotel.com/blog/2010/02/05/camas-hotel-rated-high-on-personal-service-and-linens http://camashotel.com/blog/2010/02/05/camas-hotel-rated-high-on-personal-service-and-linens Fri, 05 Feb 2010 09:29:00 +0000 http://camashotel.com/blog/2010/02/05/camas-hotel-rated-high-on-personal-service-and-linens Camas Hotel right up there with some bigger hotels in Portland and San Francisco. It may be partly our luxury linens, but what she says about good staff who are smart, personable and human make us very proud of [...]]]> Camas Hotel right up there with some bigger hotels in Portland and San Francisco. It may be partly our luxury linens, but what she says about good staff who are smart, personable and human make us very proud of our staff.

]]> http://camashotel.com/blog/2009/11/25/a-writers-outpost http://camashotel.com/blog/2009/11/25/a-writers-outpost Wed, 25 Nov 2009 10:11:00 +0000 http://camashotel.com/blog/2009/11/25/a-writers-outpost discovers Camas while staying at the Camas Hotel and (gasp) actually loves it.

We are delighted that others are enjoying our little town! [...]]]> discovers Camas while staying at the Camas Hotel and (gasp) actually loves it.

We are delighted that others are enjoying our little town!

]]> http://camashotel.com/blog/2009/11/24/camas-hotel-wins-community-pride-design-award http://camashotel.com/blog/2009/11/24/camas-hotel-wins-community-pride-design-award Tue, 24 Nov 2009 05:15:00 +0000 http://camashotel.com/blog/2009/11/24/camas-hotel-wins-community-pride-design-award
We were honored!

Greg Pitcher, our architect, Karen & Tom [...]]]>
We were honored!

Greg Pitcher, our architect, Karen & Tom

]]> http://camashotel.com/blog/2009/11/14/home-town-holidays http://camashotel.com/blog/2009/11/14/home-town-holidays Sat, 14 Nov 2009 15:20:00 +0000 Karen http://camashotel.com/blog/2009/11/14/home-town-holidays Hometown Holidays, with the annual downtown tree lighting, with carolers and a visit from Santa Claus.

Sat & Sun, Dec 5th and Dec 6th the Downtown Camas Association and Soroptimists will host the 1st [...]]]> Hometown Holidays, with the annual downtown tree lighting, with carolers and a visit from Santa Claus.

Sat & Sun, Dec 5th and Dec 6th the Downtown Camas Association and Soroptimists will host the 1st Annual Holiday Home Tour. Four distinctive homes in Camas are featured, each lavishly decorated for the holidays by leading designers and florists. Tickets are $20.
You can buy tickets at the hotel, or online at www.downtowncamas.com.
Vancouver tickets: Divine Consign.
Portland tickets: Bella Casa (Pearl District) or Sofa Table Chair (2 locations).
Call 360-834-5722 for more information. Happy Holidays!

]]> http://camashotel.com/blog/2009/08/31/first-friday-in-november http://camashotel.com/blog/2009/08/31/first-friday-in-november Mon, 31 Aug 2009 10:07:00 +0000 http://camashotel.com/blog/2009/08/31/first-friday-in-november
On Friday, November 6th, downtown shops will be open until 9:00 p.m. This friday, each merchant will prepare a tidbit for you from one of their favorite recipes to enjoy and possibly include in your upcoming holiday celebrations. As [...]]]>
On Friday, November 6th, downtown shops will be open until 9:00 p.m. This friday, each merchant will prepare a tidbit for you from one of their favorite recipes to enjoy and possibly include in your upcoming holiday celebrations. As always, be prepared to taste and visit all the shops and be entered into a prize drawing.

]]> http://camashotel.com/blog/2009/08/31/fall-getaway-special-rates http://camashotel.com/blog/2009/08/31/fall-getaway-special-rates Mon, 31 Aug 2009 09:20:00 +0000 Karen Hall http://camashotel.com/blog/2009/08/31/fall-getaway-special-rates October Fall Foliage Special
It's that in between season here in the Northwest. It might misty and rainy, or it might be a gloriously crisp autumn day with the trees brightly flashing their fall colors.Take a chance on the weather, and you can enjoy one free night for every two nights you book with us from October 25 - November 12 [...]]]> October Fall Foliage Special
It's that in between season here in the Northwest. It might misty and rainy, or it might be a gloriously crisp autumn day with the trees brightly flashing their fall colors.Take a chance on the weather, and you can enjoy one free night for every two nights you book with us from October 25 - November 12 (based on single or double occupancy). Call 360-834-5722 and we will place your special booking.

On a fine day, you can rent a bike at Camas Bike and Sport, golf at Camas Meadows (#1 public course in the Northwest) or hike on Heritage Trails around Lacamas Lake. If some rain moves in, you could visit a spa: Bloom Organic Body or Stewart's Family Massage are both nearby. Shopping, Dining and Movies, Museums are fun, whatever the weather. Then again you could just snuggle up in bed with a good book from the Camas Library (#1 library in the state of Washington) or from the Camas Hotel book collection.

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