Historic Lodge Produces Mixed Reactions
Nov 5, 2019 John M Bainbridge Island, WA
The Weasku Inn, a lodge of historic import beside the Rogue River, confounds expectations -- in both good and bad ways. The entire property, which is five miles outside Grants Pass, has been renewed and updated. The public rooms in the main lodge building reflect its long history with an ancient rock fireplace, a huge couch, a fascinating…
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The Weasku Inn, a lodge of historic import beside the Rogue River, confounds expectations -- in both good and bad ways. The entire property, which is five miles outside Grants Pass, has been renewed and updated. The public rooms in the main lodge building reflect its long history with an ancient rock fireplace, a huge couch, a fascinating selection of memorabilia and photographic displays worthy of extended browsing. A collection of duplex cabins and an A-frame are down the lawn and closer to the still-distant river. They are cozy and comfy, with tasteful decor and ample room for lounging and sleeping. We were upgraded (thank you!) to the A-frame with soaring picture windows, pine beams in the ceiling, river rock gas fireplace but a sad, tired couch with a pull-out bed. The furniture arrangement had a significant quirk with the mini refrigerator out in the room while the writing table with chair was cramped under the eaves, making it very difficult to use; they should have been switched. The king bed was extraordinarily comfortable with nice bedding and a down comforter. The bathroom with tub/showever was fine too and quite spacious. But much of the draw of the Weasku is being beside the "wild and scenic" Rogue -- yet it turns out to be some distance away and mostly obscured by alder trees and underbrush. Even more disappointing, what can be heard from the "view" deck is not the rush of the river but the onrush of heavy traffic on Interstate 5 just beyond the river. Another mixed reaction is prompted by the Weasku's touted afternoon "appetizers," a nice gesture for guests but mediocre at best in execution. This turned out to be a cold display of crackers, cheese and veggies, plus one hot soup that tasted suspiciously like canned. (When asked for a reaction to the inn at check-out, I said that the afternoon appetizers needed to be improved. To which the reception person remarked, "That would cost more money.") Are the afternoon appetizers more of a plus or a minus? Good question but not sure I know the answer. Weasku Inn perplexes more often than it dazzles.
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