Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Just 40 minutes from Hood River, this historic, boutique hotel is set among rolling wheat fields just minutes from the Columbia River Gorge. We hope to surprise you with this gem in the country. Join us for a bite to eat and a drink in the Balch Bistro or book a session in the Spa Sanctuary. The Balch Hotel is an excellent spot for outdoor weddings, reunions, retreats, business meetings, bike trips, car clubs or a romantic getaway for two. Winter weddings, retreats, engagements and elopements are cozy and charming. Join us at a place that inspires personal re-connection and rejuvenation. We offer complimentary breakfast, free parking and WiFi throughout the property as well as EV Charging for our hotel guests. To help ensure a peaceful environment for our guests, we unfortunately do not allow small children.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Quiet
Business
Languages Spoken
English
Location
40 Heimrich St Columbia River Gorge, Dufur, OR 97021-3031
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The Balch Hotel captivates guests with its blend of historic charm and contemporary comforts. The rooms receive accolades for their cleanliness and cozy appeal, offering modern amenities alongside enchanting views. Service at the hotel stands out, with many guests highlighting the staff's warm and personalized approach.
While the hotel's ambiance and dining options are frequently praised, a few guests note the AC and noise levels. Nonetheless, the overall experience is cherished for its historic elegance and pristine condition.
Atmosphere
Charming
Rooms
Comfortable
Cleanliness
Pristine
Service
Attentive
Amenities
Well-appointed
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The Balch Hotel, located in the rolling hills south of the Columbia River, provides a perfect getaway. Built in 1907, this well maintained property originally was built to accommodate rail travelers coming from The Dalles. The decor is reminiscent of turn of the century. No TVs or telephones encourage relaxation in the comfy bedrooms but there is internet service for those who can’t completely disconnect. Also, keep in mind you will be walking up to your room on the second or third floor as there is no elevator. The friendly staff will look after your needs and the hotel has numerous spots to sit and relax…indoors and out. The gardens are especially lovely. Our little group was delighted with the spa services provided by Claire. We highly recommend the facials and the foot massage. For dinner there is a small bistro on the property. We enjoyed our food although portions were exceptionally large and we ordered too much. (Check with your server before ordering). All in all, a delightful 2 night stay. We would certainly consider a repeat visit!
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Date of stay: June 2022
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip: 8 rooms have private baths… the others have shared baths. All bathrooms are immaculate.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Josiah Dean, Owner at Balch Hotel
Responded 6 Jun 2022
Thank you so much for the lovely review. It was certainly a pleasure having your group with us.
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I highly recommend checking out this little gem on the east side of Mt. Hood. It’s historic, decorated with lovely period furniture and fixtures, very clean, and the staff were all friendly, helpful and professional. My sister and I did a hike in the Badger Creek Wilderness nearby, then stayed here in a room that had its own (big) bathroom. Everything is very thoughtful and intentional, from the little chocolates on the water glasses to the ear plugs on the bedside tables (we were happy to have them since we thought it might be a little noisy with the old hardwood floors etc, but found we didn’t need them at all!). Do yourself a favor and have dinner at the Bistro. Beautiful outside setting for the warmer months and we had delicious salmon cakes and a fruit crisp for dessert that was perfect. Reasonable prices for really good food. The grounds behind the hotel are gorgeous and such a nice place to hang out any time of day — very peaceful and well manicured garden and fountain. In the morning there is self-serve brewed coffee and breakfast baskets with hard boiled eggs, homemade muffins, yogurt, granola and fruit. We were so pleasantly surprised by it — way better than a traditional hotel “continental” breakfast. I plan to come here again! Also like the proximity to hiking trails all around the east side of Hood. Treat yourself to this little slice of Oregon history in small, quiet Dufur.
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Date of stay: July 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Josiah Dean, Owner at Balch Hotel
Responded 2 Aug 2023
Oh my goodness Marianne! Your kind words have warmed my heart. You eloquently expressed everything that we are trying to accomplish. I could have said it better myself. I will be sure to share this with our staff.
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This was a wonderful and nostalgic visit for me. Although I haven’t been back in about two decades, I lived in Dufur as a young child and had relatives who temporarily resided on the second floor of the Balch Hotel in the mid-80s before it was so lovingly restored (although as a young child I still had a blast playing in the space with my cousins!).
The hotel has many wonderful touches throughout, and I enjoyed exploring the different spaces within it. The outdoor grounds are very well-maintained and offer gorgeous views, as well as a peaceful place to read or do some journaling. All of the staff I interacted with were incredibly friendly and helpful. Finally, the bistro provided a delicious meal that I ate in a delightful outdoor setting. My only complaint is that my husband wasn’t able to travel with me on this trip and enjoy this visit with me - but I hope to be back and bring him with me next time!
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Date of stay: July 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Josiah Dean, Owner at Balch Hotel
Responded 4 Aug 2023
We are proud to represent Dufur for folks' memories. Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We are so glad that you enjoyed your stay with us, and that you found it to be a nostalgic and enjoyable experience. We are sorry to hear that your husband was unable to travel with you on this trip. We hope that he will be able to join you on your next visit, and that you will both have a wonderful time.
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A hidden gem 💎. I felt I stepped back in time and all my cares washed away. Rooms were charming and very clean. You walk into a majestic historic building greeted by a friendly smile and checked was a breeze then given warm baked cookies. Had some hot tea they provide on the property and watched all the wild life …butterflies on all the flowers and listen to the ringneck doves even saw an owl sitting on a post and yes it was real! Dinner was superb, salmon cakes and salad were my favorite. Enjoyed the draft apple cider. Took a hot bath in the beautiful claw foot tub with some minerals you can purchase in the lobby and slept like a baby. Breakfast basket was perfect in the morning with great coffee included with your stay. I can’t wait to come back and stay a little longer!
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Date of stay: July 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We've stayed here three times now and love it more each year. The service is always first rate and the food in the dining room is always fresh and delicious. There is a lovely variety of local ales, wines and other beverages. They are now doing a nice basket for breakfast, included with your stay.
The garden is wonderful to sit in, watching the quail (let's hope the new cats don't get them!), butterflies and hummingbirds.
We've had both the en suite and the shared bath rooms. We've encountered no inconvenience sharing a bath, and there are sinks in each room for brushing teeth, etc.
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Date of stay: August 2022Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are return visitors. We are cyclists and the two times we've been there, we've met some really great cyclists and remain friends. They do a great job catering to cyclists, secure bike storage etc, and everything else is quaint and great. The riding in the area is absolutely amazing. Dufur in general is nice little gem centered around the Balch. Making it part of our regular cycling circuit.
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Date of stay: November 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This is a nice boutique hotel for a reasonable price. We had a queen bed with a private bath. Warm beverages were available in the lobby, and a fine continental breakfast was included. The hotel is quiet and furnished with antiques. The staff are very friendly and helpful. An outdoor historical museum is located nearby. Staying there was so pleasant and comfortable at the end of a week-long trip of nights in chain hotels.
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Date of stay: November 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Josiah Dean, Owner at Balch Hotel
Responded 21 Dec 2023
We appreciate your thoughtful review and are happy that you enjoyed all we offer.
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All the other five star ratings say it all. My room was beyond clean. The website states “All linens sanitized in high-temperature wash”. I sure believe it. The sheets looked felt and smelled of clean. I chose a room that shared a bath down the hall. (All part of the experience). Again, spotless. One very nice feature is that the rooms have their own sink and towels. The air conditioner was on in the room when I got their and it was nice and cool. The building and grounds are beautiful and so is the view of Mount Hood. The Bistro was closed so i walked a few hundred feet to a local tavern across the street. It had really good food, friendly staff and a nice atmosphere. The proprietor of the Balch was so friendly and had lot’s of local knowledge. I was on my motorcycle so I encourage all you motorcycle traveler's to make Dufer and the Balch hotel one of your stops. This place is very affordable! I can’t wait to go back.
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Date of stay: August 2022Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Josiah Dean, Owner at Balch Hotel
Responded 9 Sept 2022
Thanks for the great review. We love hearing from motorcyclist on tours throughout Eastern Oregon. There are many great rides we can recommend. We look forward to seeing you again!
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The Balch Hotel is an ideal get away for those wanting a peaceful and truly enjoyable experience. You will love the Historical Charm throughout the hotel. The rooms are very clean with fresh sheets and towels. The small sink and mirror in most rooms is a plus. The dining experience for dinner offers healthy entrees and good wine. The staff members are such a delight and make everyone feel very welcome. A complimentary Continental breakfast is also served including yummy homemade granola with yogurt and fresh fruit and muffins.
The Balch Hotel is nestled in the small town of Dufur. A newly remodeled Dufur Market Place just opened and enhances the overall experience of staying at the Balch Hotel. The coffee is just wonderful. Dufur is surrounded by many wheat fields and has a spectacular view of Mt. Hood.
Come away from the hustle and bustle of life and experience simple living!!
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Date of stay: September 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This was our 53rd - replay of 50th dimmed by covid - anniversary. We were looking for exceptional and unique ambiance and service. At our age we were concerned about how many times we could make it to the 3rd floor but based on a recommendation by a friend we took the chance. When we arrived Lizzy cheerfully grabbed all of our bags and equipment and hoofed it to our room. At breakfast it was offered to deliver but we opted to eat out in the beautiful shade covered garden with cheerful bird song and delicate warm breeze. We had intended to spend the day reading in our delightful and cozy room but it was so comfortable and cheery outside that we read and talked and remembered in the garden. Well-done Balch crew on making another fond memory.
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Date of stay: August 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Josiah Dean, Owner at Balch Hotel
Responded 13 Aug 2023
Wow Donald, I am so glad you enjoyed. Liz is indeed a delight and we are so lucky to have her on our team. We work hard to make the grounds welcoming and we are happy that you were able to enjoy.
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Hello Rob, Our rooms do not have refrigerators but we do have one in the dining room that you can use. Most of our rooms are pet-free, let us know that you need a pet-free room.
Hello Taunya, We have a group that is holding all the rooms for the hotel for the night of September 16. They may be releasing some rooms; will know a month out (August 16.) Check back with us then.
Yes, we have good cell coverage for Verizon. Some of the smaller carriers do not reach out here. There is no data, however. We have free wifi throughout the building so when you get here you'll have all you need.
There are more places to choose from in the Dufur area.
PRICE RANGE
S$157 - S$206 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
balch hotel dufur
LOCATION
United StatesOregonDufur
NUMBER OF ROOMS
20
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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