Bowline Hotel in Astoria, Oregon blends industrial coastal charm with ocean-friendly hospitality. Keep reading to learn about their commitments to sustainability and ocean conservation!
Please tell us about your hotel. What makes it a special destination for your guests, and how is your location connected to the ocean?
Bowline Hotel is located at the mouth of the Columbia River where it meets the Pacific Ocean, offering stunning river views, abundant wildlife, and access to fresh local seafood. Our hotel blends modern amenities with the industrial charm of a thoughtfully renovated cannery. We take pride in our craft cocktails and feature locally sourced provisions on our menu, reflecting our commitment to quality and sustainability. Within walking distance of downtown Astoria, Bowline Hotel offers a rare balance of natural beauty and urban accessibility.
What ocean-friendly practices does your hotel have in place? What sets your hotel apart in terms of its commitment to sustainability and ocean health in particular?
At Bowline Hotel, we are proud participants in Surfrider’s Ocean Friendly Restaurants program, ensuring our onsite restaurant, The Knot, prioritizes sustainable seafood sourcing and environmentally responsible practices. To support local wildlife conservation, we provide educational information about our local sea lion population, along with a QR code for donations. Guests also enjoy complimentary trolley tickets to help reduce car emissions, with plans underway to install electric vehicle chargers. Each guest room features refillable water carafes, reducing single-use plastics and reinforcing our commitment to sustainability.
Why did you decide to join Surfrider’s Ocean Friendly Hotels program?
We joined Surfrider’s Ocean Friendly Hotels program to align with like-minded guests who prioritize sustainability and ocean conservation. As operators of waterfront properties, we believe it is our responsibility to promote environmental stewardship while fostering a meaningful connection between our guests and the local community.
Why do you think it’s important for the hospitality industry to prioritize sustainability? What role can you see the industry playing in protecting our ocean?
Sustainability in the hospitality industry goes beyond reducing environmental impact; it also means meeting evolving guest expectations, managing costs, strengthening community relationships, and supporting long-term profitability. As awareness of environmental issues continues to grow, sustainable practices are becoming essential to the industry’s future. Hotels that embrace sustainability today are better positioned to thrive in a world where environmental responsibility is increasingly paramount.
What advice do you have for other hotels looking to become more sustainable and may be considering joining the Ocean Friendly Hotels program?
Our advice to hotels looking to enhance sustainability or join the Ocean Friendly Hotels program is to start with manageable steps and avoid assuming sustainable alternatives are always more expensive. Long-term savings from water and energy conservation, as well as recycling, can be significant. It’s also important to consider evolving guest expectations: today’s travelers increasingly prioritize sustainability and are drawn to hotels that demonstrate a genuine commitment to environmental stewardship.
Improving operational sustainability is always an evolutionary journey of refining best practices. Can you share anything you’re currently working on or other sustainable practices you’re hoping to implement in the future?
Looking ahead, Bowline Hotel is excited to introduce compostable steeped coffee bags from Steeped Coffee as an in-room amenity. Sourced locally from Columbia River Coffee Co., they are a certified B Corp company committed to sustainability. These innovative coffee bags offer convenience without compromising on environmental responsibility. Our ongoing initiatives aim to enhance our sustainability practices and reinforce our dedication to preserving the natural beauty of Astoria and its surroundings.
Anything else you want to share?
As a waterfront property and proud participant in sustainable initiatives like the Surfrider Ocean Friendly Restaurants program, Bowline Hotel offers guests a unique destination in Astoria, Oregon. Our commitment to environmental stewardship not only enhances the guest experience but also supports our local community and ecosystem.
To find an Ocean Friendly Hotel in your next travel destination or to learn more about the program, click HERE!