The Suttle Lodge & Boathouse

We won’t bury the lede; Suttle Lodge & Boathouse is a lakeside retreat by Mighty Union, the quasi-independent group responsible for the Ace Hotel Portland. (Some of you will have already clicked “book now,” and we can’t blame you.) The location, by the side of Suttle Lake in central Oregon’s Deschutes National Forest, is the sort of place whose natural beauty would make even a kitschy, unstylish lodge worthwhile. A hotel as thoughtfully crafted as Suttle Lodge, on the other hand, whose design, food, and drinks are more on the order of what you’d find in Portland than the typical rustic lodge, quickly becomes a must-visit.

Of course, Portland-style design is plenty rustic in its own right. Suttle Lodge resembles nothing so much as a grown-up summer camp, complete with that magic touch of nostalgia. And instead of an archery range and a craft corner, you’ll find suitably grown-up attractions, including the Boathouse restaurant, helmed by chef Joshua McFadden, and a cocktail lounge by Sean Hoard — both veterans of the Portland scene. Which is not to say they’ve neglected the outdoor diversions. The Boathouse is also a functioning boathouse, renting kayaks and canoes for a day on the lake, and a trail network connects Suttle Lodge with the rest of the Deschutes National Forest.

Please note: The Suttle Lodge & Boathouse has a two-day minimum length of stay, with a three-day minimum on Saturdays, between June 1 and September 31. For stays during summer season it is recommended to book well in advance.