The Jennings Hotel

Virtual Visit to an Oregon Hotel

It's Friday and I'd like to take you on a virtual adventure to a boutique hotel in eastern Oregon. Even if you are like me and you aren't going anywhere this weekend, I hope this post might inspire you. 
​
I came across this unique hotel a few weeks ago, back when I was searching for places to visit in Oregon (before we decided to go to Lake Arrowhead and Hawaii). Arrowhead for a long weekend, and Hawaii for a whole week, more on that later! I was specifically searching for boutique Oregon hotels, when I came across The Jennings Hotel. Immediately, I got excited about it's concept, which showcases the work of regional craftsmen and small businesses founded by Greg Hennes. 

One thing, that seems fun about visiting an art hotel is that guests truly get a sense of the character and culture of the people around them. The second part that draws me to the Jennings Hotel is the iddylic location: the breathtaking natural setting of mountains and lakes. I would love to take a week to explore it. 

photo via Instagram

I am drawn to this room which is simple and modern. I love that it features a black and white drawing, wall mirror and vintage furnishings. I love that the room's signature pieces are handmade by a visual artist and a local architect. I have a thing for walnut hanging mirrors and love this one too. 

In the room below, I love use of black and white paint which creates an illusion within the positive and negative space, along with the sculptural walnut coat rack. 

As for the kitchen, I like the minimal modern design and custom carpentry. 

Another opportunity that I think is exciting is that the Jennings offers an affordable artist residency. I would personally love to stay and work in the wood-shop there on a mini-collection. Have you considered doing a long term or short term artist residency? If so, where did you do it?  

I admire the work of Phloem Studio and their chairs created for the hotel. 

photo via The Jennings Hotel

Hennes, the founder was able to get his project off the ground largely through a Kickstarter campaign. I have often wondered about the prospects of tackling a renovation project of this kind through a crowd-sourcing platform. I think his idea to engage the community through art and local interests is innovation at it's best. There are other art hotels across the country that I have seen or read about in my travels each unique in it's own way. I hope to share more of those places with you soon. 

In the mean time, I am making travel plans for the near future and I'd love to hear about your travel plans. Where are you going on your next getaway?