The Florentine Waterfront Hotel Review: The Best Boutique Stay To Experience Florence, Oregon's Coastal Charm
Disclosure: I received a free stay the The Florentine Waterfront Hotel in exchange for an honest review. This review reflects my personal experience and all opinions are my own.
Introduction
If you're planning a getaway to the Oregon coast and searching for a place that feels like a genuine escape rather than just another hotel stay, The Florentine Waterfront Hotel in Florence, Oregon deserves a spot at the top of your list. This isn't your typical chain property, it's a thoughtfully designed boutique hotel that captures the spirit of this charming coastal town while delivering the comfort and amenities you'd want for a relaxing getaway. As much as I love traveling with points and miles, boutique stays like The Florentine really have my heart. This restored historical property strikes that rare balance between cozy comfort and easy access to outdoor adventure. Whether you're seeking a romantic escape, a family getaway, or a reunion with friends, The Florentine offers what modern chain hotels simply can't replicate: authentic character and genuine hospitality that blends seemlessly into the lakeside setting.
Quick Facts at a Glance
| Location | 4844 Fish Mill Way, Dunes City, OR 97493, United States | | Price Range | $107–$500+ (rates are seasonal) | | Check-in / Check-out | 3:00 PM / 11:00 AM | | Best For | couples, families, friend groups, nature lovers | | Star Rating | N/A | | Guest Rating I Average 4.9/5 or 9+/10 I I Key Amenities | Kayak rentals, sand board rentals, firepit, Wi-Fi, private decks, kitchens | | Website | https://hotelflorentine.com/ |
Location & Accessibility
Nestled on the bank of Siltcoos Lake, the Florentine Waterfront Hotel is hidden amid a quiet residential neighborhood about a 10-minute drive from Old Town Florence. This distance is one of the draws – you can easily access all that Florence has to offer and retreat back to your cozy cottage at the end of the day.
A short drive from the hotel, you'll find Old Town Florence with its eclectic mix of galleries, antique shops, and seafood restaurants. The iconic Sea Lion Caves are also nearby. The Oregon Dunes, some of the most dramatic coastal landscape in the state, are practically on your doorstep, accessible for exploration by foot, ATV, or sand board. If you're the type of traveler who wants adventure without sacrificing access to convenience, the location is nearly perfect. If you’re wanting to know more about all that this area has to offer, check out my Florence guide.
Rooms & Cabins
The Florentine is a quaint collection of restored lakeside cabins. Each one has been thoughtfully and uniquely remodeled, offering a place to stay that is both comfortable and beautiful. The decor across the property reflects a thoughtful, cohesive design philosophy that is apparent despite the individual style of each room or cabin. The room options range from intimate studio rooms perfect for couples to a spacious family unit that can comfortably sleep six or more. There are three waterfront studios and seven standalone cabins, all featuring water views. Most cabins have private decks and one cabin even includes a hot tub. Whichever option you choose, you can spend your mornings watching the sunrise over the lake while you sip your coffee, which is basically my perfect way to start the day.
We stayed in the aptly named Sage Suite, which was swathed in soothing green tones that allowed the lake view visible through the wall of windows along the back of the cabin to be the star of the show. The entryway offered a space to store our shoes and coat hooks for hanging any wet gear, along with a mirror for last minute fit checks before leaving the cabin.
The first view after entering the Sage Suite was through the galley style kitchen. Each cabin includes a full or partial kitchen, which is great for families or anyone planning to spend multiple days. Our cabin had a full kitchen that was well-equipped and stocked with the essentials. The most essential being a coffee maker (a Keurig). If we were so inclined, we could have grabbed fresh fish from a local market, cooked a simple dinner, and enjoyed a homecooked meal on our private deck overlooking the lake. I have a pretty firm rule that I don’t usually cook on vacation, though. I loved the attention to detail - the appliances that were clearly carefully chosen to match the theme of the room, the floral teapot to make the perfect pot of afternoon tea to warm up after cool and rainy outdoor adventures, and everything you would need to actually prepare a meal.
Once through the kitchen, the cabin opened up into a large and gorgeous living room. This space also included a Murphy bed that could be stored if you didn’t need the extra sleeping space. Tucked behind the living space was the bedroom and bathroom. The bedroom included another queen size bed, a TV, and a small closet. The grownups actually chose to sleep in the living room so that we could stay up without disturbing Harrison and so that I could wake up and watch the sunrise, after opening the blackout curtains, of course.
I truly loved everything about our cabin, except the bathroom. To be fair, I rarely like hotel bathrooms. Or any bathrooms. In fact, I once moved into a house and insisted my boyfriend (now husband), who didn’t even live in the home, completely redo the singular tub/shower combo the actual day I moved in. So take this in context. In this case, things to know are that there was only a shower (not an issue for us, but something to know if you’re travelling with kids or others who need a bathtub) and there are what I classify as “old building problems.” After all, the cabins were first built over 80 years ago. This means things like water that is slow to drain, variable water pressure, and bathrooms that show signs of moisture (a challenge anywhere on the coast). However, I did appreciate that the bathroom sink was separate from the shower and toilet and the towels were plush and plentiful.
In fact, that was what made this place so special – all of the little details had been considered, down to the packets of olive oil in the kitchen. There was a basket of blankets for cool nights on the deck or snuggled up on the couch, an entryway with a bench and coat hooks for taking off wet gear after a day of exploring, and spaces that were carefully designed for cozy relaxation.
The range of cabin sizes and styles means there's something for different trip types and group sizes. Solo travelers and couples might opt for the more intimate studios, while families benefit from the largest cabin with multiple bedrooms and a full kitchen. Luxury cabins offer premium positioning on the property, making them ideal for special occasions or groups looking to splurge a bit.
Amenities & Activities
What sets a standout hotel apart from a more typical stay often comes down to the amenities and, more specifically, the ability to create a sense of place where the locale and lodging seamlessly intertwine. The Florentine Waterfront Hotel is the perfect example of this. The Florentine understands that its guests come for the location and the outdoor access, and the on-site amenities reflect that philosophy perfectly. Some highlights are:
Kayak rentals are available directly through the hotel, which means you can be on the water within minutes of deciding you want to be. You can launch a kayak directly from the property to explore Siltcoos Lake or take the 3-mile Siltcoos River Trail past the sand dunes to the ocean.
Sand board rentals are also available to rent if you want to explore the Oregon Dunes up close. If you've never sandboarded, this is an incredibly fun way to experience the dunes' unique landscape. Just be prepared for the hike back up the dune.
The firepit area was one of our favorite spots. There's something about gathering around a fire with friends or family, the bright moon reflecting off the lake, that creates the kind of conversation and connection that rarely happens in everyday life. The property provides everything you need to start a fire, inclding wood. We met a lovely couple from Washington and Harrison managed to tell them most of our life story around the campfire each evening.
Wi-Fi throughout the property ensures you can stay connected if you need to, although I much preferred to actually disconnect and focus on our family time.
Private decks on most cabins deserve their own mention. Our deck was our own slice of waterfront where we could enjoy morning coffee and evening wine while taking in the view. It was a space to breath and slow down, which is the real magic of a coastal getaway.
Pet friendly cabins are available. If you’re traveling with a furry best friend, The Florentine has pet-friendly cabins with plenty of accessible outdoor space to explore.
The add on packages bring even more fun to your stay. Harrison was excited to enjoy the s’mores kit by the fire each evening. There are thoughtful add ons like birthday and romance packages and Oregon wine available to purchase, but number one on my list for next time is the mimosa bar.
Service & Staff
Another standout for me during our stay at The Florentine Waterfront Hotel was the staff. From the moment I was booked until after we checked out, the communication from the hotel was excellent. Despite the limited onsite staff, there was always someone we could contact if needed. Our cabin was meticulously clean and we had everything we needed and more. We were greeted with some local treats and a hand written welcome note. The staff at The Florentine really went the extra mile to make each guests stay special. For instance, the property was extensively decorated for Halloween, with fun and spooky surprises around every corner.
Pricing & Value
Whatever your budget, there is likely a room for you at The Florentine Waterfront Hotel.
Winter midweek rates start around $107 per night. If you can visit midweek and, like me, love the the cool air, dramatic skies and seas, and lower crowds of the Oregon coast in winter, this is perfect time to stay.
Peak summer rates run $247 and up, which is still reasonable for waterfront accommodations with this much character. During summer, you're also paying for sunshine, warm weather, and the busiest outdoor recreation season.
Some cabins can be $500+ per night, but these offer the most space and amenities. These are ideal for special occasions, family trips, or groups looking to create a truly memorable experience that you can’t find at a typical resort.
The ability to rent a cabin with a kitchen and cook some meals represents genuine savings compared to eating out for every meal, especially for families. For couples, a romantic getaway in a luxurious room with a private deck and fire pit access makes an ideal escape. For friend groups splitting a larger cabin, the per-person cost becomes remarkably affordable.
The Experience: What I Loved
Staying at the Florentine Waterfront Hotel felt less like checking into a hotel and more like being welcomed into someone's home, the kind of home that happens to sit on a lake with access to some of the most beautiful landscapes in Oregon. The staff set the tone immediately. There's a genuine warmth here that comes from people who actually care about guests having a great experience. Questions were answered thoughtfully and promptly and I felt confident that any issues (of which there were none) would have been well handled.
The physical experience of waking up in one of these cabins is something I'll remember for a long time. The sunrise over Siltcoos Lake, visible from bed, was exactly what my nervous system needed. There was no alarm clock demanding my attention, just light gradually filling the room. My little family all snuggled together before Brandon brought me coffee in bed. Just a perfect moment and the ideal way to start our day. The restorative quality of the stay surprised me. I expected a nice weekend away. What I got was something better, a genuine pause, a reset, a reminder of what it feels like to be present. There's something about being surrounded by water and history and genuine natural beauty that does something to my brain and my body. And I just love beautiful hotels.
I also appreciated the commitment to guests' actual experience that was evident in everything. The kayak rentals aren't marked up to resort prices. The firepit isn't some Instagram moment designed to look good in photos; it's genuinely useful and welcoming. The cabins are comfortable without being pretentious. This is a property run by people who care about this little slice of paradise and the happy guests who stay there.
Who Should Stay Here?
Couples seeking romance and escape will find exactly what they're looking for. A private cabin with a firepit, water views, and proximity to both adventure and quiet moments creates the perfect romantic getaway. Whether you're celebrating an anniversary, planning a proposal, or just needing time together away from daily life, The Florentine Waterfront Hotel is the place.
Families with children benefit from the space of larger cabins, the safety and walkability of the location, and the built-in activities (kayaking, sandboarding, firepit gatherings) that keep everyone engaged. The kitchens mean you're not locked into restaurant schedules. And time spent in nature is good for everyone.
Friend groups reuniting for a long weekend will love the ability to rent larger cabins and share costs, plus the activities and gathering spaces that encourage time together. In fact, I’m already planning a getaway here with my friends.
Nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts will feel at home immediately. Whether you're into kayaking, sandboarding, hiking, photography, or just being outside, the property's location and access make it ideal. This is exactly the kind of place I want to stay when I want to enjoy nature, but am not up for camping.
Who shouldn’t stay here? I think The Florentine has something for almost everyone. However, if you prefer to stay somewhere where you receive constant attention and service from staff, have access to amenities such as a gym or on-site restaurant, or want to have 4- or 5-star luxury, this is not likely to be the spot for you. You’d be missing out on a delightful boutique hotel, though.
Would I Stay Here Again? Yes
The Florentine Waterfront Hotel represents something increasingly rare: a property that prioritizes genuine guest experience, that respects its historical character while providing modern comfort, and that understands that the best vacations are about what you experience. Whether you're planning a romantic escape, a family adventure, or a friend group reunion, this is a place that will deliver on what you're actually looking for. The combination of location, character, amenities, and value is genuinely hard to beat on the Oregon coast. The Florentine Waterfront Hotel is definitely somewhere I would stay again.
FAQS
Q: Does the Florentine Waterfront Hotel offer pet-friendly accommodations?
A: Yes, the hotel welcomes well-behaved pets in designated cabins for a nominal fee of $35 per stay. This makes it an excellent choice for travelers who don't want to leave their furry companions behind. Be sure to mention your pet when booking.
Q: Are there activities for children at the hotel?
A: Absolutely! Especially if your child also happens to include talking incessantly to others around the fire as peak fun. Harrison loved the deck, the fire pits, and the lake access. Plus, we were so close to the dunes and all of the other fun activities available in Florence.
Q: What's included in the room rate?
A: WiFi, parking, and access to all on-site facilities are included with all room rates.
Q: What's the cancellation policy?
A: If you cancel at least 14 days before your arrival, you will receive a full refund.
Q: Are there restaurants near the hotel?
A: Yes, the Old Town district is a short drive from the hotel and features numerous dining options ranging from casual to upscale.
Q: What makes this a luxury boutique hotel on the Oregon coast?
A: The Florentine combines quality accommodations, thoughtful design, personalized service, unique amenities, and an exceptional location. It delivers luxury through attention to detail and hospitality.
Q: What is the best way to book?
A: The best way to book your stay is directly through their website at https://hotelflorentine.com.
Additional Resources
If you’re looking for other Oregon coast adventures, check out these other posts:
