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100 Years Of Grandeur: Inside The Historic Ashland Springs Hotel And Its Centennial Secrets

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The Ashland Springs Hotel, a towering landmark of Beaux-Arts architecture in Southern Oregon, is currently at the center of a major milestone, celebrating its 100th Anniversary throughout 2025 and into 2026. This historic hotel, which began its life as the Lithia Springs Hotel in 1925, has not only survived a century of economic shifts but has emerged as the definitive cultural and culinary hub of Ashland, Oregon. Its centennial year brings fresh attention to its storied past, its award-winning dining, and the ongoing debate over its beautifully preserved—yet aging—Victorian-era rooms.

Standing nine stories tall in the Historic Downtown District, the hotel remains the most prominent structure in the Rogue Valley, offering guests a blend of old-world European charm and modern farm-to-table luxury. Travelers arriving in late 2025 and early 2026 are invited to partake in the special centennial celebrations, including a community time capsule ceremony and exclusive overnight stay packages, cementing its status as a must-visit destination adjacent to the famous Oregon Shakespeare Festival.

A Century of Transformation: The Hotel's Complete History and Profile

The history of the Ashland Springs Hotel is a fascinating journey through the economic and cultural life of Ashland, Oregon. Originally conceived during a tourism boom in the scenic Rogue Valley, the hotel has undergone several significant transformations, each marking a new chapter in its life. The current owners, the Neuman Hotel Group, have been the driving force behind its modern-day prominence.

  • Original Name (1925): Lithia Springs Hotel
  • Architectural Style: Beaux-Arts
  • Original Opening: 1925, with an elegant dinner for over 500 VIP guests.
  • Previous Name: The Mark Antony Motor Hotel (or "The Mark") after a name contest in 1961.
  • Current Owners: Doug and Becky Neuman (Neuman Hotel Group)
  • Purchase and Restoration: Purchased at a tax auction in 1998, the Neumans undertook a complete, basement-to-parapet remodel, restoring the hotel to its historic grandeur. This renovation was certified under the National Park Service's Certified Rehabilitation program.
  • Current Status: Historic Hotel of America, cultural centerpiece of Downtown Ashland.
  • Total Rooms: 70 (down from the original 100, with all rooms now featuring private bathrooms).
  • Key Features: Grand Fireplace Lobby, English Garden/Courtyard, Waterstone Spa, Larks Home Kitchen Cuisine.

The extensive restoration by Doug and Becky Neuman was a labor of love, transforming a deteriorating structure into an eccentric mix of idyllic small-town living and European taste. Their vision brought the hotel back to its former glory, ensuring its survival as a key cultural entity in Southern Oregon.

The Centennial Celebration: Why 2025-2026 is the Time to Visit

The year 2025 marks the hotel’s 100th anniversary, a milestone being celebrated with community events and special offerings that make a visit particularly timely. The centennial celebration is more than just a party; it is a recognition of the hotel's deep roots in the community and its role as a historic anchor for the city of Ashland.

One of the most unique aspects of the celebration is the Time Capsule Ceremony. Ashlanders and hotel guests are invited to contribute notes and mementos to a time capsule, which will be sealed for future generations to open. This community-focused event highlights the hotel's commitment to its patrons and its long-term vision.

Visitors can also take advantage of the special offerings tied to the anniversary. The hotel is offering a Centennial Cocktail and exclusive Overnight Stay Packages designed to immerse guests in the historic atmosphere. Staying at the Ashland Springs Hotel during this period means experiencing a living piece of history, from the sparkling chandeliers to the beautifully restored ballroom, all while enjoying modern amenities.

The hotel's location is another major draw, especially for culture enthusiasts. It is situated directly next to the venues for the world-renowned Oregon Shakespeare Festival, making it the premier lodging choice for theatergoers. The proximity to the festival, along with the charming boutiques and galleries of the Historic Downtown District, ensures a rich and engaging stay.

Culinary Excellence and Boutique Wellness: Larks and Waterstone Spa

Beyond its grand lobby and historic architecture, the Ashland Springs Hotel is celebrated for two key amenities that significantly enhance the guest experience: its award-winning restaurant and its tranquil, adjacent spa. These entities contribute immensely to the hotel's topical authority as a complete destination for luxury and wellness.

Larks Home Kitchen Cuisine: A Farm-to-Table Powerhouse

Inside the hotel, guests will find Larks Home Kitchen Cuisine, a restaurant that has become synonymous with authentic Southern Oregon dining. Larks operates with a farm-to-table mission statement, sourcing ingredients almost entirely from local farms, ranches, and purveyors within the Rogue Valley.

The restaurant has garnered national recognition, particularly for its beverage program. Larks has repeatedly won the prestigious Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, earning the honor four times since 2022. This award highlights its exceptional wine list, which perfectly complements the seasonally evolving menus. Dining at Larks is not just a meal; it is an immersion into the region’s agricultural bounty.

The Waterstone Spa: Victorian-Inspired Tranquility

For those seeking relaxation, the Waterstone Spa is conveniently located adjacent to the hotel and is operated by the Neuman Hotel Group. It is a boutique spa offering a full range of services, including massages and specialized treatments.

The spa’s environment is designed to be a peaceful retreat, featuring amenities like a sauna and a unique Victorian-inspired ambiance that mirrors the hotel's historic charm. Packages like the "Cozy Wellness Getaway" combine an overnight stay at the hotel with indulgent spa services, creating the perfect blend of historic exploration and modern self-care.

What Recent Reviews Say: Balancing Charm and Modernity

While the hotel is universally praised for its historic charm, perfect downtown location, and attentive staff, current reviews in late 2025 and 2026 often touch on a common theme: the need for further room updates.

Guests consistently laud the public spaces—the grand lobby, the continental breakfast fare, and the comfortable beds—but some note that the guest rooms, particularly the bathrooms, can feel small and outdated. This is a natural challenge for a 100-year-old historic structure built in an era of smaller room footprints, even after the extensive 1998 remodel that reduced the total number of rooms to create private baths for all 70 units.

However, many travelers view these quirks as part of the hotel’s unique character, preferring the authentic, historic atmosphere over the sterile conformity of modern chain hotels. The experience is often described as stepping back in time, making the Ashland Springs Hotel a truly unforgettable stay for those who value history and location above all else.

100 Years of Grandeur: Inside the Historic Ashland Springs Hotel and Its Centennial Secrets
ashland springs hotel
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