USA Today’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Travel Awards Placed Ashland’s Winchester Inn at the Top
ASHLAND, Ore. — The historic Winchester Inn in Ashland has been voted Number One of the 10 Best Places to Stay in the nation by USA Today’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Travel Awards.
Huge Accolade for Ashland as a Tourist Destination
This is a huge accolade not only for The Winchester Inn but also for Ashland as an attractive tourist destination.
The announcement is a double celebration for the owners of The Winchester. Apart from basking in the glory of this prestigious acknowledgment, second-generation owner Drew Gibbs says 2024 also marks the 40th anniversary of the boutique establishment.
In a write-up, USA Today says visiting The Winchester is a step back into history. The boutique inn offers 21 beautifully appointed guest rooms and suites in the historic main house built in 1886. Guests can also stay in Heritage House, Carriage House, or one of two cottages nestling in landscaped gardens.
The History of The Winchester
Built in 1886, it was the most expensive of 12 luxury homes built in Ashland that year as a residence for Julia Roper and Fordyce Roper, a Californian miller who bought the Ashland Flour Mill in 1884. Jane Sather of San Francisco purchased the home in 1899 and, after a short stay, donated the property to the University of California.
Later, ownership again changed hands, and the house was leased to serve as the Southern Oregon Hospital, and then as the Ashland Sanitarium. The building later became a lodging house and apartment building.
After the property was severely damaged in a fire, it was bought in 1983 by Laurie and Michael Gibbs who, after careful renovation, transformed the building to its glorious Victorian splendor.
Visitors Receive 5-Star Treatment
Visitors received five-star treatment. All rooms have 600-count Egyptian cotton linen and luxurious Antica Farmacista toiletries.
The cost of rooms includes a gourmet breakfast offering a selection of traditional fare, homemade pastries, fresh fruit, and beverages. The Winchester also has two restaurants – the on-site Alchemy with its cellar of more than 650 varieties of wine, many from the Oregon region, and its newer offering, the upmarket Chateaubriand 36 across the street which specializes in succulent steaks.
Situated at 35 S 2nd Street, amenities at The Winchester include internet access and a concierge and laundry service. There is also a gift shop and the boutique inn offers banquet facilities.