News & Press
The Columbia Hotel
The Columbia Hotel is a reimagined 1910 landmark located in the heart of downtown Ashland, Oregon. Known for its bold murals, live music, and creative energy, the hotel has become a cultural hub for artists, Pacific Crest Trail hikers, and theatergoers alike. With a strong commitment to conscious hospitality and community partnerships, The Columbia offers more than a place to stay—it’s a destination where history, art, and adventure meet.
News & Mentions
Grand reopening of The Columbia Hotel.
Jefferson Public Radio: April 5, 2024
Ashland’s Oldest Hotel, The Columbia Hotel, Reopens With a Focus on Art, Music and Sustainable Travel.
“The highly anticipated grand reopening of The Columbia Hotel, the first sustainability focussed hotel targeting outdoor enthusiasts in Southern Oregon, opens for guests on April 5th. The opening marks a milestone in the hospitality industry, as it unveils its newly renovated space with a renewed commitment to sustainability and support for local artists with original murals in each guest room.”
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Ashland’s oldest hotel is back in business under new ownership.
Ashland News: May 14, 2024
“The oldest hotel in Ashland has just been reborn as a place “where the culture of music, art and Ashland vibes meets the relaxing rhythm of nature in the heart of the great Southern Oregon outdoors.” This quote from the newly renovated Columbia Hotel’s home page expresses much of the essence of what makes Ashland attractive to both visitors and residents.”
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Ashland gives Pacific Crest Trail hikers a lift into town
Ashland News: July 18, 2025
“The Columbia Hotel, Ashland Mountain Adventures and the city of Ashland have teamed up to provide a shuttle service for hikers near the PCT trailhead off the Mount Ashland exit, taking them 14 miles to the hotel for $10 round-trip. Hikers can take a few days to take showers, rest up, do laundry, dine, maybe head to dive bars and then go on a quick resupply mission. Then the hardy hikers can take a shuttle back to the trailhead.”
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Why Art Is The Secret Ingredient Behind Memorable Hotel Experiences
Forbes Magazine: September 27th, 2025
“The Columbia Hotel is Ashland’s historic heartbeat with a rebellious soul. Born in 1910 and boldly reimagined, the hotel is more than a place to sleep—it’s a living love letter to art, music, and mountain-town magic.”
New and old traditions at the 15th annual SOPride Festival
Ashland News: October 6th, 2025
“Aubrey Laughlin, who wore a neon green “Dykes on Bikes” T-shirt and rode a bike in the parade, is one of the organizers of Queers & Gears, a new monthly hangout hosted by the Columbia Hotel that includes a bike ride through town to highlight ‘queer-owned and queer-affirming businesses.’”
Fall for Ashland
1859 Oregon’s Magazine: September | October 2025
“Down the block and up a flight of stairs is the circa-1910 Columbia Hotel, with a whimsical rotating art gallery and maybe a spirit or two. New owner and South Africa transplant Jay Bowen also commissioned murals in each guest room. A traveler lodge, most rooms share bathrooms, and some have bunks, accommodating weary hikers from the nearby Pacific Crest Trail.”
Fall for Ashland
1859 Oregon’s Magazine: September | October 2025
“Down the block and up a flight of stairs is the circa-1910 Columbia Hotel, with a whimsical rotating art gallery and maybe a spirit or two. New owner and South Africa transplant Jay Bowen also commissioned murals in each guest room. A traveler lodge, most rooms share bathrooms, and some have bunks, accommodating weary hikers from the nearby Pacific Crest Trail.”
Mountain biking boom lifts Southern Oregon economy
The Daily Courier: November 2025
"When Jay Bowen began contemplating buying and reopening the Columbia Hotel in downtown Ashland, she realized something — mountain bikers are a huge part of the local economy."
Awards
Ashland Chamber of Commerce
Diversifying Hospitality Award 2024
Katharine Cato presents Diversifying Hospitality award to Jay Bowen, Columbia Hotel
Not only has Jay Bowen brought The Columbia Hotel back to life but has given it a new purpose with recruiting outdoor travelers, especially on the PCT, hosting music concerts and multiple art events in the hotel and out in alley creating partners and collaborators.
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KAYAK Travel Awards Winner 2025
KAYAK's Travel Awards highlights the ways properties like yours are going above and beyond for travelers, according to reviews from the travelers themselves. All award recipients have not only met our standards of excellence but have also received highly favorable reviews and ratings.
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Media & Press
About Jay Bowen
Owner • Visionary • Community Builder
Jay Bowen is the creative force behind the revival of The Columbia Hotel. With over two decades of experience in hospitality and travel marketing across Europe, Africa, Australia, and the U.S., Jay has led campaigns for global travel brands like Lastminute.com and Ebookers.com and helped shape iconic hotel identities including Malmaison in London and Provenance Hotels across the United States.
In 2024, Jay took on her biggest project yet: single-handedly renovating and reopening the historic Columbia Hotel in downtown Ashland, Oregon. Blending bold vision with hands-on grit, she transformed the 1910 landmark into a vibrant hub for art, music, and conscious travel.
For Media & Press Information Contact:
Jay Bowen
Owner/Operator
541-601-2087
stay@columbiahotelashland.com