In 2022, the world still felt a little strange. Masks were common, travel still carried that odd post-pandemic energy, and many people were trying to figure out what “normal” even looked like again. My wife Danielle and I, who run That Oregon Life together, decided to do what always helps clear the mind in uncertain times: take a drive down the Oregon Coast.
We had spent the day in Bandon, soaking in the sea air, scenery, and everything that makes the southern coast such a special place. But when it came time to head back north to Lincoln City, where we were living at the time, we realized we weren’t eager to make the full drive in one shot. Anyone who has driven that stretch knows it’s beautiful, but it’s also long, winding, and tiring after a full day on the road.
So we did what some of the best travelers do. We made a spontaneous decision.
We stopped in North Bend and searched for a place to stay for the night.
That random stop introduced us to one of the most memorable places we’ve ever found on the Oregon Coast: Itty Bitty Inn.
Small Motel, Massive Personality
The Itty Bitty Inn has only five rentable rooms, but what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in charm, creativity, and heart. This isn’t one of those bland roadside motels where every room is identical and forgettable. It’s a place built around fun, individuality, and making travelers feel like they discovered something special.
Located right on Highway 101 in North Bend, the inn has been welcoming travelers since 1950. It carries a retro spirit while offering the kind of comfort road-weary guests are hoping for after a long day behind the wheel.
The moment we started looking at the room options, we knew this wasn’t an ordinary stay.
Themed Rooms That Actually Feel Fun
Instead of generic room numbers and plain décor, the Itty Bitty Inn offers fully themed rooms with personality. Guests can choose from options like:
- The Star Trek Enterprise Room
- That 70’s Room
- The Tiki Cha Cha
- Other uniquely styled themed stays full of retro flair and creativity
Each room includes practical comforts like a small refrigerator, microwave, flat screen TV, free Wi-Fi, and roomy counter space that works great for dining, remote work, or spreading out your travel gear.
But the real appeal is how each room feels like an experience rather than just a place to sleep.
Naturally, We Chose the Star Trek Room
The second we saw there was a Star Trek room, the decision was over.
We booked it immediately.
For anyone who loves classic sci-fi, nostalgia, or simply staying somewhere different, the Star Trek room is a blast. It embraces the fun spirit of the franchise while still being comfortable and welcoming. Instead of another beige hotel room with mass-produced wall art, we stepped into something playful and memorable.
After a strange few years where so much travel felt uncertain or stressful, it was refreshing to stay somewhere that didn’t take itself too seriously.
That room alone would have made the stop worthwhile.
Then We Met Rick
What truly made the experience unforgettable was owner Rick.
Some places have cool décor but no soul. The Itty Bitty Inn had both.
Rick welcomed us warmly and made us feel less like customers and more like friends arriving for a visit. He treated us like family, and that kind of hospitality is rare. You can decorate a room, but you can’t fake genuine warmth.
That feeling stayed with us long after checkout.
More Than Just a Room Key
The Itty Bitty Inn goes beyond themed rooms with thoughtful extras that make staying there even more fun.
Guests may enjoy:
- Vintage record players
- Rebuilt Atari 2600 consoles
- Free bicycles to borrow
- Oregon-made soaps
- Locally roasted coffee
- Draft beer and cider taps
- Borrow-a-growler program for brewery visits
- EV charging with advance notice
- Free parking for cars and bikes
It feels like the owners actually thought about what travelers might enjoy rather than simply providing the bare minimum.
North Bend Bonus Adventures
Our spontaneous stop turned into a full-on memory.
While in town, we visited Recycle Video Games, which remains one of the most impressive video game stores I’ve ever been to. The place was packed with classic games, vintage systems, and shelves of nostalgia from nearly every era imaginable. It felt like stepping into a dream shop for anyone who grew up gaming. I also got to meet the owner, which made the visit even better.
Then, next door at a pawn shop, I made another random decision and bought a Telecaster guitar on impulse. I still own it today.
So thanks to one unplanned overnight stop, we left North Bend with memories, stories, and a guitar.
Why We Still Think About This Place
Some hotels disappear from memory the second you leave.
Others become part of your life story.
The Itty Bitty Inn is one of those rare places where everything comes together: quirky themed rooms, genuine hospitality, thoughtful extras, and the feeling that you discovered something special on your own.
In a time when the world still felt odd and uncertain, it gave us a night of fun, comfort, and joy we genuinely needed.
Planning Your Stay
If you’re road-tripping the Oregon Coast and passing through North Bend, consider skipping the ordinary chain hotel and booking a night at Itty Bitty Inn.
Whether you choose the Star Trek room, the Tiki Cha Cha, That 70’s Room, or another themed stay, don’t be surprised if a simple overnight stop becomes one of the highlights of your trip.
Address: 1504 Sherman Ave, North Bend, OR 97459
Phone: (541) 756-6398
website: https://ittybittyinn.com/
