Love the lodge!
In the spirit of full disclosure I should confess that I am an active member of the Mazamas mountaineering club and this is "our" lodge. I've stayed here many times in conjunction with Mazamas classes, field sessions, and events.
For those of you who've not stayed at the lodge (you don't have to be a Mazama to stay), bear in mind that it is not a conventional hotel. It's a lodge, and it brings with it all of the colorful, cozy, and rustic elements you'd expect from staying at a lodge.
The sleeping arrangements are in communal bunk rooms. There is a men's bunkroom, a women's bunkroom, and a co-ed bunkroom. There are also several smaller private bunk rooms you can rent for slightly more money. You're issued a bottom sheet for your bunk, but you'll need to bring your won sleeping bag and pillow. Earplugs are recommended as well, in case you end up with a snorer in the room.
There are common bathrooms and shower facilities--a women's and a men's.
The dining is similarly communal, in the huge dining area. The food is generally quite excellent. They regularly and easily accommodate vegetarian, vegan, and glucose sensitive diets. They serve breakfast and dinner, and, depending on the group or event, they may also serve lunch. If you're going out hiking or skiing and you need a sack lunch, they can provide one for you as well. The staff are super friendly.
There's a gorgeous stone fireplace with a warm fire and a common seating area. The Mazama lodge isn't really a place to go for a private experience. It's a warm, social space. Everyone you're likely encounter is "outdoorsy" in some capacity, and generally very friendly and chatty.
And helping out with lodge chores is also much appreciated (although not required), so you can roll up your sleeves to help bus tables, chop some firewood, wash dishes, or whatever. Everyone pitches in. By the time you're done you'll have made some new friends.
The room and board is cheap cheap cheap! It's a lot cheaper than staying at a hotel in Government Camp.
You can rent the whole lodge for private events if you want as well. It's a popular place for weddings and the like. read more