Today we’d like to introduce you to Paige Sanders.
Hi Paige, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I bought The Newport Belle about six years ago after spending most of my career in the corporate world as a program and project manager. I had reached a point where I knew I wanted a major life change. I wasn’t ready to retire—I just wanted to slow down a little and do something that felt more meaningful and hands-on.
The Newport Belle wasn’t actually what I was originally looking for. I had spent almost a year planning to start a glamping business near the Grand Canyon, but I kept running into zoning issues that made the project difficult to move forward. While searching online for campgrounds for sale, I came across a website that also listed other types of lodging businesses.
That’s when I saw The Newport Belle.
I had actually looked at the business about 15 years earlier, but at the time I still had teenagers at home, and I simply couldn’t make it work logistically. When I came across it again years later, the timing felt right.
The boat had become extremely run down since I had first seen it and needed a tremendous amount of work. We purchased it in December 2019 and immediately began renovations. It took about six to seven months to complete the main level and another six to seven months to finish the staterooms.
None of us involved had experience operating a bed and breakfast, so there was a steep learning curve. We started with one stateroom open and gradually opened the others as the construction work was completed.
Of course, COVID arrived during that first year, but even with all of the uncertainty, the business was successful almost immediately. The Newport Belle had operated as a bed and breakfast for many years, but very little advertising had been done before we purchased it. Once we began improving the property, enhancing the guest experience, and actively marketing the business, guests responded very positively.
Fast forward five years, and the business is doing very well. Most of the major repairs and renovation work are now complete, and today I oversee the business and its continued growth.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but I think that’s part of what has made it so rewarding.
The biggest challenge came almost immediately. We purchased the boat in December of 2019, started renovations, and just a few months later COVID turned the hospitality industry upside down. Like everyone else in tourism, we had to figure out how to navigate an incredibly uncertain time.
At the same time, we discovered the restoration was much more extensive than we had anticipated. Once we started opening up walls and ceilings, we found structural framing that had deteriorated from years of water intrusion and had to be replaced. Every project seemed to uncover another project.
One of the biggest ongoing challenges has been tracking down leaks. Boats don’t leak the way houses do. Water can travel a surprising distance before it finally shows up inside, so finding the true source often meant a lot of trial and error. It took years to solve some of those problems.
Even today, Mother Nature keeps us humble. The combination of heavy coastal rain, strong winds, and salt air means the exterior is in a constant battle with the elements. Projects that might take weeks on a house can take months on a boat because we’re always working around the weather.
Looking back, though, those challenges taught me patience and persistence. Every obstacle we overcame made the business stronger, and today most of those major restoration projects are finally behind us. Now I can spend much more of my time focusing on the guest experience instead of chasing leaks.
We’ve been impressed with The Newport Belle, Bed and Breakfast, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The Newport Belle is a boutique bed and breakfast unlike any other. We’re a permanently moored riverboat in the South Beach Marina in Newport, Oregon, offering guests the unique experience of spending the night aboard a beautifully restored historic vessel—without giving up the comforts of a luxury inn.
We have just five guest staterooms, which allows us to provide a very personal experience. Every stay includes a gourmet breakfast, evening happy hour, exceptionally comfortable beds, and the kind of attentive service that’s only possible in a small, owner-operated property.
What really sets us apart is our attention to detail. We believe it’s the little things that guests remember—the quality of the linens, the cleanliness of the rooms, the warmth of the welcome, and creating an atmosphere where people can truly relax. Our goal is for every guest to feel like they’ve discovered one of Oregon’s best-kept secrets.
We’re often described as “unique lodging done right,” and I think that’s a great way to sum up who we are. There are plenty of places to stay on the Oregon Coast, but there is only one place where you can wake up aboard a historic riverboat, enjoy breakfast overlooking the marina, and experience hospitality that feels genuinely personal.
What I’m most proud of is that we’ve been able to preserve a unique piece of maritime history while creating memorable experiences for our guests. One of the greatest compliments we receive is when guests tell us, “We’ll definitely be back—and next time we’re bringing our friends.” That kind of word-of-mouth recommendation means everything to us because it tells us we’ve created an experience people genuinely want to share with others.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I don’t really have a favorite book, podcast, or app that I rely on. I’ve always been more of a hands-on learner. We learned this business through trial, error, and, occasionally, embarrassment. There were plenty of moments where we didn’t know the answer, made mistakes, learned from them, and simply did better the next time.
Running a unique business like The Newport Belle means every day presents a new opportunity to learn, adapt, and improve. Looking back, those real-world experiences have probably taught me more than any book or podcast ever could.
Pricing:
- Includes happy hour and breakfast
- Prices range from 175-400 per night-seasonal
- We have gift cards for sale
- We can do small events (10-12 people)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.newportbelle.com
