The remodeled Hotel Elliott in downtown Astoria is in good company, top-class company.

It has been named one of 15 new members of the the National Trust Historic Hotels of America.

This selection brings the total members in the program to 203 hotels, representing 41 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Canada.

MORE INFO.Representing more than 35,000 rooms, Historic Hotels of America ranks as the 16th largest consortia in the world, according to Hotels magazine (July 2003).

A directory of member hotels can be purchased by sending a $4 check or money order to National Trust Historic Hotels of America, P.O. Box 320, Washington, D.C. 20055-0320. Gift certificates are available through (www.historichotels.org). Rooms at any of the member hotels can be reserved by visiting www.historichotels.org, calling 800-678-8946. Reservations made through Historic Hotels of America support the National Trust for Historic Preservation, a nonprofit organization of 200,000 members that provides leadership, education and advocacy to save America’s diverse historic places and revitalize our communities. For more information, visit the National Trust’s Web site at (www.nationaltrust.org)”Staying at a Historic Hotels of America member is all about the experience,” said Thierry Roch, executive director of National Trust Historic Hotels of America. “These 15 new members enhance our collection and offer travelers even more alternatives to commonplace lodging. The travel journey is even better when staying at a hotel or inn with local flavor or tradition.”

A program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Historic Hotels of America is a marketing association. To qualify for membership, hotels must be at least 50 years old, listed in or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places or recognized locally as having historic significance. Established in 1989 with 32 original hotel members, Historic Hotels of America recognizes and promotes these hotels for their historic integrity, architectural quality and preservation efforts.

The Hotel Elliott was constructed in 1924. The Art Deco property has undergone significant renovation. Many original features have been retained, including the wooden windows, hallway floors and the front desk. On the side of the hotel a 79-year-old painted sign proclaims “wonderful beds.” Its features include down comforters and Egyptian cotton sheets. Each bathroom features heated stone floors and spa tubs. There are 32 guest rooms and six suites.

“Obviously we are thrilled to have the Hotel Elliott’s name be added to such an exclusive listing of historic hotel properties across the U.S. and Canada,” said the Hotel Elliott’s developer, Chester Trabucco. “The association’s criteria requiring ‘historic integrity, architectural quality and outstanding preservation efforts’ clearly recognize the local contractors’ capabilities and commitment to the three-year renovation effort.

“The strength of the Historic Hotels of America’s marketing consortium will provide added impact to our future sales and marketing efforts in both the print and Internet arenas. Additionally, the ability to network with other unique properties facing similar opportunities and challenges should prove to very helpful in leveraging the benefits of a stay in both the Astoria area and the Hotel Elliott.”

He said staff will fix the new 21-pound brass plaque to the front of the hotel early next week.

The only other Oregon properties that have been recognized in the past are the Heathman Hotel and the Governor Hotel in Portland.

Others West Coast hotels on the list are the Napa River Inn, Napa, Calif.; The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe, Rancho Santa Fe, Calif. and The Fairmont Olympic Hotel in Seattle.