After a lot of research we found Driftwood online and it had what we were looking for: location, privacy, ocean view, mini kitchenette, and affordability. When we went it met our expectations. The couple helping out the owner at the time were so helpful and offering suggestions of which local restaurants to try. New release movies were available to borrow to watch in the room. My husband and I decided we didn't want to go with a big chain and wanted to support the locals while booking our destinations, and this is one place I would definitely stay again. Everything was clean, it was quite, and we had a lot of privacy. Beach access wasn't bad and more like an adventure hiking down. For those who wish to be pampered and expect Martha Stewart Decor, this place isn't for you, but rather for the adventurous and those grateful for a clean, warm place, with friendly atmosphere and privacy.

Okay, it's not the Ritz. Perhaps it's closer to a Ritz Cracker (box). My girlfriend and I stayed in the Admiralty Suite, which wasn't bad.
We had a nice view of Yaquina Head Lighthouse. The room was a little shabby, but fairly new. The building looks very worn from the outside, and the stairs are a chore. Getting down to the beach can be adventurous. Overall, though, my experience was okay. For those who have stayed in, and complained about the older rooms, I am guessing that they were located in the rubble of the former building next to ours. It had recently been torn down, and presented a rather foreboding welcome to the motel.

The rooms are small ("cozy"). We got a non-smoking room, but the people next to us kept smoking. After complaining twice, the management threw them out. That was nice.

Beach access is a problem. The access to the beach is easy, BUT, it is to a very rocky beach that you can't play on, especially with little kids. They don't tell you this when you ask about the beach access. :(

The view was pretty good, but partially blocked by trees. It had a balcony, which was very nice.

Bottom Line: Don't go here if you plan on playing on the beach at all. If you're just going to stay in your room, then it's fine if you don't mind how cramped the rooms are. The staff was nice.

Our experience is the complete opposite to the one other review. We stayed in a room called "Davey's Locker" and I wouldn't describe it as "shabby", I would call it "unacceptable, run down, disgusting".
Perhaps you should ask if you are booking a "new" or "old" room because we did not experience any of the charm as the other reviewer. Our room was billed as great for families since it had a queen bed plus bunk beds. The reality: musty smell throughout, faded carpet that was once blue and is now faded blue/gray, tiny bathroom, plus an old pee-smelling couch.
The property has a 30-day cancellation policy so we ended up paying for this place plus a much better and nicer accommodation down the road ( Schooner Landing: very nice--highly recommend).