Eugene hotels

You’ll know you’re somewhere special the moment you step into The Gordon Hotel. While art installations surround the space and extend through nearly every corner of the property, the lobby ceiling will catch your attention first, covered in hundreds of suspended mason jars playing with the light in this large room.

If you have time to spare, look for Wally (“Waldo” in the US) – he’s peering down from one of them (I cheated and asked the receptionist where he was).

The Gordon is a true luxury stay, but it’s also one of the best hotels in Eugene for becoming an artist yourself. In fact, the lobby Art Bar is equipped with supplies for your own creations around the clock. The Gordon opens onto the expansive 5th Street Public Market but also offers free cruiser bike hire for three-hour windows during the day to explore further afield.

Inn at the 5th Eugene is a luxury boutique hotel with large rooms and posh bathrooms, especially in the Spa Suites, which are equipped with whirlpool tubs. Room décor pays cheeky homage to the region’s famously rainy weather while spinning it as a positive, with bright colours and a touch of whimsy.

I find Inn at the 5th to be one of the best hotels in Eugene for enjoying the lush surroundings created by the city’s climate thanks to its in-room amenities. Rain or shine, you can slip into the plush robes and cosy up in the comfy window seat to enjoy the views.

Turn on the fireplace found in most rooms for extra ambience. If you score a room with a private balcony instead of a window seat, enjoy your morning coffee there. Outside, you’ll find the vibrant 5th Street Public Market and its shops and restaurants.

Graduate hotels are often found in university towns and are typically themed around the local school and sports teams. Graduate Eugene is no different, celebrating the University of Oregon through memorabilia and a plethora of green and gold, with nods to other local elements throughout.

Just a few minutes from campus, this is one of the best hotels in Eugene for school-related get-togethers like sporting events, school tours or visiting students (you can bring the family pet too). My favourite space within the hotel is the pool. Though on the smaller side, it’s lined with hundreds of rubber ducks in a whimsical nod to the Oregon Ducks.

There’s also a 24-hour fitness centre for the athletically inclined, but I prefer the Topgolf Swing Suite for more low-key and amusing exertion. The lobby-level Trophy Room is a worthwhile spot for a casual meal with a lively atmosphere.

While not directly in the city, FivePine Lodge is one of the best hotels in Eugene for immersion in the region’s rich natural bounty. About two hours east of the city centre, FivePine is nestled within Deschutes National Forest, offering rustic luxury through well-appointed cabins and lodge rooms.

I love nature but I’m not much of a camper, so I appreciate the pampering touches like fireplaces and deep soaking tubs in this comfortable accommodation. Speaking of pampering, the on-site Shibui Spa offers a full menu of indulgent spa treatments, but a soak in the thermal tub is the real highlight. It’s open year-round, while the lodge’s swimming pool is closed in winter.

FivePine is also family-friendly, and the on-site Sisters Movie House cinema is an easy option for family fun when you’re taking a break from the great outdoors. Discounted tickets are available to lodge guests.

Even Hotel Eugene from the InterContinental Hotel Group is one of the best hotels in Eugene for fitness-minded travellers. And if you’re visiting an outdoor haven like Eugene on holiday, there’s a good chance that’s you.

The Wellness Studio features a 24-hour fitness centre with top-tier equipment, plus an indoor exercise pool and hot tub open daily until 11 pm. But my favourite amenities are found in the guestrooms. Every room at Even has a Fitness Zone with easy-to-use gear like resistance bands and exercise balls.

Even the hotel restaurant, Cork and Kale, caters for this crowd, with a health-focused menu, but you’ll find more sinful options available too (just look for the ‘Crave’ selections on the menu). The hotel also offers a market with healthier snacks.

The Campbell House Inn is a boutique property within a restored 19th-century Queen Anne mansion, convenient for both the city centre and the University District. This is one of the best hotels in Eugene for a quieter stay with personalised service. In essence, it’s a bed and breakfast, and The Campbell House does, in fact, serve a delicious complimentary breakfast.

Still, my favourite perk of a stay here is the wine and cheese reception hosted in the evening, especially enjoyable when the weather permits al fresco sips on the landscaped lawn and gardens.

Because of the scale and setting, this is one of the top-rated hotels in Eugene for a romantic getaway, offering plenty of privacy as it’s removed from the busier areas of the city. Spring for a suite and you’ll get a whirlpool tub and private fireplace for even more romance.

Home2 Suites Eugene Downtown University Area is among the best hotels in Eugene for families looking for a home-away-from-home experience. Suites here come with fully equipped kitchens, so you can prepare light meals (great for families with fussy eaters or multiple dietary restrictions), but keep in mind there are no ovens.

I especially love the outdoor barbecue area for cookouts on the go, and here you can get more creative with your menus, weather permitting.

Home2 Suites is just outside of the city centre on the opposite side to the University of Oregon, so don’t let the full hotel name fool you, but it’s still under 10 minutes from the university itself. Rooms and suites are on the colourful side in design, so this is a good and inexpensive option for those travelling with kids.

If you enjoy the nostalgia of a classic roadside motel but want the comfort and modernity of a hotel, you’ll love Maverick Hotel Eugene. Located within walking distance of the University of Oregon, Maverick is deeply rooted in the community and promotes local brands and products (my favourite is the free coffee from local Café Mam served in the lobby).

The outdoor fire pits are popular communal meeting points in the evening. This is a perfect time to enjoy one of the local craft beers sold here or chat with other Maverick guests in a fun atmosphere.

While the free hotel breakfast isn’t often much to boast about, the complimentary grab-and-go option at Maverick is a fan favourite, offering a wide variety of quality foods from yogurt and granola to breakfast sandwiches and muffin tops.

River House Inn is a unique choice for a waterfront escape with decent proximity to the city’s offerings. Located around 60 miles west of Eugene (about 1 hour, 15 minutes depending on traffic) and perched on the Siuslaw River just before the ocean, the cosy guestrooms embrace the Inn’s coastal connection. All rooms are bright and comfortable, but I recommend the riverfront rooms for the full experience.

There’s nothing like ending the day sitting on your balcony, directly on the water, enjoying the birds and watching for otters and seals as the river flows by. On rare occasions, you may even catch sight of an orca passing through. River House Inn is also within walking distance of the quaint shops and galleries of Old Town Florence, offering some added charm beyond what you’ll find in Eugene.

Hyatt Place Eugene is one of the best hotels in Eugene for business travellers, and anyone looking for a bit of extra space. Guestrooms are large, but suites are available to include additional seating or work areas, and even partial kitchens and dining tables in some categories.

The overall vibe remains more adult, both in room design and in the hotel’s public spaces, so I don’t recommend it for families with younger children. But older families could also appreciate the space and serenity.

A bit removed from the city centre (but still less than 10 minutes from there or the university), Hyatt Place Eugene is most convenient to Oakway Center, the shopping and dining complex that surrounds it. Save a moment for a drink at Sky Bar though. This fifth-floor spot is the only outdoor rooftop bar in Eugene, and you can grab bites like mac and cheese or Korean tacos here too.