Valley River Inn

The River Valley Inn first opened its doors in the early 1970s and has since hosted many famous names in American culture. Throughout the decades, Ray Charles and Willie Nelson have performed here, and guests have included Elvis (in 1976) and former President Bill Clinton. In its current form, the hotel is a handsome and modern property. Interiors have a sophisticated, earthy look -- think: tree-stump furniture; bronze, copper, and blue-gray tones; industrial-chic accents like metal grating and bolted pillars -- while outside, flowering bushes and vibrant green lawns lead to the Willamette River. 

The lobby includes a wall of windows that expands the full height of the building. A rustic chandelier hangs from the high ceiling and a staircase winds up to the three landings overhead. The small chef’s garden outside grows the vegetables and herbs used at SweetWaters restaurant, which has a wonderful riverside patio and red-brick archways and walls. The restaurant’s lounge area, with deep, circular booths next to a fireplace, serves as the primary social venue at the hotel and both are popular with guests and non-guests. With 15,000 square feet of meeting and event space, the hotel draws business travelers, families, visitors to the University of Oregon, and wedding parties. 

The hotel is located on the Willamette River and adjacent to the Valley River Center, a mall with a standard selection of restaurants and shops. Most of the walkable dining outlets are fast-food and chain outposts -- the kind typically found around suburban malls -- and the quaint boutiques, trendy restaurants, and cafes are all generally across the river in downtown Eugene. The University of Oregon is a 12-minute drive from the hotel. However, there is a nice 12-mile paved recreation path along the river, and the trip to the University can be biked in about 18 minutes. Autzen Stadium, the Hult Center, Eugene Country Club, and downtown Eugene are about a 10-minute drive or a 20-minute bike ride away. Eugene Airport takes 15 minutes to reach by car, while Portland International Airport is a two-hour drive.

While rooms don't share the smart rustic-chic look of the hotel's public areas, they do offer a blend of straightforward corporate style with a healthy dose of modern design. Things to love include all-over pattern accent walls with branch silhouettes, birch-paneled statement headboards, vibrant throw pillows, and sharp details like wood blocks mounted on the walls. Furniture comes in dark wood tones and all rooms have eye-catching striped carpets as well as private patios or balconies. Many of these overlook the river, making for a fantastic spot to sit as the rushing water provides a sweet lullaby. Standard features include flat-screen TVs, Keurig coffeemakers with locally roasted Cycle Town Coffee, desks, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. Suites have sofabeds and large living areas separated by a partition, which include tables and chairs, mini-fridges, and microwaves, while the Casanova Suite has a wet bar. Walls can be thin, though, and noise from hallways and neighboring rooms travels. White-tile bathrooms have contemporary fixtures, shower/tub combos, and spacious countertops, though the vanity is in the main body of the room in many rooms. Suites have large, walk-in showers.

This riverside hotel offers a wonderful restaurant, Sweetwaters on the River, that's popular among locals and guests alike. It serves Northwest fare with a twist that includes vegetables and herbs grown in the hotel's garden. There's a bar in the restaurant as well. Unfortunately, breakfast is not included in standard room rates. Room service is available. The property also has a gift shop selling local wines and a bakery. There's also a seasonal outdoor pool and year-round indoor hot tub and fitness area. A business center and expansive convention area, including ballrooms and meeting space, is available for special events. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, along with parking. Bikes are available to rent, which is particularly handy on nice days for rides along the riverfront. The hotel has a pet-friendly policy, though fees do apply.