From Nancy D. Brown of What a Trip

Valley River Inn View

I’m having a full circle moment. The last time I stayed at the Valley River Inn was the night after my college graduation from the University of Oregon. My parents were visiting from the San Francisco Bay Area to see their only daughter graduate from the School of Journalism. Back in the day, Valley River’s SweetWaters   restaurant was THE place to dine when your parents were picking up the tab. Now I find myself staying at this resort-style hotel while I visit Eugene as a travel writer, on my way to speak at the Oregon Governor’s Conference on Tourism in Salem.

The hotel is a mainstay for the college and family-friendly town of Eugene. My husband and I attended a wedding here in one of ballrooms and the on-site catering department did a fabulous job.  Located on the banks of the scenic Willamette River, Valley River Inn is located adjacent to the Valley River shopping center and five minutes from the University of Oregon and downtown Eugene. The property has an outdoor swimming pool, indoor whirlpool, sauna and fitness facility, as well as connecting to the local bike and walking paths that criss-cross Eugene.

Suite 324 by Nancy D. Brown

The hotel offers deluxe courtyard rooms, riverview rooms, concierge rooms, including access to a private hosted lounge, as well as several suite options. There is free shuttle service to the airport and Amtrak train station and for those traveling with Fido, the hotel is pet-friendly.

While Hoot’s and their famous cinnamon rolls are no longer a Eugene tradition, I have many recommendations for the foodies amongst us. For the best chocolate truffles, visit Euphoria Chocolate Company. If it’s raining, visit Fifth Street Public Market and if it’s Saturday, you must stop by the Saturday Market. Stay tuned for a follow up post on the Uptake Restaurant blog.

Valley River Inn 1 (541) 687-0123

1000 Valley River Way, Eugene, Oregon 97401