The Valley River Inn in Eugene, Oregon, emerged from the ashes of an arson fire with a stunning transformation. Known for its service and stunning location on the Willamette River, the pet-friendly hotel boasts river views, a convenient location and an onsite restaurant that’s a local favorite.
The hotel’s multi-million dollar renovation pairs its original Northwest lodge-style architecture with mid-century modern furnishings. The result? A vintage inn that feels fresh and welcoming.
This trip was hosted. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
What’s Great about the Valley River Inn
On a recent overnight stay, I got to experience the Valley River Inn‘s hospitality. Here’s what makes it one of the best places to stay in Eugene.
- Excellent service
- Near shops, restaurants and Valley River Center mall
- Minutes from Interstate Highway 5 (I-5) and downtown Eugene
- Walk to the shuttle for University of Oregon football games at Autzen Stadium
- A multi-use path along the river for daytime bicycling, jogging or walking
- Some rooms offer views of the Willamette River
- Onsite restaurant: Sweet Waters
- Pet-friendly
- Coffee bar in the lobby
- Event space
- Discounts for seniors, military, AAA members and early bookings
SheBuysTravel Tip: Make reservations for the deck at Sweet Waters when you make your hotel reservations. Seating on the deck fills up fast in warm weather.
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Rooms at the Valley River Inn
The stylish mid-century modern furnishings in the Valley River Inn guest rooms don’t skimp on comfort or functionality. I stayed in the executive suite with a river view. The lengthy wooden work surface is perfect for getting a little work done, while the wet bar provided everything I needed for morning coffee, afternoon tea and warming up leftovers.
I slept like a baby on the luxurious linens and soft but supportive mattress. My favorite detail? The reading lights that fold into the headboard. Other appreciated details include a large closet, double-headed shower and toiletries by Farmhouse Fresh, a company that rescues farm animals. Rooms are decorated in the soft grays, bold blues and rusty orange accents present throughout the hotel.
My suite featured a balcony overlooking the river. It’s a wonderful place to relax and watch for ducks and bald eagles along the river. It’s a serene spot to watch the sunset.
Room amenities:
- Balcony or patio, with either a river view or pool view.
- Outlets and USB charging ports beside the bed
- Farmhouse Fresh bath amenities
- Safe
- Refrigerator
- Microwave
- Work area
- 55-inch smart televisions
- Free WiFi
- Pet-friendly rooms
- Pour-over coffee and tea
Dining and Drinking at the Valley River Inn
One of the best places to be in Eugene on a summer evening is on the deck at Sweet Waters, the restaurant at Valley River Inn. The vibe is casual, but the food is drool-worthy and beautifully presented — and the views can’t be beat.
The Sweet Waters’ chef dishes up comfort foods and Pacific Northwest favorites made with local and regional meats, cheeses, fruits, vegetables and seafood as much as possible. My son and I dined on perfectly prepared scallops with heirloom carrots and New York strip steak with shoestring fries, then returned for breakfast the next morning. I recommend the eggs Benedict and vanilla bean French toast with blueberries.
The mixologists at the bar have created a fun cocktail menu and serve mocktails as well. The restaurant offers an extensive list of wines, beers and spirits that features many labels from the Pacific Northwest alongside classic brands.
Sweet Waters is open from breakfast through dinner and is fully ADA-accessible. Reservations are recommended.
Hotel Amenities
As a frequent traveler, I notice details like hotel amenities that make for a more comfortable experience. I loved the espresso bar in the lobby, the stylish and eclectic library and the loaner bikes for cruising along the river.
Here’s what the Valley River Inn has to offer:
- Seasonal pool
- Pet-friendly rooms
- Onsite restaurant
- Fitness center
- Lobby coffee bar
- Snacks and drinks at the lobby market
- Loaner bicycles
- Shuttle to downtown
- ADA accessible throughout
- Lending library
What’s Nearby the Valley River Inn
Eugene offers a vibrant mix of outdoor activities, dining, arts, and shopping experiences. If the weather is good, I recommend borrowing a bike from the hotel and exploring downtown Eugene. The parks and riverside path are perfectly safe for solo travelers during the daytime.
The hotel’s location provides easy access to:
- Ruth Bascom Riverbank Trail System: Paved multi-use path that connects several parks along the Willamette River. Several bridges and footbridges cross the river, including the pedestrian- and bicycle-only Greenway Bridge at Valley River Center, a short walk from the hotel.
- Skinner Butte Park: This historic park, across the river from the hotel, features hiking trails, a rock climbing wall, and panoramic city views. You can reach the top of the butte by car or on foot.
- Valley River Center (VRC) mall: Located across the parking lot from the hotel, the mall offers more than 90 shops and restaurants, Regal Cinemas and a bowling alley. Additional shops and restaurants surround the mall.
- 5th Street Public Market: This historic building and annex is packed with local boutiques, restaurants and artisan shops, including Pendleton Woolen Mills, Euphoria Chocolates and Made In Oregon.
- Saturday Market: This vibrant market (Saturdays, April-November) offers local artisan crafts, food and entertainment.
- Hult Center for the Performing Arts: Eugene’s premier venue hosts concerts, Broadway shows and the Eugene Symphony.
- Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art: Located on the University of Oregon campus, this art museum features Asian, European and American collections.
Safety Features
As a solo traveler, I always felt safe at the Valley River Inn. As always, travelers should take common sense precautions, especially after dark. Here are some of the reasons I felt safe:
- 24-hour front desk and good visibility in lobby
- Exterior doors require a key card (except main entrance and restaurant)
- On-site security personnel and cameras
- The parking lot, mall and shopping areas are well lit.
Getting to the Valley River Inn
The Valley River Inn is adjacent to the Valley River Center (VRC on road signs) mall and shares a parking lot, so guests can self-park for free. From Eugene’s Mahlon Sweet Field Airport, it is a 15-minute drive to the hotel. It takes less than 10 minutes to reach the inn from the Eugene Amtrak train station and downtown. The hotel is a 5-minute drive from Interstate 5.
The hotel’s location is especially convenient for fans coming into town to watch sports at the University of Oregon. Autzen Stadium, Hayward Field and the Matthew Knight Arena are all accessible by bike on the riverside path or by bus from the Valley River Center mall bus stop. During football season, the city bus system runs shuttles from Valley River Center mall to Autzen Stadium.
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