Valley River Inn Views on the Willamette in Eugene, Oregon

 Are you looking for a Eugene, Oregon hotel that is close to the University of Oregon with river views? Valley River Inn offers scenic views in Eugene, Oregon on the Willamette River. While the hotel has been around since 1973, it recently underwent a complete renovation. 

Floor to ceiling windows in hotel lobby, left of fireplace. Wood burning fireplace with ceramic tile on the wall beside and above fireplace. Native American rug patterned in black, brown and beige colors. Round white marble table with four chairs left of fireplace. Three chairs with handmade wood table is across from banquette wood sofa. Several more gathering places in the lobby. Right of fireplace is entrance to Sweet Water restaurant with brick masonry arched entrance.

After a February 2023 fire destroyed part of the south building, the owners decided now was a good time to give the Eugene hotel a total refresh. AVR Realty Company was smart to keep the original wood beams in the remodeled Valley River Inn lobby, in addition to partnering with Urban Lumber Company. The local company created handcrafted furnishings throughout the property, using sustainably salvaged trees. This nod to Eugene’s logging connection acknowledged the hotel’s roots and history. 

This is not the first time I’ve seen a Eugene hotel use a local furniture maker to create one-of-a-kind custom pieces. However, I love this full-circle concept of reuse and recycling with reclaimed wood.  Note the live edge table in the hotel lobby. 

The 259-room hotel looks out to the Willamette River and is located alongside the Ruth Bascom Riverbank Path System. In other words, it is a wonderful 3-star Eugene hotel for those looking to enjoy the scenery or get outside and exercise on the bike or walking trail. On my 1-night stay, I was not traveling with my dog. However, Valley River Inn is a pet-friendly hotel. 

King bed with wood and beige leather headboard. Reading lamps are wall-mounted on either side. An abstract, framed piece of art is above the bed. The is beige carpet with a red markings to represent river water. To the left of the bed is a window with curtains.

VRI hotel room categories 

There are 4 room categories in addition to ADA rooms. Standard deluxe rooms and pool view rooms are fine. However, if you want to splurge a little, I recommend reserving one of 12 suites. My Executive River View room, #324, included a balcony and a view looking out to the Willamette River and North Bank bike path. While my December visit didn’t see a lot of runner and bike activity, the trail systems take guests over the Willamette River, toward the Owens Rose Garden and downtown Eugene. 

My Executive room included a separate room with a king bed and window with a river view. The bathroom area included a large shower with 2 shower heads. Bath amenities featured Farmhouse Fresh shampoo, conditioner, and Harvest Green body lotion. Additionally, there was a hairdryer and a steamer in the closet. There were 2 sinks in the bathroom area if you are traveling with friends or children. 

The living room area had a sofa bed, as well as an area with a microwave oven, mini fridge, and hotel safe. Also of note is the pour-over electric kettle for coffee or the tea lovers in the group. This tea connoisseur appreciated the Steven Smith Teamaker choices from the Portland-based company. Sisters Coffee is available at Sweetwaters on the River but not in hotel rooms.

Brown sofa bed with 4 plaid throw pillows to the right of room. A sliding glass door opens to a balcony looking out to Willamette River. A small, circular table with 2 wood chairs is in front of sliding door.

Valley River Inn hotel amenities 

The outdoor swimming pool is available seasonally. Complimentary bike rentals will soon be available. The fitness center was being renovated on my visit. Additionally, there is meeting and event space on the property.

Red and white brick masonry leads to a wine cellar. Two wood tables with 6 place settings and chairs are under the vaulted brick ceiling inside the restaurant.

Food options at Valley River Inn and Sweet Waters on the River

Valley River Inn was the place to dine as a University of Oregon student back in my college days. I’m delighted to report that Sweet Waters on the River is still as good as I remember it. Guests have options to eat in the brick wine cellar area, the main dining room, at the bar, or on the seasonal outdoor patio.

My husband and I ordered diver scallops and seabass, both excellent choices. We began our evening with cocktails from the bar. I highly recommend the Cascadia, while my husband enjoyed a Manhattan. The wine list is expansive, as well. Unfortunately, the restaurant was out of the warm Dungeness crab dip, but the baked brie with fig jam was a great second-choice selection. Our flourless chocolate torte rounded out our dinner.

Breakfast is available at Sweet Waters on the River from 7:00 – 10:00 am daily. Items range from toasts (currently salmon and avocado toasts) to yogurt with granola, fresh egg scrambles, omelets, and seasonally-inspired griddle cakes. I’m hoping the restaurant will bring back the Sunday Brunch option. 

 

Traveling Soon? These useful links will help you prepare for your trip.
Four diver scallops and heirloom carrots on a grey ceramic, circular plate. A serving of roasted seabass sits atop risotto in a white ceramic large bowl.

Room rates at Valley River Inn start at $189, fluctuating seasonally and during special events. The hotel is AAA Three Diamond and offers AAA discounts to members. There is no resort fee, and to date, parking outside is complimentary. 

Check for the latest rates for the Valley River Inn online at Expedia, Booking.com, or Hotels.com.

Oregon-based Travel Writer Nancy D. Brown stayed at Valley River Inn as a guest of the hotel. Text and all photography by Nancy D. Brown. As always, all opinions are her own.

 

 

Add Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.