I like staying at boutique hotels in Eugene, Oregon whenever I visit. Sure big hotel chains may earn you points, but they are typically devoid of any character or touches that give you a sense of the area. So whenever I travel, I look to support small businesses with unique accommodations so I can experience the area as if I’m a local.
If you’re looking for the best boutique hotels in Eugene, Oregon for your trip, look no further. Here are the ones you should book and why.
This article is sponsored by Obie Companies, the owner of The Inn at the 5th and The Gordon Hotel. All opinions are my own, I wouldn’t have written this article if I didn’t love my stay. Thank you for supporting the brands that make content like this possible!
Boutique Hotels in Eugene, Oregon
My favorite boutique hotels in Eugene, Oregon happen to be right next to each other in 5th Street Public Market, an open-air market with retail and restaurants right in downtown Eugene. I like these two spots because they are centrally located where you’ll spend most of your time in Eugene. Which means you can easily pop in to drop off bags, use the restroom, or rest between activities.
The Inn at the 5th
website | directions | best for: luxury and comfort | prices: ~$250/night | pet friendly
The Inn at the 5th is the perfect boutique hotel in Eugene, Oregon if you like calming, spa-like ambiance and luxurious touches. In fact, it has won awards for hospitality, including the coveted AAA Four Diamond award. You’ll find everything you need amenity-wise at this luxury boutique hotel. Including a 24-hour onsite fitness center, airport transportation, luxury transportation services, complimentary cruiser bikes, free wifi, and a day spa attached to the hotel.
But a long list of amenities isn’t the only thing that makes The Inn at the 5th one of the best boutique hotels in Eugene, Oregon. Let me walk you through what else to expect.
After handing off your car to the valet, you’ll be greeted by warm staff upon entering and offered water, wine, beer, and a snack.
You’ll immediately feel relaxed by the neutral colors with pops of beautiful textures from the Pendleton blankets available to use while relaxing in front of the fireplace.
Upon entering your room you’ll find another fireplace and large TV perfect for unwinding after your day exploring Eugene. You’ll pass a very clean, luxurious spa bathroom with a huge walk-in shower and complimentary toiletries on your way to the most comfortable bed.
If you booked a balcony king guest room, just past that you’ll see a door out to your own private balcony with a bistro table and flower boxes. Look left and right and you’ll notice every balcony is adorned with flowers, making you feel as if you’ve been transported to Paris.
You may never want to leave the room. But if you do you’ll step out right in the heart of 5th Street Public Market. You can also start shopping in the Pendleton store attached to The Inn at the 5th’s lobby. Or take a few steps to the best restaurant in the market, Marché.
The Gordon Hotel
website | directions | best for: inspired, artsy vibes | prices: ~$185/night | pet friendly
We had some car issues on our way down to Eugene. When Dan was waiting for his car at the Jiffy Lube, the attendant unprompted said we needed to check out The Gordon Hotel. A local recommending this boutique hotel in Eugene, Oregon made us feel like we really struck gold staying there.
This 82-room boutique hotel is like an art gallery. It was inspired by owner Brian Obie’s father, Gordon, who was a world traveler, historian, and artist. Inside you’ll find more than 160 pieces of local art from more than 84 different artists. With 75 additional pieces created by Obie employees.
Let me take you through what to expect at The Gordon Hotel. After handing your car to the valet attendant, you’ll enter a huge lobby with a ton of art everywhere you look. Your eye will be immediately drawn to the hundreds of mason jars transformed into an intricate chandelier. Look closely and see if you can spot Waldo on the ceiling!
To your right there will be cruiser bikes available for you at no cost during your stay. To your left you’ll see a little nook with a fireplace, comfy chairs, large table perfect for board games. And then a counter with water and snacks free for the taking.
Behind the check-in desk will be 21 huge TV monitors artfully arranged on the wall going up two stories. The screens will pulse and adjust in sync to create mesmerizing art. This digital art installation was created by Eugene-based Harmonic Laboratory, an award-winning art collective.
It may be difficult to break your gaze from the art installation. But make sure you don’t miss the staff offering you complimentary local beer or wine at check in.
You can also ask them for a tasting map outlining the breweries and wineries in 5th Street Public Market. Or see if they have sample sizes of Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream. So you can skip the line of this popular dessert spot just outside the hotel.
Just past the front desk you’ll see an art bar with a table, paint, paper, and other art supplies waiting for you to unleash your creativity. Hanging on the wall will be beautiful artwork created by other guests, a modern interpretation of a guestbook you’ll want to make sure you sign.
While you paint, look outside the garage door near the art bar that’s likely been thrown open to look out on 5th Street Public Market. This boutique hotel in Eugene, Oregon opens right out into Maker’s Row, the area of the market with small businesses, some of the best Eugene, OR wineries, and restaurants lining a beautiful glass awning mimicking a vintage train station cover. You’ll often see performers right outside The Gordon Hotel or in the lobby. Which would make great fodder for inspiring creativity as you draw.
On your way up to your room you’ll feel like you’re immersed in an art gallery as you pass gorgeous paintings, many from owner Brian Obie. If one moves you, inquire about their contact information at the front desk to commission your own piece.
Upon entering your room you’ll be greeted with a ton of natural light.
The air will feel pleasantly cool if it’s summer because The Gordon Hotel has one of the best air conditioning setups I’ve experienced at a boutique hotel (I like keeping it really cool!). You’ll immediately notice the minimalist modern decor akin to what you may find in a cool Brooklyn loft, accented with pops of color in the rug and pillows.
Throw open the sheer curtains to take in the views of Eugene’s hillside while lounging in your thick sweatshirt robe and unwinding with the free high-speed wifi or cable television. If it’s Saturday you may see the farmers market on the street below.
When you start feeling peckish, restaurants are just steps from The Gordon Hotel in 5th Street Public Market. However soon you won’t even have to leave the hotel to experience some of Eugene’s best food. Portland restauranteur Mark Byrum will be opening two concepts: The Gordon Tavern and Carlita’s Rooftop.
The Gordon Tavern will be accessible via the lobby and serve American comfort food with Pacific Northwest flair. Carlita’s will serve Mexican small plates using local ingredients from its rooftop perch on the 7th floor of the hotel. Later in 2021 Byrum also has plans of opening a speakeasy-style cocktail bar with a hidden entrance!
Which Eugene boutique hotel should you choose?
If you’re trying to decide which of these boutique hotels in Eugene, Oregon is right for you, here’s a summary of which I’d recommend based on your preferences.
Choose The Inn at the 5th if you like cozy spa-like ambiance, a balcony, a warm welcome from staff every time you enter the lobby, and super comfortable beds.
Choose The Gordon Hotel if you prefer artsy Instagrammable interiors, lower prices, lots of natural light, lively events, and super powerful air conditioning.
Since both of these Eugene boutique hotels have valet parking as part of your reservation fees, provide free drinks, snacks, wifi, and cruiser bikes, allow pets, and are centrally located, these are the main differences. Hopefully this helps you decide which hotel is right for you!
If you can’t decide, stay at both! These boutique hotels in Eugene, Oregon are a short walk from each other and you can arrange to have staff transfer your car and luggage over to the other property free of charge.
More to Explore in Oregon
Once you get your accommodations sorted, here are things to do near Eugene.
- Everything to Eat, See, and Do in Eugene’s 5th Street Public Market
- Best Wineries and Restaurants in Willamette Valley
- What to Do on the Oregon Coast Besides Cannon Beach
- Things to Do in Oregon Besides Drink Wine
- The Perfect Itinerary for Exploring Portland
Don’t want to sift through all the options? Let me plan a custom trip for you!