Valley River Inn - Travel Oregon

Valley River Inn is a unique resort-style Eugene Oregon hotel and conference center, located along the quiet banks of the Willamette River. Experience the comfortable retreat that has set the standard for Eugene hotels since 1973. Convenient to downtown and the University of Oregon, Valley River Inn boasts well appointed accommodations, family friendly features, and a picturesque setting.

My how they have changed!

We stayed at Valley River Inn because we have been there many times. We needed parking for the car and rides to and from the airport. Parking is now $50 (10 days). It used to be complimentary. In the early morning to the airport the shuttle, of which we had a reservation, left without us. Coming in on our return trip at 12 midnight we were informed the shuttle stops at 12. So we used cabs both ways. When we got our reservations we were told all would be complimentary. So....make sure this doesn't happen to you! Accommodations were acceptable.

Avoid this run down hotel

The absolute worst stay I’ve had in years. The rooms have zero soundproofing, the room next to us had dogs that howled and the hotel didn’t address it. Housekeeping has to be requested and even then they didn’t do it our second day. Shower head is built for giants and the bed is hard. The toilet barely flushed and the tub didn’t drain correctly.

Comfortable stay in an older hotel

During our brief overnight stay we encountered friendly service, and clean facilities located near lots of food and shopping options. Our room seemed newly updated and in good shape but the building seemed like it has been there for a long time. The hotel isn’t brand new but we had a comfortable albeit short stay. The hotel does have a shuttle to the airport so that’s a plus.

Disappointed... after 40 years

I first stayed at VRI about 40 years ago. VRI was, in my opinion, the best hospitality venue in greater Eugene. I was a huge fan. As recently as 2019… 18 years after I retired, I booked vacation travel lodging at VRI out of respect and confidence in the hotel’s superior service and quality. My most recent visit to Eugene (January 27 thru 30, 2023) was disappointing. The quoted room rate (nearly $190/night with tax) was alarming… but I reasoned that everything is more expensive today and I had learned to trust in the value and quality that this property had always delivered. We checked into room #134 at about 4PM on the 27th. My first unpleasant surprise was learning that there would be a $10/day parking charge added to the room rate. Room #134 is a nice, large space with a comfortable bed and a river view. We enjoyed the room until about midnight that first night when the activity in the room above us became so raucous we were unable to sleep. We visited Sweetwaters for breakfast the next morning (1/28/23). The server was pleasant and attentive. My veggie omlette was very nice. My partner’s Eggs Benedict was not. She found that the dish had a taste of a greasy grill. We spent most of the day at a birthday celebration in North Eugene, returning to our room at about 4:30PM. I was alarmed that the door to #134 was ajar (NOT LOCKED). Entering the room (without using the key!) I saw that nothing seemed to be missing but that the waste baskets had been emptied and the soiled towels were gone. Replacement towels were stacked on the counter. The bed had not been made. I went to the front desk to report what I found. I was told that if I wanted “full housekeeping service” I had to request it 24 hours in advance. I was not given any explanation for the unlatched door. I requested “full housekeeping” for the next day (1/29/23). On Sunday, 1/29, we spent time visiting friends in Eugene, returning to our room at about 3PM. We found that our room had not been visited by housekeeping at all. I reported that to the front desk. Within 10 minutes a young lady arrived and did the “full service” I had requested the day before. I had reserved a table for 4 at Sweetwaters at 4PM that day (1/29). Again, the service was pleasant and attentive. Our meals were excellent. I understand that the hospitality business has changed with the arrival of COVID. My sense, however, is that many venues have used COVID as an excuse to cut corners… particularly on housekeeping. Housekeeping staff is paying a price because tips must certainly have fallen off… and staffing must be difficult to maintain. I hope that Valley River Inn will address the issues we recently experienced. I did provide feedback t them the day after we checked out. There's a lot of high quality competition for them in Eugene.

My how they have changed!

Avoid this run down hotel

Comfortable stay in an older hotel

Disappointed... after 40 years

Great Stay