Road Tripping Oregon: The Hotels

A number of people have asked me about where I stayed during my road trip across Oregon so I’ve decided to do a quick rundown of them all.

When it comes to picking a hotel, I have a couple of basic criteria: price, location, cleanliness and Wi-Fi. Breakfast is nice as well. No free Wi-Fi is usually a deal breaker, unless the point of the vacation is to disconnect (but come on, let’s be real, that rarely happens). Price and location are then tradeoffs. Usually I like staying in city centre because I like walking everywhere. If not, then I like options close to easy and quick public transit. I asked you on Facebook what you look for in a hotel and it seems like most of us are in agreement on the important things.

Because I was traveling with 3 others and were sharing our rooms, we were able to book some places that I otherwise wouldn’t have looked at. Also we had access to a car so where we stayed didn’t matter as much as we could drive around. We wanted to keep every night to less than $50 per person and we definitely succeeded.

Without further ado, here is every place we stayed in Oregon broken down by a few arbitrary criteria I think are worth mentioning.

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Portland: The Jupiter Hotel

The Hotel

The Jupiter Hotel is a boutique hotel that once lived a previous life as a motor inn. While it still retains much of that aesthetic, it has been cleaned up and made very modern. On the property sits the Doug Fir Lounge where you can grab a drink or take in a show. It also apparently has a hair salon and tattoo parlour, but I didn’t see either of these.

While it has a bit of a reputation for being a party hotel, we had no problems with noise. We requested a room on the quiet side and once the door was closed we couldn’t hear anything from the bar. Parking is available on site, but is an additional fee for the duration of your stay. Otherwise, they have ZipCars that you can rent.

Location

The hotel is located just outside the downtown area of Portland. You could definitely walk into the downtown core if you’re up for a longish walk, but otherwise, it’s an easy bus ride away. Within walking distance are a number of bars, restaurants, and most notably, Voodoo Doughnuts II which if you go later in the evening, has no line.

The Room

We stayed at the Jupiter Hotel twice and had two different rooms. Both were very clean and very modern, if slightly different in layout. The beds were comfortable and there were plenty of pillows. I loved the use of mirrors on the wall to make the room look larger than it really is (yay feng shui!). The door, both in and out, is covered in chalkboard and they invite you to draw on it which was a cool touch. You definitely know that this is a party hotel because on the table side are a pair of condoms for guests. It was a hot summer in Portland and the air conditioners were fabulous.

The bathroom is clean, if a little minimal. I wish that their hair dryer was a little stronger. I have so much hair! There is free Wi-Fi throughout the property which held strong in both the rooms we were in. Free Wi-Fi makes this traveler one happy gal. The one thing I missed in the room was a refrigerator. We had some food that would have been great to put in the fridge. Also, the wall sockets seemed to be placed in really strange locations.

Price: $150 USD
Wi-Fi: Free and strong connection throughout the hotel
Breakfast: No
Pillow comfort level: I slept on the hotel pillow. It was pretty fluffy and firm.

I would definitely stay at this hotel again if going to Portland. It has a good location, clean and the staff were helpful.

Seaside: The Inn at Seaside

The Hotel

The Inn at Seaside definitely looks like an inn. We were welcomed with great enthusiasm by the staff. They were warm, friendly and always willing to have a chat. They will recommend that you go to the Twisted Fish for dinner, but avoid at all costs! (See this review my friend wrote for why) I especially like all the special touches throughout the hotel. When you check in there are complimentary cookies, in the evening they make popcorn and they have a huge selection of movies available for you to enjoy in the evening. You also get a goody bag of salt water taffy in your room. There is an indoor swimming pool on the premise, but we didn’t use it.

Breakfast is included, but don’t expect much. There is little more than some mini muffins, bagels and cream cheese, and hard boiled eggs. A bit of a pity especially considering how much you’re paying per night.

Location

The Inn at Seaside is located right off the main stretch of restaurants and shops in Seaside. It is within walking distance of virtually everything in Seaside. While not on the ocean, you can be at the beach in less than 5 minutes.

The Room

The room, while clean, looked very dated. Same with the bathroom. It did its job. Nothing more, nothing less. The photos on their website advertise bright rooms with crispy white linens. Instead, we found ourselves in a darkish room with murky brown bedding. Definitely doesn’t scream welcoming.

Price: $190 USD
Wi-Fi: Free
Breakfast: Yes – continental with hard boiled eggs.
Pillow comfort level: Used my own pillow. Really flat.

We were really looking forward to our stay at the Inn at Seaside. The photos on their website and personalized welcome e-mails coupled with the higher price we were paying had us thinking we were in for a spectacular visit. In some ways it was, but at the same time it wasn’t. Even some of their special offerings, like the movie library, are also commonly found at other hotels along the coast, including one we stayed in. I probably wouldn’t stay here again. I just didn’t like the city so it’s very unlikely I’ll be back. Skip Seaside and stay in Cannon Beach instead. Plus, I found it on a bit expensive side for what it offered.

Lincoln City: Sailor Jack Oceanfront Inn

The Hotel

Sailor Jack Oceanfront Inn definitely lives up to its name. It really is right on the ocean. The inn looks a bit like a motel and is only as deep as one room so every room has a view of the ocean. At the check in counter, you have a great selection of movies that you can borrow to watch.

Location

Lincoln City is divided by one of the world’s shortest rivers, the D River. Sailor Jack’s is located at the end of a dead end street on the north side of Lincoln City. Because of the river, which can only be crossed via the highway, it is difficult to get around on foot. There is nothing around the hotel except for the beach. If that is what you’re after, then Sailor Jack’s is the place to go. It is perched atop a bluff right at the edge of the beach. You can’t get more beachfront than that.

The Room

The room is a no fuss room with the basic amenities. The walls are a little thin and you can hear your neighbours walking above you. There is also no air conditioning, but I don’t think we really minded. The night we were there it was really windy and cold. There is also no elevator and if you get a room on the third floor, you need to make the trek up. The bathroom was adequate, but I found the shower to be really confusing to figure out how to use.

The best part of the room, hands down, was the view. A huge window overlooked the beach. You can easily watch the sunset from the comforts of your bed if desired.

Price: $125 USD
Wi-Fi: Free
Breakfast: No
Pillow comfort level:

While conveniently located next to the beach, I’m not sure I would stay here again. The beach and I coexist, but I’m not the biggest fan of it. The inn doesn’t have much to offer other than a place to lay your head for a night.

Florence: Ocean Breeze Motel

The Hotel

Despite its name, the Ocean Breeze Motel is neither by the ocean or breezy. It’s right off the highway. While at first appearances, it may look like a sketchy motel, it was nothing like that. On the premise there is a fire pit, BBQ and picnic tables which are perfect if you want an outdoor cookout. If you’re traveling with a canine companion there is an enclosed dog park for them to run free. There’s a game of Horseshoes available too.

The owners were fantastic. One of my traveling companions thought she had left her wallet in our room after check out and they allowed us back into the room to search. They searched through the laundry and did everything they could to help out. Really friendly and helpful owners.

Location

The motel isn’t located in the centre of Florence. It’s slightly south of the old town right off of highway 101. We picked this location because of the reasonable price and the proximity to our sand dune tour. Even though it was slightly outside of the main area of town, everything is close by if you have a car.

The Room

This was the only place we stayed where we had more than one room which was nice. We were able to put the snorers in one and the non-snorers in the other. Each room at the hotel has a theme and ours for the night was seashells. You could see the motif through the room. While it looked a bit dated, everything was clean and comfortable. There is no air conditioning in the room, but the day we were there, it was chilly and overcast so we didn’t need it. Instead, we were turning on the heat!

Price: $105 USD
Wi-Fi: Free
Breakfast: No
Pillow comfort level: Used my own

While the location right off the highway makes it a little suspect, the Ocean Breeze Motel was fine for a night’s stay. The location just outside of town wasn’t too bad either as we had a car. I don’t know if I would stay here again. It would depend on other options available. There was nothing particularly bad about it, or anything outstanding either.

Roseburg: Super 8

The Hotel

Believe it or not, I’ve never stayed in a Super 8 before. I’ve stayed in plenty of other budget chain hotels though. There is a time and place for something that is no frills and no fuss and our stop in Roseburg was exactly that. We picked this city because it was right in the middle between the coast and Crater Lake.

The Super 8 Roseburg comes with breakfast with the usual fare: muffins, fruit, and a variety of spreads. It also had a waffle maker and biscuits and gravy available. Definitely a nice surprise. There is also an indoor swimming pool and hot tub available which I went to take a quick dip in. There were lots of families using the facilities so I can see it being great for kids.

Location

This was located just off the highway. If you’re on a road trip and passing through, this is the perfect place to stay.

The Room

This room had surprisingly the nicest bedding of all the places we stayed in other than the Jupiter Hotel in Portland. The room was really clean and everything was modern. Everything you would expect at a chain hotel.

Price: $68 USD
Wi-Fi: Free
Breakfast: Yes
Pillow comfort level: Decent

This night was our cheapest night and probably one of the most comfortable. Sometimes budget chain hotels can be a bit hit or miss, but this one was definitely a hit. Clean, good Wi-Fi, decent breakfast and so affordable! If I’m ever traveling down the I-5 into California, This Super 8 in Roseburg would be a perfect place to stop for a night. I would definitely stay here again.

Eugene: Phoenix Inn and Suites

The Hotel

The Phoenix Inn and Suites in Eugene was a great surprise. First impressions of the lobby was of its high ceilings and comforting furnishings that just invite you in. The staff were welcoming and helpful.

This hotel had the fanciest options for breakfast including many hot items like eggs, sausage, waffles and of course, biscuits and gravy. There is an onsite exercise room, pool and hot tub. Cookies are available in the evenings as well.

Location

The Phoenix Inn and Suites is located a little off of I-5 which runs through Eugene. It is just outside the grounds of the University of Oregon (fun fact: I considered going to school here). The neighbourhood the hotel sites in is surrounded by frat houses. School hadn’t started yet so there weren’t too many people about.

The Room

Our room was bigger than anticipated. We had requested two queen beds which we had, plus a small sitting area at the end of the room with a pull out couch. Rooms are equipped with a mini-fridge and microwave as well. The room looked a bit dated, but it was clean. The bathroom was a bit small. It’s hard to be inside and open and close the door. You almost have to step into the tub to navigate around.

Price: $119 USD
Wi-Fi: Free, but a bit difficult to connect. Signals occasionally dropped.
Breakfast: Yes
Pillow comfort level:

For its price and great amenities I would definitely recommend staying at the Phoenix Inn and Suites if you’re ever in Eugene. I really enjoyed my stay and thought it was great value for money.

What factors are most important to you when selecting a hotel? Do you want to see more hotel reviews on the site?

P.S. See what I did in all these places.