Sometimes known as the Palm Springs of the North (the city gets 300 days of sunshine each year), a hub for nature and outdoor lovers Bend in Oregon is surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery in the Northwest filled with waterfalls, lakes, mountains, scenic forests and even a volcano.
Visitors flock here from all over the country to hike, go mountain biking, snowboarding, ski, kayak, paddleboard play golf and rock-climb…the list is endless. The town itself is pretty special too and highlights include the incredible microbreweries, distilleries, bars, cafes and restaurants and a great collection of independent shops too.
The awesome range of places to stay is another bonus, so from intimate boutiques to fun, modern and trendy, here are the best cool and unusual hotels in Bend, Oregon (in no particular order)...
1. McMenamins Old St. Francis School – easily one of the coolest hotels to stay in Bend perfect for partying Millennials and Gen Zs
Conveniently located in downtown Bend, the pet and bike-friendly McMenamim Old St. Francis School is a renovated 1936 Catholic schoolhouse.
Its 2004 opening followed previous endeavours from Mike and Brian McMenamin, who began the franchise as a small pub in 1974, before growing it to over 50 locations.
The Bend party hotel itself has grown from 19 rooms and four rental cottages to 61 rooms and one gigantic cottage, and has become a rather unique gallery of sorts.
This fascinating hip hotel perfect for fun and parting, through its historical artifacts, art renderings of local students, and captivating photography, honours the property’s past by visually telling the stories of the Bend community and its real-life characters.
The distinctive tile mosaics which enwreathe the indoor pool, the custom-made light fixtures, and the secret hallways and bar contribute to the quirky vibe of this rather exclusive hotel.
Advantageously situated less than a mile from Deschutes River Trail and 1.6 miles from Pilot Butte State Scenic Viewpoint, the McMenamins Old St. Francis School beckons outdoor adventurers, skiers, shoppers, hikers and travlers alike. Eaisly one of the coolest hotels in Bend!
- To book, check prices or availability for McMenamim Old St. Francis School
2. LOGE Bend – a trendy, hip cozy boutique inn that offers a fun year-round playground
Based on the sunny side of Oregon, Bend offers a year-round playground. The kid and pet-friendly LOGE Bend is superbly placed on the connector trails to the beloved ‘Phil’s Trail’, perfect for mountain biking or a simple stroll along the river, and is the closest in-town property to the enthralling highland escape of Mt Bachelor.
Just a bike ride away! The readiness of high-quality gear rentals, the fire pits for roasting delicious marshmallows, and the on-site taproom, provide an added touch of exclusivity.
For people who love to be outdoors, LOGE Bend will provide a highly comfortable foundation for your fairy-tale adventures, with Rock-climbing, River-rafting, skiing, and paddling options in the nearby vicinity.
Guestrooms offer air conditioning, a refrigerator, and high-speed wifi, however, if you plan to venture out, the many breweries, bistros and charming neighbourhoods surrounding Bend will leave you simply wanting to return to this enchanting town.
- To book, check prices or availability for LOGE Bend
3. Waypoint Hotel – a trendy industrial-chic boutique hotel close to great attractions
Waypoint Hotel, a newly renovated boutique hotel near the grand Deschutes River, combines a laid-back ambiance of classic Americana with mid-century design trends.
Waypoint is a dreamy place to meet, retreat, and have some fun, courtesy of its spacious lobby featuring 8 local brews and ciders on tap, an on-site food truck, cozy outdoor firepits, and a delightful staff presence.
The cool hotel is situated in the heart of Oregon, with first-rate recreation activities, a rich, diverse landscape, and infamous golf courses surrounding the region.
The vibrant energy of a small mountain town runs through the hotel, and provides an experience that is just as unique as it is comfortable.
- To book, check prices or availability for Waypoint Hotel Bend
4. Campfire Hotel – a newly-renovated hip hotel that features a rustic landing spot and spacious area for your pets
A place where urban and outdoor adventure meets Pacific northwest camp culture, the Campfire Hotel is the brainchild of Portland developers Tod Breslau, Kelsey Bunker, Chris Gunderson and Sasha Kirovski.
The spirit of the emerging post-covid movement towards road-tripping is captured beautifully in all 100 vintage-camping-inspired rooms.
The hip Campfire Hotel is designed to pure excellence, providing a strong community vibe typical of campsites, while not neglectful of the superfluities associated with a cozy hotel stay.
These include a community-inspired fire pit, a heated year-round pool and hot tub, an epic restaurant collaboration, but extend to a few classics as well. Mid-century telephones, acoustic instruments hung on walls, and Victoria radios compliment this pet-friendly boutique motor lodge.
The Campfire’s curated merch store and bar, the Canteen, and the Lobby bar, provide Instagrammable cabin vibes to compliment the hotel’s overall quaintness.
A rustic landing spot for your epic adventures!
- To book, check prices or availability for Campfire Hotel
5. Riverhouse on the Deschutes – a fine rustic-chic hotel that offers a hot tub, a fitness center and many great facilities
Immerse yourself in the unparalleled tranquillity of the Riverhouse, a hotel dedicated to sustainability, re-imagined to provide world-class amenities with modern sophistication on the banks of the Deschutes.
Here you will have abundant opportunities to reconnect with nature. Guests can stroll along the scenic river trail, and relax in the pools or hot tub to wind down after an awesome day exploring the untamed beauty and wilderness that surrounds the lodge.
Indulge at Currents, the hotel’s new restaurant and riverside patio, featuring thoughtfully sourced and deliciously prepared Pacific Northwestern cuisine, before drifting off into a blissful night sleep in one of the modern, spacious rooms.
The Riverhouse on the Deschutes is a truly remarkable place, catering to guests traveling for business or pleasure, adventure or relaxation, long stays or short.
- To book, check prices or availability for Riverhouse on the Deschutes
6. Element Bend – a modern and eco-friendly hotel where guests can enjoy panoramic city views
Inspired by the natural beauty around us, guest well-being and environmental sustainability are etched into the core of the pet-friendly Element Bend Hotel.
The efficient, flowing design that guarantees abundant space in the rooms is enriched by a full kitchen to cater for your cooking needs, ensuring you have everything you need to stay balanced and energized before taking advantage of the amplitude of local outdoor recreational opportunities.
Guests are invited to kick start their day by waking up to the signature Rise complimentary breakfast, before taking one of the hotels complimentary bikes out to discover one of Oregon’s most picturesque cities.
During the day, guests are given useful information to navigate the surrounding area, before stepping further afield on a hike in the high desert, or in a raft down the Deschutes river.
A visit to this magnificent abode can be made complete by exploring downtown Bend or the Old Mill District, and taking in the character-filled atmosphere in the local shops, breweries, and restaurants.
- To book, check prices or availability for Element Bend
7. Hilton Garden Inn Bend – one of the most Instagrammable hotels in Bend
Set above the Old Mill District with an awe-inspiring mountain view, this tastefully appointed modern hotel offers an unrivalled location, steps away from river walking trails, yet only moments away from downtown.
The Old Mill District mixes the wonders of shopping, riverside dining and the exhilarating outdoors into one spectacular place.
The amalgamation of timeless elegance and a rustic atmosphere is a highly unique feature of this extravagant hotel, which boasts amenities catered to both the business traveller and the family on vacation.
Besides its spacious guestrooms and suites which come equipped with executive work stations, complimentary high-speed internet access, and Keurig coffee makers, the on-site restaurant, full bar and leisure facilities compound to offer visitors a truly restful experience.
- To book, check prices or availability for Hilton Garden Inn Bend
8. Otter Run – a cool, hip and unique holiday home surrounded by clean nature
Otter Run, comprised of 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, provides families with an incredible, dog-friendly atmosphere, and is favourably positioned on the banks of the Deschutes.
It is, for good measure, another favoured spot to enjoy the great outdoors.
However, for those just seeking a peaceful, natural yet effortless retreat, this graceful holiday home boasts a stunning riverfront deck with comfortable seating, access to a firepit mere steps from a private beach, a symbolic semi-circular sofa for wistful outdoor evenings, and a hot tub for endless relaxation.
This quaint haven also offers an alluring lounge area with comfy loveseats surrounding a large smart TV, a perfect spot for movie nights, and a dry bar in the kitchen equipped with a fridge and cocktail shaker.
- To book, check prices or availability for Otter Run Bend
9. Bend Vacation Home – a charming and contemporary vacation home ideal for large groups and extended stay
Owned by a very active, rock-climbing family and set in a quiet residential neighbourhood, this six-bedroom modern vacation home is a timely illustration of the quaint yet vibrant charm that permeates Bend.
Pristinely furnished and radiating character, Bend Vacation Home is conveniently located a mere 5km from Drake Park, a sprawling green space along the Mirror Pond on the Deschutes River.
All rooms boast top-rated memory foam mattresses, and the backyard’s fire pit and gas grill allows guests to truly unwind and spread out in their own space after an action-packed day bouncing between Bend’s natural and urban playgrounds.
This is not a place for distracting attractions, it’s a place to explore, play and treat yourself right.
- To book, check prices or availability for Bend Vacation Home
10. Amazing Luxury Downtown Old Mill Home – a quirky-chic upscale place to stay in Bend that provides breathtaking mountain views
Whether you visit for the beer, the food, or an outdoor adventure, this comfortable townhouse, positioned between downtown and the Old Mill District, grants you easy access to everything the city offers.
Adventure is just around the corner. Whether that means a hike to one of the refreshing waterfalls in the area, or making use of the provided inflatable paddleboards and having some summer fun on the Deschutes River, the several flatscreen TVs equipped with SNES classic and an Xbox 360 will keep you entertained whilst recovering from the excitement.
The fully furnished kitchen, which features quality stainless steel appliances, also provides a comfortable base to whip up fresh meals.
- To book, check prices or availability for Amazing Luxury Downtown Old Mill Home
11. Meadow House 24 – one of the most romantic holiday homes in Bend where pets are welcome
Featuring a private hot tub, a large lava rock wood-burning fireplace, and a vaulted cedar ceiling room, this pleasant single-level condominium is equipped with 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, a flat-screen satellite TV, a fully supplied kitchen, and a patio with glorious mountain views.
The chic furnishings of Meadow House 24 emanate a super-cool retro cabin feel. The location of this duplex is super, just a short 10 minute walk to SHARC, the Meadows Golf Course and the Sunriver Village Mall.
What’s more, the owners offer free use of the two bikes at the property, providing guests with the accessories needed to navigate the bewildering splendour of the surrounding landscape.
- To book, check prices or availability for Meadow House 24
12. Modern Mountain Oasis with Patio, Hot Tub and Grill – a rural and homely vacation home that offers great amenities
Set in the closest residential community to Mount Bachelor yet within 10 minutes from downtown, the best trails and activities Bend has to offer are only steps away.
This eclectic design masterpiece is beautifully decorated with hardwood flooring, exposed beams, and a modern, elegant interior, to provide a comfortable base for outdoor pursuits.
Upon entering the property, the interior embraces you with an air of luxury and cosiness, courtesy of its one-of-a-kind furnishings, mood lighting and artwork.
Deer are frequent visitors to this family-friendly home, where guests can unwind in a private hot tub or light up the backyard firepit and tuck into some s’mores on the outdoor sofa. The magnificent kitchen is outfitted with quartz countertops, a breakfast bar, a farm sink, and a wall-mounted oven.
Upstairs boasts a game room, featuring a multifunctional game table offering air hockey, ping-pong and pool, alongside a high-quality sound system.
- To book, check prices or availability for Modern Mountain Oasis with Patio, Hot Tub and Grill
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My first true adventure began as a six month voyage around South East Asia as a fresh faced backpacker and ever since I’ve lived a semi nomadic existence, clocking up visits to over 40 countries. I’m a lover of US Road Trips, deserted beaches bathed in warm glow of a sunset, Cuban mojitos, travel destinations far away from the tourist crowds and all things Scandinavian – from cloudberry liquors to Nordic noirs. When not wandering the world and running Global Grasshopper, you’ll find me walking my rescued Greek street dog in leafy South West London, strolling around the Brighton Lanes on random day trips, hunting for photogenic landscapes or daydreaming about my favourite places; Havana, Copenhagen, Italy, Laos, California and the surreally beautiful landscapes of a wintry Iceland.