Bend Oregon is a four-season destination ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. We love to visit in winter to ski Mt. Bachelor and Hoodoo, snowshoe, and cross-country ski, and in summer to hike, mountain bike, and river raft on the Deschutes. Usually, a trip to Bend necessitates a 2-3 night stay, for which we recommend one of its top-tier resorts such as Sunriver, Black Butte Ranch, or Brasada Ranch. However, for a one-night stay, families don’t always need the extra amenities that add up, such as full kitchens, condos, and on-site activities like bike trails and golf courses.
For a one-night stay in Bend for a moderate price, try The Riverhouse. Located right on Highway 97 very close to the Historic Mill District and right on the Deschutes River, Riverhouse offers families standard hotel rooms large enough to accommodate a rollaway bed and lots of included perks. The location is ideal and scenic, though not secluded, and while there are not extensive grounds, families will find a nice indoor, heated pool and hot tub, plus an outdoor pool and hot tub for summer months.
We stayed at Riverhouse for one night at the end of January for a weekend ski trip, and were only 16 miles from Mt. Bachelor Ski Area. In summer, it would be just as convenient to travel to the Cascade Lakes are for kayaking or hiking. There was enough space in our room for our boot bags and other ski gear, we had a nicely sized fridge, and while it was too chilly to use the large balcony, it’s good to know it’s there for summer visits.
When we checked in, we received a welcome amenity of $4 off two drinks at the hotel lounge (one per adult in the party), which we used while our (older) kids checked out the pool. The lounge, located in the Crossings Restaurant, was friendly and cozy, and also offers a full menu. Included in your room rate is a complimentary breakfast, which is also located at Crossings. The breakfast is highly rated online, and didn’t disappoint. For a hotel breakfast, it was very well done, with hot stations to include eggs, bacon, hash browns, and oatmeal, plus waffles, breads, fruit, yogurt, and granola. We definitely filled up before our ski day!
In addition to the pools and hot breakfast, Riverhouse room rates also include free WiFi and free parking. For a single night stopover or vacation during which lots of space and extra on-site amenities are not needed, why pay for them?
Distance from the interstate:
Right on Highway 97. Approximately 20 minutes from Mt. Bachelor and within easy driving distance to Crater Lake National Park.
Room rates:
At the time of our visit, we paid $134 for a single room with two queen beds and a rollaway. Check for exact rates. Bear in mind that Riverhouse is also a convention center, so it may fill up with groups from time to time.
Directions:
River house is located at 3075 US 97 Business, in the heart of Bend.
Photo courtesy of Riverhouse.
