Top Hotel Near University of Oregon: The Gordon Hotel

Looking at the best Eugene hotels near the University of Oregon? You’ll want to add The Gordon Hotel to your list. This art-centric hotel has an excellent location, the owners love pets and they offer rooftop dining with a view. 

I attended the University of Oregon back in the 1980s. This small city in the Pacific Northwest has stepped up its game! There are many Eugene hotels near the University of Oregon, but The Gordon hotel wins for best hotel near the train station, best location next to Fifth Street Market, and best family and pet-friendly hotel.

This Eugene hotel is more like an art gallery with revolving exhibits, a multi-media wall, and unique features that artists and designers would enjoy. The hope with The Gordon is that this hotel space will be a place for locals and guests to gather. There are different areas in the lobby to appeal to introverts and extroverts; the observers and the action-oriented. A quiet space with a gas fireplace in the lobby and snacks nearby calls to those wanting to decompress after a busy day. There are seating pods for friends to gather and the focal point of the hotel is the art bar. 

Fun Times at the Top Hotel Near University of Oregon

My kids would have loved to stay here strictly for the art bar in the hotel lobby. There were crayons, blank canvases of varying size, tubes of oil-based paints, blocks of clay, and paint brushes of every size. At first I was overwhelmed by the blank space of a white canvas. However, once I walked the halls of the seven-story hotel and took in all the different pieces of art, I reminded myself that art is a form of expression meant to tap into the inner child. 

If you are looking for inspiration, look behind the reception desk to the “Great Wall” a multi-media exhibit in conjunction with Harmonic Laboratory, a Eugene-based art collective. Traveling with kids? Ask them to count how many mason jars are suspended from the ceiling while you register at the front desk. Even if they don’t guess 2,500 glass jars, reward their guesses with a trip to the snack bar for one of Handel’s Eugene ice cream samples. Adults will appreciate the local Hop Valley Brewing Co. beers in cans or a glass of Willamette Valley wine upon check-in. 

Rooms at The Gordon Hotel

There are plenty of room options at the eclectic boutique hotel. All 82 rooms are one-of-a-kind, ranging from standard king, to deluxe king and suites. Several rooms are pet-friendly, for an additional fee, and include a pet amenity. I stayed in a deluxe room #420, with Juliette balcony, mini-fridge, coffee maker, and walk-in shower. 

The hotel is eco-friendly and aware of their footprint. In fact, the trees that were cut down to make room for the hotel were re-purposed in the gorgeous headboards, milled by a Springfield, Oregon lumber company. I could have lounged all day in the cozy, hoodie robe, but there was much to see around town. 

Guests may borrow complimentary bikes to cruise over to the University of Oregon or ride along the river bike path. If you simply want to explore the neighborhood, walk outside to the covered Market Alley and Makers Row. Across the street is the Fifth Street Public Market. Of course there are plenty of hotels near the University of Oregon, but I like the vibe of The Gordon Hotel. 

The Gordon Hotel Food and Drink

The hotel had recently opened on my visit, so The Gordon Tavern and Carlita’s Rooftop were not yet open. The ground floor Gordon Tavern will serve local Oregon fare, while Carlita’s Rooftop will feature Mexican small plates on the rooftop of the 7-story hotel. I’d time your meal for sunset, as this indoor-outdoor restaurant is one of the few hotels near the University of Oregon with great rooftop views. 

While plans are in the works for breakfast, lunch, dinner and room service, hotel guests will appreciate the proximity to Fifth Street Market. In addition to Made in Oregon shops and gourmet restaurants, there are several nearby breweries, wine tasting and Provisions for baked goods. Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream and Euphoria Chocolate Company are in Market Alley, along with other unique shops. 

Pet Friendly Eugene Hotel: The Gordon Hotel

There are no resort fees at The Gordon Hotel, so you won’t be charged for complimentary snacks and water bottles in your mini-fridge. High-speed WiFi is included and the art bar is gratis for hotel guests. You will be charged for valet parking, currently $18, but it’s worth paying, as you don’t want to park at a city meter and feed the meter every few hours. 

Room rates start at $185 per night with higher pricing during popular times such as University of Oregon sporting events and college graduation. A speakeasy will be added to the hotel, as will artistic pop-up events in the lobby as part of the hotel’s ongoing programming. Check-in time is 3:00 p.m. and check-out time is noon. I hope you’ll agree that this is a top hotel near University of Oregon. 

Book your stay at the official Gordon Hotel site or at Hotels.com.

Travel writer Nancy D. Brown was hosted at The Gordon Hotel for purposes of review. All photos are from the author. As always, all opinions are our own.