After our recent stay at the Hyatt Place Eugene Oakway Center, we discovered this conveniently located and hip hotel is the place to stay in Eugene, Oregon. Read on for all the reasons why our multigenerational family will return.
Since one of our daughters lives in Oregon, over the years, we’ve explored and experienced the Pacific Northwest. This fall, (hosted by our friends at Travel Oregon), we traveled to Eugene, one of the largest cities in Oregon, in the wine valley of Willamette Valley on the banks of the river. Known as TrackTown USA, this university town is the perfect family friendly setting for our travels.
On our must-do list, we also included a college football at Autzen Stadium. That’s why we wanted a hotel within walking distance of the stadium (just 2 miles!), and there was no more perfect place to call home than the Hyatt Place Eugene Oakway Center.
Arrival in Eugene, Oregon
The first thing you’ll love about traveling to Eugene is that its airport is small and easy to navigate. We passed through the terminal with our carry-on luggage, checked in for a rental car, and were in our car in under 30 minutes. Then another 20 minutes off Interstate 105, we arrived at our hotel near the walkable downtown. That’s the perfect beginning of a family vacation.
Check-In to the Hyatt Place Eugene Oakway Center
This Eugene hotel is located in one of three of the city’s shopping malls, Oakway Center, and because of its location, the check-in is a little different. During your hotel stay, enjoy free on-site covered parking in the attached parking garage. Elevators are convenient to the hotel parking and the hotel check-in and rooms are above the parking.
For those arriving via taxi, entrance to the hotel is also available from the street level. There is a welcoming area on the ground floor, with elevators just down the hall.
Lobby of Hyatt Place Eugene Oakway Center
The elevator opens up facing the check-in and reception desk, and the staff were welcoming to our family, offering a warm cookie to our granddaughter as well as a free toy from their treasure chest. Check-in was quick and efficient, and we took that same elevator to our room.
Accommodations
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My husband and I met our daughter, son-in-law, and 3 1/2 year old granddaughter in Eugene, so we also required a room to accommodate the 5 of us. The spacious suites (350 square feet) at this Hyatt Place are perfect for families. We had two queen beds and the sitting area also included a sofa-sleeper. There was also a large closet near the beds, which I really liked better than the typical closet space at the entry.
Since the toddler likes to snack and have a glass of milk in the evening, the mini-refrigerator is a total necessity. I also enjoyed the office area, with complimentary WiFi.
The bathroom and shower are separate, also convenient with a family, but the only challenges were that the toddler preferred baths. But she did experience her first shower.
We really had plenty of room for the 5 of us — even though we were so busy exploring Eugene that we were hardly in our hotel room. And the view of the fall colors from our hotel room, across a parking lot and out to the mountains.
Dining at the Eugene Hyatt Place
Near the reception desk is the lobby bar, which serves cocktails or grab a Starbucks. The bar menu includes mac and cheese, sandwiches and soups. We sampled their appetizers when we arrived and it was yummy.
Our favorite place to hang out was the fifth floor Sky Deck, steps from the lobby bar and reception. This is Eugene’s only outdoor, rooftop bar, and we lounged on the casual seating, enjoying a glass of wine and the view in the mild fall weather.
Buffet breakfast is free, for World of Hyatt members, and it’s fantastic. Fresh eggs, oatmeal, whole fruit, bacon, sausage, yogurt and more.
Again, this is perfect for families staying at the hotel as we staged our showers. Grandma and grandpa first, then we went downstairs to relax together, allowing time for our my daughter and her family to chill together and shower.
Other Dining Options Nearby
With its prime location in the Oakway Center shopping center, multiple restaurants are located within walking distance. My granddaugher and I walked to the nearby Dickie Yo’s Frozen Treats and made our own treat, while the other adults sipped beers at the Sunriver Brewing Co.
Other dining choices we experienced were Umiya Sushi (new restaurant – excellent) and light snacks and great wine at the Broadway Wine Merchant, a wine bar AND a liquor store.
Additional Amenities at the Hyatt Place Eugene Oakway Center
All of our grandkids love hotel pools, so we also made time to stop at the hotel pool for play time for my granddaughter. Although we didn’t check it out, there is also a 24/7 fitness center.
Book your stay at the hotel directly online at the Hyatt Place Eugene Oakway Center website or through a booking site like Booking.com or Expedia .
Accommodations were provided by Willamette Valley for the purposes of review; opinions expressed are my own. Photos provided by Diana Rowe and the Hyatt Place Eugene Oakway Center.
