Most people recognize Eugene, Oregon as the home of the “Oregon Ducks” because of the sports programs at the University of Oregon. But Eugene is so much more. Take for instance the Inn at the 5th, a luxury boutique hotel built and owned by the Obie Company who developed the 5th Street Public Market next door. The hotel reminds me of the “Little Engine That Could” an endearing 1930’s children’s book teaching the value of hard work and optimism. And the Inn at 5th presents those core values to guests in a stylish and polished package.
“I tell my team at the front (check in, lobby area) that if you are busy at least hug them with your eyes. Acknowledge everyone.” says J. B. Carney, General Manager. And it works. Inn at the 5th has been named a Top 25 Hotel in the United States on TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards for the last two years. The staff are just that friendly and genuinely care about their guests.
The Pendleton Suite is a stroke of genius marrying a 150 year-old Oregon company famous for their woolen blankets with the hotel décor providing a sense of place. In the suite old black and white images of The Pendleton Round Up, and Pendleton mill workers wrapped in various legacy blanket designs line the entry. Blanket fabric covers the sofa, window seats and throw pillows. It is skillfully done and adds the right touch to the large-scale photography of Oregon landscapes on the walls. Owner Brian Obie hired a photographer to go out and capture natural scenes of Oregon that are displayed throughout the hotel. He believes hotels should be about where they are located, not hung with corporate art with no connection to the geographic location.
The hotel has a Junior King Suite (Pendleton Suite), King Spa Suite, Crystal Suite, King and Queen rooms, ADA rooms, dog-friendly rooms, fireplace rooms, and a day spa. In any of their rooms you can choose a Pendleton blanket from the blanket menu to cuddle up with; if you like it you can find one of your own at the Pendleton store just off the lobby. Based on request and availability the hotel also offers guests a wine country exploration of the Southern Willamette Valley area famous for nuanced whites and pinot noir. There is a shuttle to the center of town, but honestly you will love the 5th Street Market and Marché restaurant next door. And you’ll like it here surrounded in Pacific Northwest comfort and luxury.