Ultimate Guide to the Top Places to Stay in Bend, Oregon

Bend is a small high‑desert city with a lively downtown, access to the Cascade Mountains and the Deschutes River, and a broad selection of lodging options. This guide fills that gap by surveying the many places you can stay in and around Bend. As locals, we offer first‑hand insight and helpful links to make your trip planning easier.

Where Should You Stay?

Choosing a base in Bend depends on the experiences you want. Here are a few neighborhoods and areas to consider:

• Downtown Bend and Drake Park: This is the heart of town with restaurants, breweries and shops. Staying here puts you within walking distance of the Deschutes River and popular concerts at the Hayden Homes Amphitheater.

• Old Mill District: A former lumber mill area redeveloped into a riverside shopping and dining hub. Many hotels and rentals here offer river views and quick access to trails.

• Westside (Century Drive corridor): Closer to Mt. Bachelor and the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway. Lodgings here provide easy access to skiing, mountain biking and lake adventures.

• East of Bend and the high desert: Quiet ranches and retreats offer sweeping views of the Cascade Range and star‑filled night skies.

The following sections detail hotels, resorts, bed and breakfasts, vacation rentals and unique accommodations. We include the amenities, location perks and links to help you book directly.

Hotels and Resorts

Boutique and Luxury Hotels

• Oxford Hotel Bend – An eco‑conscious boutique experience in the heart of downtown Bend, the Oxford Hotel offers AAA Four‑Diamond service. ROAM restaurant’s seasonal menu takes cues from global flavors, and guests rave about the luxurious bedding, pillow menu and eco‑friendly amenities. If you want walkability and upscale service, this downtown hotel is a top pick.

• Pine Ridge Inn – Tucked among ponderosa pines above the Deschutes River, Pine Ridge Inn is a luxury boutique hotel offering fireplaces and river views. It feels secluded yet sits minutes from downtown, making it ideal for romantic getaways or corporate stays. The property offers packages for couples and business travelers, and its intimate size guarantees personalized service.

• Campfire Hotel – This 100‑room motor lodge turns Oregon camp culture into an urban adventure. Rooms are vintage camp‑inspired, there’s a year‑round pool and plenty of storage for bikes and skis. It’s a great mid‑range option with a hip vibe and communal fire pits for meeting fellow travelers.

• Wall Street Suites – Located on NW Wall Street near downtown and the river, this boutique hotel offers three lodging experiences—Mt. Bachelor, Deschutes River and The Drake—and focuses on dog‑friendly and eco‑friendly accommodations. The suites have full kitchens and living areas, making them ideal for extended stays or remote work. Guests enjoy walking distance to downtown shops and restaurants.

Large Resorts and Destinations

• Tetherow Resort – The only resort bordering the Deschutes National Forest, Tetherow sits on 700 acres just seven minutes from downtown Bend. It boasts an 18‑hole golf course, a 50‑room boutique hotel, vacation rental homes and multiple restaurants. Guests can enjoy a fitness facility with a heated pool and cabanas. It’s perfect for golfers or anyone wanting forest proximity without losing city convenience.

• Brasada Ranch – About 20 minutes east of Bend, Brasada Ranch offers upscale lodging on 1,800 high‑desert acres (900 acres are protected). Panoramic Cascade views, farm‑to‑table dining, an 18‑hole golf course and horseback riding make this a luxury retreat. It’s quiet, scenic and great for families or couples who enjoy resort amenities and wide‑open spaces.

• Sunriver Resort – Located 15 miles south of Bend, this 3,300‑acre resort has something for everyone. Guests can float or paddle the Deschutes River, splash at the Cove Aquatic Center (indoor/outdoor pools and waterslides), or relax at Caldera Springs’ pools with double‑racer slides. The resort features 63 holes of golf, horse stables, snowshoe rentals and a shuttle with ski valet for Mt. Bachelor. For wellness, there are more than 40 miles of trails, the Northwest’s largest pickleball complex, a fitness center with saltwater lap pool and a spa. Dining ranges from lodge restaurants to fine dining at Crosswater and Lake House. Accommodation choices include vacation homes and classic guest rooms with fireplaces.

• Juniper Preserve (Pronghorn Resort) – A wellness destination set in a juniper forest northeast of Bend. It’s home to two championship golf courses, a modern lodge, a full‑service spa, multiple restaurants and a family recreation center called The Trailhead. Ideal for travelers seeking luxury and wellness in an isolated setting.

Unique Hotels and Historic Lodging

• McMenamins Old St. Francis School – You can spend the night in former classrooms or nun’s cottages at this renovated 1936 elementary school in downtown Bend. Guests enjoy Scotch and conversation at O’Kane’s Pub, movies in the on‑site theater and a soaking pool for post‑adventure relaxation. It’s quirky and fun—perfect for history buffs or travelers wanting a unique stay.

• Bunk+Brew Historic Lucas House – A hostel and community basecamp 2.5 blocks from downtown, housed in Bend’s oldest brick building (1910). Amenities include bunks, a food cart lot, craft beer, live music and a Finnish sauna. Recognized as a bike‑friendly business, this is a budget‑friendly option for adventure‑seekers.

Bed and Breakfasts

Bend’s B&Bs provide homey touches and local hospitality. Two standouts include:

• The Mill Inn – A 10‑room boutique inn located in downtown Bend, offering themed rooms with luxurious linens, a home‑style breakfast and gear storage. The property includes an outdoor hot tub and a cocktail deck. Its location near the Deschutes River and Old Mill District makes it great for walkers and cyclists.

• Sunny Acres Bed & Breakfast – Set on 2.5 acres just outside downtown, this B&B provides a quiet country setting with themed rooms like the Cabin Suite, Cottage Garden room and Safari room. Each room has a private bath, spa robes and slippers. Guests enjoy board games, outdoor activities and beautifully landscaped grounds.

Many other B&Bs operate across Bend, from craftsman homes in the Drake Park neighborhood to rural retreats on the way to Sisters. Check local listings and verify amenities before booking.

Vacation Rentals

Vacation rentals are ideal for families and groups who prefer private space and kitchen facilities. According to Visit Bend, rentals include cottages near downtown, condos in the Old Mill District and mountain cabins en route to Mt. Bachelor. Local companies manage many homes, and you can also book through national platforms like VRBO or Airbnb. When choosing a rental, consider:

• Location: Choose downtown or Old Mill condos for walkable access to shops and dining; pick Westside cabins to be closer to ski trails and mountain biking.

• Amenities: Look for hot tubs, fire pits, bike storage and pet‑friendly policies. Some rentals include passes to community pools or recreational facilities.

• Neighborhood regulations: Short‑term rentals in Bend require a city permit; confirm compliance to avoid last‑minute cancellations.

Campgrounds and RV Parks

Campgrounds Along Rivers and Lakes

Bend sits near state parks and the Cascade Lakes, offering numerous campgrounds. From May through September, expect warm days and cool nights; fall camping brings fewer crowds and vibrant foliage. Be prepared for sudden weather changes, carry insect repellent and check wildfire restrictions.

• Tumalo State Park: A riverside campground just north of Bend with tent sites, RV sites and pet‑friendly yurts. Yurts sleep up to five people and come with heat, electricity and skylights.

• LaPine State Park: About 30 miles south; sites are shaded by ponderosa pines. Nearby trails lead to Big Deschutes River and the area’s famous old‑growth pine tree.

• Smith Rock State Park: North of Bend; offers walk‑in tent sites near the Crooked River. It’s ideal for climbers exploring Smith Rock’s basalt walls.

• Newberry National Volcanic Monument: Campgrounds around Paulina and East Lakes provide access to hot springs and volcanic landscapes.

• Cascade Lakes Highway Campgrounds: Popular sites include Crane Prairie, Lava Lake, Elk Lake, Hosmer Lake and Devils Lake. Each lake has a unique character—Lava Lake is great for fishing, while Devils Lake is a turquoise alpine pond loved by paddleboarders.

• Resort‑adjacent campgrounds: Twin Lakes Resort, Elk Lake Resort and Crane Prairie Resort provide RV hookups and amenities like boat rentals and restaurants.

Camping Tips

• Campfires are often restricted in late summer due to wildfire risk; use designated rings and follow posted rules.

• Mosquitoes can be thick near lakes early in the season—bring repellent and long sleeves.

• Practice Leave No Trace; pack out trash and minimize impact on fragile high‑desert landscapes.

• Reserve sites early for summer weekends; many campgrounds fill months in advance.

RV Parks

• Bend RV Resort: A luxury RV resort 10 minutes from downtown. Amenities include a heated pool, hot tub, pickleball courts, dog park, clubhouse, fitness center and communal fire pits. It’s convenient for those seeking resort‑style comfort while staying in their own RV.

• Bend/Sisters Garden RV Resort: Located between Bend and Sisters, this park offers full hookups (30/50 amp and cable), picnic tables, fire pits, 24/7 laundry, luxury bathhouses, a convenience store, Wi‑Fi, a pool/spa, a fly‑fishing pond, a children’s play area and mini golf. It’s well suited for families and long stays.

Glamping and Unique Stays

If you crave a rustic experience without sacrificing comfort, these unique stays are for you:

• Elk Lake Resort Cabins: Rustic cabins along Elk Lake serve as a year‑round basecamp for snow sports and summer water activities.

• Tumalo State Park Yurts: Pet‑friendly yurts sleep up to five people and include heat, electricity, skylights and picnic tables.

• Metolius River Lodges and Paulina Lake Lodge: Vintage cabins along the Metolius River or Paulina Lake come stocked with essentials like linens and kitchenware.

• Suttle Lodge: Rustic cabins near Suttle Lake (in Sisters) offer access to lodge amenities, including a lakeside restaurant and boat rentals.

• Panacea at the Canyon: A luxury tent resort near Terrebonne featuring king beds, gas fireplaces, indoor/outdoor showers and private decks. These tents blend camping with resort comforts.

Hostels and Budget‑Friendly Options

Travelers on a budget can still enjoy Bend’s adventure scene. Hostels and budget hotels provide affordable beds and communal spaces:

• Bunk+Brew Historic Lucas House: Mentioned above, this hostel offers bunks in a historic building with a lively atmosphere.

• Seasonal Workforce Lodging: During the summer and ski seasons, seasonal lodgings provide shared rooms for workers—check with local resorts for availability.

• Budget Motels: Along Third Street (Highway 97) you’ll find national chains and independent motels offering clean, no‑frills rooms. While they may lack charm, they’re convenient for road‑trippers and those who spend their days adventuring.

Pet‑Friendly and Family‑Friendly Places

Many Bend accommodations welcome pets; call ahead to confirm fees and policies. Resorts like Sunriver and Tetherow offer pet‑friendly vacation rentals. Most campgrounds allow leashed dogs, though some restrictions apply. For families, look for lodgings with pools, playgrounds and easy access to trails. Sunriver’s aquatic center and large network of paved trails are ideal for kids.

Booking Tips

1. Reserve early for peak seasons. Summer (June–August) and winter ski season (December–February) fill quickly

2. Check cancellation policies. Weather and wildfire smoke can change plans; flexible reservations reduce stress.

3. Read local reviews. All Things Bend will include community reviews to help you choose. For now, TripAdvisor and Google reviews offer insight.

4. Consider mid‑week stays. Prices drop on weekdays, and popular restaurants and trails are less crowded.

5. Support local businesses. Book directly through hotel websites or local rental agencies when possible to keep tourism dollars in Bend.

From forest‑framed resorts to historic schools turned hotels, Bend has accommodations for every style and budget. Whether you’re sipping cocktails in a boutique downtown hotel or roasting marshmallows outside your glamping tent, you’ll find that Bend’s lodging scene reflects the town’s adventurous spirit and welcoming vibe. Use the links and tips above to plan your stay, and let All Things Bend be your trusted local resource for lodging in Central Oregon.