Where to Stay in Willamette Valley Oregon Wine Country
Oregon’s Willamette Valley is home to over 600 world-class wineries and is quickly growing in popularity as a wine tourist destination, offering its own charming alternative to crowded and more expensive wine regions.
Named after the Willamette River flowing through the region, Willamette Valley also has much more to offer beyond wine. Trendy gourmet restaurants, historic downtown areas, and adventurous hikes – you’ll find it all here!
This guide will help you find the perfect place to stay in Willamette Valley.
I’ve grown up in Salem, lived for several years in Portland, and returned as an adult to establish a homebase in Monmouth at the edge of Oregon wine country.
I’ve written previously about the best places to hang out in Salem, some favorite walking routes, summer harvest spots, coffeeshops, and nearby day trips from Salem.
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Where to Stay in Willamette Valley Oregon
When it comes to great accommodations in the Willamette Valley, you have options!
City Stays – Looking for convenient amenities and lots of things to do? Staying in a Willamette Valley city will give you easy access to car rentals, Amtrak, shopping, plus plenty of restaurants, recreation, and entertainment options.
Major cities in the Willamette Valley are found along Interstate 5 (a.k.a. I5). Each city mentioned below is within an hour’s drive of numerous wineries and vineyards.
Small Town Trips – The Valley has a number of charming small towns for that Americana vibe. Many have wine tasting to complement any vineyard visits just a short drive away.
Naturally, small towns will be more laid back but may have fewer options for things like supermarkets or transportation. See our recommended towns below.
Wine Country Accommodations – If you have your own vehicle for the trip, staying outside of town allows you to enjoy the beauty of rural Oregon countrysides. This could mean staying at wineries with lodging on site or simply a vacation rental amidst the rolling hills.
Best Towns to Stay in Willamette Valley Wine Country
The following are listed from North to South in the Willamette Valley.
Portland, Oregon: Population: 652,000. Portland is the largest city in Oregon. It’s home to Oregon’s PDX international airport. Located near the border with Washington, Portland is the nothern-most city on the Willamette River.
Dundee, Oregon: Population: 3,000. Located in the north end of the Willamette Valley, Dundee is nestled between Red Hills and Willamette River. It’s especially known for attracting pinot noir enthusiasts from all over the world.
Carlton, Oregon: Population: 2,000. Once a small logging town, Carlton now boasts of a charming downtown area with dozens of tasting rooms. It’s home to Yamhill-Carlton, a respected American Viticultural Area.
McMinnville, Oregon: Population: 35,000. McMinnville has a historic downtown area lined with markets, craft breweries, antique boutiques. It’s home to Linfield University and over 220 wineries.
Silverton, Oregon: Population: 11,000. Known as Oregon’s Garden City, Silverton is home to the stunning botanical Oregon Garden and the gateway to the beautiful Silver Falls State Park.
Salem, Oregon: Population: 170,000. Salem, the capitol city, is just one hour South of Portland on I5. Home to Willamette University, local government, and a variety of activities for visitors.
Independence, Oregon: Population: 10,000. A cute little town with relaxing riverfront park, boutiques, restaurants, and a festive 4th of July celebration. Neighboring Monmouth, where you’ll find Western Oregon University and Crush Wine Bar.
Corvallis, Oregon: Population: 60,000. Located 50 miles from the Oregon Coast, Corvallis is home to Oregon State University and is famous for its network of hiking and mountain biking trails.
Eugene, Oregon: – Population: 168,000. Home to the University of Oregon, Eugene is a dynamic city known for both its arts and culture as well as its adventurous recreational activities.
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Best Hotels in Willamette Valley Oregon
If it’s a hotel you’re looking for, we recommend the following hotel accommodations in the Willamette Valley.
McMenamin’s Kennedy School: Unique Portland Stay
Ian Poellet (User:Werewombat), CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
I’ve always wanted to stay at McMenamin’s Kennedy School because it’s so unique. The McMenamin’s franchise is well known for refurbishing historic buildings into funky brew pub restaurants and boutique hotels.
Located in Northeast Portland, the Kennedy School is a former elementary school that now houses a restaurant, bars, movie theater, heated saltwater soaking pool, hotel rooms, and more murals than you can count.
Location: Northeast Portland
Cost: $$-$$$
Lodging style: Boutique Hotel
Amenities/highlights:
- Historic building
- Restaurant and Bar
- Heated saltwater pool
- On-site movie theatre
- Free private parking
Guests Say:
“Rooms delightfully furnished. Staff very helpful and accommodating.” | “I loved how unique this hotel is and the warm pool. It was an amazing experience.” | “Great location for us – close to airport and our destination”
Check rates and availability for McMenamin’s Kennedy School >
Top Downtown Salem Hotel
The Grand Hotel – Salem is an excellent accommodation right in the heart of downtown Salem close to lots of dining options. With wineries starting just 7 miles away, this Willamette Valley hotel can make a great base for a wine tour.
We chose to stay at The Grand during a post-wedding celebration. It’s the most central Salem hotel and probably also the classiest.
Location: Downtown, next to Salem Convention Center. 9 min walk to Salem Riverfront Park, 12 min walk to Oregon State Capitol.
Cost: $$$
Lodging style: Hotel
Amenities/highlights:
- Swimming pool
- Breakfast included
- Parking included
- Onsite restaurant and bar
- Free train station pick-up
Guests Say:
“The staff were fantastic. They were very cordial and responsive. By the end of my stay they were almost like friends. I would definitely stay there again.” | “The cleanliness of the room was superb, the comfort of the bed was top-notch. Will definitely return!” | “This is my favorite place to stay in Salem. It’s downtown and close to restaurants and bars.”
Downsides: Some traffic noise
Check rates and availability for The Grand Hotel – Salem >
Riverside hotel in Independence, OR
The Independence Hotel features excellent facilities, sleek and modern furnishings, friendly staff, and great location. This location on the water and in the heart of Independence is my favorite location of the Willamette Valley hotels.
Beautiful views of the park and river can be seen from the hotel’s rooftop patio. Delicious dining options and cute shops are a short walk away. Local wineries and tasting rooms are just 10 minutes away.
Location: Charming town of Independence, 12 miles from Salem.
Cost: $$/$$$
Lodging style: Hotel
Amenities/highlights:
- Restaurant and bar on site
- Fitness center
- Hot tub
- Park/River views
Guests Say:
“Excellent facility! Very nice staff. Rooms were great.” | “The staff is superb. The views, roof top balcony and hot tub are stellar.” | “It is a fun and swanky hotel in a quaint town. Everything is new, clean, and up-to-date.”
Check rates and availability for The Independence Hotel >
Atticus Hotel in McMinnville, Oregon
Atticus Hotel celebrates the culture and community of Oregon Wine Country. Each of the 36 rooms is uniquely different, featuring furnishings and pieces by local artists and craftsmen.
Located in Historic Downtown McMinnville, Atticus Hotel puts a personal touch in all details, from locally sourced coffee to fireplaces in every room. This is one of the best Oregon wine country hotels if you want to learn about local culture in luxury.
Location: Downtown McMinnville
Cost: $$-$$$
Lodging style: Hotel
Amenities/highlights:
- Onsite restaurant and bar
- Fitness room
- Business center
- Electric vehicle charging stations
Guests Say:
“Exceptional service and location” | “Staff were very friendly and helpful with various recommendations for wineries and restaurants” | “Beautiful hotel with great finishing touches”
Check rates and availability for Atticus Hotel >
Best Willamette Valley Vacation Rentals in Wine Country
Looking to stay in a house, apartment, or boutique bed and breakfast for your Oregon wine country vacation?
South Salem large group house rental
9 guests · 5 bedrooms · 7 beds · 3 baths
This Neo-Victorian Home features a well appointed kitchen, large bedrooms with comfortable beds, a fireplace, and lots of spaces for relaxation or work. Located in a peaceful neighborhood and just a few blocks away from numerous dining options, this property is a home away from home, perfect for large groups or family.
Location: Inner South Salem neighborhood
Cost: $$/$$$
Lodging style: House rental
Amenities/highlights:
- Patio and nice lawn
- Washer & Dryer
- Foosball table
- Short walk to restaurants
Guests Say:
“Such a beautiful, comfortable and fun home! The owner is quick to communicate and reliable. ” | “Delightful and very homey. Mathew the owner was very respectful of our privacy, but also very attentive to any questions we had.” | “Nice comfortable home close to downtown Salem. We will definitely return.”
Check rates and availability for Neo-Victorian Home rental >
La Bastide Bed and Breakfast
La Bastide Bed and Breakfast is a cozy inn with tastefully appointed rooms and vineyard views. Each morning you’ll be treated to a wide array of breakfast selections prepared from scratch with locally sourced seasonal ingredients.
With over 25 wineries and tasting rooms located within 2 miles, this B&B also offers proximity to tons of activities for an ideal wine country vacation.
Location: Dundee, Oregon
Cost: $$$
Lodging style: B&B
Amenities/highlights:
- Two-course gourmet breakfast included
- Vineyard and hillside views
- Free parking
Guests Say:
“The breakfast was delicious and made from scratch from local ingredients” | “Host is engaging and available, also knowledgeable about the locale” | “Spectacular, comfortable, ultra-clean rooms”
Check rates and availability for La Bastide B&B >
Bella Collina Bed and Breakfast
Located on a private hillside with vast outdoor space, Bella Collina B&B is ideal for those looking for a getaway from city life. Take in views of the Coast Range in the uniquely appointed rooms and enjoy farm-to-table breakfasts prepared by the friendly staff.
Location: Amity, Oregon
Cost: $$$
Lodging style: B&B
Amenities/highlights:
- Two-course gourmet breakfast included
- Beautiful views
- Sky loft and deck
- Outdoor patio and ¾ acre lawn
Guests Say:
“Beautiful property, clean and nicely decorated” | “Everything from the morning breakfast to the evening happy hour was done to perfection” | “Sherwood, the innkeeper, was friendly and professional and very welcoming”
Check rates and availability for Bella Collina BnB >
Carlton Winery Lofts
Carlton Winery Lofts offers comfortable and spacious studio lofts located right on Main Street of downtown Carlton. This ideal location means dozens of wine tasting rooms and delicious eateries are all within walking distance.
Location: Carlton, Oregon
Cost: $$$
Lodging style: Vacation rental studio
Amenities/highlights:
- Free wine tasting included
- Located along Main Street
- Washer and dryer
- Kitchenette
Guests Say:
“You can’t beat the location of these comfortable, character-laden lofts” | “Very pretty, well-appointed room in a small town” | “Convenient and so fun to be near the wineries and excellent restaurants!”
Check rates and availability for Carlton Winery Lofts >
Other Willamette Valley Wineries with Lodging On Site
Oregon wineries with lodging are rare but there are a few in the Willamette Valley region!
Chehalem Guest Houses – Newberg, Oregon
Stoller Family Estate Guest Houses – Dayton, Oregon
Willamette Valley Vineyards Winery Suites – Turner, Oregon
Top Airbnbs in Willamette Valley Wine Country
Gorgeous Historical House, Walk to Downtown Salem – Salem, 3bed/2.5bath, 6 guests
Willamette Valley Apt – Surrounded by Wineries! – Newberg, 1.5bed/2bath, 4 guests
More about visiting Oregon wine country
For further reading about Willamette Valley travel:
– 3 Fantastic Day Trips from Salem
– A Local’s Guide to the Top Things to Do in Portland Oregon
– A Complete Guide to Visiting Independence and Monmouth, Oregon
– 5 Favorite Places to Run (or Walk) in Salem, Oregon
– Favorite Places to Hang Out in Salem, Oregon
– Best Coffee Shops with Wifi for Work or Studying in Salem, Oregon
– Oregon’s Best-Kept Secret: Silver Falls State Park
– A Local’s Guide to Oregon Road Trip Destinations and Itineraries
