Bend, Oregon is one of the most exciting mountain towns in the West—a high desert hub for outdoor adventures, craft beer, boutique shopping, and unforgettable scenery.
As locals who spend most of our time exploring Bend’s neighborhoods, trails, and restaurants, we’ve stayed (and played) in nearly every corner of the city.
If you are visiting Bend (especially for the first time), we recommend staying in Downtown Bend (also known as Old Bend). But in this article, we’ll rank all the various options on where to stay in Bend, Oregon.
Want Our Best Bets on Where to Stay in Bend, Oregon?
- Best Overall Hotel. Oxford Bend Hotel
- Best Luxury Hotel. Tetherow Resort
- Best Boutique Hotel. McMenamis Old St. Francis School
- Best Resort. Juniper Reserve
- Best Hotel for Families. Wall Street Suites
- Best Budget Hotel. Best Western Bend North
- Best Rustic Hotel. LOGE Bend
- Best Airbnbs/Vacation Rentals. Bend Oregon Airbnbs
Now we’ll rank the various places to stay in Bend, giving you a breakdown of each area with why you should, and shouldn’t stay there:
Map of Areas to Stay in Bend, Oregon
Disclaimer: While we are Bend residents and experts on everything to do in Bend, and we have stayed at many properties in Bend, we have not stayed at all of them. This list is based on our experience, research, and feedback from locals and property experts. Also, many of the images below are courtesy of the listings.
1. Downtown Bend / Old Bend
Why Stay Here: This is our #1 recommended area to stay in Bend. This is especially true for first-time visitors.
If you are visiting Bend, chances are you’ll spend a lot of time enjoying the outdoor adventures outside town. But Bend is a fabulous mountain town, and staying downtown allows you to enjoy it fully.
Staying in this area enables you to walk to the many restaurants, shops, and breweries. Plus, you’ll be close to Drake Park and the Deschutes River, which are the heart of Bend.
Pro Tip: Try to stay west of Route 97 and closer to Drake Park.
Downtown Bend / Old Bend Travel Guide
Best Hotel Options:
- McMenamis Old St. Francis School. $$
- Oxford Bend Hotel. $$$$
- Springhill Suites Downtown Bend. $$
- The Newberry Hotel Bend (Hilton). $$$
Vacation Rental Options: Old Bend Vacation Rentals
Where to Eat and Drink: Jackson’s Corner, Drake, Wild Rose, Deschutes Public House
Don’t Miss: Drake Park
2. River West
Why Stay Here: River West comprises the trendy neighborhoods on the west side of the Deschutes, located across from downtown Bend. This is still considered part of the heart of downtown, and a great place to stay if you are visiting.
You’ll find virtually no hotels in this area. However, these walkable and bikable neighborhoods offer numerous vacation rentals on Airbnb and VRBO, allowing you to stay in these vibrant neighborhoods.
River West is also home to Galveston Avenue, one of the best drags in Bend for restaurants, breweries, coffee shops, and food carts. If you can find a rental near Galveston Avenue, consider it a prime location.
Pro Tip: Consider locations further east near the Deschutes River, or anywhere close to Galveston Avenue, to make walking to venues easier from your rental.
River West Bend Travel Guide
Vacation Rental Options: River West Bend Rentals
Where to Eat and Drink: Bosa, Spork, Sunriver Brewing, 10 Barrell Brewing, GoodLife Brewing
Don’t Miss: The Lot (Food Trucks)
Book Your Adventure in Bend:
3. NorthWest Crossing
Why Stay Here: Located in the Summit West neighborhood, this is a modern, planned community that is arguably the most popular place to live in Bend. Beautiful neighborhoods filled with families living the ‘Bend Lifestyle’.
This is another area with a limited number of hotels, but numerous great Airbnb options and vacation rentals.
You’ll be a bit farther from downtown Bend, but closer to the mountains. Northwest Crossing has its own very cool, vibey neighborhood where you can hang out. The Grove is a market hall located on this strip, featuring several local restaurants and coffee shops.
The main drag (NW Crossing St itself) extending west from Compass Park is a town center with more shops, restaurants, and bars. It’s the home of Sparrow Bakery, one of the best breakfast spots in Bend.
Pro Tip: If you are staying in NorthWest Crossing (or anywhere else in Bend for that matter) anytime between June and September, try to visit the NorthWest Crossing Farmers Market on Saturday mornings. It’s the best farmers’ market in Bend.
NorthWest Crossing Bend Travel Guide
Vacation Rental Options: NorthWest Crossing Vacation Rentals
Where to Eat and Drink: Rancher Butcher Chef, La Rosa, Sparrow Bakery Northwest, Mountain Burger
Don’t Miss: NorthWest Crossing Farmers Market
4. Old Mill District / Southern Crossing
Why Stay Here: Bend’s riverfront hub offers vibrant shopping, dining, and entertainment, making it the city’s liveliest area.
The Old Mill District features a variety of shops, restaurants, and breweries, along with the Hayden Amphitheatre, which hosts concerts year-round.
You’ll also be right by an essential stretch of the Deschutes River, perfect for tubing, SUP, or kayaking. Many start this journey at nearby Riverbend Park, and the Bend Whitewater Park is just downstream.
With plenty of hotel and vacation rental options, staying here puts you within walking distance of all the action. Including Deschutes Brewery, a must-visit brewery in Bend!
Pro Tip: You won’t experience much traffic in Bend. But if you do, it will be in this area. Plan on rush hour traffic if staying here.
Old Mill District Bend Travel Guide
Best Hotel Options:
Vacation Rental Options: Old Mill District Vacation Rentals
Where to Eat and Drink: Lady Bird Cultural Society, Podski Food Truck Lot, Deschutes Brewery, Monkless Belgian Ales Brasserie
Don’t Miss: Deschutes Brewery
5. Century West / Tetherow
Why Stay Here: If you are visiting Bend primarily to enjoy the outdoor attractions to the west, staying in Century West is a great option.
This stretch in southwest Bend extends along the Cascade Lakes Highway, providing easy access to the Cascade Lakes, the Three Sisters Wilderness, and Mount Bachelor.
In fact, if you are coming to Bend to ski at Mount Bachelor, this is the best area to stay.
As far as accommodations, there are several great hotel options, as well as plenty of vacation rentals in Century West. We stayed in an Airbnb rental in Century West many years ago and really loved being so close to the Cascades.
This is also the home of Tetherow Resort, a premier luxury golf resort in Bend, which makes for a great getaway, especially for golfers.
Century West Bend Travel Guide
Best Hotel Options:
- Hotel Peppertree Bend. $$
- LOGE Bend. $$
- TownPlace Suites Mt. Bachelor. $$
- Pine Ridge Inn. $$
- Tetherow Resort. $$$
Vacation Rental Options: Century West Bend Rentals
Where to Eat and Drink: Hawkeye and Huckleberry, Bangers & Brews, Prost, GoodLife Brewing
Don’t Miss:
- Golfers! Widgi Creek Golf Course, Tetherow Golf Course
- Hiking and Biking – Rimrock Trail
6. North Bend
Why Stay Here: The north and northeast sections of Bend include the very commercial Boyd Acres, and the residential Orchard District and Mountain View.
While none of these would be our first choice, the reality is that they are all options. Boyd Acres has lots of chain hotels. You’ll be closer to Redmond Airport, plus all the shopping districts in Bend.
Orchard District and Mountain View are lovely neighborhoods, and there are plenty of vacation rentals here often for lower prices than the west side of Bend.
North Bend Travel Guide
Best Hotel Options:
- Riverhouse Lodge. $$$
- Campfire Bend. $$
- Element Bend. $$
- Best Western Bend North. $$
- Sugarloaf Mountain Motel. $
Vacation Rental Options: North Bend Vacation Rentals
Where to Eat and Drink: Bend Burger Company, McKay Cottage Restaurant, Van Henion Brewing, Boneyard Pub
Don’t Miss: The Last Blockbuster
More Alternatives on Where to Stay in Bend
There are a few resorts and towns slightly outside Bend that you should consider for your visit as well. Below we list them and why they are great places to stay near Bend.
Juniper Reserve
The Juniper Reserve is a gorgeous, luxury desert-style resort 20 minutes northeast of Bend. It's the home of Pronghorn Golf Club, the best golf course around Bend.
It has a price tag to match, but it's an exclusive place to stay.
Brasada Ranch
Brasada Ranch is a similar luxury resort with an excellent golf course east of Bend. The setting is beautiful, with a variety of accommodations.
It's another very special place to stay if you are willing to spend accordingly.
Sunriver Resort
The Sunriver Resort has become virtually an alternate section of Bend. The large, popular resort is a place families own vacation homes to enjoy golf, biking, hiking, and resort living.
But anyone can book a vacation here and fully embrace the Bend life.
Sisters
Sisters is the town 30 minutes northwest of Bend on route 20. The towns could not be more different. Sisters is much more of tourist town. It does have the advantage of being close to some of the best hikes around Bend.
There are a handful of hotels and resorts around Sisters, as well as vacation rentals..
Need More Help Planning Your Trip to Bend, Oregon?
No matter where you stay in Bend, you’ll find yourself just minutes away from incredible trails, breweries, and mountain views.
Use this guide to match your trip style—whether it’s a luxury boutique stay downtown or a mountain adventure base near Tetherow.
Check out more of guides to the Best of Bend:
