When visiting the Willamette Valley, skip the standard hotel room and find a more unique place to stay
A wine country getaway might not sound like a natural fit for family travelers. However, many wineries welcome families, offering activities and spaces for kids to play, and picnic areas for families have a snack.
For a casual and affordable wine country vacation, we recommend that you skip Napa and head to Oregon’s Willamette Valley, home to 500 wineries and some of the world’s best Pinot Noir.
It’s not just about the wine in Oregon’s Wine Country, there’s plenty more to do here for families. You can get outdoors for a hike or paddle, spend time at an unusual waterpark, see an aeronautical marvel, even take in a drive-in movie.
You can make a day trip to this area from Portland or spend a night or two. Here are four different ways to stay in Oregon’s Wine Country that will ensure a truly Pacific Northwest experience.
1. Locally owned hotels
When it comes to hotel options, there are several choices including chain hotels. Prefer a more local experience? Here are a couple of locally-owned hotel options that showcase the Northwest.
Atticus Hotel
Recently opened in 2018, the Atticus Hotel (375 NE Ford Street) offers a luxury experience in Downtown McMinnville.
The hotel has 36 guest rooms and no two are alike. Families will have ample room to spread out in a Luxe Suite. The in-room fireplaces, Northwest amenities like Pendleton robes and locally roasted coffee, and a curated reading collection make the stay memorable. While the hotel has a modern feel, it also pays homage to McMinnville’s history.
Guests can expect perks like a glass of local bubbly at check-in. Espresso on-demand is available in the lobby 24-hours a day. The hotel provides bikes for guests to use while exploring the area. We highly recommend dining at the Red Hills Kitchen, try the Chicken and Donuts, a dish so popular that it’s served at breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Rooms range from $250-$450.
For a full review of the Atticus Hotel, click here.
Hotel Oregon
Located just a few blocks down the street in downtown McMinnville is Hotel Oregon (310 NE Evans Street). If the Atticus is luxury, then Hotel Oregon is best described as quirky.
There are 42 guest rooms in the 4-story historic hotel. About 20 years ago family-owned McMenamins transformed the century old building into a unique tourist destination.
Murals are painted on the walls of each floor. Each room here is unique, too. The rooms are named after a cast of local characters, all of then had something to do with the property over the years. For example, we stayed in the Nic Nicolai, Jr room. The Nicolai family managed the hotel from the 1940s to the 1970s. A painting of Nic and details of his life were painted on the walls of the room. Hotel Oregon is full of one-of-a-kind paintings, as well as antique furniture and vintage features, like the original porcelain sinks in the rooms.
McMenamins is a locally owned group of pubs, restaurants and historic hotels. If you’ve visited other McMenamins locations in the Northwest, you’ll find Hotel Oregon has many similarities in its design as well as in the food and drink offerings on its menus.
There are three small bars and a restaurant on property. It’s worth checking out the Rooftop Bar, which offers views of McMinnville and the surrounding region. Kids are allowed in the bar, which also serves food. Live music is offered on some nights, shows are free and generally open to all ages. The restaurant is located on the main floor and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Grab a booth next to one of the big windows and people watch.
Hotel Oregon has king and queen rooms. You can request a roll-away. An important note when booking, pay attention to the bathroom set-up. Some rooms have private bathrooms, but others have a sink only. In those cases, common facilities are available down the hall. We found the shared restrooms to be clean and well-kept.
Room rates start at $75 for a queen with common bath and range up to $200 for a King with Private Bath. For a larger group, consider reserving adjoining rooms with a shared bath in between rooms. If your four-legged family members are traveling with you, pets are allowed in rooms for an additional $15.
2. Winery stays
If traveling with a larger family or extended family, consider renting a cottage at one of the wineries. Several offer overnight accommodations. Here are just a few options:
Silo Suites Bed & Breakfast at Abbey Road Farm
Visitors to The Silo Suite B&B at Abbey Road Farm (10501 NE Abbey Road in Carlton) can rent out the Ranch House. It’s a three bedroom, two bath home with a full living room, dining room and kitchen as well as laundry facilities. This is the farm’s original ranch house. It was recently remodeled and it’s in impeccable condition. The home rents for $550 a night. Guests will find the kitchen stocked with eggs and produce fresh from Abbey Road farm so that they can make their own breakfasts. (There are also guest rooms inside the renovated grain silos. The units have just one king bed. With permission, you might be allowed to bring a portable crib or bedroll for small kids. Be sure to ask! The staff here is friendly and accommodating.) The Ranch House is available to wine club members only. Inquire with the winery to find out more about becoming a member and booking your stay. While you’re here, visit the tasting room (there’s a large outdoor space where kids can run around), and wander around the 82-acre working farm where you’ll meet some friendly farm animals. The winery hosts family friendly events throughout the year, like holiday markets featuring local artists, and an annual summer “Silobration” event.
Stoller Estate
The Wine Country Cottage at Stoller Estate (16161 NE McDougall Road in Dayton) is a cozy guest house located just down the hill from the winery and tasting room. It has three bedrooms and two bathrooms. You’ll also have a living room, dining area and kitchen. It accommodates up to six people. If traveling with a bigger group, there are two larger houses available for rent, that can accommodate up to eight or 12 people. Rates for the Wine Country Cottage start at $316 a night for wine club members or $395 per night for non-members. While you’re there, take walk around the expansive property and let the kids can play on the tire swing.
Red Ridge Farms
The Stoneycrest Cottage at Red Ridge Farms (5510 NE Breyman Orchards Road in Dayton) is two bedrooms and two baths. The cottage is located on the vineyard and can accommodate 4 or 5 guests. The home has a king and queen bed, with a roll-away available upon request. Take in the views on an expansive wrap-around porch. Inside, you’ll find all the amenities of home including a kitchen and laundry facilities. There’s a two-night minimum and rates start at $375/night. Red Ridge is one of the few farms in Oregon to grow olives and it has Oregon’s only commercial olive oil mill. Tours of the Oregon Olive Mill are offered seasonally. While you’re here, you can taste olive oil as well as wine from Durant Vineyards. Be sure to walk around the grounds. You’ll find a nursery, lavender field and a large gift shop which is full of Northwest-made goodies.
3. Flats for families
Luxury Wine Country Studio
Downtown Dundee
Located just above the popular Red Hills Market in Downtown Dundee are two studio lofts. Each Luxury Wine Country Studio loft has a modern industrial feel. The lofts have a living area with sleeper sofa and a king sized bed. The kitchenette has a large eating bar, small fridge, microwave, sink and coffee maker with complimentary coffee & tea. The loft accommodates up to four people. If traveling with a larger group, you could rent out both loft spaces. There are laundry facilities in a shared hallway. Rates start at $99 a night. While you’re here, you’re just steps away from delicious, local food at the market below. Play some bocce on the full sized court out back.
3rd Street Flats
Downtown McMinnville
3rd Street Flats has several historic apartments for rent in Downtown McMinnville. The units can accommodate up to six people. The apartments are located within two historic buildings. Each unit is decorated a little differently, but all have fireplaces and kitchens. Prices vary depending on the units, but the two bedroom properties run about $300 a night. Each one comes with a bottle of wine and other treats like caramels and coffee. While you’re here, walk downstairs and explore Downtown McMinnville. There are 35 restaurants, 18 tasting rooms and an assortment of specialty shops all within walking distance.
4. Retro trailers for rent
The Vintages Trailer Resort (16205 SE Kreder Road in Dayton) has 35 trailers for rent in 23 different styles. The trailers are indeed vintage, spanning the decades, from the 1940s to the present. All have air conditioning and heat. The Vintages website includes both interior and exterior photos, allowing you the opportunity to select the trailer that’s just right for your family.
Amenities inside each trailer include gourmet pour-over coffee, robes and hotel quality linens. Each trailer also has dishes and cooking utensils, plus outdoor grills.
At the trailer park, you’ll find a small pool and a clubhouse with outdoor lawn games. There are two cruiser bikes located at each site for complimentary use.
Most trailers can accommodate two adults and one child. Larger families should reserve two trailers. Keep in mind, no matter what you book, the accommodations are cozy. All of the trailers have a private bath with a toilet, most have a shower and one even has a private outdoor soaker tub.
Rates start at $115 a night.
This property has a few dog friendly trailers. Bringing your pet with you will add $75 to your stay. There’s a dog park on-site.
For a full review of The Vintages Trailer Resort click here.
Getting to Oregon’s Wine Country
The locations included this article are all located approximately an hour from Downtown Portland or the Portland International Airport.
The easiest way to get to the area is by car. During your visit, most of the accommodations mentioned in this article will arrange for wine country tours and transportation.
Editor’s Note: There are many wonderful B&B’s in this area. While some might accommodate families, most are focused on couples. For that reason, we chose to showcase other lodging options.
The writer received some complimentary hotel stays for the purposes of this review. All opinions are her own.
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