Your home base for outdoor adventures in Bend, Oregon
When it comes to the best destinations for traveling families, Central Oregon checks all the boxes. It’s got beautiful scenery, nice weather, a range of outdoor activities, great food, and so much more. My family loves this area. Even though we visit several times a year, there’s always something new to see or do.
The region also has a lot of options for accommodations. There are resorts, ranches, rental homes, and hotel rooms. The cost varies considerably depending on what, when and where you book. If you need a place to serve as a simple home base during a family getaway, and you prefer to let someone else do the cleaning and cooking, a hotel room may be your most affordable option.
A good choice for family travelers is the Campfire Hotel (721 NE 3rd Street), which is located just a few minutes from Downtown Bend. This is a recently renovated motor lodge that blends vintage motel style with camp vibes.
Accommodations at the Campfire Hotel
The hotel has 100 rooms with plenty of choices for families. That includes double queen rooms, a king room with bunkbeds, and a two bedroom suite.
Each room has been renovated with simple, but classy furnishings. The large vintage photo murals on the walls are a cool touch. We appreciated the other details, too, things like a retro radio next to the bed and a rotary dial phone on the desk. (My kids said, “What’s that thing?”) Rooms are also equipped with instruments, like guitars. Nope, it’s not just a decorative item. You can play them in your room! You’ll also find plenty of space to safely stow your outdoor gear between adventures.
Rooms have free WiFi, TVs and mini-fridges, too. So basically you’re all set when you stay here. Rates start at an affordable $99/night. Dogs are even welcome in certain “pup friendly” rooms.
Activities at the Campfire Hotel
At the heart of the hotel is the pool, hot tub and fire pit. This is likely where your family will be hanging out. The pool is heated, which means that you can dive-in even on the coldest days. Fun fact, Bend averages 300 days of sun a year. The hot tub is a popular place year-round for the young and old.
Editor’s Note: Due to Covid-19 restrictions, reservations may be required for the pool and hot tub. Contact the hotel in advance of your visit to find out more information.
The fire pit is another gathering spot, great for warming up, roasting s’mores or playing that guitar from your room. There’s a nice community vibe around the fire pit. We met several other families as we sat relaxing by the flames. Be sure to snap a photo in the oversized Adirondack chair while you’re there.
After dark, the property is aglow in twinkly yellow lights. It’s really quite magical.
If your crew is a bit more rowdy (like mine!), this is a good hotel choice for you. No need to shush the kids. A little noise is to be expected around here.
Although, quiet hours are from 10pm until 8am, the party atmosphere can sometimes linger later into the evening. Ear plugs are conveniently provided in each room.
Other Amenities at the Campfire Hotel
The front desk staff is super friendly and very knowledgeable about what to do, and where to eat, in the Bend-area. They can also help with arranging gear rental and shuttle transportation to nearby Mt. Bachelor if you want to spend a day on the slopes.
Be sure to visit the Campfire Hotel gift shop for a fun selection of branded merchandise from knit caps to flasks. There’s an assortment of local snacks and beverages available for purchase, too.
Another hotel perk? Locally brewed coffee is complimentary 24/7 in the lobby.
KidTripster Tip: For dinner or lunch, walk over to El Sancho Taco Shop (335 NE Dekalb Avenue). Located just a few blocks away, this funky taco shop serves up delicious tacos and margaritas. Order at the counter and then grab a seat. Or take your food to go. The line outside might seem long, but once you place your order, the food arrives quickly. If you have a gluten-free family member, this is a great dining choice. The posted menu didn’t explicitly indicate GF food items. When I asked the staff what items were gluten-free, they told me that the entire menu is GF. That made my night! Of course, be sure to notify the staff of your allergy when you order. Food items are a la carte with tacos averaging about $2.75 each, making this an affordable meal for families.
The author received a complimentary stay for purposes of this review. All opinions are her own.
