Hayward Inn

I spent about a week here and had a good stay. David, Ian, and the front desk woman whose name I didn’t catch were all welcoming and kind. Staff also gave me a map of U of O and suggested fun things to do nearby on foot, which I appreciated. My room had a small balcony, and parking was free. Breakfast was what you’d expect from a complimentary hotel breakfast. I’d happily stay again.

This was the worst lodging experience I’ve had, mainly because of the misleading advertising and terrible customer service. I chose it for the location near UO and the advertised quiet rooms with a Willamette River view. Instead, it felt like a low-budget motel posing as a luxury hotel. The remodeled rooms used cheap materials, the buildings were far from the lobby and amenities, and the paper-thin walls let us hear other guests showering and running water. The front desk was inhospitable and did nothing to help, saying morning showers were to be expected. I’ve never been woken by other people showering at a hotel before. The bathroom had chipped paint and visible stains. The one thing I appreciated was the 55-inch TV. Do better.

I only went into the lobby building for a meeting, but liked its clean, understated modern design. The staff were as cheerful as I could handle, without the fake corporate smiles that make you feel queasy. Hayward seems both tucked away and central, just moments from downtown Eugene and OSU, beside scenic bike paths along the Willamette River that pass through several lovely parks. From what I saw, it’s cheaper than Valley River Inn, whose appeal I don’t get, and that Hilton offshoot that looks and feels like a detention facility. Staying here would be the least depressing part of being in Eugene.

A great place to stay. The rooms are a good size, modern, and well cared for, and breakfast was warm and delicious. There’s plenty of parking, and the hotel is right by campus.