The Valley River Inn in Eugene, Oregon, will soon be debuting a refreshed look and feel after a multimillion-dollar renovation. The hotel is slated to formally reopen with all updated amenities available in either late October or early November, debuting some 250 redesigned rooms. Its on-site restaurant, Sweet Waters on the River, also received upgrades and reopened in August. Valley River Inn has completed a soft reopening with select guest rooms and dining services currently available.
Sweet Waters on the River features stunning views of the Willamette River and is led by Executive Chef Alfredo Van Nortwick, a local Eugene culinary expert with decades of experience in the Northwest region. Signature dishes visitors will find here include salmon corn dogs and wild mushroom orecchiette, both of which use locally sourced ingredients. Sip on inventive cocktails like the Cascadia, which features Timberline Vodka, Willamette Valley rosé, marionberry, apricot, Aperol, and lemon; or the Winchuck, a Northwest take on an Old Fashioned using Westward Whiskey, hazelnut demerara syrup, Clear Creek Distilling pear brandy, and garnished with a house-made hazelnut brittle.
“I am deeply passionate about our bountiful local ingredients and vibrant food culture here in Eugene,” says Nortwick in a prepared statement. “It’s a bright new chapter for this iconic Eugene dining destination, one that I am excited to share with our community.”
The restaurant upgrades were completed in tandem with Eugene-based architect firm GMA Designs to create an open floor plan across three levels. An earthy color scheme of beige, light green, and light gray flows through each corner of Sweet Waters, an ode to its surrounding natural landscapes. Dark wooden tables with live edging were sourced from Urban Lumber Co. based in Springfield. Groups considering a Northwest-inspired culinary experience can gather in one of several spaces within the restaurant—its riverfront long deck can seat up to 50, its four-sided bar against floor-to-ceiling windows can seat 25, and a glass-enclosed private event space can host up to 42.
Upon its formal reopening later this fall, Valley River Inn will feature renovated ballrooms, a fitness center, and pool. Planners can host in its 15,000 square feet of function space, which includes the Willamette Ballroom, Columbia Ballroom, Rogue and Umqua rooms, and others.
