Bend Versus Sunriver - Your thoughts.......

Hi All,

Would love your expertise....we are looking to spend a long weekend in Sunriver or Bend. The plan is to spend at least a couple days skiing at Mt Bachelor. We are debating between the Sunriver lodge or staying in Bend instead. Any recommendations on nice hotels in Bend? Is it easier to get to the mountain by staying in Bend or in Sunriver or is it easy to stay in Sunriver and go out in Bend in the evening? Recommendations on restaurants?? Thanks so much!

Bend Versus Sunriver - Your thoughts.......

Both places are great, the difference is that Sunriver is a resort in the boonies, while Bend has a thriving downtown with wonderful restaurants and fun nightlife. Both have easy access to Mt. Bachelor.

That being said, Sunriver I believe does offer discounts at Mt. Bachelor for guests, so that might weigh in your decision.

Most of the hotels in Bend proper are chain business-class hotels, but there is the Towne Place Suites by Marriott, or the Phoenix Inn that are right there downtown. Just outside town are resort communities like the Inn at the Mountain that are nicer, though.

For restaurants, our favorite is Cafe Rosemary on Newport. Next would probably be Staccato at the Firehall (sit outside on the patio, much nicer than inside - they have heaters). Cork is very good as well. Others we like are Vino Mercato, Robbie J%26#39;s Bistro, Hans, and the Pine Tavern. For casual dining and Beer, the Deschutes Brewery is good.

Hope this helps, have fun!

Bend Versus Sunriver - Your thoughts.......

Yes, either one is very easy as far as getting to Mt. Bachelor. We always stay at Sunriver, so obviously enjoy that, lol! There are two lodges there...the regular one and the River Lodge (a bit more upscale). While we normally rent homes there, we have stayed in the River Lodge several times and it is very nice...no complaints whatsoever. There is a fantastic spa on site as well, within walking distance of the lodges, if that interests you.

It is easy to stay at Sunriver and head into Bend in the evenings. It is only about 15 miles straight down HWY 97.

As I said, we always stay at Sunriver. We have several family members that live in the area as well as at Sunriver, so other family that visits have stayed at various places. The ones that they seem to enjoy are the McMenamins Old St. Francis School, the Pine Ridge Inn, the Lara House, and Rock Springs Guest Ranch.

Sunriver in the winter is pretty quiet...sometimes can feel like a ghost town. If you want more activity, then you might enjoy Bend more.

Thanks so much, this helps a ton!!!

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