Oregon is full of incredible places to visit, and incredible places to stay. Is the Tu Tu’Tun Lodge one of the best hotels in Oregon?
I love exploring my home state of Oregon. From the rocky shores of the Oregon coast, to the vast deserts of Eastern Oregon, there is so much to see and do. But where should one stay while exploring the beaver state? I’m on a hunt to find the best hotels in Oregon.
I learned heard about the Tu Tu’Tun Lodge from a friend who posted about her stay on Instagram. I did a quick search, and it was love at first sight!
The pictures of a giant, pillowy bed and fireplace in the room had me excited. The views of the Rogue River had me packing my bags. I booked a room and set out for a lovely solo weekend of hiking, beach combing and relaxing.
The main categories I rate a hotel on are: Location, Accommodations, Amenieites/Activites, Grounds, Dining and Value. Keep reading to see how I think the Tu Tu’Tun Lodge scores.
Location
Just outside of Gold Beach, tucked away on the banks of the mighty Rogue River, sits the Tu Tu’Tun Lodge. The lodge is an unimposing, yet surprisingly luxurious, hideaway. Far enough from civilization for peace, and close enough for comfort, it is the perfect place for a quiet weekend, or a base for exploring the Southern Oregon Coast.
Just a 10-minute drive from the lodge is one of the most beautiful and popular areas of Oregon – The Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor. This 12-mile stretch of Hwy 101 between Gold Beach and Bandon holds some of the most incredible features of the Oregon Coast. Short hikes, or easy pullover viewpoints will bring you to some of the most Instagrammable spots in the state. Secret Beach, Natural Bridge and Arch Rock are just a few of the spectacular must-see spots.
Location Rating: 5/5
Accommodations
Tu Tu’Tun offers three types of accommodations: Standard Rooms, River Suites, and Houses.
Each standard room includes a balcony or patio with an expansive view of the river, an in room Nespresso machine, and top tier amenities. There are four room categories: Double Queen, Standard King, King Fireplace, and Deluxe King.
The two suites, named the Chinook and Steelhead Suites, are nestled above the main lodge. They provide the same amenities as the standard rooms, however, are much larger and include living and kitchen areas.
For larger groups, or those who want more space and privacy, there are three free standing houses available with multiple bedrooms.
King Fireplace Room (my room)
I chose the king fireplace room because sitting in front of a fire reading and sipping coffee is one of my favorite ways to relax. The room was beautifully decorated in hushed, neutral tones. Together with the wood, leather and stone furnishings, the room has an upscale, yet rustic feeling. I couldn’t imagine a more naturally comfortable setting.
Huge plush pillows lined the top of the king size bed, and a heavy down comforter lay across the bottom, just waiting to lull me into a restful sleep. Wood for a fire was already stacked with tinder inside the fireplace – all I had to do was light it! Within minutes I was enjoying the peaceful crackle I’d been longing for after a long day of hiking.
The huge french doors open up to a covered patio complete with a small table chairs, and a stunning view of the Rogue River.
The large tub was perfect for soaking in. And the high end amenities included a bath bomb for just that purpose! The bathroom also has heated floors, and a heated toilet seat and bidet.
Thoughtful touches throughout the room, like: binoculars for wildlife viewing, a Nespresso machine, and ample information about activities in the area, ensure your stay will be nearly perfect.
They also provided several current magazines, including one of my favorites – Conde Nast Traveler. Which, along with Travel + Leisure, has features Tu Tu’Tun is several of their best hotel lists.
Accommodation rating: 5/5
Activities and Offerings
May – October
- Kayaks
- Stand-up paddleboards
- Jet boat tours (extra fee)
- Breakfast and dinner served in the lodge (extra fee)
- Adults only (18 years and older)
November – April
- Breakfast included in room rate
- All ages welcome
Year-Round
- Spa services
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Day drives
- Golfing
Activities/Amenities rating: 5/5
Property
One of the best parts of this hotel is the beautiful surroundings. Right along the banks of the Rogue River, the views from every inch of the hotel are breathtaking. Each morning I was there, low hanging clouds clung to the hills on the other side of the river and sun rays danced through onto the expansive lawn making the whole scene feel magical.
Osprey and other native birds can be seen all day fishing and flying along above the water. Deer are frequent visitors to the grounds as well.
The Japanese style ornaments and shrubbery add another layer of peacefulness to the experience. You could easily spend the whole day lazing about and not feel like you missed a thing.
Property rating: 5/5
Dining
Tu Tu’Tun offers dinner and lunch from May through October, and breakfast year-round.
The four-course dinner is served family style at large tables in the beautiful lodge dining room with sweeping views of the river and grounds.
I stayed in November, so dinner at the lodge wasn’t available. However, breakfast was included in the price of my room, and it was fabulous! Consisting of eggs, red potatoes, toast and protein of your choice – sausage or pepper bacon – and accompanied by sweet breads, yogurt with granola, coffee and a variety of juices. Eaten in the beautifully decorated lodge dining room or library, It was the perfect way to start the day.
Dining rating: 5/5
Prices
Standard Rooms from $225
Suites from $445
Houses from $675
*Tu Tu’Tun’s rates and activities vary by season.
Value rating: 4/5
Is Tu Tu’Tun Lodge One of the Best Hotels in Oregon?
In my opinion, the Tu Tu’Tun Lodge is nearly perfect. My final scores are:
- Location: 5/5
- Accommodations: 5/5
- Activities/Amenities rating: 5/5
- Property rating: 5/5
- Dining: 5/5
- Price/Value 4/5
Giving Tu Tu’Tun a final score of 4.8/5. I deducted a point for price because in the summer when most of the activities can be enjoyed, the prices double making it too expensive, in my opinion. The prices in winter are still high, but I think worth it.
In conclusion, yes. I believe that the Tu Tu’Tune lodge is one of the best hotels in Oregon. If you’re looking for somewhere to base your Southern Oregon Coast explorations, this is a great choice.
