Bend's BEST Downtown Hotel? Fairfield Inn & Suites Review!
Bend's BEST Downtown Hotel? Fairfield Inn & Suites: My Unfiltered Take!
Okay, so I just got back from a whirlwind trip to Bend, Oregon, and let me tell you, finding the perfect hotel is a mission. I'm not your typical travel blogger – I value comfort, accessibility (because life!), and decent coffee. And after a lot of scrolling, I landed on the Fairfield Inn & Suites in Downtown Bend. Now, does it live up to the hype? Let's unpack this thing. I'm going to be honest. It's a mixed bag, people. A mixed bag.
Accessibility - Because, You Know, Life Happens:
This is where the Fairfield actually shines. And believe me, for me, it's a HUGE deal. Forget the fluffy pillows for a second! They've got wheelchair accessibility, and it's not just a token ramp, either. The hallways feel wide enough to breathe in, the elevators are dependable (important!), and the rooms…well, let's get to the rooms. I’ll say that they ticked the accessibility boxes and then some.
Internet - Because, Let's Face It, We're All Hooked:
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Glory be! The internet was actually decent. I was able to stream a movie without the buffering blues, which is a small miracle. The Internet access – LAN thing? Honestly, I didn’t even notice it. Who uses LAN anymore? I’m mostly on Wi-Fi, and you know, I actually found it great for Internet services like streaming and sending emails.
Cleanliness and Safety - Because 2024 is still a Thing:
Okay, let’s talk COVID-19. The Fairfield seems to have taken it seriously and kept things clean. They had Hand sanitizer everywhere, and the staff was very present with wiping things down. They also had Rooms sanitized between stays. I appreciated the Individually-wrapped food options (more on the breakfast later). It definitely felt safer than some of the other places I've stayed recently. The Daily disinfection in common areas was noticeable. The Staff trained in safety protocol was a plus.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - Okay, This is Where Things Get Interesting:
Okay, the Breakfast [buffet]: Brace yourselves. It’s a complimentary breakfast. The coffee? Let’s just say I’m partial to a strong local brew, but this was a little weak. The Breakfast takeaway service was great. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was pretty standard hotel fare. Now, there's no Poolside bar like some fancy resorts, and the Snack bar was more like a small display of chips and candy. But for quick bites and caffeine fixes, it did the job. And it's nice that they let you A la carte in restaurant – as long as you’re prepared to order some delivery.
Services and Conveniences - The Little Things That Matter:
The Daily housekeeping was efficient and unobtrusive. The Front desk [24-hour] was super helpful, too. The Elevator was reliable and fast. And the Fairfield has Cash withdrawal (though, really, who carries cash anymore?) and Contactless check-in/out. Luggage storage, also a lifesaver so you can keep exploring after check out. I also appreciated the facilities for disabled guests.
For the Kids - Family-Friendly?:
They have the Family/child friendly aspect down. I didn't see any actual kids, but I could imagine it being a good place for them.
Getting Around - Navigating Bend:
Car park [free of charge]! Hallelujah!! Parking in Bend can be a nightmare, so this was a massive win. They also have Taxi service. Forget about the Airport transfer or car power charging station, I didn't use them.
Available in All Rooms - The Nitty Gritty:
My room? It was, let's call it, "efficient". The Air conditioning worked a treat (thank goodness, because Bend can get hot). The Free bottled water was a nice touch. The Desk was actually functional (I actually got work done!). Wi-Fi [free], check. The Blackout curtains were a lifesaver, especially after a long day hiking. The Shower was decent. The Seating area, comfy. And, of course, the Hair dryer was the only thing that saved me from looking like a drowned rat.
My Room's Quirks and My Emotional Response:
Okay, here's where things get real. My room. It was clean, yes, but it was also… a bit generic. Like, straight from the "Hotel Room Starter Kit." The Interconnecting room(s) available gave me a funny feeling. The Non-smoking was a must.
The Bed was comfy, but it was the Extra long bed that got me. Seriously? I am average height. I'm not complaining, but I was thinking about the poor, extra-tall person, and if they had a partner or not, and if they had to share that bed. I spent way too much time staring at the Mirror instead of exploring Bend. I did appreciate the Alarm clock and the Wake-up service, because I was afraid of missing breakfast. There was an available Refrigerator, and a Coffee/tea maker.
I did appreciate that the Socket near the bed.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax - The Good Stuff:
Okay, this is Bend! The hotel is centrally located, so you're close to everything. Hiking, breweries, the Deschutes River… It's all there. I love a good Sauna, but those are absent, and the Spa is not available here. There is, sadly, no Pool with view.
And The Verdict?
Is the Fairfield Inn & Suites the best downtown hotel in Bend? That depends. If you prioritize accessibility, cleanliness, and convenience, and you’re not overly concerned with luxury, then YES. It’s a solid, reliable choice. It’s not perfect, but sometimes, solid and reliable is exactly what you need. And with some minor improvements, it could easily be perfect.
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Alright, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your pristine, perfectly-lined-up travel itinerary. This is… me planning a trip, which means a beautiful disaster in the making. We're heading to the Fairfield Inn & Suites Bend Downtown, because, well, Bend, Oregon, is calling, and Mama needs a break from… everything. Plus, the online photos of that place look clean and… well, I'm easily swayed by a promise of crisp white sheets.
The Absolutely Unreliable Bend, Oregon Itinerary (a Work in Progress, Probably)
Day 1: Arrival, Anxiety, and Beer
- Afternoon (ish), depending on… well, everything): FINALLY! Arrive at the Portland International Airport (PDX). Pray the flight isn't delayed. Pray my luggage isn't lost. Pray I don't accidentally spill coffee on the only decent shirt I packed. Deep breaths. Because the drive's a few hours to Bend, I'm planning an epic playlist for the road. Expect a healthy dose of 90s grunge, indie rock, and maybe, just maybe, a guilty pleasure Taylor Swift singalong. (Don't judge.) And then… the moment of truth – finding that darn rental car. I swear, I've gotten lost trying to leave a parking garage.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening (maybe): Check into the Fairfield Inn & Suites Bend Downtown. Fingers crossed the room actually looks like the pictures. I'm picturing fluffy pillows, a pristine bathroom, and maybe, just maybe, a view that isn't the parking lot. Okay, realistic expectations, Sarah. Realistic. Unpack, maybe. Or maybe collapse onto the aforementioned fluffy pillows and contemplate the meaning of life. Let's be real, the unpacking can wait.
- Evening – Beer O'Clock (because, Bend): Hit up Deschutes Brewery or 10 Barrel Brewing. Let's be honest, finding a brewery is easier than breathing in Bend, so I have no doubt. I'm a total sucker for a good IPA and some decent pub food. This is where the real relaxation begins… or when the beer anxiety kicks in. I just hope I don't order too much food. And if I do… who cares? We're on vacation!
- Night: Stumble back to the hotel. Maybe… maybe read a book. Or maybe watch some mind-numbing TV. The world is my oyster.
Day 2: Bend's Beauty (Maybe I'll Actually Leave the Hotel)
- Morning (or, like, early afternoon): Wake up. Eventually. The first order of business: coffee. Gotta find some good coffee in Bend. Research commences! And breakfast. If I'm feeling ambitious, I'll try to find a place with avocado toast. If not, I'll probably eat a granola bar in bed. Don't judge.
- Midday (if motivation strikes): Explore downtown Bend. Wander around the shops. Pretend I'm not on a mission to acquire souvenirs but a mission to soak in the charm. (And, yeah, maybe buy a Bend-branded t-shirt. Don't tell anyone.) This is where the "doing things" part of the itinerary should happen.
- Afternoon – Tumalo Falls & The Tumalo-Deschutes River Trail (HA!) Okay, real talk: I want to hike. I really do. But I'm also a master procrastinator and a sucker for a comfy bed and an afternoon nap. So, the plan is this: attempt a hike to Tumalo Falls. I'm thinking a moderate trail…something with views, but isn't going to send me into cardiac arrest. If the weather is nice AND I find parking… I might actually do it. Or, if the parking situation is a nightmare, I might just drive along the Deschutes River Trail. The scenery should be enough, if I'm being honest.
- Evening: Dinner at a restaurant. Thinking something with a view and a little buzz. Another beer is a must.
- Night: Stumble back to the hotel, this time fueled by food and an even more mellow buzz. Maybe actually read a book. Maybe start packing so I have one less thing to do when I leave. Or, you know, maybe scroll through my phone for hours.
Day 3: Farewell, Bend (Tears?)
- Morning (before it's too late): One final breakfast at the hotel. Try to savor the last moments of this blissful getaway… or at least try to convince myself to do so. Check out.
- Late Morning/Early Afternoon: Drive back to Portland. Pray.
- Afternoon/Evening: Arrive at PDX. Pray again. Fly home.
The "Imperfect's" and Ramblings
- Packing: I'm notorious for overpacking. I’ll probably bring a suitcase bigger than my apartment. (Just in case.) I always regret it, but I never learn.
- Food: I am easily tempted. I will probably try every food recommendation I find. Expect food coma at some point.
- Emotions: There will be moments of sheer joy, moments of frustration (probably related to driving or parking), and moments where I just want to curl up and never leave. It's the human experience.
- Adaptability: This itinerary is a suggestion. I am a creature of whims. If something amazing happens, or something goes horribly wrong, I'll completely change plans. Embrace the spontaneity!
- The One Thing I Really Want: I am completely obsessed with finding a genuinely good cup of coffee. This is my top priority. I am dedicated to the mission.
The Truth:
Honestly? This itinerary is probably going to go sideways. It's like a loose guideline. But that's the beauty of it, isn't it? The unexpected moments, the little discoveries, the things that were never planned…those are what make a trip memorable. And if I come back slightly sunburnt and slightly tipsy, with stories to tell and a newfound appreciation for the art of doing absolutely nothing? Well, then, mission accomplished. Now, time to book that flight…and pray for good parking karma.
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Is this Fairfield Inn REALLY the "BEST" Downtown Bend Hotel? That's a bold claim!
Okay, hold your horses. "BEST?" That's subjective, right? I wouldn't go quite *that* far. But, and this is a big BUT, it's definitely a *contender*. The location? Freaking *gold*. You're practically stumbling distance from breweries, food carts, and the Deschutes River. My friends, that's a win. Now, is it the *most luxurious*? Nah. Is it the *cheapest*? Probably not. But for location, convenience, and a decent (emphasis on *decent*) free breakfast, it's a solid choice. Let's call it "Best for the Wandering Beer Lover."
Let's talk location. How *good* is it, REALLY? Spill the tea!
Oh. My. God. The location is the *reason* you book this place. Remember that scene in "The Hangover" where they wake up and have absolutely NO idea how they got there? Well, picture that, but instead of a tiger in the bathroom, you have a craft brewery on every corner. And by every corner, I mean… EVERY CORNER. Just step outside-- boom! - Bend's downtown vibe is right there. You can walk to dinner, you can walk to a concert (or a bar, let's be honest). Parking can be a bit of a nightmare, though. Prepare to circle the block for what feels like an eternity. I swear I used up all my patience on the parking alone and I wanted to take the car and run away!
What about the rooms? Are they... bearable?
Bearable? Yeah. Think "clean, functional, and slightly generic." The rooms are your standard Fairfield Inn fare. Nothing to write home about in terms of decor (beige, anyone?), but they were clean-ish, which is a HUGE plus, ya know? The beds were comfortable enough. I actually slept *really* well. Except that one time, I heard a weird knocking sound. Okay, I was awake *all* night thanks to that knocking, and it freaked me out. I think it was the HVAC but still...
And the breakfast? The free stuff is usually a deal-breaker.
Ah, the breakfast. This is where we get a little... let's call it *real*. It's free! And it's food! You've got your usual suspects: questionable scrambled eggs, rubbery sausage, bland… EVERYTHING. But! They had waffles. And the waffle machine? My friends, that waffle machine saved my sanity. Fresh-baked waffles? Yes, please. And the coffee… well, it *wasn't* terrible. It got the job done. I did see some suspicious breakfast meat once, but I can't bring myself to talk about it. Lets skip that...
Any major complaints? Get it all out!
Okay, deep breath. The biggest issue, by a country mile, was the noise. Downtown Bend is alive, especially at night. I'm talking sirens, drunk people, the occasional car alarm… You name it, it's probably happening outside your window. Now, I'm a light sleeper, so this was practically torture. I'm talking about the hotel, not the town, and that's where I'm staying. I recommend bringing earplugs. Or, perhaps, a serious sleep aid. Or, you know, just embracing the chaos.
What about the staff? Were they friendly? Helpful? Or were they just… there?
Honestly? The staff were *fine*. They weren't overly enthusiastic, but they were efficient. I encountered a handful of them, and they were… polite. Not the kind of staff that will go the extra mile to make your trip super special. I'd say they had a "business-like" attitude.
Would you stay here again? Be honest, dammit!
Ugh, that's a tough one. *Probably*. If the price is right (and when isn't that the deciding factor, really?), and I’m prioritizing location above all else, then yeah. I'd deal with the late-night noise and the slightly-meh breakfast again. But... if I have a chance, I'd try to find a place with even better soundproofing.
Quick summary? Give it to us straight!
Okay, here's the deal: Fairfield Inn in Downtown Bend isn't perfect. Far from it. But for a convenient basecamp in the heart of the action, with (mostly) clean rooms, it's a decent option. Just bring earplugs, prepare for some noise, and lower your expectations for breakfast. And if you're really lucky, the waffle machine will be in tip-top shape. The location is the MAIN thing. Trust me. The best!
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