The lush city of Bend in rural Oregon is something of a mecca for outdoor recreation. No matter the time of the year, the region around the town is perfect for kayaking, cycling, hiking, and especially for skiing at the nearby Mt. Bachelor during winters. One might not exactly give a thought to gay life in rural Oregon, but the outdoorsy and free-spirited Bend is an exception. Not only does it have a burgeoning craft brewery and farm-to-table dining scene, but it also has an increasingly visible gay scene. There are many gay hotels in Bend that are not just friendly but warm and welcoming to LGBTQ travelers. Besides being a popular weekend destination, Bend’s Drake Park is centerstage for Central Oregon Gay Pride in June, right beside the gorgeous gushing waters of Deschutes River. From community vendors to food and live music, the festivities have it all.
Bend might not have LGBTQ-specific bars, but the town is home to many cafes, restaurants, and microbreweries that draw as well as welcome a mixed crowd. This is particularly true for the Seven Restaurant and Nightclub, which the traditional and official sponsor for pride. If you’re a snowboarder or skier visiting here in late January/early February, the sun-kissed slopes of Mt. Bachelor even host an annual LGBTQ Ski Weekend!
If that wasn’t enough, Bend is also an excellent base for exploring the region. Besides being less than three hours from Portland, it’s less than two hours from Crater Lake National Park, which is one of the Best US Winter Vacation spots. Clearly, this town is one hell of an interesting bucolic destination for the LGBTQ set. So, here are the 11 best gay friendly hotels in Bend.
FivePine Lodge & Spa
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If you and your partner want to get away from the bustle, then head to the utterly romantic FivePine Lodge and Spa. Located in the hamlet of Sisters around 20 minutes north of Bend, this lodge-like five-star hotel is steeped in barefoot luxury. No matter which cabin or cottage you book, all of them come with huge waterfall soaking tubs in the equally massive bathrooms, making for one hell of a romantic sojourn. Watch movies on huge flatscreen TVs while cuddling on cushy couches in front of the fireplace. Enjoy your morning coffees together on the patio that overlooks the lush Oregon foliage. You can head down for breakfast, but we’d recommend room service so you can enjoy yogurt, fruits, eggs, granola bagels, muffins, and scones in the comfort of your bed.
If you do manage to step out of the romantic ambiance of the rooms, head to the full-service spa for a facial or a couples massage. The Sisters Athletic Club is accessible for a spot of workout, but we’d recommend grabbing the mountain bikes or the cruiser bicycles and heading out to explore the lush neighborhood. During summer, lounge by the outdoor pool or enjoy a refreshing dip in the cool waters. No matter where you are, do head back for the craft beer and wine reception in the evenings. All this makes this one of the best gay hotels in Bend.
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Pine Ridge Inn
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The Pine Ridge Inn is one of the loveliest gay friendly hotels in Bend. Discerning gay travelers looking for a well-curated and exclusive experience will love this tranquil retreat that lies right in the heart of town.
You’re welcomed at this inn with a glass of a Naked Wintery red or white wine or a glass of beer from one of the 30 best regional breweries around – dealer’s choice. You’re assigned a guest service agent when you check into your room, who’ll take care of your every whim and fancy. Do you want to go on a romantic dinner date with your partner to the best place in town? The guest service agent has you covered. Furthering the bespoke experience, the inn also offers discount passes to the local Athletic Club. Don’t miss picnicking on the grassy lawns on the property and relaxing with a cuppa or a glass of wine on the terrace.
If the service here is special, so are the rooms, all of which come with kitchenettes for cooking romantic meals with your partner. All rooms come with swish bathrooms and soft beds, while the suites even have separate living areas and jacuzzi tubs for a romantic soak. Moreover, the hotel offers locally sourced goods and free water, which is great if you want to spend a day indoors.
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SpringHill Suites by Marriott
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One of the best all-suite gay hotels in Bend is SpringHill Suites by Marriott. Located just a few blocks from Downtown and its restaurants and bars, it’s an excellent choice for LGBTQ travelers who want to explore the town. That said, there’s a lot to love about the hotel itself, especially the huge indoor pool. Enjoy a refreshing swim before lounging on the sunbeds or soak in the bubbling waters of the jacuzzi. Work off those food calories in the modern fitness center before enjoying a guilt-free evening reception with light bites, local craft beers, and wine. thereafter, move to the comfort of the gorgeous alfresco seating around the fire pit to enjoy grilling dinner. The best bit here is the highly-rated and popular complimentary breakfast, which has fresh berries and waffles with Nutella – yum!
What you’ll love about rooms and suites here is that they’re larger than similarly priced hotels in town. So, if you’re a group of LGBTQ travelers, then the SpringHill Suites are the right choice for you. Furthermore, they even have plush beds, free Wi-Fi, small kitchenettes, and spacious bathrooms. The cherry on top is the flatscreen TV with free-to-use Netflix!
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Sunriver Resort
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An ode to bend’s 300+ days of sunshine is Sunriver Resort, one of the best gay friendly hotels in Bend. Lying just south of the town, the hotel is spread across thousands of lush acres of land and is perfect for LGBTQ travelers who’re intrepid outdoorsmen. Aside from four golf courses, there are tons of bike and paved pedestrian paths, tennis courts, a marina, skiing sessions, and even stables for horse-riding! On the property, you’ll also find an excellent indoor fitness club where you can work out to your heart’s content.
When you want to get in some unwinding time with your partner, a massage at the spa sounds just right. What’s more, you also have the option of nine bars and restaurants to dine from. So, you can have breakfast at one place, lunch at another, and dinner at a whole new place! The pinnacle of relaxation is the outdoor swimming pool sprinkled with sun chairs and loungers beneath umbrellas. Sip on cocktails and soak in the fresh air and simply enjoy the surroundings with your significant other.
The rooms and suites here are no less excellent, as are the upgraded options such as condos and vacation-house rentals for your larger party of LGBTQ travelers. Nevertheless, they all come with modern comforts, as well as balconies and fireplaces that make for the perfect romantic ambiance indoors.
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DoubleTree by Hilton
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One of the best chain-brand gay hotels in Bend is DoubleTree by Hilton, which is famed for its friendly and warm service and luxurious accommodations. Tucked in the heart of historic Downtown, the hotel is close to all of Bend’s sights as well as its entertainment and nightlife. Staying here is as comfortable as it gets. You have the options of regular rooms and suites, both of which are extremely spacious. Are you looking to splurge on a romantic vacation with your partner? We’d suggest you go for the luxurious suites. They not only have living areas with fireplaces but even whirlpool tubs in the bathrooms! So, you can enjoy a quiet soak together at the end of a long day. The highlight, though, is the views of the mountains from the balconies. It’s the perfect place for beginning your day with coffee and each other.
Like other DoubleTree properties, this one is chock-full of amenities. The star of them all is the indoor heated pool, one of the best in the town. Since the weather in Bend can get unbearably warm or cold, the indoor pool guarantees a swim at any time. Work out in the fitness center to work off those calories. Wind up your day in the lounge/bar with a light snack and a nightcap.
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Riverhouse On The Deschutes
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Are you looking for luxurious yet tranquil gay friendly hotels in Bend by the river? You can’t find a better place than Riverhouse on the Deschutes, which straddles the gushing waters of Deschutes River. Sitting just north of downtown Bend, this fabulous resort is set amidst lush green lands and is the perfect getaway for you and your partner. If you both are outdoorsy and active, then you’re going to love this hotel.
To begin with, the river offers tons of opportunities for enjoyment, right from kayaking to stand-up paddle-boarding to angling. A dip in the indoor swimming pool sounds like just what you need on a warm Oregon afternoon, after which you can soak your stresses away in the hot tub. If you love your workout regimen, the swanky fitness center will appeal immensely to you. Your day is best to begin spending time over breakfast, which includes Stumptown coffee and baked goodies. And after a long day, settle down in the in-house restaurant and tuck into delectable local fare. Or you could choose to grill dinner at the fire pits, complete with a glass of cocktail from the bar.
You’ll love the spacious rooms, most of which enjoy unobstructed views of the Deschutes River. Creature comforts and mod-cons ensure that your stay is extremely comfortable. What’s more, they all have patios and fireplaces, and even in-room bathtubs for making the most of a day spent indoors too!
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Bunk+Brew Historic Lucas House
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Of all the gay hotels in Bend, Bunk+Brew Historic Lucas House is perhaps the most chill place where you can participate in barbeque parties and relax in hammocks! Gay travelers looking for fun-filled budget accommodation for socializing with other travelers will love this affordable place. To begin with, Bunk+Brew is sustainable and sits in the oldest brick structure in Bend, the Lucas House. Your day starts off on the right note with a hearty free breakfast. What’s better is that the shared kitchen is stocked with goodies such as fruit, waffles, beverages, local bread, etc. Do you want to impress that cutie you saw with your cooking skills? Go ahead!
Furthermore, the place even hands out free maps of Bend and boasts a pretty lit-up gazebo where you can guzzle a cold one and talk to your fellow travelers. During evenings, gather around the backyard barbeque grill and swap travel stories, and share anecdotes. Choose from spacious dorms and gorgeous private rooms, both of which have spotless bathrooms with complimentary toiletries. If you want to splurge, fo for the Hybrid Room or the Sisters Mt. View Room.
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Element
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Element is one of the nicest gay friendly hotels in Bend. Offering spacious air-conditioned rooms, including family rooms, it’s an excellent place to stay whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or even as a group. The rooms and suites here feature Scandinavian-inspired decor with minimalist lighting fixtures, plush linens, and spiffy bathrooms. Flatscreen TVs, huge windows, and work desks are also standard everywhere. What’s more, some of the suites even come with full and swanky kitchens for you to be able to whip up all kinds of meals. The best part is that all rooms come with free Wi-Fi.
Despite being a budget hotel, Element has a host of amenities. We’ll start with the well-equipped fitness center, which is perfect if you want to stick to your workout regimen. Begin your day with a continental breakfast, after which you can head to the indoor pool for a refreshing and relaxing swim. Post swim, we’d highly recommend the bubbling waters of the hot tub to soak your stresses.
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Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott
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If you and your partner love intrepid outdoor adventures, then Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott is one of the best gay hotels in Bend. Not only is Rivers Edge Golf Course less than 5 minutes away, but also the Sun Country River Tours that offer adventure sports such as river rafting is also just 10 minutes away. What’s more, it’s located in the heart of downtown, just a stone’s throw from all the best dining and entertainment in Bend. Begin your day with a hearty continental breakfast. After a long day of exploring the region, enjoy a refreshing dip in the indoor pool or a soak in the warm waters of the hot tub. There’s even a fitness center for those who want to work out as well as an on-site launderette for long-term guests.
All rooms and suites at this hotel are spacious, so much so that they all come with seating areas. Flatscreen TVs, coffee-making facilities, and immaculate modern bathrooms complete the place.
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The Oxford Hotel
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Not only is the Oxford Hotel one of the best gay friendly hotels in Bend, but it’s also one of the overall Best Hotels In Bend. The downtown hotel features a rustic-chic decor, complete with stone and concrete fireplaces, and will immensely appeal to LGBTQ travelers looking for a discerning staying experience in the town. Featuring just 59 suites, staying here is as intimate as it gets. They all feature sleek modern decor and contemporary bathrooms with bespoke organic toiletries and even a deep-soaking tub. Do you want to indulge in a stay with your partner? We’d recommend the three largest suites, which feature huge living areas and exquisite views of the mountains surrounding the town.
The hotel comes with a host of amenities. After a delicious and hearty breakfast, grab the free bikes and head off to explore the town on your own. After a long day of biking around, soak your sore muscles in the sauna or the great steam room. End your day with lip-smacking Central Oregon fare at the restaurant and bar, complete with excellent regional wine and local craft beer selection.
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Hampton Inn and Suites
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Occupying the top spot on the list of best gay hotels in Bend is the Hampton Inn and Suites. There’s a lot to love about the convenience and amenities of this all-suite hotel. We’ll start with the indoor swimming pool, which is one of the best in the town. No matter the kind of weather, you can enjoy a refreshing dip in the waters. There’s even a hot tub right beside it, where you can soak your stresses away or enjoy a glass of wine with your significant other. A fitness center is a great place for a spot of workout. Begin your day with a complimentary hot breakfast buffet before heading out to explore the city with your partner. Since it’s an all-suite hotel, there are even laundry facilities and a mini-market on the property.
All rooms at this hotel have coffeemakers and cable flat-screen TVs. Kitchenettes with basic cooking facilities ensure that you can cook meals indoors when you don’t feel like eating out. Finally, the private bathrooms are immaculate and come with free toiletries, and some even come with a bathtub.
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Just So You Know:
- The nonprofit OUT Central Oregon is based out of Bend. It not only promotes outreach and education for HIV testing but also hosts Winter PrideFest and other LGBTQ events.
Get Some Culture in Bend:
- Bend Pride Festival: Held in the town of Bend, Central Oregon Pride Festival is Oregon’s second-largest Pride festival for the town of Bend and its rural surrounding communities. Celebrating love and diversity, the festival has Dykes of Bikes motorcycle ride, live music, pie-eating contests, a marriage equality recognition event, food vendors, photo booths, and so much more.
Best Gay Bars / Clubs in Bend:
- Seven Restaurant & Nightclub: The unofficial gay bar in town, Seven is also the official sponsor for Central Oregon Pride. During other times, it’s a vibrant and lively nightclub & restaurant with an excellent menu of pub grub and pizza, even better drink specials, and regular events.
- The Astro Lounge: If you want to party in town, then the Astro Lounge is where you head to. The spacious party spot features a snacky bar menu, a huge liquor selection, and a lovely outdoor patio where you can meet people.
Best Gay Saunas in Bend:
Unfortunately, there are no gay saunas in Bend currently. However, given the LGBTQ-friendly nature of the town, we’re sure that it’ll change in the future!
