The Oxford Hotel: Eco-Chic Boutique

Standard King Room at The Oxford Hotel Bend

Last month, the first 4-star hotel opened in my hometown of Bend Oregon.  The tourist destination is popular among outdoor enthusiasts.  From skiing to biking, running to hiking, if you are visiting Central Oregon, you’re most likely looking to enjoy the great outdoors!

Questions were raised before the Oxford Hotel opened its doors in January within a stone’s throw of many of the best restaurants in Bend.

Could the local economy, suffering greatly from the recession, support a pricey hotel?

Would the new eco-chic boutique help boost room tax revenue for the city of about 80,000?

What would travelers from larger metropolises – Portland, Seattle, Los Angeles, New York -  think when they visit?

I had the fortunate opportunity to try to answer these questions myself last weekend!  My husband and I were encouraged to try out the Oxford Hotel and then write a review of the entire experience, from reservation to check-out.  Several immediate benefits came to my mind: (1) a night without the kids; (2) an opportunity to be pampered; (3) the ability to get a first-hand view of an eco-friendly, green hotel, and (4) being able to write a review about our stay!

Mother Nature-inspired design at the Oxford Hotel in Bend

Green hotels are becoming more and more popular as people consider their carbon footprint while traveling.  Most properties offer their guests the ability to have sheets and towels washed less frequently to conserve water and energy for hot water.

At the Oxford Hotel Bend, the entire structure and much of the décor has been designed with Mother Nature in mind.  The color scheme is natural, too.  Greens, browns, blues are found throughout, with wood, cork and wildlife influences (the white antler chandeliers in the restaurant are something else!)

There is nothing like the experience of staying there to show you exactly how environmentally-friendly the hotel amenities are.  But until you come to Bend Oregon, consider what you might be missing:

• Free valet parking for guests that drive a hybrid vehicle
• Organic cotton/bamboo towels and bedding (seriously, the softest, most plush fabrics you’ll ever not wash!)
• Talaylay latex/soy foam “green” mattress with hypoallergenic wool lining
• Duvet covers with 100% Eco-Smart Cluster fiberfill, made from recycled PET bottles
• A full “pillow menu,” with five options of organic pillows so you can rest your head on just the right firmness
• Cork flooring
• Countertops and bathroom tiles made of recycled glass
• Organic, SLS and Paraben-free shampoo, conditioner, soaps and lotions in refillable bottles to reduce packaging
• French press coffee, locally roasted, to reduce packaging (no filters, no pre-packaged coffee)

Recycled glass countertops and refillable toiletries define eco-chic

Trust me, going green has never felt so luxurious!

If you’d like to stay in one of the 59 rooms at the Oxford Suites Hotel, prices start around $180 USD per night, ranging from a standard King room to larger suites.  Check out the website for more information, photographs and to make reservations.  There is also a restaurant and conference rooms, if you’re considering a place for a business trip or meeting.

Be sure to send me a note to let me know you’re in town.  There’s plenty more green to explore here in beautiful Central Oregon!