Written May 2026. I hate to criticize a family-owned business in a town still seemingly struggling…read moreto recover after the devastating fires of September 2020 (please google the article "This Oregon lake town rebuilt after devastating wildfires. At what cost?"), and I thought a long time about whether to leave this review. I was quite disappointed with the Lodge at Detroit Lake, because the website is so very misleading. I have traveled around the world and have stayed in all kinds of places, including barns, tents, eco-resorts, and many, many historic properties. I am not a particularly picky traveler. I was looking for a quiet and basically comfy place in a rural setting with a small kitchen and no need for camping gear, close to Breitenbush and local hiking spots. What I got was a very run-down and noisy roadside motel under active construction that didn't resemble the website photos at all. Please note most of the photos seem to be pre-fire (the log cabin rooms in the photo are no longer there). Visible daylight and air crept in through holes in the wall; none of the windows were locked until I thought to check them in the middle of the night; and the bed was wretched (again, not picky, but this thing was in a class by itself). The "community setting" that "promotes front porch sitting and evening gatherings around the campfire" was an empty weed-choked slab of asphalt with a port-o-let across the parking lot. None of the food trucks or restaurants seemed open and the traffic and owners' dog were too noisy to open the windows for fresh air. The check-in process was perfunctory and unwelcoming, and worst of all, someone began using an electric saw incessantly (and unapologetically) directly under my window at 7:30 AM. To charge $166/night ($500 in total) for this experience is appalling--even with west coast pricing and recent inflation, this place isn't worth more than $100/night at the absolute outside. They collect payment up front (and will charge your card even if you don't stay), which should have been a clue. I left after one night and used some Hilton points to stay in Salem for the rest of my trip instead. It was such a disappointment, since I had wanted to get *out* of the city and spend my tourist dollars in the fire-affected area. But, I felt uncomfortable and unsafe. I didn't feel good about leaving my belongings or food in the room, so I thought--why should I sleep here again? I will say the Lodge at Detroit Lake seemed clean and didn't smell of fire damage. While the room, furniture, appliances, and linens were extremely worn and old, everything seemed tidy and clean. The fridge and TV worked, and there was plenty of hot water. If all you need is a place to crash briefly while on the road, you could do worse. But do ask to see the room before agreeing to stay, check the windows before going to sleep, and leave early in the morning, before the construction starts.

Clean room, with a comfortable bed! It was just what was…read moreneeded for a short stay. The people were really nice! Stayed in #3, small but cozy. There is a market and diner basically connected to the building. Short walk to the lake & an incredibly beautiful area to explore! 4 stars because the walls are so thin, you can quite literally hear everything. Luckily we had quiet neighbors.

A beautiful hotel, with an even more beautiful garden. We had a king suite, which had a view of the…read moregarden. The room was very well appointed, nice features like a wet bar area, seating, separate TVs if one desired. Super comfy bed, great environmental controls (heat and a/c) were very quiet also. The bathroom was exceptional, most wonderful shower in North America. The breakfast was also darn good, lots of choices and very friendly service. In fact all the employees were very cheerful and welcoming, darn pleasant. But above all, and far so, is the Japanese garden attached to the hotel. It is worth the trip all on it's own. Spectacular for it's size, only an acre- centered around a gorgeous water feature of a huge koi pond, with many lovely spaces to just chill and appreciate the beauty of the garden.

Well it wasn't an expected stay here. It was an emergency since my front passenger tire blew on I-5…read moreon the way to California last night. And it happened just past Keizer. I was playing no games with the way the universe was talking to me yesterday. No thank you sir. We won't be driving anymore. Not going 50 on I5 for 7 hours. I pulled up hotels on Yelp, and this was the first choice. I thought OMG this has got to be expensive. Nope. Affordable. And VERY VERY nice. I'm INCREDIBLY picky and to say that this was super clean is a lot for me. It's so clean. Modern. Nice. The carpet was so clean that my socks didn't even get dirty walking around without shoes on. The service was great. When we checked in, the woman at the front desk was very friendly and helpful. The staff at the free breakfast were nicer too. I'm vegan and got an English muffin with peanut butter and jelly and coffee with Silk vanilla almond milk. Yay breakfast!! It was quiet, clean, a great price and just what we needed for an overnight stop before we figured out new tires and the long drive to N. California. Thank you Best Western for the overnight respite that was much needed.

Gary and Alyssa were so kind and helpful from start to finish. From booking our shuttle over the…read morephone, to giving us super detailed tips on the best route for us along the McKenzie River Trail. We had such a fun time riding, and would love to come back one day to stay at the campground and check out some of the other trails in the area. Gary was especially careful with our bikes on his rack, had an impeccably clean car (even without considering he hauls around outdoor enthusiasts), and happily showed us important markers and potential hiccups on the trail as he drove us to the trailhead. Alyssa was very responsive and kind on the phone. Overall, I get the impression that they love the land and community around McKenzie River, and are just excited to share that enthusiasm with their guests.

We've used just about every service from horse creek lodge over the years including using all the…read moreshuttles for adventures, renting out the property for our wedding, and hosting a multi-family trip in the lodge. In brief- these guys are AMAZING at everything they have to offer! Alyssa and Gary are the absolute perfect humans and business owners. They pour their hearts into this operation and their genuine interest in helping folks have a good time is beyond evident. Consistent, reliable, so so kind, and welcoming. They are above and beyond in every way possible. The property is insanely gorgeous. We love wandering around, playing around the creek, and hitting the pump track. We've stayed in just about every cabin and it is all perfect. The rafting trips are incredible. They've accommodated (and pleased) a crowd of 5 year old children, and dozens of people during our wedding and have provided such a good time for everyone we know, regardless of skill and comfort level. I can't believe what a solid business these two are operating- across all the years and services we've used, there hasn't ever been the slightest hiccup. Thank you so much, Alyssa and Gary!

A long, curvy mountain road takes you to the Elkhorn Valley Lodge B&B. The drive, as my husband…read morepointed out, is reminiscent of the opening scene of The Shining. I told myself that this was not an omen of things to come. Luckily, I was right. The property is adorable. The rooms are charmingly decorated. The common room has enough kitsch, games, and books to keep anyone entertained. The food was great. The views are amazing. The horses next door are adorable. But where this place really shines is the service. We were at the Elkhorn for my mother-in-law's wedding. I'll spare you the story. Just imagine one of those cheesy romantic comedies where the bride's trip to the altar is riddled with sometimes-funny, sometimes-tragic obstacles. Now imagine that character that is the glue that keeps the whole plot line moving towards the inevitable "you may kiss the bride". That someone was the lodge's owner, Larry. He's an amazing guy, that Larry. If every hospitality establishment gave as good of service as he does, no one would ever stay home. Also, his mom Robin makes *amazing* home potatoes for breakfast. Even if Larry wasn't there, the potatoes would have me wanting to come back (but for that drive -- I get carsick easily). I really want to give the Elkhorn 5-stars, but I can't in good conscience do it while there is one glaringly huge problem with this place: the septic tank de-gasses into the upstairs bathroom, thanks to a lack of proper ventilation. You have to keep the drains covered or a nasty methane smell will permeate the powder room. Eww. Hard to relax when everything smells like poop. Larry says he will fix this. Once he does, this place easily earns that final star.

So, I couldn't help but notice that there's only one review from 2013. Let me give you a long…read moreoverdue update. The plumbing was fixed in April of 2013. Please take a look at "Tripadvisor" (http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g51953-d602460-Reviews-Elkhorn_Valley_Inn_Bed_and_Breakfast-Lyons_Oregon.html) for accurate and current reviews, you'll be satisfied with your findings concerning this wonderful bed and breakfast.

We got married at the House on Metolious last summer. I almost couldn't write this post because…read morewhere do I even begin. From the grounds (which are exquisite) to the service (unbeatable) - it was truly a weekend to remember. We rented out the entire property and all the cabins. Rachel and her family were there every step of the way- no detail was too small. On the night of our rehearsal, my dress broke. Her husband scavenged the property for 30 minutes to find the safety pins and rig me back together! Our friends never stop talking about this adult camp. It was such a fun way to spend time together. The property is stunning and our pictures look like they're from a magazine. They have great relationships with all the vendors which really helped smooth out the planning. And they always let you come back to say hi and revisit the property. I couldn't recommend a place more. We will certainly be back to visit and rent the cabins for our anniversaries!

This is the ultimate romantic get away! A surreal mountain resort experience. From the hosts Jade…read moreand Loy greeting me by my first name to the beautiful views from every part of the resort. The place is perfect for a wedding party. The rooms are large and some have cozy fireplaces. The Great Room had a large fireplace, along with a grand piano. The dinning room and lounge area was warm and relaxing also with a fireplace. Great for conversing and enjoying a delicious meal. They have 3 lodges and 3 cabins. The Main Lodge is immaculate. Speaking of meals, this place has amazing food! Catered to the brides's liking, the appetizers, lunch and dinner was an assortment of fresh green salads, roasted seasonal veggies, crab cakes, wild rice, roasted lamb and chicken skewers, roasted duck, grilled trout, pickled cucumbers and to top if off, continental breakfast was served every morning. This place is a foodie's heaven. If I lived near by, I would eat here once a week just for the homestyle cooked food! Just when we thought the afternoon reception was over, just after 6 PM, they served us the leftovers! I NEVER had this type of experience before! They also cater to special diets, for people like me with sensitive tummies. I felt spoiled and blessed to have had such unbelievable meals catered just for us! I feel so grateful to have this once in a lifetime experience and recommend House on Metolius to all those lovers of the great outdoors. Mahalonuiloa to Loy and Jade for attending our every need and the secret Chef (whoever she/he may be =)

This place is amazing large rooms great grounds nature plus nice front desk agents best breakfast…read morein any hotel best coffee can't say more Can't wait to come back

Excellent rooms and staff. Recommended to our friends and family. Sisters is a wonderful place to…read morestay.

My husband and I spent one night here passing through from Napa to WA…read more We stayed in room #3. It was cozy, well laid out and spotless. The innkeeper was very helpful and welcoming. She even called us to tell us about a road closure and good places to park before we arrived. The location is great and within walking distance to shops and restaurants. Wish we could have stayed longer, but we had to get back on the road. lol They didn't provide facial tissues or lotion, so keep that in mind when you plan your stay.

Lady who runs its Is very accommodating and understanding :) beds and showers are also very niceread more

Really enjoy staying here and this part of Oregon, only complaint is in the difficulty of getting a…read moreroom on one of those spur of the moment get aways.

My parents are in their 70's and live 3 hrs away, so when they had to drive into Salem for an event…read morewe got them a room so they didn't have to drive home tired. The manager was so helpful and very friendly. My parents loved the room and said they both slept great. I will be getting them a room here again the next time they have to come this way.

I recently had a wonderful stay at the Collins Lake Resort with a few friends this winter. The…read moreplace we stayed was large and still had a wonderfully cozy cabin-like feel. Our place had a large master bedroom with an adjoining bathroom, as well as two more bedrooms and a second bathroom. The place also included a spacious kitchen, dining room and living room, as well as a BBQ on the deck. There's also free Wi-Fi and a large TV that we used to watch both cable and movies. The Collins Lake Resort is also in an ideal location. It is just a short drive to Skibowl where we enjoyed great skiing as well as an awesome experience at night with their cosmic tubing. It is also just a short walk across the street to Government Camp. We had an amazing stay, and I strongly recommend Collins Lake Resort to anyone looking for a great time at the mountains.

Our group of four stayed in Chalet 13 from June 24-27 while attending a wedding at Mt. Hood. The…read morefirst part of our stay was great. We loved the beautiful grounds, and the chalet was comfortable and exactly what we were hoping for. Unfortunately, around 1:00 a.m. on the second to last night of our stay, we returned from the wedding festivities to find that the entire chalet smelled overwhelmingly of sewage. The odor was present throughout all three floors and became stronger with each level. It was so intense that several of us were gagging and even became physically sick. We attempted to book a room at the nearest hotel but they were fully booked, leaving us with no choice but to stay. We opened every window in the chalet and had to leave them open for the remainder of our stay because the smell was otherwise unbearable. We made every effort to report the issue while it was happening. That night, we called the resort's emergency after hours hotline but never received a return call or any follow up. Upon checking out on the final day, I reported the situation again to the staff member at the front desk. He was incredibly kind, apologetic, and assured me the situation was unacceptable. He explained that the manager, Dan, would contact me and that a partial refund would likely be appropriate given the circumstances. After several days passed without any communication, I reached out to the resort myself. I was told that maintenance had inspected the chalet, along with neighboring units, and could not detect any unusual odor. While I appreciate that they took the concern seriously enough to inspect the property, this was very surprising given that all four of us experienced the smell, and it was severe enough that we were becoming physically ill. I was again told that Dan would contact me, but as of writing this review, I still have not received any phone call or email. It's disappointing because, aside from this issue, our stay would have easily earned five stars. I understand that unexpected maintenance problems can happen and I don't fault the resort for an issue that may have been outside their immediate control. What disappointed me most was the lack of follow through after we were assured someone would reach out. Good customer service isn't just responding in the moment--it's also following through on the commitments made afterward. I genuinely hope the source of the odor has been identified and resolved, as it's a beautiful property and I'd love to recommend it. However, I also hope future guests experiencing an issue like this receive the communication and resolution that we unfortunately never did.