A big part of taking a vacation is learning how to slow down. Modern life can be so hectic and overwhelming that it’s so refreshing to go to a place where you can just do “nothing.” No pressure, no responsibilities, just rest and relaxation. If you’re in the Pacific Northwest, one of the best hotels for this kind of vacation is the Tributary Hotel in McMinnville, outside of Portland, Oregon.
Located in Oregon’s “friendliest small town” in the heart of serene wine country, the Tributary Hotel is relatively new. It opened in 2022, and it is about as “boutique” as it gets. There are only eight luxury suites onsite, and the hotel is inside a restored 100-year-old building.
According to Tributary’s website, the resort is designed to be a “sanctuary of slow.” You’re not here to fill your itinerary with back-to-back activities. Instead, you’re here to enjoy farm-fresh cuisine, wine, spa treatments, and maybe, if you want some adventure, a hot air balloon ride. Here’s what makes the Tributary Hotel such a hidden gem.
What to expect when staying at the Tributary Hotel
The name Tributary refers to the numerous rivers that dot the Pacific Northwest. To further illustrate this point, the hotel has named each of its eight suites after a particular river. The largest is the Owyhee Suite, which spans over 1,100 square feet and is the only room with a terrace. But don’t feel like the other rooms aren’t worth your time. Each suite comes with a fireplace, a wet bar, and a soaking tub to help you relax as much as possible.
Because Tributary is on a working farm, the onsite restaurant, Okta, utilizes fresh, seasonal ingredients. So, your meals will differ depending on what time of year you visit, so plan accordingly. Best of all, breakfast is included in your room rate, so you’ll be able to indulge in farm-fresh meals no matter what. Plus, since you’re in Oregon’s premier wine region, which is just as scenic as Napa, it makes sense to come during wine harvest season (September through October).
Although this hotel bills itself as a sanctuary of slow, there are plenty of activities to enjoy in between rests. You can take a custom winery tour of the area, enjoy a tasting flight, have a personalized picnic at the farm, or play golf. If you’re looking for some thrills, you can book a hot air balloon ride or take a private jet and experience wine country from the air. There’s also a biking tour, a farm tour, and a mixology workshop so you can brush up on your bartending skills.
Planning your visit to the Tributary Hotel in Oregon
