Eugene Whiteaker International Hostels

Stayed here for over a week when I first moved to Eugene, the place was clean, the staff really friendly, it’s convenient to many great restaurants and bars, and the price is right !

This place feels like staying at a friends house. A very conveniently located friends house too!
I stayed in the women’s dorm upstairs, which has a bathroom (nice bonus, considering you have to share a unisex bathroom at other hostels) a balcony (so nice!), and 4 beds. My roomies were very nice and polite. I had some of the best sleep of my trip in that upstairs room.
The common area does close early, but the space is very inviting. The evening I stayed, some of the guests and staff hung out and played music together.
Plenty of parking on the street. But if you’re hoofing it, it’s within easy walking distance to most of what Eugene can offer.

I had never stayed in a hostel before and I’m glad this place was my first experience. To be honest, I knew going in that staying there would not be the most enjoyable experience on my trip… and it wasn’t, but the staff made it a lot better than I thought it could be.
They were able to accommodate an early arrival for me and even held my luggage after checkout so I could tour Eugene more. When I first walked through the door, the staff knew my name, welcomed me, and got me checked in. They invited me to activities they were having and were as sincere and kind as can be.
Yes, the trains were loud. And yes, the couple in the next room getting it on at 3am were annoying, but it’s a hostel, not a Hampton. The courtesy of the staff and owner made the experience 5 stars.
If you have never stayed in a hostel before, make sure you check your expectations first. Then understand you need to be a good guest to get good guest service. If you do these two things you will have a great experience here.

A very comfortable stay last week. Steve was a great host. Great potluck on Sundays.

Things to know if you’ve never stayed in a hostel before:
–you most likely will be sharing a room with someone
–you most likely will be sharing a bathroom/​shower as well
–book a private room if you are able to do so
–bring your own towel or you may have to pay a fee to use one of their towels ($ 5)
–don’t leave any personal belongings behind as they may go missing … my personal pillow I brought from home and my lemon poo-​pouri were missing for approximately 24 hours, but were returned to me
Overall, the place is homey and quaint. I scoured Airbnb (where reservations were made) and the reviews her on Unilocal to get an idea of what this place was about. My stay here was not horrible, but have since determined that staying in a hostel is not my cup of tea.
My two friends and I booked 4 nights here for our trip to Eugene in May. We had never stayed in a hostel before and thought we would give it a try. We came into town around 9pm and were shown to our rooms. We were in the women’s dormitory which is at the very top of the 2^nd story and has two bunk beds, a restroom, a door leading out to a balcony, and an additional room with a bunk bed. We could tell that one of the top bunks were already spoken for. We figured out where to put our belongings … there are cubbies to put your luggage in. The opening to the cubby will fit a smaller sized suit case but once inside the cubby, it has quite a bit of additional space. We figured storing belongings was on an honor system and had no clue, and didn’t realize until much later that these cubbies are able to be locked, if you bring your own lock. Upon inspecting our sleeping quarters, my friend noticed some white stains on the blanket that was on her bed. She took it down immediately and reported this to the staff member at the check in desk who was on the phone. After we put our belongings away we went out for dinner. We came back around 11pm. As this room is at the very top it was very warm and muggy. Additionally, our new roommate must have been smoking pot on the balcony as our room reeked of pot and the lemon poo-​pouri that I left on top of the toilet. I was having problems with my asthma during my stay and had a hard time breathing in this environment. I laid on my bed for about 5 minutes and decided that I had to get out. I grabbed my belongings and left the hostel. I stayed in a very nice room at the nearby Rodeway Inn in a big plush king sized bed for only $ 53. Our 2^nd night we didn’t have a roommate and staying at the hostel was just like staying in a hotel, except for the bunk beds. The third night we came back to our room around 2am. Just as we were falling asleep, around 3am the door to the additional room opened with light blaring into our room. The person in the room cracked the door open, then proceeded to rummage through a loud plastic bag. I sat up to see where all the noise was coming from to see this person shoveling chips into her mouth. I laid back down and tried to fall asleep. Shortly thereafter she left and went downstairs. The next morning we woke up to commotion coming from this same person. I think at sometime she had a male in her room and was told that it was not allowed. I got up to get in the shower. When I came out, this person commented how they had been waiting for me to get out of the shower. She took her shower, but there seemed to be more drama coming from her room. Not too sure what was going on there, but it was somewhat of an nuisance. Later than night, my friends and I decided to check out of the hostel and get a room for our last night in Eugene, at the Rodeway Inn. $ 65 for two super plush Queen beds, no roommates and our own shower/​bathroom.

Just finished at least my 6^th stay here. I have always said, its one of the easiest places to stay in Eugene and it was one of the few places I would take my mom to. And I finally did.
What makes me such a fan of this place isnt the fact its clean, comfortable and pretty much central to everything in Eugene. It is the attidude of this place and it is the fact that they will always go out of their way to make you feel like home. Mac and his team want to get to know you, the want to know why you are there and they want to know how they can help. The dog and cat help too. They truley care about the community they make there and they care about the short term and long term relationships with their guests.
I will be one of their biggest fans and shout them from the rooftops. I said it in my last review; its like staying with friends. Its actually like staying with family

Charming and homey. Clean (far beyond my expectations for a hostel).
I stayed in a private room for 3 nights in early June. On weeknights, there was no ambient noise. On weekend evenings, there was some noise til about 10 and then it quieted down, but I bet it’s a lot louder in the summer. I slept very well all three nights, and I found the bed to be very comfortable. If you prefer a firmer vs. softer bed, or if you need a quieter room, let them know when you book and they will tell you which room is best.
The music room has several guitars, and the first one I picked up was actually in tune. Imagine my surprise. Pretty cool. There are books and games to borrow.
The staff was friendly and attentive. One of the employees asked my name and which room I was in — I appreciate that he was keeping tabs on who was around, and not allowing random people to drift through. The handsome owner, Mac, keeps the place nice, and he’s good for advice about where to grab a healthy bite nearby.

Amazing place. Kept very clean. Staff is great, owner Mac is very cool and can tell you exactly what to do while in Eugene! Definitely beat spending nights in a hotel alone, met some FOREVER friends who were also traveling alone.
Amazing view, great neighborhood. Everyone that was staying there was very nice. Very respectful place, everyone kind of minds their own. In great location, if you stay there you HAVE to try Wandering Goat Coffee in the morning (even tho the amazing Hostel offers coffee and breakfast) and then wine tasting at Oregon Wine Lab (hands down best wine i’ve had in a long time) then go eat dinner and do a cider flight at WildCraft Cider Works, best cider! it’s a dry cider so it’s not too sweet, and they’re all gluten free!

I was impressed by the Whiteaker Hostel and it’s fun and helpful staff.
Mac, the owner was both helpful and accommodating, and always took the time to answer any questions I had, or show me where things were.
I was traveling through the area on a brewery adventure, and this hostel was in the perfect position to walk to most of them! Ninkasi Brewery is right around the corner, as well as tons of great places to eat. I highly recommend asking any brewery for your Brewery Passport and take full advantage of the Eugene Ale Trail.
My favorite aspect about this hostel, other than their great staff, was the music room. Guitars, pianos, and much more are available for the variety of creative souls who travel through. My second favorite is the outdoor seating area that can morph into a movie screen.
Honestly, I wont stay anywhere else in Eugene as long as this place is around. You cant beat the price and the location. My room was inexpensive, completely private, and had its own bathroom. I highly recommend the Captains Quarters.
Because my trip was a fluid one with no timetable, I had no where I had to be, I ended up staying an entire week, at the hostel. I sampled three different rooms, and each were cozy and comfortable, and featured unique customizations.
Don’t get me wrong, this is NOT a hotel, its a hostel. It’s about making friendships, meeting new people, and learning new things. I met people from all over the world while staying here, and made friendships that I will keep with me forever. Hostel’s in my opinion are better then hotels, they allow you to connect with the community and travelers.
I HIGHLY Recommend this place to friends and family.

I’m from Sweden and i loved this hostel! Nice and cool people and the beds are amazing. Mack (the owner) is a real nice person!

Most definitely not my best experience at a hostel. We rented a private room that wasn’t really private. You have to walk through a dorm room to get to it and the shared bathroom is in the dorm room… that is not a private room. The room also REEKED of sweat and B.O. The bed was the worst bed I’ve ever slept on, I’d rather sleep on the ground. It slopes down to the middle and is very loud and lumpy. Also the «organic breakfast» is whole oats or Krusteaz pancake mix (not even prepared batter). Also, they charge for coffee and there is no cream/​half and half. Lastly, they wanted to charge us $ 5 for a towel!!! WHO DOES THAT? I’ve never brought my own towel to a hostel; it’s pretty much a given that they are provided for free. Lots of letdowns at this place. We won’t be back.

Let me first say that I wasn’t happy with the noise that continue through out the nights while I’d stay at the Whiteaker Hostels. It’s not an International Hostel, more of a hostels for homeless people and young runaway if a better description is the title for this place. It’s a hipster hostel.
On my first day looking for the place I was clearly lost in Eugene until a local resident said that it’s on the opposite side of town but also inform me to be extremely careful. She wasn’t making things up as I’d walk into the back streets. Once I’ve arrive there was an open front door was present and no one at the front desk. Of course, I had to look for someone but after checking in, It’s a house that was remodel into rooms and I’d say that because my room as bathroom pipes in it. I wasn’t told any rules or shown around, so I had to ask for them and show myself around the hostel. I was place in a bulk bed where the head room was so low that I’ve hit my head a few times on it. They also charge for coffee in the mornings and there is free breakfast but it’s just pancakes only. (BUY YOUR OWN FOOD)
The room was so cold at night that another roommate and I were figure out that the room had a heater on the wall but soon after the very next day, an employee there just walk right into the room without knocking on the room and started to turn up the volume on his heavy metal music on his device while I was reading and working. Not a very nice customer service if you ask me. I was quite and patient until that same employee told his boss (The owner) that we had the heat on but the heat was turn off for at lease over an 2 hour now and the owner walks right into the room without a knock and say that it’s hot in here. How did you know that it was warm in the room? Are we not allow to keep ourselves warm or is it that you can’t keep up with the bills?
Don’t get me wrong now, there was one young ladies that work there was was nice and one other guy but I’m not sure if he was working there or living there.
Either ways I was charge twice and notice the credit charge on my citibank notification and told them. At night the noise coming from the people that live there wasn’t a very pleasant experience.
If you were thinking of doing any laundry, then don’t think about it because they will send you 3 blocks away to another place to do your laundry. This isn’t a hostel at all more of a shelter if you ask me. I’d stay quite and away until the day of departure. It took about 15 – 20 minutes to walk from the hostel to the main downtown area to get some real food and drinks and this was everyday for the last four days while I’ve stay. Once downtown the people were nice but inform me on some history stories on the hostel. It’s not somewhere any international visitor should be and they are correct about that. A Hostel should have everything include just like the Hi International Hostel. Shouldn’t be able to walk in a unsafe neighborhood to do laundry where there are tons of drugs users and homeless just hanging around. NOT SAFE
The day of my departure, I’ve take my things and got ready and want to get my food from the kitchen and was stop and ask for the key to my room without a thank you. I wasn’t too surprise and just exit the place without looking back.
If any international visitor that wanted to visit Eugene but also looking for a hostel, then this place isn’t for you at all. You’re better off doing Airbnb or hotel.
Do not visit this hostel and as an International visitor I’d warned you

I thought I wrote a review of this place back when I stayed here in fall of 2013. I was somewhat horrified by the accommodations when I stayed there then. The bed squeaked pretty loudly, and I felt like I was easily rolling off the bed all night which just slanted to one side, it was so out of shape. I was glad I could lie down inside in safety, and that was my only priority. That’s probably why I amended, deleted, or didn’t leave a review.
I could hear the trains people speak of, it was very loud that night, and could be considered uncomfortable to try to sleep from that factor alone. I had to ask for earplugs which fortunately they had. I was just grateful for a place to stay despite the character of the owner, which seemed bizarre. He asked me the same exact question twice in the morning within the space of a minute that consisted of mostly silence. To be fair, the coffee was good. There is a big sign next to the computer asking for positive Unilocal reviews.
People were up and down all night going to the bathroom next door and flushing the toilet at intervals of 30 minutes at the least. I would hear walking and people speaking and it sounded almost as if we were in the same room. I didn’t know it was possible for even four people to actually go to the bathroom and use it at that interval all night long until four or five in the morning.
The owner’s demeanor seemed comparable to that of one of the gremlins from The Hunchback, which I noticed when he extended my stay last fall. I was intensely uncomfortable with him when I met him, and about a year later I came back to this hostel because I was in desperate need of a place to stay. That is what is motivating me to write this review now, I think people need to know about this experience because it was so negative for me and reflects so poorly upon the hostel, or at least the spirit of the hostel which is obviously going for psychedelic, accepting, and welcoming. It’s actually something else, closer to a paranoid, drugged out and spiritually checked out kind of environment.
The owner said I could not stay there because I dared to «spread out my stuff» in one of the common rooms and so couldn’t live communally with people. This incident consisted of me looking through some receipts for my ID, and placing my backpack open by my side (in an utterly exhausted state). He seemed to think I would be aware of the schedule of breakfasts at the hostel and was acting like I was being enormously inconsiderate to simply wait outside and talk to him about staying there when he arrived and asked me directly what I wanted.
The owner then proceeded to call the police, because I decided to take a much needed moment to sit on his front porch once refused entry into the hostel. I would not patronize this business unless you approve of this cop-​calling kind of behavior. I would not rely on this place for long term accommodations or even for a short term stay. I had lost my ID and didn’t have anywhere to go, and had stayed there before peacefully but he still refused me accomodations and then called the police when I didn’t leave immediately.

The Whiteaker hostel was way cool. The staff was friendly, accommodations comfortable, and the neighborhood can’t be beat with its variety of breweries and restaurants all within walking distance. The hostel actually owns two locations very close to each other (I’ve stayed at both) and they are each unique and great in their own ways, just depending on the experience you want. If you’re looking to socialize with other travelers, I would recommend Hostel Oz, whereas if you’re looking for more privacy and quiet, The Garden Hostel. I thought the owner, Mac, was a cool dude and he really looks out for his guests. And with free pancakes, how can you beat it?

this place was great! the owner Mac is the nicest hardest working man in the industry. Yet, never too busy to give travel advice to his patrons. The staff is chill and also very knowledgeable about the surrounding area. they have SUPER FAST internet, washer driers, and even guitars laying around in case someone want to play.
the house and beds were very clean.
they made pancakes and had GREAT French Press bottomless coffee for breakfast…
For the price and location this place simply CAN’T BE BEAT!
I’ve stayed in lots of Hostels and I have to say there is an eloquent charm, about this place.
=)

First time staying at this hostel. LOVED IT! I have never experiences such a comfortable bed in a hostel. The blankets were those warm, fuzzy, plushy kind that make it hard to leave you bed but then you are inspired by the thought of warm breakfast and coffee. The shared kitchen was clean and stocked with anything you would need to prepare a meal. The living room was filled with local art and instruments. There was a computer that was free to use. Employees were considerate of everyone staying. It was really quite a nice find! Thank you for the lovely stay.

Great customer service! Big thanks to the staff for being incredibly understanding. We were coming into Eugene pretty late from a super long drive, wasn’t able to make it in time for check-​in so we asked if they can just cancel our reservation. They did it without charging us any cancellation fee. It was very generous of them! I would definitely try to stay at this hostel in the near future if the opportunity comes along again!

This is my second time visiting Eugene, and my second time staying at Eugene Whiteaker Hostel. I personally came to visit friends, and experience a quiet place to do a few months of professional writing.
My experience here on both trips have been very straightforward, positive and constructive. The quarters are constantly clean and in safe, useable condition. I’ve been in a few different rooms, which have been fun to experience since they all have a unique, peaceful, cozy character of their own. The friendly and cordial staff handles communication maturely, rationally and transparently.
I consider it a logical expectation that, when staying in the Whiteaker neighborhood of Eugene, you are prepared to interact with the culture of the neighborhood. This open-​minded, friendly and laid back nature of Eugene expresses itself, appropriately, in the hostel’s environment.
A nice place to stay!

Great experience, we rented the loft for the night and were shocked at what we got for the price. A whole apartment with full kitchen, spare bed, couch, kitchen table. The place is nice, a little old but exactly what we needed for a night. Met the owner on our way out and him and his big dog Oso were really friendly. Highly recommend.

Alright. So. First off, I do love this place. I really do. When I stay in Eugene I always try to stay there, just because it’s so much more fun than a random hotel. And so, in some ways, the things that I love about it are also the things that I am going to call out, but, well, that’s just how it is.
I love that they employ stoners. There is clearly a need for that, but it does make it difficult if the front desk staff are SO stoned that they are completely unable to do their job. I mean wasted to the degree that they don’t know what to do with your credit card. Recommendation: Moderate the degree to which your staff are stoned on the job.
The parties, the wasted people in the street, the loud music. All fine from my perspective, I mean, again, to a degree. I was a little concerned that an almost totally comatose guy had wrapped himself around the front wheel of my car (parked on the street), but he seemed cool, and was gone in the morning.
Recommendation: Nothing really needed. Presence of random wasted girl hula-​hooping outside adds class to any party.
WiFi. It doesn’t work, probably because a stoned messed with it.
Recommendation: Fix the wifi — even if you’re stoned, you might want it, if not, it’s really useful.