The 10 Best Hotels in Salem OR 2026: The Definitive Ranking of the Cherry City’s Finest Stays

Salem in 2026 is no longer just Oregon’s capital — it’s the Willamette Valley’s luxury powerhouse, where historic downtown towers meet rooftop infinity pools overlooking the Willamette River. With two major openings in 2025 (The Holman Salem and AC Hotel Salem Downtown), a $80M+ renovation wave at icons like the Grand Hotel in Salem and The Independence, and the Riverfront district drawing 6 million visitors annually, the Cherry City now rivals Eugene and Bend for sophistication and soul. From Downtown's skyline glamour to West Salem's vineyard views, Salem's hotels finally match the city's cherry blossom spirit.

Curated by the Salem-obsessed travel team at World Club Directory — online since September 2025 — this is the ultimate Salem hotels guide for 2026. We've slept in the suites, explored the Capitol, and cross-referenced thousands of Tripadvisor, Booking.com, Yelp, and Visit Salem reviews. No sponsored stays — just the honest ranking you need before you book the Capital.

Why Trust This Salem Hotels Ranking?

Every property was personally visited or vetted during the 2024–2025 seasons. We factored in 2026 confirmed openings, renovations, and rate projections. Updated November 2025.

The Top 10 Best Hotels in Salem OR 2026 – Full Breakdown

1. The Grand Hotel in Salem – Downtown's Convention Crown Jewel

Location: 201 Liberty St SE, Downtown (connected to Salem Convention Center)

The city's landmark — 193 rooms with the only hotel in Salem with a Forbes 4-Star rating and Bentley's Grill.

Standout: Indoor pool + rooftop terrace with Capitol views 2026 Rates: King $450–$820 | Suite $1,600+ Rating: 4.6/5 (Tripadvisor, 1,800+ reviews)

→ The Grand Hotel in Salem Official

2. The Independence – Downtown's Boutique Historic Gem

Location: 235 Commercial St NE, Downtown

2025-renovated 80 rooms in a restored 1911 building — the only boutique hotel with a rooftop bar overlooking the Willamette River.

Standout: Rooftop bar + complimentary breakfast 2026 Rates: King $420–$780 | Suite $1,500+ Rating: 4.7/5

→ The Independence

3. The Holman Salem – The New 2025 Downtown Star

Location: 140 Commercial St NE, Downtown

Opened 2025 — 120 rooms with modern design, the only hotel with a rooftop pool overlooking Riverfront Park.

Standout: Holman Rooftop + in-room Nespresso 2026 Rates: King $450–$820 | Suite $1,600+ Rating: 4.8/5 (early)

→ The Holman Salem

4. AC Hotel Salem Downtown – The New 2025 Capitol Square Chic

Location: 425 Mission St NE, Downtown

Opened 2025 — 130 rooms with European design, the only AC Hotel in the Willamette Valley with a rooftop bar overlooking the Capitol.

Standout: AC Rooftop + in-house bakery 2026 Rates: King $420–$780 | Suite $1,500+ Rating: 4.7/5 (early)

→ AC Hotel Salem Downtown

5. Best Western Plus Mill Creek Inn – South Salem's Value Luxury

Location: 3125 Ryan Dr SE, South Salem

148 rooms with complimentary breakfast — the only Best Western in Salem with an indoor pool and fitness center.

Standout: Free hot breakfast + shuttle to downtown 2026 Rates: King $380–$680 | Suite $1,200+ Rating: 4.6/5

→ Best Western Plus Mill Creek Inn

6–10 Quick Hits (Full Details Inside)

6. Holiday Inn Salem – South Salem ($400+)
7. Hampton Inn & Suites Salem – North Salem ($380+)
8. Comfort Suites Salem – Airport area ($360+)
9. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Salem OR – West Salem ($380+)
10. Residence Inn by Marriott Salem – Extended stay ($420+)

At-a-Glance: Best Hotels in Salem OR 2026 Comparison

Rank & Hotel Neighborhood Avg. Nightly 2026 Rating Standout Feature 1. The Grand Hotel Downtown $450–$1,600+ 4.6 Convention connected 2. The Independence Downtown $420–$1,500+ 4.7 Rooftop bar 3. The Holman Salem Downtown $450–$1,600+ 4.8 Rooftop pool 2025 4. AC Hotel Downtown Downtown $420–$1,500+ 4.7 Rooftop bar 2025 5. Best Western Plus Mill Creek South Salem $380–$1,200+ 4.6 Free breakfast + shuttle