The Florentine Waterfront Hotel, a boutique property on Siltcoos Lake in Florence, Oregon, has been named the recipient of the 2026 Eugene Cascades & Coast Destination Award. The honor was announced on 16 July 2026 during the Visitor Industry Celebration hosted by Travel Lane County, the region's destination marketing organization.
The award recognizes the hotel's role in strengthening the area's tourism offering following a comprehensive restoration. Acquired in November 2024 by owners Robin Singh and Sharan Kaur, the 1940s-era property had been abandoned before the couple undertook a six-month renovation. The project modernized all ten cabins while preserving the natural landscape, and the hotel fully reopened in June 2025. Since then, it has maintained an average occupancy rate of 78%.
Revival of a historic property
Samara Phelps, President and CEO of Travel Lane County, praised the transformation, stating, "A hotel brought back to life—that's the work that makes a destination." The award highlights the hotel's success in revitalizing a historic site while integrating it into the local ecosystem.
The Florentine Waterfront Hotel offers a unique retreat, with cabins designed to maximize views of Siltcoos Lake and its surrounding natural beauty. Guests can enjoy birdwatching, including sightings of a bald eagle's nest, and experience the shifting coastal fog and mist over nearby mountains.
The property's commitment to sustainable hospitality and its contribution to the local tourism landscape have set a benchmark for future developments in the region. The recognition comes as part of a broader trend of boutique properties gaining traction in the Pacific Northwest, similar to the recent guest room refresh at the Lakeshore Inn on Lake Oswego.
Travel Lane County's annual awards celebrate businesses and individuals that enhance the visitor experience across Lane County, which includes Florence and the surrounding coastal areas. The Florentine Waterfront Hotel's win underscores the importance of adaptive reuse in hospitality, a theme echoed in other recent industry accolades such as the APAC glamping award for Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape.
For travel professionals, the hotel's success offers a case study in how targeted investment in heritage properties can drive occupancy and destination appeal. The property's 78% average occupancy rate, achieved within a year of reopening, demonstrates strong demand for authentic, nature-focused lodging.
The award also highlights the growing emphasis on sustainability and community integration in hospitality. As more travelers seek meaningful experiences, properties like the Florentine Waterfront Hotel are well-positioned to capture this segment, much like the LUX* South Ari Atoll has done in the Maldives with its eco-luxury offerings.
Industry observers note that the recognition could spur further investment in the region's lodging sector. With its combination of historic charm and modern amenities, the Florentine Waterfront Hotel serves as a model for other owners considering similar restoration projects.
Travel Lane County plans to feature the hotel in upcoming marketing campaigns, leveraging the award to attract both domestic and international visitors. The property's location on Siltcoos Lake, part of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities, from kayaking to hiking.
As the hospitality industry continues to evolve, awards like this one provide valuable benchmarks for quality and innovation. The Florentine Waterfront Hotel's achievement is a testament to the vision of its owners and the collaborative spirit of the local tourism community.
