If you're planning a visit to the Willamette Valley, then The Allison Inn & Spa in Newberg deserves to be at the top of your list of places to stay. Granted, there are less expensive options available in the valley, but for those seeking a more inclusive resort experience, The Allison is it.

A few weeks back, I had the opportunity to spend two nights at The Allison (full disclosure: a special rate was provided), which opened in September to considerable fanfare. Why the fuss? Until now, nothing like this hotel and conference center existed in the Willamette Valley. Sure, there are plenty of B&Bs, small inns, and hotel/motel chains to choose from, but nothing offering the services and amenities provided by The Allison.

These amenities include 85 guest rooms (including 20 suites), each spaciously designed and well appointed to comfort both vacation and business travelers. A full service spa, fitness center, and indoor pools offer a variety of wellness options for those seeking to work out or be pampered. Completing the mix is Jory, the inn's restaurant, which has received a number of positive reviews including The Oregonian and elsewhere.

On both mornings, I enjoyed a delicious breakfast sitting at Jory's kitchen counter bar. The poached eggs with house-made gravlax, hollandaise, and griddled red potatoes was the perfect start to my Saturday before heading out to visit wineries. The next day I had a wonderful basket of muffins, croissants and brioche rolls with house-made jam and organic butter. I can't wait to return to Jory for a lunch, dinner, or just to hang out in the bar to try one of the dozen local wines poured by the glass or as a flight. Speaking of wine, the Jory's cellar is comprised of an amazing collection of Oregon wines, while also including producers from neighboring states.

In terms of service, the entire staff demonstrated a high level of friendly, professional attentiveness throughout my stay. I was especially impressed with the hospitality shown by Pierre Zreik, managing director of The Allison, who after greeting various guests having breakfast in Jory approached me to inquire about my stay. I later ran into Pierre that evening as he checked in on Scott Paul's wine dinner event, La Paulée de Carlton.

The Allison is seeking LEED certification, which would seem well deserved considering the many eco-friendly features that went into the construction of the inn as well as the approach taken with day-to-day operations. I especially liked the green aspects of my room, such as the bottled water which comes in re-usable glass containers and recycle bins that encourage guests to separate their trash. It was also nice to know that The Allison uses solar energy to assist in heating water and powering the complex.

Outside, there is a large, south-facing patio leading from the indoor pool, which should be the perfect spot to hang out on a warm, sunny day. A variety of paths wind their way throughout the 35 acre complex, which take strollers past various landscaping, ponds, a 5 acre vineyard, and eventually vegetable and herb gardens. Another well designed element of the inn is that the parking lot was located behind the conference, spa, and restaurant wing, ensuring that every guest room has a green space for a view.

With all that The Allison Inn & Spa has to offer, it's the kind of place one might be challenged to leave for the day to go wine tasting, let alone check out to return home. I can't wait to stay at The Allison on my next visit to the valley. In fact, this place is going to encourage me to plan longer visits to the Willamette Valley, for I want to ensure a day or two is reserved to just relax in all that the inn offers.