Tu Tu' Tun Lodge

Tu Tu Tun is the perfect getaway! Whether you’re looking for a couples getaway or a fun yet relaxing weekend with friends or family, it’s the perfect place to relax and unwind, and get away from the hustle and bustle of life! From the outdoor sauna, plunging in the Rogue River, relaxing in the heated pool, to the best cocktails/wine by the cozy fireplace, the entire experience is 10/10! The food is absolutely amazing from a Michelin rated chef, the hospitality can’t be beat, and the decor of the lodge and accommodation is gorgeous yet understated, where luxury meets natures beauty! Your only regret will be that you wish you stayed longer! Truly a remarkable lodge experience!

What follows is the email I sent the resort upon my return home. I never received a response. We are excited about the changes underway. I’m sure the new owners are looking forward to the future of the lodge. In light of the new ownership and our recent stay - we would like to offer some feedback. Knowing change is hard, especially for a lodge steeped in a rustic style and easy going manner. No one person could say with any degree of certainty what changes will be good and successful- and those that won’t. So, we will simply remark on the changes we did encounter. Our main feedback deals with the meals. Over the years the food moved between incredible and fair. Chefs come and go. At their base the meals were always coherent. Protein, green vegetables and some starch. The presentation may vary from an elevated expression to a simple, straightforward meat and vegetables. I this most recent visit the food we were served was fine- in fact, based on sheer quality - the dishes we were served were as good, or as close to as good, as we’ve had. On the first night- we were served scallops on cold cauliflower with potatoes. All white. The scallops were delicious, but that was it. Occasionally, the meal just didn’t make sense. On the last night (Sunday) we were served street tacos. The meal began with chips with guacamole and salsa, then a salad, then bread, and lastly street tacos - with ears of corn topped with an aioli. It felt very disjointed and/or incongruent. In all of our visits - I’ve never asked nor looked to see what I paid for a meal. However, at the conclusion of dinner I inquired as to what we were paying ($95); we were surprised. It”s just not what we’ve come to expect. The best dish we had was the smoked chicken and it was delicious. However- we were not served enough for the table. We only had six people - none took more than 2 pieces, yet I had to share with my wife (one thigh and one leg for both to share). When we were served beef on another night it was fine- but nothing like the chicken. On that night - it was the protein (beef), a salad (going from memory) and a potato salad - that looked unappetizing and only one person tried. Also, as dinner service goes- the removal of the happy hour and passed hors d’oeuvres was missed. Most nights - the returning guests made our way down to the bar and enjoyed a glass with new friends. Breakfast- the same choices every morning. No opportunity for fruit- or oatmeal- a muffin- just Turkish eggs, salmon eggs Benedict, and two eggs with bacon and garnish salad. That is not good enough. When we would talk with returning guests - we all agreed changes were needed. We also agreed that there will be successes and missteps. That is to be expected. The challenge will be to do so without losing what has made the lodge special and an important part of our travel. The staff was great. All seemed very hopeful that the lodge could get make a new future. With no delays it is about 12 hours door to door for us to get to the lodge. We’ve even driven up from San Fran making it a couple hours longer from Dallas. Never even thought about the effort. Just enjoyed the lodge when we arrived. We just don’t have that many vacations - we treasure our time away. My wife and I agreed we will give the lodge one more shot. We hope the dust will settle and we will be thrilled to return. Judging by the current reviews the lodge is continuing on the same trajectory. The setting, beauty and potential may get people to come. However, if the impersonal vibe, lack of service, and general apathy towards client satisfaction continues…

I have wanted to visit this place for years but was unable to do so until this year so I am unable to speak to changes that occurred since the new ownership however I suggest that anytime there is a change of management or ownership, it takes time for the new owner’s vision to transform and take place. Being a “river girl”, the location on the Rogue, surrounded by mountains, is ideal. This was apparently an old fishing lodge and the term “lodge” perfectly describes the location and ambience. When I visited in June, they were in the midst of construction and other changes that I suspect included staffing, landscaping and food service although despite that, my stay was wonderful and I was excited to return to experience the completion of the changes. This trip I stayed in one of the new oods, glass cabins, that overlook the creek. They are beautifully placed where some view the creek and some view the river. There is one that has both views. The beds are comfortable with luxury bedding. The experience of being able to see out of the floor to ceiling window walls while outsiders not being able to see in provides privacy (except at night when lights are on inside). Waking in the morning, laying in bed and seeing nothing but trees gives the feeling of seclusion in the woods, almost like being in a treehouse. Landscaping accomplishes sufficient privacy around the cabins and mirrored reflection of the walls from the outside allow the cabins to blend in with the surroundings. Floors are heated and the bathroom is a wet room with a rain shower and glass walls that are partially frosted such that there is privacy but also the ability to enjoy the view of outdoors. With the exception of not having a refrigerator, the glass cabins have everything you would expect in a luxury accommodation, including nightly turn down service with a plate of cookies, bottled spring water and wine in the cabin for purchase. There are 3 spa units that are similar in construction to the glass cabins and set into an alcove of trees. Unfortunately, I was unable to try out the massage service as the masseuse was off with an injury. There is one sauna, also built in similar style, and placed just at the rivers edge to allow for a convenient before or after river cold plunge. They offer a number of experiences that I was unable to enjoy this trip. For those who are eco conscious, I believe that the landscaping, already stunning, is intended to transform into expanses of more native plants and environmentally friendly grasses. Now the food and beverage service - amazing. Simply amazing. They have moved from the communal dining that I experienced in June to a traditional seating arrangement. I suppose that has value and was based on guest comments but personally I enjoy the communal dining experience and opportunity to meet new people. I suppose it would be logistically difficult to offer both but maybe that would allow the best of both worlds. There were afternoon cookies and hors devours before dinner. Dinner was a choice of 2 entree options - meat or fish - and were served as part of a 4 course meal. Offering a vegetarian option might be appealing to some guests although I suspect if requested, the chef would accommodate. I didn’t have an opportunity to enjoy breakfast at the lodge but my dinners were delicious, beautifully presented and service was spot on. All service providers were conscientious and friendly. Katie, the bartender, was extremely attentive, knew my name as if I were a friend, and was helpful (as well as accomplished) in making cocktail and wine choices. She even visited me at the pool to make sure I had water, a cocktail or a snack if desired. And a shout out to the Cow Horn vineyard. Their wine is spectacular. I read some complaints about the automatic 18% gratuity but I think it’s neither unusual or unreasonable in amount. The level of luxury, service and extras absolutely warrants this. I note that the lodge does not add other types of fees typically added by other establishments. As to comments about staff, I suspect it was the timing of moving into new ownership and attendant adjustments. There are always kinks to work out in such a situation and I hope no one will refer to those reviews as a basis to not visit Tu Tu Tun. I believe, and experienced, that they’ve worked that all out and have established their groove in a luxury vacation experience on the southern Oregon coast.

Tu Tu Tun has been a favorite getaway for over 40 years, spanning all four owners. We are thrilled that it continues to be a very special place under the new owners. The food was fantastic! New choices include a 3 or 5 course dinner, and now you can pick your time for dinner instead of a fixed time for everyone. They are expanding the dining room and now offer both communal seating and private tables. Chef Derek is very creative and is expanding the use of local products. The best part is that dinner is now served year-round. Yay! We also loved the piano player adding beautiful music to our dining experience. The new glass cabins are amazing. They are tastefully placed out of view from the main lodge on the adjacent property of a former RV park. Beautiful new landscaping has been added throughout. Vegetation has also been replaced so you can now see the river from the pool. All the staff was friendly and helpful. We can't wait until our next visit, hopefully in one of the glass cabins!

I love it when I am delighted by the experience that I receive when visiting a new place This was far beyond what i expected Everything couldn’t be more perfect The food, the ambience, the setting, the rooms, the linens, the pillows, the pool everything was blew me away