Looking for rain, not snow. Want to see big waves crashing from the window of my room which has a fireplace. Any suggestions?

Wickawinnish Inn (didn't spell it correct) is the perfect place for you. Vancouver.

How long a drive from Vancouver?

It's called the Wickaninnish Inn, and it's not in Vancouver - it's on Vancouver Island. You could get a ferry from Vancouver to Nanaimo, which would take about an hour and a half, and then drive up from there, which would be another two or three hours depending on the weather. It is a beautiful place - very pricy, but it's exactly what you're describing.

Hallmark Inn in Cannon Beach OR has oceanview rooms with fireplace and jacuzzi which last fall were about $160 a night. I think they have "stormwatcher specials" in the winter.

Having been to the Tofino area,of Vancouver Island, I totally agree with
with the Wickaninnish Inn suggestion! It does take quite awhile to get there, but so worth it! If that is too far, you might try the west coast of Oregon or the Olympic Penninsula. The High Tides Resort, in Moclips, WA, has a spectacular room, complete with a dry sauna, that is great for storm watching. The Cozy Cove, in Lincoln City,OR, also fits the bill. Have fun.
Lee in Austin,Tejas

Thank you for the correction Cindy! How is the price considering it is Canadian and the US dollar is so strong?

They've got a good website - www.wickinn.com. I just had a quick look at it, and it seems that the rates for storm-watching season run between $250 - $270 CDN per night. They have an icon you can click on to convert that to USD.

While I was visiting the Wickaninnish Inn last summer, I inquired about their storm watch rates. I was warned by employees that due to the poor weather, some guests wind up getting stuck at the hotel longer than they plan due to poor road conditions. So when booking, keep in mind that the costs could really go up if you get stuck out there for a few more days. It's a very nice facility, but you're limited by restaurant choices. While the onsite restaurant is good, it's gourmet food that comes at pretty high prices even with the dollar conversion.

stormwatcher, I don't know when you're planning to go, but the rates go up for the holiday season.

I'm tentatively planning a trip during the Xmas holidays and I was quoted $400CAD, 3 night minimum stay. No pkgs/special offered at that time.

This has all you're looking for: a fireplace that backs on to the window (so you can watch the fire and waves at the same time), every room has a view of the water. However, it's a bit rich for my blood and I wouldn't normally spend this much on this type of vacation, but I made a deal with my DH, and lost. Unfortunately, we can't take advantage of the much more reasonable rates due to time off work and mtg people. (I'm not complaining that I'm getting dragged there, it's just that I'd choose to spend my vacation $ differently, and I'm not that fond of the people we're mtg there

Long Beach Vancouver island hands down.The weather so far on the island has been pretty mild though and could very well remain so.

We're going to the Wick in February, and spending four nights there. It looks fabulous! Got a rate of approx $132 US. I can't wait to sit in front of the fire and watch the waves crash! Maybe get a massage or two. Read a good book. Take afternoon naps. Thanks, everyone.