Hotels - Seattle/San Juans
 

Thanks to all who helped with my previous postings about my trip in August to the Pacific Northwest with my Mom. I decided on 4 nights in Seattle and 3 nights in the San Juans (specifically, Orcas)

Now, I am making hotel reservations and need some suggestions. (My Mom likes to stay in comfortable, clean boutique-style hotels)

Last time I was in Seattle, I stayed at The Claremont (now Hotel Andra).
I am currently choosing between Sorrento and Hotel Andra. Which do you suggest?? Why? Both are around the same rate. I have to get 2 Queen Beds b/c my husband may join us for a few nights, which limits my hotel possibilities.

As for Orcas Island - where do you suggest we stay? I was looking at Rosario Resort, but it has some really poor reviews on tripadvisor? Has anyone stayed there that can help me out? We could also stay at a bed and breakfast - but, we would like to not be too "remote" if we stay in a b-n-b. Any suggestions?

Thanks for your help!!!! Jessica

Or the Westin Seattle? Forgot to add that one hotel. (trying to keep it around $200/nt) Thanks!
Jessica

As long as I can remember I've heard lukewarm comments about Rosario. There are a ton of nice b and b's on Orcas-I'd read trip advisor reports on those. We usually get cabins that might qualify as remote so I don't think my favorites would appeal to you.

Thanks Christy1. Do you have a specific suggestion for Orcas?

My concern with Hotel Andra is that I believe they don't have air conditioning which may be a problem at night with noise, since we will need to keep the windows open. Does anyone have feedback about this?

I would like the hotel in Seattle to have a good location (one of my worries about Sorrento)

We got the Westin Seattle on Priceline last year for a weekend night for $110. Don't know if it's still available, but we found it well located, with great amenities (and oh that heavenly bed!). Check biddingfortravel to see.

We also stayed at a B&B on San Juan Island (Tucker House - clean and nice!)...drove over to Rosario on the ferry - very remote. We much preferred the bustling little town with restaurants and docks on San Juan...

Have a great time!

When we lived in WA, several of our neighbors had been to Rosario and were very disappointed. This was 4 different couples at various times, and they all said it was worn and dated, and they would not return.

We did stay at the Westin many times (for large group events) and it was always nice. The location is great and they have been renovating the rooms. We were there in November and the room and bathroom were both in perfect condition. Definitely ask for a room with a view.

The Sorrento is the best of the 3 you mention IMO, but you're right that it is a little out of the way location-wise, but a very classy and classic hotel.

Hotel Andra getting great buzz but that's all I know, good location, and fits the boutique-y requirement.

The Westin is just a Westin.

You might consider The Mayflower Park? It's the oldest continually operating hotel in Seattle. Not sure about A/C, but perfect location in the middle of downtown. And good restaurant named Andaluca.

I'm not sure where you got the idea that Hotel Andra is NOT air-conditioned rooms, jessican. You just alarmed me as we have reservations there in mid July. I just called. The guy laughed a lot and couldn't imagine why anyone would think they don't have air-conditioning. All rooms do in fact have central heat and air.

After much research that was our choice for this summer -- Hotel Andra.

We're also planning one night at the Inn on Harbor Steps a week earlier on our arrival, which sounds nice too.

Jessicam-I'm not sure you'll like any of my favorite places. We usually rent cabins (I've had great stays at Cabins on the Point and North Shore Cottages as well as more rustic places that don't seem like what you would want). I haven't stayed at a b and b on Orcas in a long time-I did used to like Turtleback Farm Inn, and I've heard great things about Spring Bay Inn. Sorry I can't be more helpful, but there are so many nice sounding choices online that I'm sure you'll find something. If you do have other Orcas questions-locations, food, activities, I'd be happy to help.

Thanks everyone for the great postings!

Patrick - from tripadvisor was the no airconditioning. And, the hotel did not have air-conditioning when it was The Claremont. Sorry to worry you.

I would like to stay at Sorrento, but I am worried that the room will be too small for 3 adults (have read on tripadvisor the rooms are small)? Is this true - are the standard rooms small? And that it is "too far" (relatively speaking) from the city? We would like to be able to have the ease of touring and being able to stop by the room at anytime.

As far as Orcas Island - do you think 3 nights is too much time? I am now wondering if we should change our plans and go to Victoria for 3 nights instead?

THANKS JESSICA

Christy - we would be renting a car in Seattle and ferrying over to Orcas on a Tuesday. Any feedback on that?
I was thinking of doing some kayaking, hiking, and possible sailing/whale watching? What do you suggest? Is it necessary to stay near the "town"?

THANKS! Jessica

I have been searching fodors reviews, very little updated info. on Orcas lodging.

Anyone have feedback about:
Kangaroo House B and B
Kingfish Inn
Inn at Ship Bay

Still torn between Hotel Andra and Sorrento!

I'm topping my message.......

:D
Thanks.........

Jessicam40
If you check on tripadvisor you will see excellent reviews for Kangaroo House. I would make some phone calls to see what is available first before you make a decision. Things book up rather fast on the San Juan Islands in the summer. I know because I had a change of plans and had to scurry and find something a few weeks ago and the Kangaroo House was booked and was lucky to find a house rental next to Rosario Resort. I have not heard one good thing about Rosario, including the restaurant. IMO Kangaroo House would be a great choice especially for the location right in the eastsound. The innkeepers are suppose to be very nice knowledgeable people as well.

This thread doesn't come up in the "Washington" category! Otherwise I wouldn't have taken so long to respond.

Anyway, tuesday is a great day to ferry up there. I'd still get to Anacortes an hour in advance, but you can walk on the beach and picnic at the ferry dock-it's actually quite pleasant-so it won't be wasted time.

Of those places, I know I've heard good things about Kangaroo and the Inn at Ship Bay, but have no firsthand experience. There's no reason to stay near town-the island's not THAT big, so you won't have to drive too far to have dinner.

For kayaking, you can do trips from Orcas, or, if you want the best chance to see whales, there are companies that will pick you up at the San Juan Island (Friday Harbor) ferry dock if you walk on from Orcas. Whales usually hang out off the west coast of San Juan. I'm sure sailing would be wonderful-I've never done it. Orcas has the best hiking of the islands, since Moran State Park has many trails. You can also drive to the top of Mt. Constitution, if your mom isn't up for hiking. The state park has a website.
I wonder if you can pick up a great little book called "San Juan Islands: Afoot and Afloat" from the Amazon (or other online) used book section for a few bucks. It has terrific info about the islands.

I like the location of the Hotel Andra better. The Sorrento is up on a hill slightly away from the downtown core. The Andra is close to shopping, ,and the Seattle Center. Don't miss a tour of the Library while in Seattle