We've been to the San Juans numerous times & just love them!! However, haven't had too much luck w/lodging on San Juan Island. (Once upon a time, *did*, but that placed closed unfortunately...Mariella Inn.) Anyway, thining about trying a new place for us...Roche Harbor. Has anybody stayed there recently who could share their experience? Has anyone stayed in the "McMillin Suites"? Quite expensive! Worth it over the older hotel's suites? (It's for our 10th Anniversary...this trip.) Would appreciate any 'reviews' you could offer. Thanks!

We stayed in the cottages, but a few years ago. We liked it a lot. There was a lot to do, a sense of tradition, and great views.
I have the 2001 version of "Best Places, Northwest," edition 13. It is my bible for travel in the NW. They say, "At this writing, four new luxury suites (the McMillin Suites) are opening in McM's old house, which also houses the resorts largest restaurant. Suites have killer views, large claw-footed soaking tubs, big beds and room service." The old hotel, from their description, has "seen some renovation since Teddy Roosevelt visited, but not so you'd notice." You might want to ask if they've renovated in the past two years. The book says the cottages and condos are nicely renovated.

The book gives 3 stars to two properties in Friday Harbor: the Friday Harbor House, which is a sister property fo the Inn at Langley; the Harrison House Suites (Craftsman style with impressive suites. Views overlook entire sweep of Friday Harbor.) Also, the "Highland Inn" on the west side, which has only two suites one at each end of a house, both with views of the Olympics, Vicotria and Haro Strait, with an 88ft deck. Private. Whirlpool tubs.
Other places - one star for the Lonesome Cover Resort, with little cabins on the water's edge and forest around (great sunsets). Wharfside Bed and Breakfast, on K dock in Friday Harbor - 2 guest rooms on the 60 ft. Sailboat Jacquelyn. Queen beds. Aft has own bathroom.Duffy House - 1920's farmhouse in isolated spot on island south side. 5 guest rooms. Sunken living room with fireplace, bald eagles across st. near trail to beach. Friday's Historical Inn - 11 rooms; best is on 3rd floor with own deck and water view kitchen, double shower, jacuzzi.
Hope you find the right place for your anniverary!

Thank you so very much for sharing that info, to try & help us find a suitable spot for our anniversary. Truly appreciate it! Prices at Roche have unfortunately gone up to peak rates by the time we're reaching the islands, so we have to decide whether to splurge *that* much...the McMillin Suites are almost $90 more than the suites in the older hotel. A LOT of money, to say the least! Will look into some of the spots you've mentioned here. We *love* old places, so that's why we've never stayed at the Friday Harbor House...a little too sleek, for our particular tastes. Wonder if anyone has ever stayed at the Harrison House Suites, on this Board? Will do more research. Again, thanks for all of your time - so very kind of you!!

Oooo...forgot to ask...
how were the cottages you stayed in? More like cottages for families w/kids, or more cozy than that? (not to say places for families, can't be cozy) ;-) Just wondering...

I own a house on San Juan island so am there quite a lot and used to stay in motels or B&Bs before that when there.
I myself think Roche Harbor is too far away from the town and the ferry and the best park and walking. Also the only public beach is far away (I don't count that beach near the Duffy house as it and that place and literally right next door to a horribly ugly open mine gravel pit). Of the places to stay on the island the best are Highland B&B and Fri. Harbor house mentioned before here. From what I've seen of Roche Harbor the place has seen better days LONG ago. I do like the food in the main dining room though.

It was probably 9 years ago when we stayed in the cottages. We were with our two children, and the cottage we stayed in was on the rustic side and was relatively inexpensive. The NW Best Places says some of the cottages have been renovated.
Here's more info on the one you mention and WorldTravelers suggestions. The number in the book for the Harrison House Suites is 800-407-7933. According to the book, it is underpriced for the region - great for families and groups they say. Highland Inn is 888-400-9850, or 360-378-9450. No kids. Wood burning fireplaces, marble bathrooms. Whirlpool bath on deck. Friday Harbor House 360-378-8455. They put a little heart next to this one, meaning its romantic. Gas fireplaces, jacuzzis wtih harbor views. Alas, like the Roche Harbor Resort, the book gives these places $$$, except Harrison House Suites, which is $$. Other $$ places are Duffy House, Fridays Historial Inn, Lonesome Cove Resort, and Wharfside B&B. Good luck!

Appreciate the further help, from you both! Going to look into our options more. Wish Mariella was still around...it had such a gorgeous location...on a rocky point, where you could see the ferries plying towards the island, but yet, sort of remain 'removed' from it all, too. Bliss! Could walk to town easily from there..enjoy the gardens & Madrona trees, etc. Miss it! :-{ (Wish we could have bought it when it went for sale...just slightly out of our price range, tho'!) ;-)

You know the Maribella (just down the street from Steve Miller's spread) was bought by Amazon.com guy. I drive by there a lot and never see anyone around but maintenance people.

Thanks for sharing that! We didn't know. Just know it was for sale, when we were there once & we thought it a shame, they were willing to divide up the property & all. (It had a scattering of cottages, along w/the main house, on such gorgeous grounds.) What a shame if it's almost never inhabited! (what a waste) We were sad, at the time, as we realized what was once enjoyed by some numbers of people, at least, would become 'exclusive' to one person/family. And, the beauty to be found there, not available to many. But, I guess they overexpanded & just weren't able to make the place survive. (They added too many cottages, at one point. Harder to get the place all booked.) Anyway, it was WAYYYY out of our price range of course! Believe they began at 6 mill asking price! Think it sold for less, but not sure how much. It was just a joke of ours...how nice it would have been, if we could have gotten it, & kept it open for everyone...

R,
We stayed at Roche Harbor the week after 9/11/01 which was kind of eerie. We had to change our reservation due to the fact that all airline flights were cancelled. They were very accomodating. We did have to divide our time staying two days in the Honeymoon suite and 2 days in the Presidential Suite of the old hotel. We liked the Presidential Suite a little better.It had a larger bathroom, separate bedroom and a living room with a gas fireplace controlled by remote. Both had access to the third floor terrace which made for spectacular views of the harbor and gardens. I guess we preferred staying in the old hotel rather than the newer "condo" type accomodations. The cottages looked inviting but I thought they might be more suitable for families. They have a couple dining spots in the complex - one is great for coffee and breakfast another has a nice patio for drinks and appetizers or sandwiches. They also have a fine dining restaurant but we much preferred a place called the Duck Soup Inn which was only a mile or two away. There were several interesting hikes that we took especially the one that goes through the old English garrison. There a also some spots for good whale watching.
JoeG

Thank you so much, Joe, for this report! Most helpful! Been debating about a suite in the older hotel vs. the new McMillin Suites. I'm not sure the McMillin Suites are what you're referring to when you mention the condos & cottages, as they have *so* many different types of accomodations here. Cottages for families on a hill & condo units, too. These McMillin ones are still something else.

But, we've had *strong* reservations about paying the almost $75 more per night, that the McMillin Suites cost! Our trip has gotten quite long & the nights, really add up! These suites are supposed to be ultra nice & romantic, but they are mostly new inside. Now, if this is "classic" new, but feels old, I'd like it fine. But, if it's sort of "sleek" new...I'd far prefer tired & old. ;-) We love old places! Just was curious what condition the old suites were in, & glad to receive a positive report....that they were just fine, & the view from that part of the grounds so nice. Thank you! You just saved us $150-200/over the 2 nights. Also, have always wanted to try that Duck Soup place...never managed to, as we're usually in Friday Harbor. So, will try to work that in, as well. Appreciate your help! -Rosemary

Rosemary,
It sounds as though you would really like the Presidential Suite. Yes it is really old - the floors slant, the door frames are crooked, the bathroom has an old tub with the the 360 degree shower curtain. But the bedding and linens are quite luxurious and everything about it is very charming. You are correct - the McMillin Suites are right next to the old hotel and I believe were part of the original main house of the family that built Roche Harbor. We didn't see the interiors but I'm guessing that it is new/old style with more amenities like newer bathrooms and maybe tv's and air conditioning (which they don't have in the old hotel).You will really like sitting on the porch which opens up right from your room.
JoeG

Thanks again, Joe! That particular suite is not available, but the Bridal & Harborview ones are. They said they aren't really like "suites" but just regular rooms with baths? Would you agree? Or, did they seem a bit bigger, or nicer? Just the same, think we'll book one of these, as for the price difference, I think these will be nice enough. Have a great weekend, Rosemary

Former Mariella B&B place has not been divided. It's still one property. Just has one owner who owns the whole place.
I believe he/they are VERY rarely there. Sort of like other muti-millionaires here (or wealthier) who hire locals who do nothing but "detailing the telephones" and such full time. I wonder why they don't just throw the phones away and have someone buy new ones monthly..it would be cheaper? But then they don't care about cheaper..it's far more impressive to have someone work 40 hours a week detailing your phones or ashtrays.

Rosemary,
We didn't see the Harborview Suite but you're correct the Bridal Suite is one really large room (from the front of the hotel to the back). The only thing about it is that it has a very small bathroom with a shower stall (no tub) that you have to be a bit of a contorsionist to turn around in. I think that most of the standard rooms have to share a bathroom in the hallway so maybe this is worth it for the privacy. It has a large bed with really fluffy linens and pillows. It's furnished with many antique furniture pieces. Also it has a doorway (and windows) that leads out onto the terrace and great views of the harbor and gardens. I think you will find it to be most enjoyable.
JoeG

Thanks, once again, Joe. Can't wait! Yes, the bathroom sounds a bit tight, but unless they offer some 'special' last minute when we check-in (for a McMillin Suite), these rooms should work fine. Btw, I found out the Duck Soup Inn won't be open, when we're there...midweek. Wonder if we should drive all the way back to town for dinner, or was it okay at Roche? Or, perhaps there's somewhere else? No, I think that's about it for food choices...Friday Harbor or this location. We'll have two nights there, so perhaps one night back in town & one at Roche...

WorldTravel...I agree. It's sad, to have places that stand empty, when perhaps someone who couldn't afford the same amount, would have brought life & color to the Islands, on a daily basis, instead of so rarely! But, such is real estate in such beautiful locations I suppose. Sad, but true. But, it definitely got worse during the dot.com explosion ... also, in the Bay area!
Btw, what is "detailing the phones" exactly? ;-) Perhaps I should know, but I'm *not* sure...would have to guess. Glad to hear Mariella was kept intact...at one point, when the buyers seemed to not have had any/many "bites"...I saw a plan, where it was subdivided & the little cottages were for sale separately.

There were several stories in local newspaper after Mariella sold about lawsuits involving the sellers and buyer/potential buyer. One potential buyer sued and so did former owners...sued real estate agent who they said held important information back which stopped that sale.

Phone detailing? Well its like car detailing only on a tiny medium. Think Q-tips. I know someone who did just that here for over a year...that's how many phones they had in the house and how perfectionist owners wife was on them being literally immaculate at all times. And if one wasn't 100% perfect the vulgar screaming would start. Those billionaires can be so impressive (!) This was *not* at the same property mentioned, the former Mariella. Let's not get into what Paul (Microsoft #2)Allen is doing over at Lopez peninsula he owns either with that huge staff of detailers etc.

Entertaining & informative..thanks!