Rosario Resort/ San Juan Isalnds
 

Has anyone stayed here and how is it? We're going to explore the San Juan Islands on our next trip to Seattle. The website looks beautiful. TIA ***kim***

I have not personally stayed there, but when we lived in WA, friends did and were less than thrilled with it. They said it wasn't horrible, but it was definitely past its prime and that they would not return. That was the general word on it from all our neighbors and friends.

Save your money.

Ahh, you guys really rained on my parade! LOL The website looks really nice, there's a spa there, restaurants, I love historical buildings. What's a good alternative on Orcas?

Hubby's aunt owns the Kangaroo House B&B, but shhhh I want a resort! ***kim***

Kim, Check out Deer Harbor. The location is wonderful. I stayed there twenty years ago when it was a bit of a dump, and a cabin was $65. Since then they have upgraded the place, and it might be just the ticket. While on Orcas Island you can investigate why Rosario doesn't meet expectations.

What about Friday Harbor? San Juan Island has a lot to offer with Roche Harbor, whales, good food, and so on.

Friday Harbor looks nice! I still would like more specifics as to why Rosario is not recommended. Is it just outdated and showing wear or what?

The views from the pool look gorgeous and the resort just sort of intrigues me! I'll have to read some Tripadvsor reports. ***kim*** How was Ashland?

We stayed at Rosario years ago, so my recommendation wouldn't really be valid for now, but you're right--the views from the pool ARE gorgeous. The setting was fabulous, but I have heard mixed things recently, so don't know what to say about the resort itself.

On Tripadvisor, it has received terrible reviews. Only one person actually enjoyed their stay there. I'm the kind of person where I'll probably have to go just to make my own decision. We'll see, the trip is a few months away, so I'll have lots of time for research and opinions! ***kim***

Rosario Resort was unsurpassed in the Northwest in it's day. It's been three years since we've been to the resort, so I can't tell you much about it except to say that there have been some improvements since then. We stayed in the older section overlooking the harbor. The room was reasonably comfortable. The floor dropped about 6 inches from the inside to the outer wall, giving it a unique appeal. Personally, I would be hesitant about returning simply based on knowing what the same amount will get you at one of the typical spas in SW France, but that said, it is the epitome of the northwest. It's hard to beat the San Juan's for beauty.

We docked at Rosario last summer and went to the pool and toured the mansion. The pool is really relaxing and lovely and the mansion was interesting to visit.

We didn't see the guest rooms, but understand a lot have been updated. At the swimming pool we met a woman who was staying there who was really enjoying it. It's real old style and is in a beautiful setting.

If you do stay there, be sure to give us an updated report on the accomodations!

Confirming the general thread. Rosario, while still a very nice setting and beautiful manor house, is past its prime. Sorry, but I have stayed there recently for conferences.

There are several obvious problems preventing it from maintaining status as a swank resort. The grounds are not particularly well maintained. The lodgings are aging although reasonably comfortable. They achieve about the status of a very nice motel. Most of the motel buildings are a ways from the manor house and step up the hillside. You have to be a hearty walker to avoid driving. Between the manor and the motel buildings, there are a couple of industrial looking buildings that are not well kept, and the conference center. The conference center is not resort quality.

I am obviously in the minority here, but we stayed at the Rosario two years ago and really enjoyed it. We had a room on the hill overlooking the water, which was beautiful - both the water view and the room. We had to drive down to the mansion for meals etc. On the way, there are herds of deer that frequent the area. They are used to people and will come right up to the car. We also had massages at the spa, and found the facilities more than acceptable. Maybe it's gone downhill in the past two years, but it was great when we visited.

Thanks TYR 23! I like places like that. We really enjoy the Columbia Gorge Hotel, The Ashland Springs, there's so much charm to the older places. I enjoy learning about the history behind all the older resort, also. ***kim***

Thanks TYR 23! I like places like that. We really enjoy the Columbia Gorge Hotel, The Ashland Springs, there's so much charm to the older places. I enjoy learning about the history behind all the older resorts, also. ***kim***

Check out trip advisor tripadvisor.com
and look at what the people say
Joan

Read my post on 9/4! I know, it has received pretty bad reviews over there. ***kim***

I was first introduced to Rosario about 30 years ago during a sailing trip in the San Juan Islands. I fell in love with the place. What a fabulous location. The view is unbelieveable. I returned about 5 years later for my honeymoon. It was great. They had a limo then that picked us up at the airport and then took us all over the island to different places for dinner. We went back one more time (a second honeymoon) just after they had finished the conference center and the new units. Again, it was great. Obviously, the place evokes great memories for me. It is so sad to hear that it has been allowed to run down. If you do stay there Kimamom, please report back on what you find.

For some weird reason, I have faith in this place regardless of what some have said. I loved reading your post! I'm sure we'll stay here when we visit and now I'm curious about the place. The Rosario Resort on the San Juan Islands...... keep the posts up on this place! ***kim*** (No, my relatives aren't involved with this place!)

Kimamom,
I couldn't help it. Curiosity got the better of me. I took a look at the Rosario website. If you look at the picture on the first page and see the small cottage on the water to the right of the mansion (just above the plane), that was or used to be the honeymoon suite. I wonder if they still use it for that. Also, they used to rent some rooms right in the mansion itself. I don't know if they do that anymore. I'll be very interested in your report.

Yes, it is still the honeymmon suite, check out the rooms. It has a four poster bed, jacuzzi tub and balcony over-looking the water. It sounds very nice. ***kim*** :) We're planning a visit next summer, so it will be awhile for my report.