The Fairmont Olympic Hotel
We've compiled the best of the best in Washington - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
From its jaw-dropping bay views to the fabulous location just steps from Pike Place Market, this is a unique place you'll want to visit again and again; excellent service and dining options make it even more worth the splurge. The inn is well-known for the friendly, helpful staff and excellent room service from Bacco (breakfast) and French charmer Café Campagne (dinner). The contemporary rooms feature a soothing white-and-beige palette, stylish furniture, and incredibly comfortable Hypnos beds. Foodies, romantics, and everyone in between will love the prime location. Rooms are differentiated by the type of view, but if you opt for a City Side room (a good deal even in high season), you can still enjoy uninterrupted water views from the spacious fifth-floor deck perched above Puget Sound. Across the courtyard, you'll find the superb Sushi Kashiba, helmed by renowned chef Shiro Kashiba, who trained under chef Jiro Ono (the subject of the documentary Jiro Dreams of Sushi); it's a splurge but arguably the best sushi in Seattle.
Located in one of Seattle's most vibrant and transforming neighborhoods, this hotel has undeniable draws, from the attractive and comfortable modern rooms to a happening lobby bar-restaurant serving Northwest cuisine and tapas, to the impressive views of the Space Needle and Lake Union. Even standard rooms feel spacious and feature an elegant palette of browns and blues, along with contemporary furniture and artwork and upscale touches like Hypnos beds, Herman Miller desk chairs, and soaking tubs tucked behind shoji screens. Eco-minded travelers will appreciate that Pan Pacific is one of the greenest companies in Washington. Part of a luxury condo development, the hotel offers guests access to a 24-hour fitness center with a large jetted whirlpool. Also across the courtyard, spa lovers should take note of the Vida Spa, a local favorite that features classic body and facial treatments along with specialty ayurvedic options in a soothing setting. The address is a short haul from the downtown sights so ask about the hotel’s free car service, which can drop you anywhere in a 2-mile radius, or hop on a trolley to get around.
A gingerbread-style porch fronts this Victorian on two landscaped acres of lush perennial gardens, and the inn's grand lawn, dotted with Adirondack chairs, ends on a bluff overlooking Vancouver Island. All of the exquisitely appointed guest rooms have fireplaces and panoramic bay views through large picture windows. Victoria's Repose has a finely carved English oak bed and a balcony with a private two-person hot tub; three other suites have indoor whirlpool tubs. Antiques are artfully arranged throughout the common areas, and you can enjoy breakfast in the sunny dining room or on the gently breezy back patio.
Dazzling views of the mountains and valley are yours at this Bavarian-style country chalet in a quiet setting a mile north of downtown. The many fireplaces and carved-wood walls and ceilings create an authentic alpine feel that's especially appealing in winter, and the luxurious rooms have lovely wooden balconies. On the top floor, the Sleeping Beauty suite features a hammered copper soaking tub, two-person shower, Italian marble, and fine linens.
With an idyllic setting on a scenic bend of Hood Canal, this elegant, evergreen-shaded resort dating to 1913 contains snazzy rooms overlooking the water, a courtyard, or a gurgling creek. There's a slew of extras, including a full-service spa, 18-hole golf course, beach, an indoor pool with water views, and several miles of hiking trails through peaceful old-growth forest. The stellar restaurant sources much of its seafood from the canal, and a 54-foot-long yacht offers sunset cruises with views of the Olympic Mountains. The location is perfect for a weekend getaway from Seattle or for exploring the Kitsap Peninsula and the eastern reaches of the Olympic Peninsula.
Popular with outdoor recreation enthusiasts, this posh boutique lodge in rugged Yakima River Canyon contains 10 spacious two-bedroom suites with full kitchens and offers a bounty of amenities and activities, including fishing and hunting guides, rafting trips, hiking trails, and superb dining. For a peaceful retreat in the wilderness, this riverside resort is hard to beat.
This contemporary oceanfront mansion set on a 10-acre sanctuary of gorgeous gardens offers a level of service and luxury that's unmatched in the area, with water-view suites that have fireplaces, patios, and two-person spa tubs, and multicourse breakfasts featuring organic fresh local produce, decadent baked goods, and house specialties like Dungeness crab hash, smoked salmon frittata, and dill crepes. Leather sofas and chairs and a river-rock fireplace make the Great Room a lovely spot to view the Strait of Juan de Fuca through 20-foot-high windows. A specially built outdoor fireplace means you can enjoy the deck even in winter.
At this bluff-top getaway floor-to-ceiling windows; sleek, modern wood furnishings; and fabrics in serene hues fill the rooms—all of which have gas fireplaces, deep jetted tubs, Chemex pour-over coffee carafes, and at least partial views of the marina, ferry landing, and San Juan Channel below. The ferries are especially enjoyable to watch dock after dark, when they're all lit up.
Scandinavian modern design lovers will swoon over Hotel Ändra, from the striking double-height lobby lounge that still feels cozy thanks to plush seating and a large fireplace, to the freshly renovated rooms, which feature stylish furnishings in an on-trend palette of grays, ochres, and pinks.
This Bavarian-style lodging with flowers tumbling over the wooden balconies is decorated with sturdy alpine furniture, rich fabrics, and cozy comforters—some rooms even have hand-painted old-world bed frames and armoires. In the adjacent Old Chapel, formerly a Catholic church, you can stay in a unique suite with a king bed and sleeping loft, or in the quiet "parish nook" with hand-carved walnut furniture from Austria. Some suites have log-burning fireplaces and jetted tubs. A hearty European breakfast of coffee, fruit, muesli, meats and cheeses, and coffee cake is served.
Built in 1906, the historic and serene Hotel Sorrento hits the perfect note between traditional and modern, with lovely Italianate architecture, carved wood moldings, white marble bathrooms, antique furnishings in sumptuous fabrics, and chic original contemporary artwork in the common spaces. The Sorrento’s stylish Stella restaurant features coastal Italian cuisine to go with the classic black-and-white striped patio umbrellas.
Set on 35 acres of gardens, lawns, and vineyards, the incredibly stylish, beautifully furnished guest cottages and suites have a serene, relaxing, and secluded feel. With names like the Bunk House and the Chicken Coop that pay homage to their use on the original circa-1900 farm, each accommodation is luxuriously appointed and architecturally stunning. The two-story Hayloft Suite, for example, has a grand staircase that leads up to the light-filled living area and a large outdoor deck with expansive views, while the Carriage House Suite has sitting areas on all three levels and two bedrooms with private baths. The huge five-bedroom Farmhouse can accommodate up to 10 guests. Abeja also has its own estate winery and guests are welcomed with a glass of wine on arrival. The Kitchen at Abeja, led by chef Jake Crenshaw, offers several dining choices for guests, including a multicourse prix fixe dinner in the dining room, box lunches, artisan shared plates, and dinner delivered to your suite.
Perched on a bluff above the beach, this concrete-and-wood Frank Lloyd Wright–inspired structure is just steps from the center of town and features elegant, contemporary guest rooms, all with soaking tubs, wood-burning fireplaces, balconies, and dramatic marine and mountain views. In-room highlights include open Jacuzzi tubs (all with views of Saratoga Passage) and flat-panel televisions. The Inn's restaurant (reservations essential), with its double-sided river-rock fireplace and full-view kitchen, is set above a pretty herb garden. In summer it serves sumptuous six-course dinners on Friday and Saturday at 7 (one seating only). If you have time, book an appointment at the spa, which includes a complimentary visit to the steam room.
This 100-acre retreat dating back to the 1940s has gorgeously renovated cabins, each decorated in earth tones with timber accents, beachy but elegant furnishings, and upscale kitchens. Through the big windows you can enjoy the tranquil, evergreen-shaded setting along a bluff overlooking Boone Creek and the ocean. Coastal trails attract a mix of surfers, divers, boaters, and hikers. This beachfront hideaway is the perfect place for winter storm watching, clamming, and getting away from it all.
In a beautiful foothills setting with Olympic Mountains views, this sumptuous 10-acre retreat offers tranquil grounds, spacious accommodations with luxe furnishings, and extras like in-room couples massage and other spa options. Guests can choose between three large suites in the main lodge, all with fireplaces and flat-screen TVs; a private lake hideaway with a kitchenette; or two private cottages.
Housed in a striking reflective tower that connects to a historic church (now an event space), Lotte Seattle (by the South Korean Lotte brand) debuted in 2020; Philippe Starck--designed, mid-century-inspired interiors feature sleek mirrored surfaces (even in the bathroom), an eclectic mix of contemporary art, faux-bois motifs, and floor-to-ceiling windows, some with lovely views of Elliott Bay and Smith Tower.
Washington's first true Alpine-inspired luxury hotel and wellness spa, on a quiet street overlooking the Wenatchee River in downtown Leavenworth, provides all the pampering you could ask for, including a slew of soothing spa treatments and access to gorgeously designed saltwater hydrotherapy pools, steam baths, saunas, and other water treatment options. The spacious guest rooms have cloud-soft bedding, sitting areas with fireplaces, and in many cases balconies with French doors or tall windows that afford grand views of the river, mountains, or village.
This intimate, relaxed mountain inn hugs the banks of the Wenatchee River near downtown Leavenworth. Its seven rustic-chic rooms with timber furnishings, private outside entrances, and decks with views of dramatic rock formations, aspen groves, meadows where deer browse, or Icicle and Tumwater Canyons. Ravenwood Lodge is a spacious, chalet-style luxury retreat complete with a full kitchen, river-rock fireplace, loft bedroom, and its own outdoor hot tub. Cushy robes, fireplaces, two-person jetted tubs, and rain showers are among the inviting amenities. There's also a beautiful little chapel on the property, perfect for intimate weddings.
The stunning, chalet-style lodge—which you may recognize from the opening credits of Twin Peaks—sits dramatically over Snoqualmie Falls and offers a slew of creature comforts, including plush rooms with gas fireplaces, window seats or balconies, and a first-rate spa with sauna, steam room, and soaking tubs. Several rooms have partial or full views of the gorgeous cascades, while others have a river panorama. The elegant Dining Room has an eclectic menu (lamb shank ragout, pan-seared Columbia River steelhead, and many dishes using honey produced by on-site bees) and sumptuous breakfasts, and the cozy yet stylish Attic bistro offers fine Northwest wines, craft cocktails, and wood-fired pizzas.
This warm, woodsy lodge on an expansive, verdant swath of forest and meadows impresses with a multitude of windows overlooking the surrounding mountains and Gorge, an outstanding array of recreational facilities, and handsome, Pacific Northwest–chic accommodations, many with fireplaces and all with views. The upscale-rustic interior features Montana-slate tiles, Native American artwork, and an immense wood-burning fireplace. "Skamania" is the Chinook word for "swift water," and the lodge's 175 acres are just a stone's throw from the Columbia River. Facilities include a well-respected 18-hole golf course, 4 miles of hiking trails, a large indoor pool, a 1-mile fitness loop, a grass volleyball court, outdoor tennis court, and a dramatic zip line course with commanding views of the Gorge. Staff will pack you a lunch if you're going out for the day. The Waterleaf Spa and Fitness Center offers a full slate of soothing treatments, and the resort's two restaurants offer some of the top dining experiences in the region.
Timbers salvaged from a 19th-century warehouse are rustic counterpoints to sleek, modern design of this elegant spa hotel in the heart of Woodinville wine country. A stone fireplace dominates the lobby, and contemporary Native American prints and sculptures by local artists are spread throughout. Each large, elegant guest room has a gas-lighted stone fireplace and an oversize soaking tub. Wander the beautifully landscaped grounds, or pay a visit to the excellent on-site spa, which features beauty and rejuvenating treatments, as well as a hydrotherapy pool in a secluded courtyard. The hotel's Barking Frog restaurant is well-liked, while Fireside Cellars, Willows Lodge's casual lounge, often features live music and makes a relaxing spot to sip local wine after a day spent biking through the Eastside.
Though 30 minutes from Downtown Seattle, Willows Lodge is within walking distance to a number of Woodinville wineries and tasting rooms.
With an appealing, scenic setting on a marina 4 miles north of downtown Bellevue, this contemporary boutique spa hotel is a popular roost for those seeking a relaxing waterfront getaway close to Seattle, Woodinville, and the Cascade foothills. Rooms are spacious and have soothing earth-tone color schemes and top-of-the-line bath amenities. Three very good restaurants are in or adjacent to the hotel, including the popular waterfront French bistro, Le Grand, and you can rent kayaks, Jet Skis, and other boats from the on-site marina.
The stunning North Cascades and all its attractions are the stars of this outdoor-oriented resort replete with luxurious accommodations, spectacular mountain views, and a range of activities that make it a year-round destination, whether the peaks are covered in snow or wildflowers. The property offers outdoor pools and hot tubs, tennis courts, 100 miles of hiking, horseback riding, boating on Patterson Lake, and skiing trails. The Mt. Gardner and Mt. Robinson buildings provide the best accommodations, with fireplaces and private patios or balconies. Spacious luxury cabins skirting the shores of Lake Patterson are also available and are pet-friendly. The upscale Dining Room serves fine Pacific Northwest fare, while Wolf Creek Bar and Grill is more casual.
This small resort with family-friendly amenities feels remote yet is very close to Mt. Rainier's Sunrise entrance and Crystal Mountain Ski Resort; suites feature fireplaces and full kitchens, and the property has a year-round outdoor pool and hot tub, sports field, and a recreation center. The 23 suites are in three chalet-style buildings. Each has a bedroom on the main floor and a fireplace; larger suites also have an open loft accessed by ladder stairs, with a bed and additional bathroom. Three stand-alone cabins on site offer more privacy—the Hawthorne log cabin overlooks a creek and sleeps two adults and two kids on sofabed; the Tahoma is the largest cabin on the resort property, with two bedrooms, and sleeps four adults and two kids; and the Creekside has its own private hot tub. For even more privacy, the River View and White River Bend cabins are off-site by the White River and have their own hot tubs, plenty of sleeping options, and full access to resort amenities. The resort has a mini-grocery store, extensive rental movie library, snowshoe and bike rentals, and limited Wi-Fi throughout. In summer, nightly activities include bonfires, barbecues, movie nights, wilderness bingo games, and even karaoke.
Each room at this sprawling resort—a family favorite since 1901 and situated on beautifully landscaped grounds alongside a marina and a pristine, 1,200-foot, Lake Chelan beach—has balcony views of the lake or mountains; some rooms also have a kitchen or fireplace. A major draw here is the wealth of activities, from treatments in the day spa to plenty of kids' programs in summer. There's a lively pub, too, that turns out straightforward comfort food and offers live music some nights.
For a romantic, cushy getaway in the piney woods near Gifford Pinchot National Forest, book one of these luxurious rustic-chic cabins outfitted with hot tubs and separate walk-in showers, DVD players, fireplaces, sitting areas, and private porches. Set amid lush gardens and fire pits, this idyllic little retreat is handy to some of the best hiking in the Gorge, but plenty of couples simply cozy up in their cabins and breathe in the tranquil woodland air. In-cabin spa services can be arranged, and rates include full breakfast and in-cabin snack baskets.
An appealing lodging option if you favor tranquil, rugged settings surrounded by the lush valleys and sweeping hills east of the Cascades, this angular, contemporary B&B is just outside the quirky little town of Cashmere, about midway between Leavenworth and Wenatchee. The three suites—each named for a local pear variety—are graciously appointed with gas fireplaces, smart TVs, snug robes, and private decks or balconies with magnificent views of the countryside.