Rugged, snowcapped mountains, views of the wild ocean, and some of the most Insta-worthy bathtubs you’ve ever seen..this is only the beginning of what Washington has to offer, and I’ve got the inside scoop for you.
The Pacific Northwest will always hold a special place in my heart. From Rainier National Park to the New Dungeness Lighthouse, from Leavenworth to Seattle, there are some dang fun places to stay in Washington State.
This exclusive list of the best places to stay in Washington State is all the wanderlust-inducing motivation you’ll need to drop everything and plan your next escape!
All these cool hotels in Washington are places our team has been personally or have on their bucket list, so you are guaranteed to find unique Washington State getaways that are editor-approved and legit. We judge lodging based on location, price, amenities, decor and over all vibes. If the hotel could be the destination in itself, we want to stay there.
18 Unique Places To Stay In Washington State
The best vacation rentals and boutique hotels Washington State has to offer! From rustic cabins to luxury hotels, consider this your guide to where to stay in Washington.
Location: Seattle
Price: $195/night
Guests: Up to 4
This mid-range Seattle hotel certainly feels like a luxury choice. It’s within walking distance of all of Seattle’s greatest attractions such as the famous pike place market and the Space Needle, so you don’t need to worry about hailing down a cab. Besides its prime location, the Palihotel has a self-proclaimed “unapologetically eclectic, contemporary design” full of rich jewel tones and an old-world feel.
Hotel rooms feature trendy smeg appliances (hello, cute IG post!) and rainfall showers, which guests cannot quit raving about. Be sure to treat yourself to a meal at the Hart and the Hunter for a brilliant culinary experience while you’re at it! We love Palisociety hotels (last stayed at a Palihotel in LA!) You won't be disappointed.
Location: Orcas Island
Price: $288/night
Guests: Up to 4
Are you looking for a magical getaway with your closest friends? This mystical treehouse has been compared to the likes of the Swiss Family Robinson or the Hobbit vibes and is rumored to be built by fairies. Okay, so that might not be true, but it might as well have been with its charming, natural construction and woodsy vibes. The Forest House boasts a 12-sided living room with floor-to-ceiling windows, offering stunning views over the rolling waters and lush forests.
It’s also impossible to ignore the romantic appeal of this place- they even have a tub room with a skylight for stargazing on cozy nights with your partner. One of the more popular islands in the San Juan Islands archipelago, Orcas Island was aptly named for its whale local orca populations, so be sure to keep an eye out when sipping your morning cup of joe on the deck!
Location: Winthrop
Price: $145/night
Guests: Up to 2
Rolling Huts is hands-down one of the most unique places to stay in Washington state. These geometric, bachelor-pad style cabins are the ideal accommodation for couples, besties, or even solo travelers. Oh, and they are pet friendly so feel free to bring your furry friends along for the journey. The individual cabins embrace a hygge, minimalist design and feature one glass wall for optimal mountain views.
They are situated throughout the property in a way that maximizes privacy and are only a short stroll to an onsite woodstone pizzeria. Yum! Though you could choose to live in total isolation during your stay -just you and the great outdoors- you can also enjoy the smalltown farmers’ markets, art galleries, and shops of Winthrop.
Location: Leavenworth
Price: Starting at $565/night
Guests: Up to 2
Prefer a little bit of luxury? Not to worry, this exclusive boutique hotel and spa is the weekend getaway of your dreams tucked in Leavenworth, our favorite Bavarian town. With a chalet-inspired facade nestled into the forested mountainside along a gentle river, it doesn’t get much prettier than this. The Post Hotel is also adults-only, making it a great choice if you’re looking for a little peace and quiet.
Every room comes complete with its own terrace for taking in your surroundings and a marble soaking tub to help your stress melt away. The pool and fitness center are fab. Plus, we hear the free breakfast in the onsite fine dining restaurant is to die for! They are particularly well known for their fabulous vegetarian and gluten-free menus. If you are looking for romantic getaways in Washington State, nothing is more romantic than The Post Hotel in Leavenworth.
Location: Leavenworth
Price: Starting at $185/night
Guests: Up to 8
If you’re interested in some of the winter themed hotels in Washington state, you may want to consider this traditional ski retreat surrounded by tall pines, starry skies, and snowy peaks. Here, you’ll have ample opportunity to ski, snowboard, hike, or rock climb, but even if you’re feeling like a slower-paced holiday The Sleeping Lady is still THE place to be and is one of our favorite Leavenworth hotels.
You can enjoy some craft cocktails at the garden cocktail bar or visit the Aspen Spa with your boo, which is tailored to the couples’ experience. The whole place screams winter wonderland when it snows, making it one of the best hotels in Washington for a Christmas vacation. Read our full review here.
Location: Port Angeles
Price: Starting at $154/night
Guests: Up to 4
To add to the list of unique places to stay inside the Olympic National Park, Lake Crescent Lodge is a modest and elegant choice for families. The main lodge has a charming, bed-and-breakfast air about it with a sunny tearoom (SWOON!), manicured lawns, and a big weeping willow out front. It’s practically straight out of a Nicholas Sparks novel. I recommend that you choose to stay in one of the many guest cottages scattered along the waterfront as the rooms inside the main lodge are with a shared bathroom. You’ll find plenty to do here with lake access, boating, hiking, and other outdoor activities all on-site. It's nearby Forks to quench your Twilight fandom needs and all the best parts of Olympic National park.
Location: Ross Lake
Price: Starting at $250/night
Guests: Up to 6
The Ross Lake Resort is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a combination of adventure and R’ and R’, and is probably one of the most unique places to visit in Washington State. Comprised of 15 floating cabins in North Cascade Mountains, you’ll find this to be the ideal home base with plenty of options for stuffing your itinerary. These range from hiking through forests of dense evergreens to fishing on the lake. Of course, you could always just sit and sip a glass of wine on the dock instead- after all, you’re on vacation!
The individual cottages come in varying levels of sophistication and guest capacity so you can choose the one that suits your preferences and budget best. Some even have their own wood stove to keep you feeling warm and cozy. It's totally one of the most romantic hotels in Washington State.
Location: Friday Harbor
Price: Starting at $179/night
Guests: Up to 4
Escape to this budget-friendly, cabin-style resort right now! No seriously, go book a room. The Snug Harbour resort is a wonderful destination for any season- you can catch some rays in the heat of summer, take photos of the sailboats lining the quiet cove, watch the leaves come alive with color, or snuggle up by the woodstove and watch the snowflakes fall. Amongst the neverending list of things to do during your days here, you will have access to two state parks and the San Juan Islands National park nearby. The onsite coffee shop is also a major bonus if you’re in need of that daily perk.
Location: Forks
Price: Starting at $339/night
Guests: Up to 7
Any Twilight Saga Fans out there? If so, you’re probably familiar with the city of Forks. Besides being the infamous home of the Cullens, it’s also home to some of the best beach resorts in Washington state. Located inside Olympic National Park, the award-winning Kalaloch lodge is certainly worth a visit. Spend your days beachcombing the wild pacific coast and at night, you can treat yourself to a sustainable seafood dinner at the Creekside Restaurant. Still need more convincing? Some excursion highlights in the area include hiking the Hoh Rainforest, whale watching, and soaking in the Sol Duc Hot Springs.
HELLO AGAIN TWILIGHT FANS! And anyone on a budget. Cheap getaways in Washington state may be a dime a dozen, but what about a budget-friendly experience that feels every bit as elevated as a resort stay? This Forks Motel has got you covered. It’s located a 2 minute walk to downtown Forks, and within spitting distance of all your favorite trails and beaches and promises a clean, modernized motel experience. If you decide to visit, keep an eye out for the Twilight-themed guest rooms and massive Edward Cullen poster!! It's one of the best places to stay on Washington Coast that's budget friendly yet close to all the action.
Location: Bingen
Price: Starting at $289/night
Guests: Up to 7 (4 adults, 3 kids)
If you ask us, this Bingen gem is far and away one of the best places to stay in Washington State, especially if you’re someone who likes to meet new people during your travels. The Society Hotel effortlessly combines the luxury boutique hotel experience with all of the rustic allure of glamping. Each of the hotel rooms is a standalone cabin with an upscale, Scandi design, but much of the delights to be found here are in the communal spaces.
You’ll be able to take advantage of the sun terrace, community garden, library, and basketball court- You don’t even need to leave the property to have a blast. So what will your experience here look like? Alfresco dining under twinkling lights, swinging in hammocks and gathering around stylish glass firepits to chill with old friends or celebrate new ones. As far as cool hotels go, The Society Hotel is pretty much as cool as it gets and it has great reviews!
Location: Seattle
Price: Starting at $119/night
Guests: Up to 2
Out of all of the unique hotels that Seattle has to offer, The Ace Hotel Seattle has to be one of our favorites and we think all the urban hipsters out there will agree. At an affordable price, they offers guests an artsy, boutique hotel experience in the center of all the action. Rooms include great decor, too. Peruse the waterfront, enjoy a nice fine dining restaurant, hit up a martini bar, or grab tickets to a show. Plus, the hotel offers private parking, which can be a challenge to find in the city.
Location: Seattle
Price: Starting at $548/night
Guests: Up to 6
A stay at this small luxury hotel in Downtown Seattle is worth every penny. From the moment you check in, you’ll feel like you’re living the high life. The Palladian’s rich, historic and masculine design will simply take your breath away as you roam its museum-inspired halls.
With all the excitement of the city around you, don’t forget to plan an evening in to experience their exquisite menu at Shaker + Spear, and an ale at the underground speakeasy. Many of the available rooms are also dog-friendly, so there’s no need to leave your four-legged family members at home.
Location: Whidbey Island
Price: $375/night
Guests: Up to 6
Suitable for families, friends, or lovers, a stay at the Kingfisher Beach House is certain to be your next “vacation I’ll never forget”. The house is an architectural marvel with clean, modern design and its property is every bit as breathtaking. Large, panoramic windows will offer guests unimpeded views of the ocean and the driftwood-laden beaches of Whidbey Island.
Prepare to get up close and personal with a plethora of sea life; enjoy some of the best coastal tide-pooling around, spot porpoises and seals off in the distance, and you may even witness a salmon run! Located in an Inlet below the Olympic mountains, The kingfisher could also serve as a basecamp for those looking to explore Olympic National Park.
Location: Quincy
Price: Starting at $342/night
Guests: Up to 4
Girls’ getaways don’t get much better than this- no need to go all the way to California! In the heart of Washington wine country, you’ll find the Sunset Splendor Perched atop Cave B Ridge. Drawing its inspiration from modern shipping container homes, this luxury rental boasts a striking interior and wall-to-wall windows. You and your besties will overlook vineyards, mountains, and the valley’s watershed from the massive living room, which is practically begging for slumber parties if you ask us.
We recommend spending as much time taking in the view as possible, but there’s so much to see in the area that you won’t want to sit still forever. Go wine tasting, visit the Columbia River Gorge, or take a cycling tour- the choice is all yours at this unique Washington getaway.
Location: Leavenworth
Price: $230/night
Guests: Up to 2
An alternative to some of the fancier, amazing hotels in Washington state, this quaint tiny house will afford you all the perks of staying at a camping resort without sacrificing comfort. You can spend your days mountain-biking, backpacking, hitting the tennis courts, or splashing in the pool. Inspired by Swedish mountain chalets, this home-away-from-home was designed with the guest in mind. You’ll rest easy knowing you have a kitchenette, private bathroom, free wifi, and of course, proximal access to Lake Wenatchee State Park.
Location: Snohomish
Price: $557/night
Guests: Up to 2
Looking for a unique place to stay near Seattle? This two-story private treehouse in Snohomish was ranked top ten in the United States, and it’s no surprise why. It features a stone fireplace, a massive soaking tub for two and it also comes with two cruising bikes so you can explore the area at a more leisurely pace and other modern amenities. It’s close enough to the city that you can make your way in to see a few main attractions, but thanks to its forested property it feels far enough removed to give you a proper escape from the hustle and bustle.
Location: Coupeville
Price: Starting at $188/night
Guests: Up to 4
his unique hotel is sure to be a hit with those looking for a quiet, lodge-style summer vacation. Seriously, a stay at Captain Whidbey’s will have you feeling like you’ve gone off to grown-up summer camp. Located right on prime bayfront, you can have your morning tea overlooking the water, set out in a canoe in the afternoon, or have a sunset toast on the terrace.
There are plenty of local restaurants to check out in Coupeville, but we recommend checking out Captain Whidbey’s farm-to-table breakfast assembled with stunning local ingredients. Though there’s so much to do here that you’d never have to leave, if you’d like to explore the historic seaport of Port Townsend, it’s merely a fifty-minute drive away via the ferry!
2 comments
So many places! So little time. Love all your travel round ups 🙂
These are great picks! You literally left out half the state though! Give Eastern Washington a look some day. There are gorgeous cabins on raspberry farms, riverside yurts, a guesthouse on a lama ranch, a hayloft in a giant red barn converted into an air bnb, a rangers fire lookout in the mountains. We’re worth checking out over here!!!