Last Updated on December 11, 2023 by Katrina
About 100 miles north of Seattle, Washington State’s San Juan Islands are comprised of 172 islands and reefs, dotted with forests, wildlife, and a few charming towns. Most travelers focus their attention on three islands: San Juan, Orcas, and Lopez. All are typically reached by seaplane from Seattle, or by ferry from the mainland town of Anacortes. You won’t find large chain hotels on the islands, but you will find inns and resorts that offer unique accommodations. There’s a mix of lodge rooms, yurts, and cabins, as well as opportunities to kayak, hike, or just soak up the natural beauty. Here are the best hotels in the San Juan Islands.
Earthbox Inn & Spa (410 Spring St.; 360-378-4000) San Juan Island
Stay at the 72-room vintage-vibe inn in for easy access to San Juan Island’s main town of Friday Harbor and its ferry, which is just four blocks away. “It is within walking distance of nearly everything in Friday Harbor that we didn’t bring a car,” says a Google reviewer. You’ll find home-away-from home amenities, too—all rooms have microwaves and fridges, and some have full kitchens. “The room was spacious and looked brand new,” writes a Tripadvisor reviewer. “The kitchen had everything—new dishes and pans, a full refrigerator, and a coffee station.” >> Book this hotel for less
Roche Harbor Resort – Hotel De Haro (248 Reuben Memorial Dr.; 800-451-8910) San Juan Island
Choose from hotel rooms, fireplace suites, condos, and charming cottages at this waterfront resort that dates back to the late 1880s, when the area had a lime factory and barrel works. The Seattle Post-Intelligencer describes it as “a historic seaside treasure surrounded by lush gardens” that is also a good spot for kayaking, whale-watching tours, and spa days. One historic quirk that some Google reviewers didn’t like: most rooms in the main hotel section come with shared bathrooms. But otherwise, one user calls it a “very interesting set up with the marina, sculpture park, and historic buildings.” >> Book this hotel for less
Lakedale Resort (4313 Roche Harbor Rd.; 360-378-2350) San Juan Island
Choose your style of getaway at this 82-acre resort with a classic lodge, cabins, yurts, and canvas “glamping” cottages, as well as a campground. Amenities include loaner bicycles and rentals of boats, kayaks, and water tricycles. “This is a fun place to be with so many activities,” says a Google reviewer who booked a canvas cabin. “A lavish camping experience with actual bed and the best part is you get a hot breakfast buffet.” For the most luxury, stay in the adults-only lodge. “The lodge amenities were perfect,” writes a Tripadvisor reviewer. “A fireplace in each room, jetted bathtub and deck with view of the lake.” >> Book this hotel for less
Outlook Inn (171 Main St, Eastsound 360- 376-2200) Orcas Island
“Only in the San Juan Islands can a hotel feel isolated in the middle of town,” writes Seattle Met magazine of this 40-room inn on Orcas Island. Choose from the main lodge with what the magazine calls its “classic vibes, a farmhouse shape and wrought-iron beds” or the bay-view Water’s Edge Suites with a “modern coastal aesthetic.” A Google reviewer writes that “bay-view rooms have a very nice view. Fireplaces in the rooms are a very nice touch. Location is very convenient and only eight mins from the ferry dock.” >> Book this hotel for less
Rosario Resort & Spa (1400 Rosario Rd.; 360-376-2222) Orcas Island
“An island getaway with a dose of history” is how Travel+Leisure characterizes this 88-room hotel on 40 acres overlooking Orcas Island’s East Sound and Cascade Bay. Explore the resort’s Moran Mansion, which salutes the life and work of early 1900s shipbuilder and Seattle mayor Robert Moran. Walk the resort’s trails, take a dip in the two pools, go kayaking, or bliss out in the spa. “The scenery is breathtaking and every room is a suite,” writes one Google reviewer, although another notes that “the room was more outdated than expected.” >> Book this hotel for less
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