6 Incredible Places To Stay In Washington State

Whether you identify with the intrepid explorer, the inspired artist, the jet-setting professional, or the seasoned connoisseur, Washington offers some of the most beautiful and exciting retreats for your next trip. Presented here, in no particular order, are some of the most immersive spots to put down your bags within the Evergreen State.

Kicking off the list at #1 is Willows Lodge. Located on five landscaped acres bordering the Sammamish River in the heart of Western Washington's wine country, this Woodinville establishment caters to couples, families, and pets. Visitors are presented with a quaint Northwest-style lodge, surrounded by gardens and courtyards. Every guest room and suite has a stone fireplace and soaking tub designed for two.

The grounds are home to a pair of award-winning eateries, The Herbfarm Restaurant and Barking Frog, offering seasonally inspired menus and curated wine lists. Guests can also take advantage of several activities in the surrounding area, like biking the Sammamish River Trail, local wine tasting, brewery and distillery tours, and golfing.

At #2, Skamania Lodge connects guests with the outdoors, as they are surrounded by authentic elements of the Pacific Northwest like the Columbia River Gorge and the Cascade Mountains, within a comfortable cabin setting. From luxury tree houses to private balcony suites, each room is inspired by the local culture, both current and past.

Skamania provides visitors with the option of on-site attractions or outdoor recreation within the Stevenson area. One doesn't have to travel far to enjoy ziplining, hiking, or axe throwing adventures. Thrill-seekers may book an excursion through the resort for more active experiences, including rafting or kayaking in the Gorge.

Coming in at #3 is McMenamins Elks Temple. A family-owned company since 1983, McMenamins specializes in unique accommodations that focus on art, music, and history. The company's Tacoma location, the Elks Temple, is a grand Beaux-Arts building constructed in 1915, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The stately hotel offers a ballroom venue, restaurants, game room, selection of bars, brewery, and expansive views of Puget Sound.

At every McMenamins destination, including properties in Bothell, Kalama, and Centralia, visitors will find the company's signature Brewery Tasting Room and Bottle Shop, which serves up handcrafted beer, wine, cider, spirits and coffee. Guests may even enjoy musical performances or history talks during their stays.

Next, at #4, the Mayflower Park Hotel claims to offer the "quintessential Seattle experience." Built in 1927, it is the city's longest continuously operating hotel. From the elegant lobby to the grand meeting spaces, the building retains much of its historic character. Rooms are outfitted with traditional Queen Anne style furnishings and appointed in classic color schemes with custom comforters, drapes and artwork.

In recognition of the efforts made to preserve the establishment, the company was awarded "Best Historic Hotel" at Historic Hotels of America's 2017 conference. Those preservation efforts are evident within the building's dining areas, where visitors can enjoy Mediterranean-inspired Northwest cuisine at Andaluca, or meet for specialty cocktails and martinis at Oliver's Lounge.

Joining the list at #5 is the Thompson Seattle, situated near the Puget Sound waterfront. The building is designed to reflect the specific character of Seattle and its downtown area. The establishment's glass facade offers views of the Sound, while its restaurants pay homage to the ingredients and cooking style of the Pacific Northwest.

The rooms and suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows that reveal the city's cultural center, as well as the Olympic Mountains. Executive Studio suites offer hardwood floors and mid-century modern furniture. Dedicated to providing curated experiences steeped in the local ambiance, Thompson Hotels also offers destinations in New York, Chicago, Dallas, San Antonio, Nashville, Washington D.C., Hollywood, and Mexico.

Finally, at #6 is the Woodmark Hotel and Still Spa. The resort prides itself on being the only independent boutique hotel on the picturesque shores of Lake Washington. It combines personalized service, luxury lifestyle amenities, and a serene setting. With a full-service spa, a top-of-the-line fitness studio, and water sports, The Woodmark provides amenities that are tailored to both the business traveler and the vacationer.

Accommodations at the resort reveal a sophisticated design, with comfortable furnishings and lakefront views. Visitors can dine at one of Woodmark's two restaurants, the Beach Cafe or the Carillon Kitchen, where the chefs serve healthy cuisine from locally sourced ingredients. The various activities made available around the property include seaplane tours, boat tours, and kayaking.