Friday Harbor House

Friday Harbor House is one of the top options in town for couples on a romantic getaway. Sweeping views of the marina, a lovely deck with tables, chairs, and umbrellas, and a rolling lawn with seating and fire pits offer plenty of space to relax and spend some one-on-one time watching the ferries and the seaplanes. Interiors are just as inviting, featuring wooden floors, comfortable seating, and a soothing gray and earth-tone palette. The on-site restaurant is popular with locals and can get busy at peak times, but the vibe here is generally mellow and casual, with guests and non-guests alike enjoying the commanding views from the lawn or having a drink or a bite at the restaurant. 

The inn is one of the most attractive properties in town, and free continental breakfast, parking, and Wi-Fi add value, but prices reflect the hotel’s excellent location. Located across the street, the Bird Rock Hotel offers simpler rooms, free breakfast and loaner bikes, and access to an indoor pool, sauna, and small fitness center at sister property Earthbox Inn & Spa. In the same price range as the Friday Harbor House, The Island Inn at 123 West is another stylish pick for couples and families, but only a handful of rooms have views. 

Friday Harbor House has a privileged location atop a bluff overlooking the marina and nearby islands, offering some of the best views in the area while still being in the heart of the action. The hotel offers easy walking access to shops, dining, and several attractions in downtown Friday Harbor, including the Whale Museum (located right across the parking lot from the property), the Arctic Raven Art Gallery, San Juan Islands Museum of Art, the Palace Theater, and the San Juan Historical Museum. The hotel is within a 25-minute drive of other major island attractions, such as Lime Kiln Point State Park, San Juan Island National Historical Park, and San Juan Islands Sculpture Park. The drive to Friday Harbor Airport takes about five minutes.

The hotel has 24 rooms, all spacious and plush, with soothing decor that combines gray and brown hues, lots of natural-wood accents, and a variety of textures. Clean lines and just the right amount of furniture give rooms an uncluttered feel, while accent pillows in soft fabrics, fuzzy bed throws, and comfortable armchairs make for cozy spaces. All rooms have large windows, and all but a handful offer great marina or garden views, plus furnished balconies. Aptly named Non-View units have views of a wall, and Garden View rooms offer direct access to a lovely patio with pretty vistas. 

Rooms are equipped with a wide array of excellent amenities, including gas fireplaces, flat-screen HD TVs, electric kettles with Harney & Sons teas, Chemex pour-over carafes, and Puget Sound Dream Kits, which feature bath salts, eye masks, and lavender pillow mist. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, and beds get great reviews from past guests. Mini-fridges come stocked with water only, and freshly ground coffee is provided daily for guests to prepare in the carafes. Bathrooms are big and feature walk-in rain showers, separate two-person jetted tubs, hairdryers, and high-end L’Occitane toiletries. 

Room rates include property-wide Wi-Fi, outdoor parking, and tasty buffet breakfasts with eggs, bacon, yogurt, fruit juices, pastries, breads, cereals, and hot drinks. Guests who prefer to sleep in can head to the hotel’s restaurant for brunch, though reservations are required, as it can get busy with locals. The restaurant is also a popular spot for dinner for its lovely deck, offering picturesque views and access to a lawn with fire pits. The international, seasonal menu offers small bites such as cheese and charcuterie boards, duck fat fries, and olives and almonds, as well as larger options, including salads, soups, pizzas, fish, and burgers. Happy hour at the bar offers deals on Washington state wines, beers, cocktails, and snacks daily. 

In-room massages can be arranged, but unfortunately, there are no spa or gym here. Although the hotel is more popular among couples than business travelers, there is a 1,070-square-foot meeting room with audiovisual equipment and enough space for up to 80 attendees. Catering services can be requested for an additional fee.