Cozy island hotel in northwestern USA with eclectic design and relaxed service
Captain Whidbey Inn / Whidbey Island / WA / USA
On Whidbey Island, a short ferry ride from Seattle, that is where you’ll find Captain Whidbey Inn. Well hidden among tall fir trees, right by Penn’s Cove where you on a clear day can see Mt Baker across the water.
The Captain Whidbey opened as the Whidbey-Isle inn already back in 1907 and has had many different functions since, ranging from an all girls school to a post office as well as a private Summer residence. This was until three guys, Matt, Mike (two brothers) and Eric bought it, did a full makeover and completing the circle by re-opening it as an inn again in April of 2019.
I first read about this place in an issue of Monocle Magazine just before we had planned to do a road trip in this part of the US. I immediately changed our itinerary so I could add this as a stop on our trip and it was so worth it.
The best way to describe Captain Whidbey Inn is that it feels timeless. The wooden main building is the heart of the Inn where you’ll also find the restaurant and bar. We stayed in the Lagoon Lodge facing away from the sea that was originally built in the 70:s. The design here feels very Scandinavian. Almost like we were staying in a mountain cabin back home in Sweden, but a more modern take on that style. Eric, one of the owners used to work for the notorious Ace Hotel group and it is easy to see the connection between the two. There are no TV:s anywhere at the inn (but there is WiFi), instead they encourage you to explore the outdoors, to go for a ride in a row boat or just lounge in one of the many Adirondack chairs.
The timeless feeling is ever present at Captain Whidbey Inn. At times it felt like I was living in the Dirty Dancing film, minus the dirty dancing.
Our stay was during the holiday season and it was a perfect place to celebrate this time of year, sitting in front of the fire place with a warming drink.
These chairs where the perfect to sit and watch the world go by. Until it got too cold and we had to go back inside to get warm by the fire place.
Christmas is coming. :-)
The design of our room had some of that Ace Hotel kind of look that I really like, combined with the look of a Scandinavian mountain lodge.
I love the mix of old and new, especially when the result looks this good.
Ok, just one more photo of the room. Love this look. Makes me feel nostalgic remembering my childhood Winters in the Swedish mountains.
At the back of the hotel there is a lovely garden with chairs to relax in and enjoy the peace and quiet. Oh my God! It sounds like I am 100 years old…
Me and M doing some stretching with a view after a run along the shoreline at Fort Ebey State Park.
Make sure to take the ferry to Whidbey Island instead of the bridge. It is the only way to arrive (if you aren’t one of the lucky ones that come here by seaplane).
Same, same but different. :-)
This bridge gives me Twin Peaks vibes. Love how it is totally covered in moss.
The area is so beautiful with coves, islands, lakes and woods.
Me taking a break when driving through the area to take in the magical surroundings.
RG inside info
This place is perfect if you…
…want to unwind. Seattle is not far away but when you are here it feels like civilization is really far, far away. In addition, food is great, drinks are great and the service is great.
My favorite thing about this place…
…I think is the timeless feeling of the inn. If you would take away some of the modern cons it would be difficult to say what century it is. This timeless feeling makes it easy to escape reality for a while, and just relax.
What not to miss when staying here…
…are two things, first is to make sure you come here by ferry instead of the bridge. It makes all the difference. And also to go for a run or hike along the cliffs at Fort Ebey State Park. The views are amazing and if you are lucky you can spot Orcas exploring the cool waters.
If you like this place you might also like…
Timber Cove Resort, Jenner, CA, USA
Anvil Hotel, Jackson, WY, USA
Ace Hotel, Portland, OR, USA
