Helen G.
Yelp
We planned for two nights but ended up staying three!
My partner and I went to Orcas Island on a spontaneous trip during the off-season in April. The Inn was having a special where if you booked multiple nights, you got Sunday half off. We planned for Saturday and Sunday night, but couldn't bring ourselves to leave on Monday and booked the room for one last night.
We stayed on the top floor in one of the Luxury Bay Suites. The room was spacious but cozy (thanks to the radiant floor heating-which at times did get a little too cozy). The views of the water were breathtaking, and the large windows provided us with the best sight to wake up to. There was also a lovely small balcony, perfect for nigh time cuddling while watching the moonlit bay.
The room itself is very nice. There is a sunken living room with fireplace and a raised sleeping area. The bed was very comfortable. Next to the bed was a coffeemaker, which I really appreciated because without coffee it is literally impossible to get my partner out of bed, though it was a little disappointing that the only choice in the room was decaf.
Near the sleeping area, was a convenient kitchenette with sink, microwave and large mini fridge (I know oxymoronic but it is the best way to describe it). There was glasses, mugs and dish ware provided in the cupboard, which we really appreciated. It showed a very thoughtful level of care. Though, they could've just pushed the hotel restaurant on us, they instead allowed us to choose what we would prefer to do (i.e. store and heat our own food if we wished), while giving us drink coupons to the restaurant (which I will describe in a bit).
The bathroom was amazing, with both a shower and a oversized jetted tub. The bathroom, as well as the living room and the sleeping area, had a telephone which was great for us because there were more than a few times when we got confused about one thing or another and had to call to ask the front desk. The staff was always hospitable, courteous and helpful, no matter how obvious the answers to our questions might have seemed.
The hotel restaurant, New Leaf Cafe, was amazing! We didn't really end up using the fridge that much once we figured out the deliciousness that awaited us downstairs. My only regret is that we didn't go there on our first day. The food is all fresh, seems to be pretty local and really well-prepared. Try the truffle fries, and anything on the breakfast menu. As far as the cocktails go, I really recommend the strawberry sunrise with breakfast or brunch.
To top it all off, the inn is a close walk to the island grocery store and all the other main shops and restaurants on Main Street. It also just right across the street from the water. Perfect location!
All in all, we had a lovely time. Everyone treated us with respect and warmth, and as an interracial queer couple, I always worry at least a little about travel, but we encountered no problems. Our relationship was treated like a valid relationship, not a spectacle, an abomination or something to act super creepily approving of to get ally points or prove how progressive one's establishment is. Nope, we were just treated like any other guests that happened to be a couple on a romantic getaway. In fact, we were treated more decently than we ever are in Seattle. That was the nicest surprise.
I'm pretty sure we'll be back, maybe in the winter to try out that fireplace..