5 Best Hotels in Chelan, North Central Washington

Each room at this sprawling resort—a family favorite since 1901 and situated on beautifully landscaped grounds alongside a marina and a pristine, 1,200-foot, Lake Chelan beach—has balcony views of the lake or mountains; some rooms also have a kitchen or fireplace. A major draw here is the wealth of activities, from treatments in the day spa to plenty of kids' programs in summer. There's a lively pub, too, that turns out straightforward comfort food and offers live music some nights.

Opened in 2021, this small resort offers luxury accommodations in a total of 13 unique suites, including 3 suites in the main inn with the inspiring names Love, Peace, and Joy; 9 cottage suites decorated to reflect their own evocative names and sleeping two to four guests; and the spacious Hayloft Suite that sleeps eight. The LoveAll Cafe, open seasonally, serves up healthy smoothies, all-day breakfast, sandwiches and salads, and espresso drinks. It's a handy place to fuel up before a tennis or pickleball game, or a welcome break after an energetic workout on the courts. With its verdant setting and manicured lawns, the resort is a popular and photogenic venue for weddings, retreats, and group gatherings. Use of the six tennis courts and two pickleball courts is included with your stay, and add-ons include tennis instruction and wine tasting. An outdoor swimming pool is part of future plans.

Located on a breathtaking bend in the Columbia River about 20 miles north of Chelan, this three-story, motel-style property has handsome rooms, all of them with fireplaces and generously sized balconies with water views. A good stopover en route to Winthrop, Howard's also has boat launches and free moorage for up to eight boats, making it a particularly appealing hotel among Columbia River fishing enthusiasts.

In addition to family-friendly facilities (including two pools and two hot tubs), this four-story resort, adjacent to Lakeside Park and a couple of miles from downtown Chelan, has comfortable, well-equipped rooms that all face the lake and take advantage of spectacular sunsets. In-room amenities include a microwave, mini-refrigerator, flat-screen TV, and DVD player; larger suites also have stovetops and private patios or balconies. Family suites have a king bed in a separate bedroom plus a sofa bed in the living room but sleep only four; to sleep up to six, opt for the deluxe queen suite instead. Gorgeous flower-filled grounds lend the property a park-like atmosphere.

This family-run motor lodge in the laid-back town of Manson is just a 10-minute walk from the shore of Lake Chelan and several tasting rooms and restaurants. Although the rooms are a little dark, and the decor is a bit dated, it's a convenient base for wine touring and exploring the region. In addition to standard rooms, there are family suites with kitchenettes.