5 Best Hotels in Winthrop, North Central Washington

The stunning North Cascades and all its attractions are the stars of this outdoor-oriented resort replete with luxurious accommodations, spectacular mountain views, and a range of activities that make it a year-round destination, whether the peaks are covered in snow or wildflowers. The property offers outdoor pools and hot tubs, tennis courts, 100 miles of hiking, horseback riding, boating on Patterson Lake, and skiing trails. The Mt. Gardner and Mt. Robinson buildings provide the best accommodations, with fireplaces and private patios or balconies. Spacious luxury cabins skirting the shores of Lake Patterson are also available and are pet-friendly. The upscale Dining Room serves fine Pacific Northwest fare, while Wolf Creek Bar and Grill is more casual.

At the heart of the 120-acre, historic Wilson Ranch, amid more than 2 million acres of forest, this upscale mountain retreat embraces the pioneer spirit in spacious rooms, suites, and cabins snuggled up to Early Winters Creek. Guest quarters in the main building are enhanced by gas fireplaces, mini-refrigerators, and balconies or patios overlooking Freestone Lake; suites and one- and two-bedroom cabins have full kitchens. The Sandy Butte Bistro, specializing in contemporary American cuisine and Washington wines, is open for breakfast and dinner. Casual fare is available next to the pool at Jack's Pizza and Brews. Both eateries may be closed or have limited hours during the off-season.

New ownership in 2020 has brought the former Mazama Country Inn, a longtime no-frills base camp for outdoor recreation enthusiasts, a new name, upgraded rooms and amenities, and an expanded focus on serving both sports enthusiasts and people who simply want to retreat and recharge away from it all. While the rooms don't have TVs, the inn has Wi-Fi throughout the property, co-working spaces, and private offices that can be rented by the day, week, or month. Rooms vary in style and may come with gas fireplaces, fridges, microwaves, coffee makers, sleeping lofts, jetted tubs, and patios. Inn amenities include a seasonal pool, hot tub, sauna, and tennis and pickleball courts. More upgrades are in the works, too.

With great views of the mountains to the west, this small hotel less than a mile from Winthrop's funky downtown sits just across Highway 20 from the scenic Methow River. Its cheerfully furnished rooms range from budget-friendly doubles to upscale suites with kitchens or kitchenettes, dining areas, gas fireplaces, and soaking tubs. Accommodations are well-maintained and come with plenty of thoughtful touches, such as refrigerators, microwaves, and coffeemakers.

The rooms and cabins are comfortable but not fancy here, and the inn's riverfront location and amenities—including picnic tables, hammocks, a playground, and lawn games—make it a popular place to stay, especially for families. Rooms have log furnishings, including futons in some; flat-screen TVs with DVD players and streaming service; Wi-Fi; and a microwave and mini-refrigerator. Cabins have small kitchens and barbecues. Local coffee in the rooms is a nice extra.