3 Best Hotels in The San Juan Islands, Washington

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With the exception of Lopez Island, which has just a handful of rather homey inns, accommodations in the San Juans can be quite plush. Rosario Resort & Spa on Orcas Island and Roche Harbor Resort on San Juan Island are favorite spots for special-occasion splurges, and both islands have seen an influx of either new or luxuriously updated inns in recent years. These places often have perks like lavish breakfasts and on-site outfitters and tour operators.

Lakedale

$$$ | 4313 Roche Harbor Rd., San Juan Island, 98250, USA Fodor's Choice

This 82-acre property may not have invented glamping, but it was one of the first to nail the travel trend, and the resort's hip 450-square-foot yurts—which share a private lakefront beach and firepit—are as luxurious as they come, with fireplaces, kitchenettes, spacious bathrooms, and private decks with hot tubs. Other options include real log cabins, a lake house, and the handsome lodge, which sits on a scenic lake frequented by swans and geese. There's also a campground for tent and RV camping and some canvas tents for a rustic stay.

Pros

  • Pretty grounds and fun amenities
  • Close to Friday Harbor but feels secluded
  • Serene hotel rooms at the lakefront lodge (16 and up only) were just renovated

Cons

  • Some noise from nearby Roche Harbor Road
  • The grounds include a lot of camping spots, so the resort can feel crowded
  • Books up a year in advance
4313 Roche Harbor Rd., San Juan Island, 98250, USA
360-378–2350
Hotel Details
24 units
Free Breakfast

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Roche Harbor Resort

$$$ | 248 Reuben Memorial Dr., San Juan Island, 98250, USA Fodor's Choice

This sprawling resort, with several types of accommodations ranging from historic hotel rooms to luxurious contemporary waterfront suites, occupies the site of the lime works that made John S. McMillin his fortune in the late 19th century. Rooms in historic Hotel de Haro are filled with notable antiques, like the claw-foot tub where actor John Wayne used to soak. Posh suites in the McMillin House and Quarryman Hall have fireplaces, heated bathroom floors, and panoramic water views from a private veranda. The beachside Company Town Cottages, once the homes of lime-company employees, have rustic exteriors but modern interiors. Elsewhere are contemporary condos with fireplaces; some have lofts and water views. Walking trails thread through the resplendent gardens and the old lime quarries, an elegant spa offers a full slate of treatments, and several atmospheric restaurants serve food at a range of price points.

Pros

  • Lots of options for families and groups
  • Several on-site restaurants
  • Gorgeous full-service spa

Cons

  • Condos have less character and are away from the waterfront
  • Isolated from the rest of the island
  • The least-expensive rooms in Hotel de Haro have shared baths
248 Reuben Memorial Dr., San Juan Island, 98250, USA
360-378–9820
Hotel Details
86 units
No Meals

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Snug Harbor Resort

$$$$ | 1997 Mitchell Bay Rd., San Juan Island, 98250, USA

At this popular cottage resort and marina on the northwest side of the island, all of the units feature tall windows overlooking the water, high ceilings, well-equipped kitchens, knotty-pine wood paneling, gas fireplaces, and private decks. Each cottage sleeps up to four (even the one bedrooms have additional hideaway beds). You can book a kayak or whale-watching tour, leaving daily from the marina, and there's a small camp store and coffeehouse on-site.

Pros

  • Beautiful, contemporary decor
  • Quiet location with a coffeehouse and small camp store
  • Nice views of the harbor

Cons

  • No pets
  • 20-minute drive from Friday Harbor
  • Expensive and two-night minimum stay required
1997 Mitchell Bay Rd., San Juan Island, 98250, USA
360-378–4762
Hotel Details
20 units
No Meals

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