4 Best Hotels in Washington Cascade Mountains and Valleys, Washington

Opened in 2021 in the city's dynamic and newly developed waterfront neighborhood just south of Point Defiance Park, this upscale mid-rise with spacious contemporary rooms and an excellent restaurant offers seaside relaxation and views yet proximity to a large city. Rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows, wet bars, and large walk-in showers. Copper & Salt Northwest Kitchen serves well-crafted regional fare, and Spa Serein offers a full slate of soothing body treatments. Don't confuse this property with the older, but still quite nice, Silver Cloud Hotel Tacoma Waterfront, which is a couple of miles southeast, closer to downtown.

With nearly 400 spacious rooms, some with bunk beds and log-cabin-style forts geared to kids, this activity-focused, rustic-contemporary, lodge-style resort is the largest accommodation in the region. Families appreciate the elaborate and extensive 56,000-square-foot indoor water park, open year-round, that adjoins this retreat, part of the national Great Wolf brand. It's just off Interstate 5 about a 10- to 15-minute drive north of downtown Centralia and a 20-minute drive south of Olympia. Other amenities include seven restaurants and bars, a handful of shops, adult and kids' spas, and a full fitness center.

At this rambling motel-style property all the spacious rooms have private outdoor entrances, vaulted ceilings, gas fireplaces, refrigerators, and pleasant country-style furnishings; several have whirlpool baths. The lodge hosts weekend wine receptions and movie gatherings, and massage services are available in the privacy of your room or in the inn's treatment room. The on-site Oyster & Thistle restaurant and pub is one of the top dining spots in town.

On the north side of the tiny town of Packwood, this quiet motel is 40 miles from both Mt. Rainier and Mt. St. Helens, and 17 miles from White Pass Ski Resort. Rooms here have pine paneling, hardwood floors, and in many cases log furniture, microwaves, and refrigerators; family suites have fireplaces and sleep six. There's also a picnic area.