Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Rosario Resort & Spa
Rosario is the most luxurious accommo-
dations on Orcas Island and is the only place in the San Juans that can actually
claim to be a resort. Although the resort has a wide variety of modern accom-
modations, the centerpiece remains the 1904 Moran Mansion, an imposing
white stucco building on the shore of Cascade Bay. This mansion houses the
resort's main dining room, lounge, spa, and library. The larger and more luxuri-
ous rooms (with fireplaces and good views) are across the marina and up a steep
hill from this main building. However, for the ultimate in luxury, stay in the
Round House, a suite in an unusual round building set on a rocky knoll near
the marina.
1400 Rosario Rd., Eastsound, WA 98245.
&
800/562-8820
or 360/376-2222. Fax 360/376-2289. www.
rosarioresort.com. 116 units. June to mid-Oct $229-$399 double, $369-$650 suite; mid-Oct to May
$129-$299 double, $269-$550 suite. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V.
Amenities:
3 restaurants (American, seafood);
lounge; poolside bar; 1 indoor and 2 outdoor pools; tennis court; exercise room; full-service spa; Jacuzzi;
sauna; watersports equipment rentals; concierge; car-rental desk; limited room service; massage; babysitting;
coin-op laundry. In room:TV, coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron, free local calls.
Spring Bay Inn
Just by virtue of being one of the only waterfront B&Bs
in the San Juans, this inn would deserve a recommendation. However, innkeep-
ers Sandy Playa and Carl Burger, both retired park rangers, make a stay here
both fun and educational, and the setting and inn are great for a romantic get-
away. You can soak in the hot tub on the beach and watch the sunset, spot bald
eagles from just outside the inn's front door, hike on the nature trails, and best
of all, go for a guided sea-kayak tour each morning. All of the guest rooms have
a woodstove, two have views from their tubs, and two have balconies. There's
even wireless Internet connectivity.
P.O. Box 97, Olga, WA 98279.
&
360/376-5531.
Fax 360/376-2193. www.springbayinn.com. 5 units. $220-
$260 double. 2-night minimum. Rates include continental breakfast, brunch, and daily kayak tour. DISC, MC,
V.
Amenities:
Jacuzzi; watersports equipment; concierge; activities desk. In room:Dataport, fridge, hair dryer,
free local calls.
Turtleback Farm Inn
Nowhere on Orcas will you find a more idyllic
setting than this bright-green restored farmhouse overlooking 80 acres of farm-
land at the foot of Turtleback Mountain. Simply furnished with antiques, the
guest rooms range from cozy to spacious, and each has its own special view. Our
favorite room in the main house is the Meadow View Room, which has a pri-
vate deck and a claw-foot tub. The four rooms in the Orchard House are among
the biggest and most luxurious on the island (gas fireplaces, claw-foot tubs, bal-
conies, wood floors, refrigerators). Days here start with a big farm breakfast
served at valley-view tables that are set with bone china, silver, and linen, or, if
you are staying in the Orchard House, with a breakfast delivered to your room.
Finish your day with a nip of sherry by the fire. Although there is one small
room that is moderately priced, most rooms here fall in the expensive category.
1981 Crow Valley Rd., Eastsound, WA 98245.
&
800/376-4914
or 360/376-4914. Fax 360/376-5329. www.
turtlebackinn.com. 11 units. Main house: May 1-Oct 15 $90-$175 double; Orchard House: June 15-Sept 15
$225 double. Lower rates other months. Rates include full breakfast. 2-night minimum stay June 15-Sept 15,
weekends, and holidays. DISC, MC, V.
Amenities:
Access to nearby health club; concierge; massage. In room:
Hair dryer, iron.
Moderate
Cascade Harbor Inn
Formerly a part of Rosario Resort, this hotel enjoys
similar Eastsound views and is adjacent to both the Rosario marina and Moran
State Park. Guest rooms range from standard motel rooms to studios with Mur-
phy beds to spacious suites with kitchens. All the rooms have water views,
Kids
