The Best Hotels and Places to Stay in and Near Friday Harbor, Washington

Courtesy of Friday Harbor House / Expedia

17 December 2021

View

Grab your binoculars before you head to Friday Harbor, Washington. This quaint coastal town on San Juan Island – around a 90-minute ferry ride from Seattle – is regarded as one of the best places in the world for spotting orca, and there are some great hikes around the state and national parks. If you’re looking for a comfortable basecamp, there are quite a few contenders. Here, we reveal the best hotels in Friday Harbor, all bookable with Culture Trip.

Friday Harbor House, for picturesque vistas

Sleek bedroom with a modern fire place at the Friday Harbor House

Courtesy of Friday Harbor House / Expedia

No matter whether it is a romantic escape, a relaxing retreat or a simple weekend escape you are after, Friday Harbor House on the San Juan Islands is an intimate inn that can be easily reached via ferry or with an exciting float plane trip. Just a few steps from the center of town as well as the Friday Harbor ferry terminal, the elegant premises are perched atop a bluff overlooking the shoreside, thus granting the most spectacular views over the marina, San Juan Channel and Mount Constitution on Orcas Island.

Modern and incredibly charming, this venue offers convenient services and amenities. All guest rooms boast huge windows with landscape views, pillow menus and signature Salish Sea Dream Kits. During your stay, make sure to experience the outdoor dining space that serves carefully crafted seasonal dishes made with produce from local waters and farms.

Inn to the Woods Bed and Breakfast, for untamed nature

Terrace with chairs and surrounded by trees at the Inn to the Woods Bed and Breakfast

Courtesy of Inn to the Woods Bed and Breakfast / Expedia

Feel like you’re part of your own fairytale with a stay at this enchanting property. Inn to the Woods, which is nestled amid pine trees next to the water, serves up four individually styled rooms. One of the standout options is the Forest Room, which includes a whimsical four-poster bed and a private terrace decked out with a hot tub for some stargazing. Meanwhile, the Lakeview serves up superb views of Sportsman Lake.

Along with characterful interiors, breakfast is another thing to write home about at this hotel. The morning menu features specialties such as french toast made with Bainbridge Island cinnamon bread, a french pain perdu (lost bread) served with maple syrup and fresh blueberry pancakes. Another winning choice is the leek frittata made with fontina and Swiss cheeses.

Friday Harbor Grand B&B, for a harmonic stay

External view of the Friday Harbor Grand B&B behind some wild flowers

Courtesy of Friday Harbor Grand B&B / Expedia | Courtesy of Friday Harbor Grand B&B / Expedia

Tap your toe to the beat at this classically styled bed and breakfast, which serves up live music in the parlor most evenings. While this 19th-century property is an entertainment venue in its own right, there’s lots more to discover on the doorstep, with the town being easily accessible on foot.

When it comes to accommodation, the Grand features seven well-appointed suites with deluxe details, including vaulted ceilings, antique-style furnishings, relaxing soaking tubs, private decks and excellent views of the surrounding landscape. Every morning, guests can taste a delicious and wholesome breakfast made with locally sourced ingredients and produce from the property’s organic garden either on the veranda or the wood-paneled dining room.

Roche Harbor Resort, for endless entertainment

External view of the Roche Harbor Resort surrounded by trees

Courtesy of Roche Harbor Resort / Expedia

Looking for a traditional place to spend your days on San Juan Island? Then, check out Roche Harbor, a historic seaside resort surrounded by outstanding lush gardens. The resort village is located on a privileged spot on the waterfront and just a short drive from the ferry terminal.

The vacation spot – considered one of the best in Friday Harbor – boasts a wide variety of lodging options, ranging from luxurious, comfortable homes and quaint romantic cottages to the main premises of the historic hotel. For an authentic flavor of the local cuisine, three waterfront restaurants offer anything from fine dining to casual snacks and drinks. To top things off, the resort also features a world-class marina, where you can join a whale-watching tour, rent a boat or experience the thrill of riding a kayak.

Friday Harbor Suites, for pet-friendly accommodation

Bedroom with a double bed and a TV at the Friday Harbor Suites

Courtesy of Friday Harbor Suites / Expedia

A hot tub, a free ferry shuttle service, a courtyard garden, an onsite Mexican restaurant and a fitness center: these are just a sneak peek of the amenities on offer at the Friday Harbor Suites.

This charming property will instantly make you feel at home, with homely interiors and friendly service. Rooms range from double queens and two-bedroom suites to pet-friendly units. All of the accommodation offerings are decked out with the necessary amenities for a comfortable night’s stay, and some feature fireplaces and balconies. If you’re looking to explore further afield, the front desk staff will be more than happy to recommend a spread of day trips allowing you to see some of the local inhabitants, which include sea lions, seals, eagles and, of course, whales.

Snug Harbor Resort, for shoreside adventures

Outside view of the wooden cabins surrounded by trees and nature at Snug Harbor Resort

Courtesy of Snug Harbor Resort / Expedia

Lap up peaceful views over a glistening cove at this picture-perfect resort, which offers quaint self-catering cabins dotted amid landscaped gardens. Snug Harbour is located next to Mitchell Bay on San Juan Island’s west side, and it’s perfect for those looking to truly get away from it all. If you’re arriving by boat, there’s also a private marina for you to dock at.

Wake up to the sound of the water washing over the pebble beach by checking into one of the waterfront cabins or suites, which all feature expansive windows so you can soak up the watery views. After admiring the fine surroundings, get out and explore the terrain by making use of some of the free paddleboards, kayaks, canoes and bikes. Fishing and crabbing are other popular pastimes. After working up an appetite, there’s an onsite coffee shop serving up delectable waffles and pastries.

Give us feedback