Checking In: A Washington Wine Weekend at Willows Lodge

by  Anne Roderique-Jones | Aug 21, 2015
Willows Lodge
Willows Lodge

Willows Lodge, situated just a half-hour outside of Seattle, is one of those properties that just nails, well, everything. The rustically chic lodge has been built on five beautifully landscaped acres that borders the Sammamish River, right in the middle of Washington’s wine country. Here's our review.

What’s New and Noteworthy: The lodge will receive a complete refresh this September -- which also marks the hotel’s 15th anniversary.  They will be celebrating the anniversary all year with special winemaker dinners at the Barking Frog, spa specials, hotel packages, and other promotions for guests.

Best Feature: Upon arrival, each guest is greeted with a glass of Washington State wine. Be it a chilled Chardonnay or relaxing merlot, it’s a welcome touch that reflects the area well. We also loved the complimentary bike rental for cruising along the Burke Gilman Trail.

The Rooms: Each of the 84 rooms and suites embody a Northwest rustic elegance with salvaged timber and antique slate, yet offers totally high-tech amenities. Think a cozy stone fireplace, a deep soaking tub-for-two, showers controlled by a digital thermometer, posh Molton Brown toiletries, and private balconies.

The Food: Willows Lodge’s aforementioned on-site restaurant, Barking Frog, serves a seasonal menu with one of the most extensive wine lists in the Northwest. And The Herbfarm, located on the property’s grounds, is a AAA 5-Diamond restaurant, where you’ll find most the ingredients plucked from the massive on-site garden. Ron Zimmerman and Carrie Van Dyck have created a nine-course, wine-paired dining experience that’s one of the finest in the world.

Willows Lodge

Who Will Love It: Couples, for amenities like the super-romantic rooms. And pet owners. The hotel pampers pets with perks like a fluffy dog bed near the fireplace that receives its own turndown service. We were here on a girls’ wine weekend getaway and felt perfectly at home with loads of space and plenty of on-site social activities (the fireside happy hour was a favorite).

Who Might Not: Honestly, everyone will like it here. This resort is kid-friendly, honeymoon-friendly, dog-friendly, and BFF-friendly.

Nearby: Willows Lodge is right in the middle of Western Washington’s wine country and the ideal spot to tour more than 100 wineries in the area, like Novelty Hill Januik, Columbia Winery, àMaurice Cellars, and Mark Ryan Winery -- all walkable from the property.

Deals and Special Offers: Rooms start at $219 per night. Check the hotel's specials page for packages and promotions.

Connect: Find the hotel on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Getting There: Less than a half-hour outside Seattle, it’s an easy drive from the bustle of the city. There’s a bike trail that runs from Woodinville to Seattle, and does double-duty to avoid traffic and provide a scenic ride to and from each location.

Willows Lodge / The Barking Frog

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