We suggest staying in Seattle on Friday night and staying on Whidbey Island on Saturday (and Sunday) nights.
Seattle Accommodations:
The
Hampton Inn in the lower Queen Anne neighborhood has graciously opened its doors to Abodeely-Newman wedding guests. To take advantage of our discount, call 1-800-HAMPTON or the hotel directly at (206) 282-9952. The group code is ANW. You can also
book online. Rates are: Standard King for $119 and Standard 2 Queens for $129. We've reserved rooms at this rate for Thursday and Friday nights.
Other Seattle hotel options::
http://www.yelp.com/c/seattle/hotels
Whidbey Island
Whidbey Island is a large, beautiful island a 20 minute ferry ride from the Puget Sound town of Mukilteo. We are including suggestions for places to stay on the Island, which are all no more than a 15 minute drive from the wedding site at our home.
Since the late summer is obviously a busy time on the Island, we urge you to make your plans soon. For reference, the address at the Abodeely's house is 7085 Humphrey Road, Clinton, WA 98236
Whidbey Island Accommodations: Inns1. The Saratoga Inn, Langley, 800 698-2910 or 360 221-5801,
http://www.saratogainnwhidbeyisland.com/Located in this quaint, welcoming little town town about 12 minutes from our home, the Saratoga is a charming inn with 16 rooms all of which have been set aside for us until the end of May 2009. The inn-keepers, Bill and Jenny, set a very welcoming tone to the inn. The rates range from $185 for the queen rooms to a large carriage house room at $245 per night. Rates include a full breakfast. (Online it appears that the rooms are booked. Call the Inn directly to book your room as there are still rooms available as of February.)
2. The Boatyard Inn, Langley, 360 221-5120,
http://www.boatyardinn.com/.
Located at the marina in Langley, the Boatyard has 7 studios with one bath and one queen bed. There are also 4 large lofted units with 2 queen beds and 2 bathrooms. Prices range from $180 to $250. Mynda is the innkeeper and the rooms tend to fill up by April of each year so early reservations are recommended.
3. The Inn at Langley, 360 221-3033,
http://www.innatlangley.com/.
This is as upscale as it gets on Whidbey. There are 28 guestrooms and suites and prices range from $275 to $595. All rooms have large windows facing Puget Sound and they are very proud of their breakfasts with goodies fresh-baked on the premises. We have never stayed there but we are told by friends that while the place is beautiful and the rooms very comfortable, the price may not reflect the value.
Bed and Breakfasts1. Ashingdon Manor, Langley: 866 456-5006; 360 221-2334;
http://www.ashingdonmanor.com/.
This European style B & B is quite charming with 6 rooms ranging from $129 to $179 including a full breakfast. Daniel and Bay are the hosts. The rooms vary in size and amenities but all are beautifully decorated and well cared for.
2. Woodland Retreat, Langley, 360 331-1916,
http://www.wrbb.us/.
This is a new home designed built by Jacqui and Peter Richardson who moved here from England. There are only 2 rooms but both are large, light and lovely. There is a common room between them and a full breakfast is served in the dining room or al fresco. It is located in a quiet wooded setting. Rates are $140 for two nights or $150 for one night. Call for reservations.
3. Copperwood Bed and Breakfast, Langley; 800 213-9104; 360 321-2668;
http://www.copperwood.net/.
A small 2 bedroom B & B located on 27 acres and newly built, the Copperwood is not quite as warm and welcoming and the setting is a more open feeling than the previous 2 B & B's. Carl and Nancy are the hosts (as well as Smokey the cat) A seperate Garden Room houses a spa. Rate is $149 per night. Note: Paul likes this more than Carol if that helps! 4.
4. Lapis Lane Cabin and Guest House, Clinton, 360 579-2009,
http://www.lapislane.com/.
This is another very quiet and warm place. The Guesthouse sleeps up to 6 people with 2 bedrooms and a queen size hide-a-bed, steam room and Jacuzzi. Rate is $170 and $20 pp per night for more than 4 guests. The Cabin has one bedroom and a twin size hide-a-bed and a fire pit. Rate is $140. Both have full kitchens which are fully stocked. Lapis host Elaine emphasizes that it is an organic non-toxic retreat and needs to stay chemical and fragrance free.
5. The Farmhouse, Clinton, 360 321-6288, 888 888-7022,
http://www.farmhousebb.com/. Surrounded by beautiful gardens and lots of well-fed bunnies (they put out carrots for guests to feed them!), the Farmhouse started as a family home 22 years ago and has morphed into 4 large suites with private entrances and either full or mini-kitchens. All are very comfortable, romantic and decorated in the country style. Rates range from $129 to $169.
6. The Dove House, The Potting Shed and The Chauntecleer House, Langley, 360 221-5494, 800 637-4436,
http://www.dovehouse.com/.
Three charming cottages with different feels and room set-ups all on one property with lovely grounds. The Dove House is the largest with a queen bed in a loft and a second bedroom with a twin bed downstairs ($300). The Potting Shed is the smallest with a double bed ($250) and the Chauntecleer with a queen and smaller bed can sleep 3 to 4 people ($325). Bunny is your host.
7. Eagles Nest Inn, Langley 360 221-5331, 800 243-5536,
http://www.eaglesnestinn.com/. This is hexagon shaped house is beautifully situated near 600 acres of forest preserve and trails. It has 4 large guest rooms from $125 to $175 (prices may go up next year) and all are decorated differently . Some have nice views of the Sound. All guests share several large and welcoming common areas. The innkeepers, Jerry and Joanne, ask you to call after Feb 1, 2009.
8.Pine Cottage and Chalet, Langley, 360 730-1376,
http://www.pinecottageandchalet.com/. The Pine Cottage is one room with a queen bed and fold out couch that sleeps 2 to 3 people total. The Chalet is larger with a master bedroom with a queen bed and a loft with a second queen. There is also the Grotto which is under the main house. While a bit dark, it is large and can accommodate one couple. Rates are $95 to $185. This could be an ideal place for several couples who want to be together but with privacy. It is a bit further from our home - close to a 20 minute drive. Kathy is your host.
9. The Garden Path, Langley, 360 221-5121,
http://www.gardenpathsuites.com/.
Located right in the town of Langley these are 2 large and well furnished suites one of which has a kitchen. Two couples can have privacy in the suites and share the kitchen if desired. Rates are $125 and $175. It is upstairs from retail space.
10. The Bay Breeze Cottages, Freeland, 360 321-4277,
http://www.baybreezecottages.com/. Located near working vegetable and llama farms and 8 miles from Langley, the 2 cottages are large and well stocked. The Double Bluff is $139 and the Holly Hill is $149. Holly Hill has a larger kitchen and can sleep 4 people ($15 per person over 2). Janice is your host and suggests reserving in January.
11. Carol Lee's Attic, 360 730-1955,
http://www.carolleesattic.com/.
This is a 600 Sq. ft. cottage for 3 to 4 people and is only $95 per night for 2 or more nights or $120 for one night. There is one king bed a sofa which makes into one king or 2 twins all in one room. There is a kitchen, jetted tub and Carol stocks the place with groceries for a make-your-own breakfast. She has added a Garden Suite with its own entrance in the main house with a queen bed, living room and bath. Carol (of course) is your host.
12. Old Wagon Road Cottage, 360 579-2729,
http://www.oldwagonroadcottage.com/.
In rural Clinton, this is a home in the woods originally built near the host's home for their older parents. It is very lovely with a downstairs queen bedroom and bath and an upstairs room with 2 twins and bath. The kitchen is stocked with breakfast groceries. Rates are $150 for 2 people plus $20 per additional adult. Pam is your host.
13. Bells' Beach B and B. 360 730-1450,
http://www.bellsbeachbb.com/.
Located right across from the Sound, the front of the house is for guest use (owners live in the back and are "very quiet"). There is a living room with a queen sofa and french doors separate it from the queen bedroom. Barb is very proud of her home baked muffins and other goodies for which she has won several blue ribbons. Rates are $95 for a couple and $115 for 3 or 4 people. The bathroom is very small.
The following places we have not visited but they come recommended by other island folks or just sound good. Check out their web sites.
Heritage Farm Place, 360 730-4713,
http://www.heritagefarmplace.com/ .
A whole house for rent by the night or week, has 3 bedrooms with 6 beds and 2 baths. At the rate of $125 per night per couple or $250 for the whole place this could be a find for the right group.
Heron Beach Cottage, Clinton, 360 319-5111,
http://www.heronbeachcottage.com/. Right near the water, this cottage can sleep 6 in 2 bedrooms with 2 baths. Rates are $170 per night per couple and $20 each extra guest.
Low Budget Options
1. Maxwelton Aerie Alpaca, Clinton, 206 819-3710,
http://www.maxweltonalpacas.com/.
This is a working alpaca farm owned by Carolyn and managed by Bill. It boasts a delightful 1930's farmhouse which will sleep 8 in beds (main floor has bedroom with a double bed and upstairs has two rooms each with queen beds and one room with twin beds) and space for more in sleeping bags on the living room floor. Bill also said there's space for some tents in the backyard. There is a fire pit and path to the beach. The grounds are lovely - the alpacas may have helped that! There is only one bathroom. Rates are $285 for 4 people with an additional $25 per night per person over 4. So for 8 people the total would be $385.2.
Harbour Inn, Freeland, (360) 331-6900, http://www.harbourinnmotel.com/home.htm Although we have never seen this motel, it is one of the cheapest options on the island and is located about 12 miles from our house. This might be a good option for those on a budget!
Camping is available at the Abo Oasis. Contact Paul and Tamara for details.
Private Home Rentals
If you are thinking of a longer stay on Whidbey Island, there are numerous private homes that are offered for weekly or monthly stays. Please contact Sharley Lewis at 360 321-4730, email
sharley@whidbey.com. Sharley is a longtime Island resident and real estate agent who knows or can find just about anything you might need on Whidbey. Just let her know you are part of the (September 12th) Abodeely gang. Also, check out
this website that lists vacation rentals by owners. This could be a really good option for a large group! (www.vrbo.com)
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