Tag Archives: dog-friendly

Willows Lodge Provides Sanctuary

This past Sunday and Monday I attended a travel writer’s conference and had the opportunity to stay in the wonderful Willows Lodge in Woodinville. I’ve stayed in some very luxurious hotels, but this one will always have a spot in my top ten.

Outdoor patio at Willow Lodge

The guest rooms are huge. I don’t know what kind of mattress they have on the beds, but I slept like one of my dogs after eating their breakfast. The lights are all on dimmer switches which lets you control how bright you want it and if you think you might have trouble finding the bathroom in the middle of the night, you can keep a dim light burning.

Speaking of the bathroom, which is what most woman look for in a hotel room. The very inviting bathtub drew lots of attention from my fellow conference attendees. It was very deep, large and round and the mini bar even offered different fragrant bubble baths to make the tub even more appealing.

I never knew before that I liked a 98-degree shower, but thanks to this shower which is operated by push-buttons that let you control the temperature down to the degree, I now know that’s ideal. The shower was also huge – enough room for a family of four to shower at the same time.

Ruthie, the host dog at Willows Lodge

Another dog on staff at Willows Lodge

Another perk: The Willows Lodge is dog-friendly and the host dog Ruthie, a basset hound, welcomes both human and canine guests.

The Woodmark Hotel: Very Dog-Friendly and Inviting

Woody is the Director of Complaints at the Woodmark Hotel

Woody, the Labradoodle, has his own private office at the Woodmark Hotel in Kirkland, but prefers to spend most of his time mingling with the guests, human and four-legged.

Located on the shores of Lake Washington at Yarrow Bay, the Woodmark welcomes dog guests and provides them with a bed, water bowl and a treat. You won’t be charged a fee for your pet, either. That truly is the purest in dog-friendliness.

As the warmer weather approaches, Woody hosts a Yappier Hour on Wednesdays from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Beach Café’s outdoor seating area. Dog treats abound. For those of us who eat with a knife and fork, the Beach Café focuses on Northwest cuisine in a casual and friendly atmosphere. The menu includes burgers, steaks, salads, seafood, chicken and more.

Hotel Lobby

For a more fine dining experience, Bin on the Lake serves local and seasonal delicacies, small and large plates, and 80 different wines by the glass.

Guestrooms and suites contain all the extras. Luxury bedding with down pillows and cashmere throws grace the beds. Complimentary high speed Internet access, a 32” LCD Flat Panel TV with surround sound and a computer docking station make it easy for those who need to stay connected. Soaking tubs and a rainwater shower along with a selection of bath amenities allow for self pampering. If you’re not inclined to use the make-your-own Martini Bar, call the desk and someone will do it for you.

Hungry late at night? You have complimentary “Raid the Pantry” privileges, from 11 p.m. – 1 a.m., to snacks that include sandwiches, soups, chips, desserts and juices.

Hotel guests can go cruising on the Woodmark II, a 28-foot Chris-Craft. The tour takes you through Yarrow Bay, to the Evergreen Point Floating Bridge, by the University of Washington and in front of elegant homes on Lake Washington. One of those homes is owned by Bill Gates.

Award-Winning Hotel in Unlikely Place

Guest room at Cedarbrook Lodge, courtesy Richmond Public Relations.

If you were dropped onto the property by helicopter, you wouldn’t know it was only five minutes from the bustling SeaTac Airport. Nestled in a woodsy setting (18 acres of restored wetlands), Cedarbrook Lodge offers guests serenity and luxury at an affordable price. They also get top-of-the-line amenities like terry-lined spa robes, soaking tubs, contemporary art work and a spacious, modern lobby. Plus it’s dog-friendly.

Canine guests receive a welcome amenity that includes a bed, bed sheet, food bowl and a tasty treat. For Fido’s other dining needs, he can order off the “Puppy Pantry” menu and have it delivered to the room.

TripAdvisor readers have found this gem because they gave it four top ratings in the 2011 Travelers’ Choice Awards. Cedarbrook was rated No. 1 Hotel in the United States, No. 2 Bargain Hotel in the U.S., No. 6 Best Service in the U.S. and No. 17 Hotel in the World.

Outdoor seating at Cedarbrook Lodge, courtesy Richmond Public Relations.

That’s not too shabby considering these awards come from real people who really travel, not paid PR people.

One guest from Idaho said, “Cedarbrook is one of those places that is so wonderfully unexpected you can hardly wait to return.”

A favorite amenity of mine is their 24-hour grab ‘n’ go snacks. You can go down the hall anytime of the day or night and grab some malt balls or Haagen-Dazs to cure the munchies. No getting in the car and driving to a convenience store.

Let’s not forget the Copperleaf Restaurant where Executive Chef Mark Bodinet prepares farm-to-table local and regional treats. Bodinet spent five years working at the French Laundry Restaurant in Napa Valley.

Unbelievable that this is just around the corner from the airport, courtesy of Richmond Public Relations.

If you’re not into quiet and relaxing there’s plenty to do just around the corner including shopping at Southcenter Mall.

This just in:  (And you don’t have to wait until the 11 o’clock news to find out what it is.) Copperleaf, a 30-seat quintessentially Northwest restaurant at Cedarbrook Lodge in Seattle, has been recognized as one of the 2011 Top 10 New Restaurants in the U.S. by Gayot for its farm-to-table cuisine and commitment to locally sourced ingredients.