Willows Lodge

Willows Lodge is a rustic, upscale retreat flanked by lush green spaces that have just a touch of Asian influence. There are plenty of areas outdoors to lounge and wander in, including a large garden, a stone hut, herb garden, and a gazebo with two pet pigs named Borage and Basil. The hotel lobby is full of wood and natural stone, with soaring ceilings and and tons of sunlight. It’s less like a reception area and more like a large living room with high-backed leather chairs and a fireplace. The color palette takes its cues from nature with tones of brown and burgundy throughout.

Willows Lodge sits in the heart of Woodinville Wine Country, with more than 100 wineries and tasting rooms in the surrounding area -- 30 of them are within walking distance of the hotel. Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery, the oldest in Washington state, is about a 10-minute walk away. For imbibers who want to explore beyond the grape, Woodinville Whiskey Co. and Soft Tail Spirits are both less than 10 minutes away on foot. The Sammamish River runs behind the hotel, offering opportunities for rafting and kayaking. Northshore Athletic Fields are about a five-minute walk away, and Gold Creek Tennis & Sports Club is about a three-minute drive. Burke-Gilman Trail has a sprawling, 26-mile paved road that borders Willows Lodge, and continues across Lake Washington into Seattle. The airport is about a 40-minute drive from the hotel.

The 84 guest rooms at Willows Lodge are tasteful and modern, with a bit of rustic charm. A simple, streamlined look of gray-green walls paired with blond wood shutters, doors, and trim along the walls creates a peaceful backdrop. But luxurious details like stone-trimmed fireplaces, private patios, and whirlpool tubs in the bathrooms elevate their elegance. And amenities are equally upscale with minibars, Keurig coffeemakers, flat-screen HDTVs, DVD players, and sound systems. Many rooms have separate living and sleeping areas -- although the sleeping quarters aren’t large. Most of the rooms have a single king bed, but a few queen doubles are available. Bathrooms are nice, with roomy showers in addition to the tubs, plush robes, double vessel sinks, magnifying mirrors, and Molton Brown products.  

There are two high-profile restaurants at Willows Lodge. The Barking Frog has a seasonal menu and using locally sourced ingredients. It is a sophisticated, bistro-style setting with modern decor and an award-winning wine collection. The Herbfarm specializes in multi-course dining with menu items that pay homage to the surrounding region. Other drinking and dining choices include the indoor/outdoor Fireside bar, Barking Frog Mobile Kitchen (the “road toad”), and 24-hour room service. Note that breakfast is not included in standard rates and costs and additional fee.

The hotel offers free bikes and helmets, and a free local shuttle. There are also free charging stations for electric vehicles, and Teslas in particular. The on-site spa offers a full spectrum of services, including Intraceutical oxygen treatments. There’s also a small gym and an indoor steam room. The large hot tub sits in a zen-like outdoor area. The property is pet-friendly, and doggy room service is available, in addition to beds and bowls for furry friends. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout.