Inns You Can Paddle and Sail to (and from) Hotel Review - The Resort at Port Ludlow, Port Ludlow Washington USA

   Every once in a while the skies part here in the Pacific Northwest and we have the best, most Northwest-y day ever imaginable. For whatever reason this seems to happen every time we sail, kayak, or drive over to the Resort at Port Ludlow, Washington. 
   Is it the Olympic Mountain rain shadow? Luck? Fate? What ever it is, they've got it. Marina - got it. A great restaurant with local brewed beer & seafood - got it. View of the Olympic mountains and the water - check. A great Inn? Totally.

The Inn.

We could most definitely live here...For this review we stayed in a one bed/one bath room with a big tub and a balcony facing the marina. It was the perfect size for two with awesome views, a bathroom with jacuzzi-tub that was well stocked with local bath products and wifi available - albeit a little inconsistent at times. Our room had a coffee pot (mmmm...we like coffee), fridge, and a TV that we didn't even turn on (I'm sure it was great and all but the outdoors were calling!). Trails leave from the property and meander all around the beach and beautiful Port Ludlow Bay. Sailing, kayaking, fishing, birdwatching, and hiking are everywhere - boats to rent, charter, or bring your own. It's gorgeous.

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The Restaurant.

The Fireside restaurant is a cozy casual-nice eatery with patio seating overlooking the nearby bay, marina, forest, and Olympic mountains. Inside sports a giant fireplace (eh hem, fireside). Larger banquet halls run adjacent to the main indoor seating. The menu has Northwest infused entrees, beer, and cocktails. Save room for dessert - like tons of room - the ice-cream cake and creme brûlée were huge! 

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Stuff to do.

As you can see, here at the club we kinda have a thing for sailing and kayaking. Chartered sails and sailboats are available next door at the marina (some on a historic Washington schooner) - so are kayak rentals. We highly recommend trying out both. The marina store had locally sourced ice cream, lots of gifts and snacks, ice, and even a few quick lunch items.
   As you've probably also noticed, we take our kayaks with us on adventures. The dock closest to the Inn has a great (green turf carpeted) kayak put-in. The best part about it? No one even batted an eye when I marched my backpack full of paddling gear from the hotel over there, put everything together, and started off. Exploring the bay is great (especially at low tide) and a nice 1/2 day trip to Colvos Rocks is fun too (check the wind/currents/tides before you go and be careful out there - that water is cold all year round).
   Beach walking is another fun thing to do here - a loop trail takes you around the Inn grounds - especially fun at low tide with plenty of marine life to explore. A few hikes are nearby and 'town' isn't too far away.

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The Marina

Super quaint. We've sailed and stayed at the marina twice now and loved it. There always seems to be some sort of gathering when we go - a yacht club or a fun same-boat-party-event. The people are friendly and most importantly the staff is even friendlier. We usually call ahead and get a spot reserved and check in when we get there. Give them a jingle on VHF channel 68 when you get close to confirm your parking space for the night.

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   So there you have it - a magical place with great views, great food, friendly staff, a comfortable marina, a beautiful beach, trails, and for us - sun...every time (sun not guaranteed, it is the Pacific Northwest after all:).
   ~Paul & Amber   ETC

The Resort at Port Ludlow
Reviewed by Everyone's Travel Club 6/17/12