OVERVIEW of Willows Lodge
Willows Lodge is a terrific weekend getaway located next to the Sammamish River in the heart of Western Washington’s wine country, just 30 minutes from Seattle. With a climate similar to France, the eastern part of Washington State has become one of the top wine-producing regions in the world.
The sleek and modern Lodge marries contemporary design with the heritage of the Northwest. There’s a 1500 year old cedar “snag” (a stump remnant from the logging days) in the entry driveway, 100 year old Douglas fir timbers used to build the Port of Portland have been used throughout the buildings and landscape to create structure, the guest room tables are recycled slate pool table tops from old bars in British Columbia and the entry and bath floors in the rooms are a rustic slate.
With a nod to the outdoor culture of the Northwest, The Lodge created spectacular gardens featuring large conifers, flowering deciduous trees, Japanese Maples, a wide range of shrubs, large stones, and the sound of water everywhere. A large herb and edible plant garden and fruit trees have been planted to supply the two on-premise restaurants.
A magnificent art collection is showcased in the public spaces, gardens and guest rooms featuring the works of Northwest Coastal Native Americans whose art tells the story of their culture.
THE ROOMS at Willows Lodge
The 84 rooms and suites are generously sized and decorated in a rustic yet elegant style reminiscent of Northwest-style lodges. Walls feature Pacific Northwest artwork. Each room has a stone fireplace, private patio or balcony and a deep soaking tub for two. Beds are covered with Australian lamb’s wool mattress pads, luxury linens, goose down pillows and European-style duvets. Bathrooms have Mexican marble bowls and toiletries by Molton Brown of London. Newspapers are delivered to your room each morning to enjoy with a French press coffee system. Rooms are categorized as “Nice, Nicer and Nicest”….which is a cute touch.
DINING at Willows Lodge
Fireside Lounge is a beautiful and lively bar next to the lobby with huge fireplace and comfortable seating. A “Happier Hour” runs from 4-6:30pm and 9:00-11:00pm. Terrific snacking food, tapas, half price drinks and special pricing on Washington wines.
The Barking Frog is a bistro style restaurant and a local favorite. The name comes from the Native American storyteller’s use of the Frog as a symbol of wealth or abundance. When the frogs are barking, it is a sign of peace and harmony in nature. The décor is warm and cozy with a wonderful fire pit at the entry for those chilly days and a great patio when the weather cooperates. The kitchen is under the direction of Executive Chef Bobby Moore, a popular local guy who was honored by cooking at the James Beard Foundation. The menu is creative, fun and quite delicious. Excellent wine list….focus on the Woodinville Collection, particularly Efeste, Gorman, Januik and Novelty Hill.
The Herbfarm Restaurant is a AAA Five Diamond Award winner housed in its own building that could have easily been plucked from the Provence countryside. It is absolutely stunning. 26,000 bottle wine cellar with 4,500 selections. Open for dinner from Thursday-Sunday, the restaurant serves a 9 course meal paired with wines. Dinner here is worth the visit alone.
THE SERVICE at Willows Lodge
From the doormen to the front desk to the wait staff and even the housekeepers you are struck by how happy these people are to be working here. That attitude permeates your entire experience. It is warm, welcoming and genuine.
THE RATES at Willows Lodge
From $709 depending on the season
WHAT OTHERS SAY About Willows Lodge
AAA Four Diamond Award -Lodging
Wine Spectator Award
With a “superb spa”, a “prime location” in Washington Wine Country (30 minutes fron Seattle) and two “excellent” restaurants (Barking Frog and the “ultra superior” HerbFarm), this modernist “Pacific Northwest lodge” is a “romantic”, “secluded” “getaway”, “everything you need”, including “modern”, “romantic” rooms with fireplaces, luxe baths and “beds that help you melt away”, along with a “wonderful staff”, is present for a “perfect” weekend. ZAGAT
PROMOTIONS at Willows Lodge
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