Over the years, I’ve visited Bellingham, Washington, on my way to the San Juan Islands and Canada, and more than once for a quick getaway. Every time I’m in the city, I stay in a different hotel, just for the experience — and so I can write reviews like this one. It’s part of exploring all a city has to offer.
Some of Bellingham’s hotels offer views of the bay, while others are closer to local attractions. Some are hip, and others are romantic. Here are the best hotels for a comfortable, relaxing stay.
Portions of this trip were hosted. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
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Hotel Bellwether
Standing on a small peninsula overlooking Squalicum Harbor and Bellingham Bay, Hotel Bellwether is an iconic Bellingham favorite for weddings and events. Surrounded by waterfront walking trails, the hotel is only a mile from downtown. For a truly unique stay, book the Lighthouse Suite in the hotel’s signature faux lighthouse for a panoramic sunset view of the bay.
Vibe:
- Contemporary luxury
What’s On-Site:
- Lighthouse Grill, a waterfront seafood and steak restaurant
- Lighthouse Pub, a waterfront bar with live music
- Private dock for yachts and floatplanes
What’s Nearby:
- Squalicum Harbor
- Anthony’s Hearthfire Grill, a waterfront seafood and steak restaurant
- Anthony’s at Squalicum Harbor waterfront seafood and steak restaurant
Featured Amenities at the Hotel Bellwether:
- Secure parking
- EV charging stations
- Bicycle rentals
- ADA accessible
- Pet friendly
Hotel Leo
This historic boutique hotel melds original architectural details with modern, minimalist furnishings, creating a fun and unique stay. Hotel Leo encourages guests to play and socialize in their lounge, library and a DVD movie theater. Guests can choose from rooms and suites with vintage details or a modern vibe. Some rooms feature full kitchens or kitchenettes.
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Vibe:
- Social and hip, with a dash of history
What’s On-Site:
- Amendment 21 bar
- Lounge with shuffleboard and workspaces
- Library with billiards
- Private movie theater
What’s Nearby:
- Coffee shops
- Restaurants
- SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention
- Breweries
- Mount Baker Theater
- Bellingham Farmers’ Market
Featured Amenities at Hotel Leo:
- Off-street parking
- Bike storage
- Free high-speed wifi
- Fitness center
- ADA accessible rooms
- Kitchens/kitchenettes (not all rooms)
SpringHill Suites
Located near the Bellingham International Airport and only five miles from downtown, SpringHill Suites by Marriott offers spacious, practical suites and an excellent complimentary breakfast.
Suites feature a sofa bed and a well-equipped workstation separated from the one king or two queen beds in the sleeping area. The bar in the lobby serves a limited menu that’s perfect for a quick dinner or snack. The hotel mini convenience shop also sells microwaveable meals, sundries and snacks.
Vibe:
- Stylish and welcoming
What’s On-Site:
- Chuckanut Lobby Bar
- Indoor pool
What’s Nearby:
- Bellingham International Airport
- Whatcom Community College
- Shopping
Featured Amenities at SpringHill Suites:
- Fitness center
- Guest laundry
- Long-term parking
- EV charging stations
Fairhaven Village Inn
Standing on one side of Fairhaven’s Village Green, this well-known boutique hotel offers traditional elegance with views of Bellingham Bay and the historic Fairhaven district. Rooms at the Fairhaven Village Inn that overlook the harbor feature a gas fireplace and a private balcony, while rooms that overlook the neighborhood offer bird’s-eye views of the historic area.
Vibe:
- Traditional boutique elegance
What’s On-Site:
- Library lounge
- Guest patio with views
- Galloway’s Cocktail Bar (next door)
What’s Nearby:
- Whale Watching cruises
- Schooner Zodiac tall ship cruises
- Ferry to Alaska
- Amtrak Station
- Fairhaven Village Green
- Shopping and restaurants
Featured Amenities at Fairhaven Village Inn:
- Hospitality Hour at Galloway’s Cocktail Bar
- Off-street parking
- Complimentary morning coffee and pastries
- Discounts at a local fitness center
Heliotrope Hotel
The Heliotrope Hotel is a 1950s-era motel reimagined as a modern, social, and distinctly Northwest place to stay. Guests can relax in rooms featuring locally-crafted custom furnishings — including a tree for a coat rack — as well as original art by local artists, a 40″ HDTV, high-speed WIFI and a mini refrigerator. The hotel is extremely pet-friendly.
Vibe:
- Hip Pacific Northwest
What’s On-Site:
- Indoor lounge
- Mini convenience store
- Outdoor play area
What’s Nearby:
- Squalicum Dog Park
- Downtown Bellingham
- Restaurants
Featured Amenities at the Heliotrope Hotel:
- Dog and bike washing station
- Enclosed dog run
- Off-street parking
- Complimentary coffee and tea in the lobby
Chrysalis Inn & Spa
The Chrysalis Inn & Spa, part of the Curio Collection by
Well-appointed rooms feature 300-thread-count sheets, down pillows, fireplaces, a 55-inch flat-screen TV and partial or full water views. Bathrooms boast soaking tubs for two, separate showers and granite countertops.
Vibe:
- Contemporary luxury
What’s On-Site:
- Keenan’s at the Pier
- Spa at The Chrysalis
What’s Nearby:
- Taylor Dock Boardwalk
- Western Washington University
- Historic Fairhaven district
- Shopping
- Restaurants
Featured Amenities at The Chrysalis Inn & Spa:
- Free off-street parking
- ADA accessible rooms
- Pet-Friendly rooms
- Room service
Hotels providing hosting: SpringHill Suites and Hotel Leo
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