Tucked away on Whidbey Island is one of the most unique boutique hotels. Visiting Captain Whidbey feels like stepping back in time. While you can arrive by car, travel by ferry is highly recommended. It’s a unique experience that offers a breathtaking view of the island and wildlife.
When you arrive on the property, you half expect a burly, bearded sea-captain donning a beanie and a pipe to greet you at the door. The historic inn has been beautifully preserved, keeping all the charm intact, including the wooden beams and creaky floors. When you check in, enter the lodge on the main floor, which houses the lounge, restaurant, and gift shop. During the winter months, you’ll likely be greeted by a roaring fireplace and guests quietly reading in the lounge.
The property is made up of multiple structures, the lodge, the lagoon, and the cabins, each with different styles, amenities, and price points. Allowing a variety of traveler types (and budgets) to enjoy this unique getaway.
The Lodge guest rooms occupy the upper floor. Every corner of this lodge feels like the perfect chance to snap a quirky photo for your Instagram. The bunk-house style accommodations feature walls made from historic, 100-year-old logs, with luxurious beds, linens, and vintage style fixtures. There are shared bathrooms for the floor, with in-room sinks for convenience.
Each of the Lagoon rooms offers a waterfront view. The windows all face the private lagoon, which you can canoe on and swim in during the summer months. The wooden structure from the outside may look dated, but the rooms and fixtures inside are anything but. From the handmade blankets to the custom-designed furniture, each lagoon room is thoughtfully curated down to the stamped notepad on your bedside table.
Each of the cabins is individually styled. Our stay in the Glasswing cabin was easily one of the most memorable trips I’ve ever taken. Walking up to the door is a wrap-around porch with a patio table and chairs, perfect for enjoying your morning coffee. Inside, the vibes were mid-century modern simplicity meets the comfort of a cozy, Pendleton wool blanket. Having a working fireplace felt like the cherry on top of an already incredible stay.
As we lay down for bed, the rain bounced off the metal roof, creating a song that lulled us into sleep. We woke up to the sounds of birds chirping and sea lions barking. The king-size bed was easily my favorite part of the entire room. We slept so well, I even asked the staff what mattress they used—Ace Hotel X Suite Sleep.
In keeping with the simple life, reminiscent of historic Captain Whidbey, no TVs exist in any of the rooms. Instead of switching on a screen, we spent our days and nights exploring the resort. Whether you’re sitting on the dock watching the sea lions play king-of-the-castle in the bay, or walking around admiring the giant fir trees, sipping a brown sugar cinnamon latte from the espresso bar, your stay will fly by.
As for eating at the Captain Whidbey, the food and drinks were at the same standard as everything else on the property—next level. The menu changes seasonally and uses locally sourced ingredients to provide guests with fresh, unique flavors. While the restaurant is only open for dinner and weekend brunch, you can grab a quick bite at the Espresso Bar during the day, if needed.
Top Takeaways
Location: Coupeville, Washington
Rating: 5-Star
The vibe: The Captain Whidbey: A remastered historic lodge provides a cozy, coastal escape. For those who enjoy nature but want all the comforts of home, this inn is the perfect getaway.
Our favorite thing about the hotel: It’s a perfect combination of old world charm and comfort. Everything at the inn feels purposeful, from the beautifully decorated rooms to the local wares at the Espresso bar. At first, I was worried about the lack of TVs in each room, but I was so immersed in the experience that I completely forgot about it.
Food + Drink: The onsite restaurant is perfect. Each dish created by the chef highlights seasonal flavors while prioritizing locally sourced ingredients. You can enjoy dining at the Captain Whidbey for dinner or weekend brunch—if that coincides with your stay.
Amenities: Restaurant, Espresso Bar, Bike rentals, Kayak rentals, Library, Private Lagoon & Dock, Dog-friendly Rooms, Wellness Studio & Sauna, Fire pits
What’s nearby? Ebey’s Landing, Deception Pass
Any personal neighborhood recommendations? If you’re flying in from Seattle, take the ferry from Mulkito to Clinton, which is about 20 minutes. You can park your car and go enjoy the view from the upper decks.
Rooms: 30 rooms, including four standalone cabins
Pricing: Rates start at $179 per night.
Closest Airport: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
