I had the pleasure of visiting Tucker House Inn, Friday Harbor, Washington, on a recent trip to the San Juan Islands. I was in Friday Harbor to join a sea kayaking group. Lucky for me, Tucker House Inn allows one-night stays during the summer high season.
Our kayak trip departed early Friday morning in June. My husband and I took the Washington State Ferry from Anacortes to Friday Harbor the night prior. Our sea kayak outfitter, Outdoor Odysseys, had recommended the 18-room Victorian bed and breakfast on San Juan Island. As we left our car behind in Anacortes, we were pleased that Tucker House Inn was an easy 10-minute walk from the Friday Harbor ferry station.
The advance reservations clearly explained what was offered at the boutique hotel, including the room descriptions, complete with photos. Our friend from Anacortes joined us on the 1.5-hour scenic ferry ride to Friday Harbor and showed us around the quaint shops. We were pleased that our room was available for early check-in. However, Tucker House Inn staff had noted that we could store our luggage until our 3:00 p.m. check-in if the room hadn’t been ready.
This was our second visit to Friday Harbor, but our first overnight stay on the island. My husband and I had stayed previously at an Inn on nearby Whidbey Island and like the relaxed island vibe.
Tucker House Inn rooms & suites
Tucker House Inn and sister property Harrison House Suites offered several types of lodging. Truth be told, I booked the least expensive room, as we were only staying one night. The Patience Corner suite had the same feather-topped mattress and spacious bathroom that they all offered. While our room was small, with a queen bed, it offered fluffy cotton robes and lovely bath amenities.
I mentioned the lavender bath amenities because you’ll want to take advantage of the large Jacuzzi bathtub. There’s a separate shower if that’s your preference.
The Tucker House Inn is pet-friendly with several dog-friendly suites and cottages. Pets are greeted with a fresh-baked “pupcake.” On our visit, there was a daily pet fee of $45 per animal. Obviously, we were not traveling with our Labrador Retriever. Although I’m sure she would have enjoyed the pet amenity. By the way, leashed or crated dogs are allowed on the Washington State Ferries.
Bed & Breakfast Tucker House style
Unfortunately, our early morning departure had us missing the gourmet breakfast. Instead, the innkeeper offered to prepare us a to-go breakfast with fresh fruit, yogurt, granola, and a large breakfast muffin. My husband enjoyed the hard-boiled eggs, and I loved my yogurt.
We also enjoyed the freshly baked cookies waiting for us upon check-in. Did I mention the communal kitchen with a popcorn machine, granola bars and a fancy coffee maker? My husband and our friend enjoyed a tasty hot coffee while I swooned over the lavender hot chocolate with real milk!
We did make advanced dinner reservations at their off-property Coho Restaurant. A short walk to the Friday Harbor restaurant, all three of us would recommend this intimate dining experience, serving Pacific Northwest Cuisine. We’ll have to return to experience the gourmet breakfast!
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Our room was rented for $371.25 + tax. Seasonal savings are offered, as well as different room types. The hotel offered repeat guest discounts with no blackout dates. Other packages offered cooking classes or romance-inspired themes. Check the website for details.
Check rates online at Expedia, Agoda, or Hotels.com.
Review and photos by Oregon Travel Writer Nancy D. Brown, who paid for her room. As always, all opinions are her own.
