Archive for the ‘Stay’ Category

Accidental Bavarians at Bavarian Lodge

Saturday, May 3rd, 2014

What a fantastic long weekend we just spent in Leavenworth WA. There wasn’t a festival or a special occasion to celebrate, just a need to get away and a welcoming invitation.

Brooke at the Bavarian Lodge had invited us months ago to stay at the hotel for a weekend. We’ve had lots of family and work related circumstances that kept us from taking her up on her offer until now. It was definitely worth the wait to get away for a three night stay.

The Bavarian Lodge stands on US Highway 2, directly across from Front Street and the Gazebo in the park. It’s undergoing a major expansion, but don’t be put off by the scaffolding. We still found the hotel quiet and restful.

Our standard double queen room was lovely. It was well decorated. I especially appreciated the leather arm chair and the soft, warm throw. It was really nice to snuggle up under the throw while we watched movies from the Lodge’s extensive DVD collection. The room also had a microwave, fridge and coffee set-up. But if you don’t want to make coffee in your room, there’s a beverage station in the lobby where coffee, hot water and tea, chocolate and cider are available 24/7.

Despite looking out on US 2, our room was quiet when the window was closed. The only downside to our room was the noise of children in the room above us, running back and forth and jumping off of the beds above our heads. If they had not quieted down at 11 o’clock, Scotte may have had to complain to the front desk. We were glad he didn’t have to, but know that the desk would have dealt with it, had it been necessary. The Bavarian Lodge is a family hotel, so the noise of children is to be expected, though it did remind us to ask for a top floor room every time we plan a hotel stay.

We took a peek at the turret suite on our floor. It was beautifully luxurious. It would make a lovely romantic get-away. It includes a spa tub that looks out on the town center.

We have never encountered a friendlier hotel and front desk staff in our travels. (Well, except for Disney® Parks cast members, but that’s an extreme standard.) Every time we entered or exited the hotel, we were greeted with friendly hellos or offered restaurant and sightseeing advice. We also found the housekeeping and breakfast service staff very friendly and welcoming. Brooke told us it’s one of the things she likes most about working for the Bavarian Lodge. She said it’s really a family and she’s proud to be a part of it.

The breakfast buffet was what you’d expect, except that the attention to detail was quite high. The standard hotel waffle station was elevated by the addition of strawberries and whipped cream on Sunday. The weekday syrup and butter were plentiful as were the peanut butter and jam. There was cold cereal, fresh baked scones and muffins and a toaster with a variety of bread. Each morning a different egg dish, a breakfast meat and potatoes were available, as well as biscuits and gravy. The breakfast room is large and comfortably decorated. It was easy to linger over our newspaper and Starbucks® coffee and juice. Breakfast is available in the ground floor breakfast room 7-10am weekdays, 7-10:30am on Saturday and Sunday.

On the Monday morning of our stay, Brooke took us on a tour of the addition. We got to see just how much work and planning is going into the new, luxury rooms. Each of them will have a fireplace and a glass shower enclosure. City center facing rooms will each have a balcony from which you can enjoy the sights and sounds of Leavenworth’s many festivals. The rooms facing away from the city center will also have balconies and will look out on a new patio area. The remodeled hotel will also have a brand-new wine bar. The addition and wine bar will have the same comfortable lodge style design as the rest of the hotel. Reservations for the new rooms began August 15, 2014. If you don’t yet have a reservation for Oktoberfest or Christmas Lighting, call asap to see if you can snag one of the new rooms for Leavenworth’s busiest festivals.

While we stayed at the Bavarian Lodge as their guests, this post is our own opinion and not written in exchange for our stay.

Update: Romance in Leavenworth

Tuesday, February 4th, 2014

Snowy Mountains surround Leavenworth WA

Snowy Mountains surround Leavenworth WA

Valentines Day will be here and gone before you know it. Leavenworth WA is the best place to romance your sweetheart. This post is an update to a post from past years. I’ve refreshed it with some new dates and new links.

Several downtown Leavenworth hotels and inns offer romance packages with options like couples’ massages, in-room champagne service, and late check out. Icicle Village Resort has a Sweet Indulgence Getaway that includes plush bathrobes to take home with you.

Dream House Suites sometimes has limited availability for Valentine’s Day but they often have last minute availability, so call if you’re still looking for accommodations. If you can snag a suite here, do it. We’ve stayed here and loved the clean and comfortable room. With only four suites you’ll enjoy your privacy. The service was friendly but non-intrusive. Every suite offers mountain or Front Street views.

Alpen Rose Inn has customizable romance packages. The Wine Country Tour includes a guided tasting tour, by limousine, to three lovely wineries. This Valentine’s Day you can ask about booking a snowmobile tour or a romantic sleigh ride.

Or check your favorite hotels for their romance packages. Some with packages include: Bavarian Lodge and Obertal Inn.

Pine River Ranch is the ultimate in luxurious romance. Featured in The Best Places to Kiss in the Northwest: A Romantic Travel Guide the beautiful suites have fireplaces and Jacuzzi spas. The hosts deliver a gourmet breakfast to your suite for the ultimate romantic breakfast in bed. It’s 14 miles outside of Leavenworth for a true getaway. As of this writing, Pine River Ranch has a few openings for Sunday and Monday of Valentine’s Day weekend. They offer several winter packages that include romantic sleigh rides, and activities like snowshoeing and skiing. Pine River Ranch is also a beautiful and romantic wedding destination.

We have several favorite romantic dining spots in Leavenworth. The Alley Cafe has been featured in “Best Places to Kiss.” It’s intimate Italian dining.

SOUTH is fun, fresh Mexican dining. They offer a casual atmosphere and original recipe cocktails that change with the season. They’re now offering breakfast on the weekends. Try the Molé sauce. It’s fantastic.

What’s a romantic getaway without delightful sweets? Looking for chocolate? (And really, who isn’t?) Try lovely hand made Belgian chocolates at Schocolat. Fresh and unique flavors such as ginger, pink sea salt, and rum raisin along with lovely caramels and fruit creams.

Or stop at Visconte’s Via Dolce for gelato and espresso. Mix the two and you have an affogato. Yum! You’ll think you’re in Europe again.

Take time for a romantic walk after dinner. The crowds of Christmas Lighting Festival have passed but the glorious lights still decorate Front Street.

You’ll want to have your cross-country skis or snowshoes along. If the snow is fresh and deep, find your way to Blackbird Island in Waterfront Park, a birdwatcher’s paradise, just two blocks from the shops of Front Street. Hiking boots will usually do if snowshoeing is not your thing. Don’t forget your camera.

If you’re staying at one of our favorite hotels, the very romantic Enzian Inn, you’ll enjoy complimentary use of their Nordic skis, boots and poles. Take the air all around Leavenworth, then come back to your room at Enzian Inn to warm up in your jetted tub or walk-in shower. Snuggle by your own fireplace or join other guests in the lobby next to the roaring fire and antique grand piano. The next morning you can sleep in and stroll to the 4th floor breakfast room for a delicious breakfast with made-to-order omelets and freshly baked pastries and bread. Enjoy your breakfast with brewed Starbucks coffee and an amazing view of the surrounding mountains.
Valentine’s Day Weekend, February 14-17, 2014 is the date for the Leavenworth Wine and Chocolate Festival. Wineries throughout the Wenatchee Valley will celebrate the wonderful pairing of local red wine and fine chocolate. Check back with our TNBT page to find out the latest on this new Festival for Leavenworth.

For more ideas for your romantic getaway visit our Romance page. We’ve listed a lot of ideas for couples. You’ll also find links to many more places to stay.

Trip Advisor Ten Romantic Leavenworth Hotels

Leavenworth is only a short drive or train ride away from all major cities in Washington State. So close and yet it seems so far from your everyday life.

Spaaaaaahhhh

Thursday, September 6th, 2012

A quiet place at the corner of Commercial and 8th Street in Leavenworth

UPDATE: Solstice Spa is no longer in business.

On a recent trip to Leavenworth I had my first ever spa treatment. My visit to Solstice Spa was a belated birthday gift and a reward for four hard weeks working on a movie set. (If you’ve ever worked full-time on a film set, you know how much I deserved that reward. If you never have, then just take my word for it–it’s harder work than I ever imagined.) I made my appointment for a Dead Sea Mineral & Hot Stone Foot Massage after reading the description: “…Dead Sea mud treatment, hot stone massage and enriched foot cream soothes dry, cracked skin and conditions and restores tired feet and legs.” With the shape my feet were in after a month of being on them for 12-14 hours per day, it sounded like paradise.

We arrived in Leavenworth late one evening and my appointment at the spa was scheduled for the next afternoon. We enjoyed a fun day in Leavenworth, shopping, eating (lunch at SOUTH of course!) and generally relaxing. After a nap back at our hotel room, we headed for the spa on Commercial Street. I realized when we were part-way there that I’d forgotten the discount coupon I’d received by email after signing up for the spa’s email list. Scotte went back for it, but the receptionist assured me that she would have honored it had I just let her know I had it in the room.

Once there I was given comfy spa shoes and a fluffy robe to wear during my stay. I was greeted by my massage therapist, Tammy, who ushered me upstairs to a room with soothing music and lighting. I received a tasty drink of iced raspberry green tea and given a yummy bit of dark chocolate to nibble upon. Tammy donned exfoliating gloves and gave my feet and lower legs a lovely rub down, after covering a broken callus with a bandage. (I told you my feet were in terrible shape!)

A warm water soak was followed by the application of warm mud. Once my feet and legs were covered in mud and wrapped in plastic to hold in the warmth, I read a local magazine while drinking my tea and nibbling at the chocolate.

Another scrub down was followed by a lengthy hot rock massage. It was soothing and relaxing. I could feel the warmth sinking down into my muscles, joints and bones and simply leaned into the scrumptiousness. How does a foot and leg massage make you feel relaxed and healed all over your body?

It was all over far too soon. Next time, I think I’ll schedule a pedicure too. Once back downstairs I spent a little time shopping the boutique while other spa patrons were being waited on. I texted Scotte to let him know I was through and biding my time shopping. I received an urgent text message back, “I’m on my way, your bill is paid. No need to shop!” My lovely husband had already taken care of the bill and arrived quickly, leaving my shopping for another day.

I thoroughly enjoyed my afternoon at Solstice Spa & Suites and will put it on my list of must do’s in Leavenworth. And I can’t be the only one. Solstice Spa and Suites is the recipient of TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Award two years running (#7 on the list of top relaxation resorts in the country!) and consistently comes in in the top of the list for Best of the Northwest poll on Seattle’s KING5.

Solstice Spa & Suites offers some delicious relaxation and romance packages including girls’ getaways, romance packages and new, a Brew Lover’s Package that includes a hydro-therapy suite, brew-tastings, locally made gourmet chocolate and beer soap.

For more about spas and other great ways to relax in Leavenworth see our Health and Fitness page. Also check out our Romance page if you’re thinking about visiting Leavenworth for a special anniversary or just a get-away weekend.

I was inspired to share my spa experience with you when reading my friend Kerri’s review blog. In it she reviews a new Dove Hair Care product. There was also a link to a give-away. The prize for that is a gift-certificate for SpaFinder. I entered the contest and I’m getting a second entry for letting you all know about it. Let me know if you win!

What about you? What’s your favorite spa treatment? I’d love to hear about your spa experiences.

Romantic Leavenworth

Saturday, January 14th, 2012

The lights in Leavenworth add to the romantic atmosphere all through February

A year ago we published this post reminding you all to book your Valentine’s Day Romantic weekend. It’s that time of year once again. Valentine’s Day is one month away. Check out last year’s post for lots of ideas. Valentine’s Day falls on Tuesday in 2012. All of the recommendations we made last year are still valid, but we have a few more to add. As of today there’s a lot of open availability. Book a romance package and wow your sweetheart.

Romance is an everyday affair for us whenever we visit Leavenworth. Winter months are especially lovely. The Christmas lights are still up in the village. Evenings are a wonderful time to stroll Front Street. Leavenworth is full of couples celebrating their love.

A new bed and breakfast in Leavenworth, Wenatchee River Lodge, is a supremely romantic place to stay. The bed we slept in was the most comfortable bed I think I’ve ever slept in in an inn anywhere. Our room, the Aspen, had a fireplace and a jetted tub. It’s off the beaten path, only a mile from town, but at the end of a dead end road, so very quiet except for the sound of the river rushing by only feet away. Read all about our stay there.

Make reservations at Viscontis Italian Restaurant for a romantic dinner. We enjoyed our lunch there, sitting at a window table, with snow falling.

Bed and Breakfast Experience

Saturday, December 31st, 2011

Welcome to Wenatchee River Lodge

Our recent trip to Leavenworth was filled with many first-time experiences. Our first Christmas in Leavenworth; first time eating at King Ludwig’s, Viscontis Italian Restaurant, or Sleeping Lady Resort; and first time staying at a bed and breakfast inn.

UPDATE: The Wenatchee River Lodge was recently purchased, updated and shined up (it was looking pretty good before!) and relaunched as The Grand River Lodge.

We met Don and Mary Morse earlier this year at a Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce meeting. We sat at their table and they welcomed us to our first meeting, asking all about our website. In the months that followed they told us about the lodge that they were converting to a bed and breakfast inn and asked us to come stay with them on our next visit to Leavenworth. When we decided to spend our Christmas weekend in our favorite place, it was natural to ask if the offer to visit was still in effect, and it was. The Morses offered us a discounted price, allowing us to stay more nights than we otherwise might have been able to afford.

The Wenatchee River Lodge is so beautiful! It’s a full log home sitting right above the river. It’s on a bend and the lodge is situated so that it feels really isolated. It’s also at the end of a long gravel lane, so traffic noises never reached us.

Don greeted us on our arrival and proudly showed us all around the lodge. From the largest suite, The Ponderosa, to the smaller suites, dining area, great room and game room, the lodge is elegantly rustic. There is a hot tub on the deck and jetted baths in several rooms. Our room, the Aspen Room, had a gas fireplace, a jetted tub, walk-in closet/dressing area, a king-sized bed and french doors opening onto the deck which looks out on the river.

We arrived pretty early in the day on Friday so we unpacked and headed just 2 miles to Leavenworth. We were eager to see the Christmas decorations and have lunch. After some shopping and saying high to some of our friends in town we went back to the lodge to relax for the evening. We brought a new game with us, Scotte shot a few tables of pool and threw some darts, then it was back to the room to enjoy a fabulous whirlpool bath.

Our Christmas Getaway

The next morning Mary and Don greeted us with a breakfast of quiche, waffles, fruit and bacon. We also observed an interesting phenomenon on the river. Don and Mary said they’d never seen it before. We all called them ice lily pads. In the river a whirlpool eddy seemed to be capturing pieces of ice and the circling action was forming them into circular ice shapes with raised edges, just like lily pads. They were fascinating to watch. I’m including some of the still photos I took of them along with some video which gives a better account than I can describe. After two mornings there the weather warmed and they were gone. I’m so glad we were there to see them.

The ice lilies formed in the Wenatchee River

We really enjoyed getting to know Don and Mary and the guests that came and went while we visited. The lodge was beautifully decorated for Christmas throughout and than made our romantic Christmas getaway even better (imagine if you will an elegantly appointed Christmas tree that YOU don’t have to put up, or put away!) We had tasty breakfasts each day served where we could look out at the river. The lodge is quiet and away from everything. My descriptions can’t do it justice, so take a look at the slide show below.

I can’t imagine a better way for us to celebrate a romantic Christmas (and our 31st anniversary) than this stay at Wenatchee River Lodge. It’s perfectly situated on the river and a little way out of the hustle and bustle of the village. If it had been warmer, we would have been tempted to sleep with our door to the deck ajar and gone to sleep lulled by the music of the river, just steps away.