Olympic Inn & Suites: Your Port Angeles Getaway Awaits!
Olympic Inn & Suites: Port Angeles - My Honest Take (and You Should Go!)
Okay, so Olympic Inn & Suites. “Your Port Angeles Getaway Awaits!” They say. And, you know what? They’re kinda right. I just got back, and I'm still sorting out the seashells from my pockets and the lingering smell of the Olympic National Park (a good smell, by the way. Mostly.) Anyway, let's dive into this review, because honestly, you’re probably researching the heck out of this hotel right now, and you deserve the real deal. I’m going to be brutally honest, because that's me. And because frankly, I'm probably going to spill coffee on this.
(Disclaimer: This is my subjective experience, and your mileage may vary. But I'm betting it won't. Because, reasons.)
First Impressions & The Whole Accessibility Shebang:
Alright, let's get the practical stuff out of the way first. The first thing I noticed (besides the friendly welcome, that is!) was that they really seemed to get accessibility right. No crazy steps to navigate – Wheelchair accessible is a big ol' check. The elevator was smooth, which is always a bonus with luggage. And they offer facilities for disabled guests which is a GREAT thing to consider, because, well, life happens!
Inside the Room & Wi-Fi Woes (and Wins!)
The room itself? Comfy enough. Clean. Really, really clean. Like, I'm a bit of a germaphobe (don't judge), and I appreciated the attention to detail. The anti-viral cleaning products and the fact that they offered room sanitization opt-out was a really nice touch. I also appreciated that the rooms were sanitized between stays. The big plus? Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! They also have Internet access - wireless which is great. However, the Wi-Fi speeds were… well, let's just say I’m not sure what they’re paying for. I am also not sure if they have Internet [LAN], but with good wifi you don't need it. Internet services were available, but I'd personally keep my wifi close!
They offered a desk, an alarm clock (remember those?), blackout curtains (essential for sleeping off jet lag), and a desk – useful for, like, I don't know, pretending to work while secretly googling "best hiking trails near me." There was a complimentary tea, but I am a coffee drinker. And the coffee/tea maker in room… well, let's just say it wasn't the fanciest, and I ended up getting my caffeine fix downstairs. Speaking of which…
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking Situation:
Okay, the breakfast. Breakfast. They offered breakfast [buffet], but it felt like more of a continental situation. I went for the bacon, because, well, bacon. They had breakfast takeaway service, which is a lifesaver if you're trying to hit the road early. They also had restaurants, and coffee/tea in restaurant. Didn't try the restaurant. The Snack bar was alright. The big plus? Bottle of water in the room, which is a lifesaver after a long day of hiking. Also, the poolside bar was a great way to unwind after a long day of hiking!
The "Things to Do" & "Ways to Relax" Rundown:
This is where Olympic Inn really shines, to me. Hiking in the Olympics is amazing! They have a Fitness center, but I honestly didn't use it. Hiking is my gym, you know? But the real winner? The Swimming pool [outdoor] (and the Pool with view). That overlooking the Olympic mountains was pretty amazing. They don't have a Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom or a Body scrub or Body wrap!
Cleanliness & Safety - Because Yeah, It Matters:
Look, we’re all thinking about this now. The good folks at Olympic Inn seem to get it. They had Staff trained in safety protocol, and the Daily disinfection in common areas was reassuring. The Hand sanitizer was plentiful, and I appreciated the Sanitized kitchen and tableware items. I can't say what they do inside the kitchen, but I would hope that it's clean! They had a First aid kit on hand. They also has Smoke alarms and Fire extinguisher, which, let's be honest, is a must.
All Those Pesky Services & Conveniences:
They had a 24-hour front desk, which is super useful when you arrive at 2 AM (because, flights). Luggage storage was a lifesaver. The Daily housekeeping kept things tidy, and the Laundry service was perfect for getting my hiking gear washed up. They had a Convenience store for the forgotten essentials, and Air conditioning. There was also a Safe dining setup, whatever that may be. Cashless payment service was super convenient and a nice touch!
They have Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site].
The Bits & Bobs - The Good, The Okay, and the "Hmm…"
- For Families & the Kiddos: They seem to be Family/child friendly, but I didn't scope out the Kids facilities to confirm that. If my kids were with me, I’d probably look for more kid-specific offerings.
- Business Travelers: They have Business facilities, Meeting/banquet facilities,
- Getting Around: They had an Airport transfer, which is helpful if you don't want to drive a car.
- For Couples: They have a Couple's room.
- Pets: Pets allowed unavailable, which is a bummer for pet parents.
My Anecdote: The Mountain View Magic (and a Run-In with a Chipmunk)
Okay, so I mentioned the pool, right? It was after a particularly grueling hike up Hurricane Hill (totally worth it, by the way), and the sun was starting to dip, painting the Olympic peaks in this gorgeous orange glow. I'm sipping my coffee, and just… breathing. The sheer beauty of it all hit me, this sense of peace. And then… a chipmunk. Bold little fella, he was. Tried to steal my granola bar right out of my hand! But you know, even that was kind of perfect. It added to the whole experience, this feeling of being in nature, not just viewing it.
The Verdict & The (Seriously) Compelling Offer:
Look, Olympic Inn & Suites isn't the Ritz. It's not a luxury getaway. But it's clean, comfortable, convenient, and most importantly, it puts you right where you need to be: on the doorstep of Olympic National Park. And that, my friends, is priceless.
Here's the deal:
Book your stay at Olympic Inn & Suites within the next 7 days and receive:
- A complimentary upgrade to a room with a mountain view (because, trust me, you want it!).
- A voucher for a free breakfast at the coffee shop and the nearby restaurant!
- A free parking spot
Why This Offer is a No-Brainer:
- Best Views: You won’t find mountain views this affordable.
- Perfect Basecamp: You're moments from hiking trails, kayaking adventures, and the stunning coastline.
- Peace of Mind: Cleanliness, safety, and all those little details that make a trip enjoyable.
- A Sweet Deal: We're throwing in extra perks to make your escape even more memorable.
Don't wait! Grab your hiking boots, pack your camera, and get ready for an adventure! Olympic Inn & Suites and the Olympic Peninsula are waiting for you!
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Okay, buckle up, buttercup. Because this ain't your grandma's itinerary. This is a Port Angeles rollercoaster, Olympic Inn & Suites edition. Prepare for the emotional baggage of a seasoned traveler, the slightly-too-much-caffeine-fueled ramblings, and the inevitable moment where I question all my life choices.
Port Angeles Pilgrimage: Tourist Trauma and Triumph
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Ferry Fiaso (aka, My First Existential Crisis)
- Afternoon (Let's say 3 PM, though time is a construct): Arrive at Olympic Inn & Suites. *Oh god, the parking lot. It's…adequate. Okay, deep breaths. I booked the "Harbor View" room. *Hopes build. Dreams shatter. Reality? It's a partial harbor view. More like a harbor-adjacent view if you squint and tilt your head just so.* Fine, I'll channel my inner optimist. The bed looks comfy, and that's all that matters right now after the drive.
- Checking-in: the front desk guy was nice enough. I feel it's worth mentioning right after getting comfortable in the room.
- 4:00 PM - The Ferry Fiasco Begins: The main reason I’m here: The Olympic National Park. This ferry is my promised land. I'd read about the ferry to Victoria, British Columbia. I pictured myself, wind in my hair, seagulls crying, a majestic vessel slicing through the waves. In reality? The ferry booking website was a bureaucratic labyrinth, the departure times were more suggestions than schedules, and I nearly missed the blasted thing. Panic sweat. Multiple refresh clicks. Praying to the internet gods. Eventually, I got the digital ticket. The ferry… it’s just a boat. A big boat, but a boat nonetheless. There's a gift shop. Of course, there's a gift shop. I bought a keychain that I’ll probably lose by tomorrow. (Spoiler alert: I did)
- 5:00 PM: First Taste of Freedom and Food: Wandering around near the harbor, starving. Found a cute little fish and chips place (The Fathouse). Solid. Nothing earth-shattering, but the salty air, the seagulls, and the greasy fish… it worked. Mental note: Bring wet wipes on my next trip. Seriously.
Day 2: Rainforest Revelations and Hiking Humiliation
- Morning (7:00 AM, or whenever the jet lag decides it's morning): Breakfast at the hotel. The free continental situation. Meh. Cardboard-like bagels, weak coffee. I’ll live. I'm here to explore.
- 8:00 AM - The Heart of a Rainforest: Drive to the Hoh Rainforest. People, the trees! Actual gasp. It's like being in a fairytale, but with more mud. The air is thick with the scent of damp earth and… something magical. I did a short hike. Short. I'm not a hiker, I'm more of a "pretend-to-appreciate-nature-while-secretly-wanting-wifi" kind of person.
- Midday (Around 12:00): My hiking humiliation started. I tried to be all adventurous and go a bit off-trail. Bad idea. I got mildly lost, encountered a muddy patch that swallowed my shoe, and had a brief, intense conversation with a particularly grumpy-looking deer. Deer won the argument. Decided to head back, humbled and slightly muddy.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM): Found a cozy cafe in Forks. They served coffee and pie. Pie. The cherry pie almost made up for the hiking disaster. Almost. I spent an hour writing in my journal, contemplating the meaning of life, and secretly judging the tourists in their matching REI outfits. (judge away, it's alright)
- 4:00 PM: Going to the coast via Ruby beach. Taking pictures, walking on the sand. The wind is blowing my hair. Beautiful place.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Back at Olympic Inn. I took a hot shower. ate some snacks I got at the store. The room, starting to feel like a home.
Day 3: Whales, Wild Waters, and the Questionable Comfort of a Tourist Trap
- Morning (8:00 AM): Whale watching tour. Expensive. Worth it? The jury's still out. The boat was packed with people, all jostling for a glimpse of a fin. We did see some whales! They were glorious. But I also witnessed some serious seasickness (not me, thankfully) and overheard a child loudly complaining about the lack of Wi-Fi. The human condition, in all its glory.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Attempted to see the water. I failed. The water's so cold. I'm a wimp.
- 3:00 PM: I went to a tourist trap. I don't want to say it, but I did. I got a t-shirt.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Packing. I'm dreading going back to the airport. I will be back!
Final Thoughts: A Messy, Beautiful Goodbye
Port Angeles, you were… something. A mix of breathtaking beauty, quiet moments of introspection, and the sheer lunacy of being a tourist. The Olympic Inn? Fine. The partial harbor view? Still disappointing. But the memories? Priceless. (Except for that keychain. That was cheap.)
Would I recommend this trip? Absolutely! But be warned: Embrace the chaos, pack extra wet wipes, and prepare for a slightly messy, wonderfully human adventure. And for the love of all that is holy, book your ferry tickets early. Seriously.
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Olympic Inn & Suites: Your Port Angeles Getaway - FAQs, the Real Deal (and a Few Rants)
Okay, so, *what* exactly is Olympic Inn & Suites? Is it fancy-schmancy or... just a place to crash?
Alright, let's be honest, right? It's not the Ritz. Think... solid, reliable, clean-ish, right-on-the-edge-of-the-action kind-of-place. It's *perfect* if you're like me, prioritize spending your money on epic hikes and whale watching, and not on a room with a tiny gold-plated faucet. Think "functional lodging" rather than "luxury retreat." I stayed there last year, and honestly? It was a lifesaver after getting COMPLETELY soaked on Hurricane Ridge. Just a good, honest bed, a hot shower, and a questionable-but-free continental breakfast. That's what I was looking for. And I found it.
What's the deal with the location? Good or... not so much?
The location? Gold, pure gold! Seriously. You're right on the main drag in Port Angeles, which makes everything stupidly convenient. Walkable to the ferry, walkable to restaurants, walkable to the *amazing* Olympic National Park visitor center. Parking can be a *touch* tight, I’ll admit, especially during peak season.. I remember one time circling the block for what felt like an eternity. But even with that, it's a HUGE win. You're not spending half your vacation driving, you're spending it exploring. And that's what matters!
Tell me about the rooms. Clean? Comfy? Like, *really* comfy?
Rooms… okay, here's the deal. They're not pristine magazine-spread perfect. But they're *clean enough*. I'm not a germaphobe, but I'm also not a total slob. And I didn't find myself scrubbing anything with bleach (thankfully). My room was decent. I found the bed okay. Probably not the comfiest bed in the *world*, BUT passable after a long day of hiking. They have the basics: TV, hairdryer, the typical things. Don't go expecting a jacuzzi tub or anything crazy. But it gets the job done. The view... well, it *depends* on what you get. Some face the parking lot and... well, yeah. Make sure you ask for a room towards the front, with a view of the harbour.
What about the breakfast? Is it just stale donuts and sadness?
Breakfast is that classic continental deal. Donuts, yes. Sadness? Maybe a tiny bit. BUT! There's usually some kind of cereal, maybe some toast, and instant coffee. Coffee, in my book, is a MUST! My personal opinion is that the coffee will get you going. Free is free, people! It’s not a gourmet experience, obviously, but it prevents you from having to wander around in a zombie state before enjoying the beauty of the park. I’ve been in worse situations. Consider it fuel for your adventures. It’s enough to get you going.
Any hidden fees or sneaky surprises I should be aware of?
Hmmm. No that I remember. I feel like there are no hidden fees. Parking is free, or at least was. I am not sure about this year, I would call and ask. The important thing is to read the fine print when you book. Pay attention to cancellation policies, taxes, and any potential resort fees (though I don’t recall seeing any here). Generally, it's pretty straightforward and good value.
Are there any restaurants, cafes... even a darned vending machine, nearby? My blood sugar depends on this!
Oh YES! Thank goodness. Okay, so you're *right* in the heart of things. Restaurants? Tons. Cafe? Plenty. Vending machine? I'm *pretty* sure they have one, but I always went out to eat. Seriously, you are within *literally* steps of everything. From the inn, I walked to a little place called "Next Door Gastropub" that was phenomenal. Absolutely phenomenal! The food! The atmosphere! The fact that I didn't have to drive... pure bliss. I’m getting hungry just thinking about it! There are chains, too, of course, but why would you settle for that when you can explore the amazing local options? This alone makes it worth it.
Would you stay there again? Be brutally honest!
Honestly? YES. Absolutely, if I'm going back to Port Angeles (which I fully intend to!). It’s not perfect, but for the price, the location, and the convenience? It's a winner. Will I be expecting a five-star experience? Nope. Will I be stressed out? Nope. I'll be able to spend my money on the important stuff, like rainforest hikes, kayaking, and whale watching expeditions. And that's what it's all about, right? The Olympic Inn gets you where you need to be. Plus! I have no memory of terrible service or anything like that. I think the people were nice. The bottom line: If you're looking for decent value, a great location, and a place to crash after a long day of exploring, go for it. But… *don't* go expecting the spa treatment.
