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Homeward Bound: 7 Seattle Spring Break Staycations

If an easy-to-plan Seattle staycation is all you’ve ever wanted, there’s no better time than spring break to give it a try. Especially since the region has some of the best attractions in the world, right in your backyard. Sleep in a perfectly made bed and let someone else do the cooking, while avoiding those long lines at the airport, when you book your family’s vacation at one of these seven Seattle-area escapes.

Lakedale Resort at Three Lakes

courtesy Lakedale Resort

Stay:
Just a ferry ride or float plane away! Lakedale Resort at Three Lakes touts a "one of a kind experience and a breath of fresh air," but that only begins to describe the tranquil magic families create on this 82-acre property on San Juan Island. For starters, choosing an accommodation is part of the joy. An elegant lakefront hotel, log cabins, yurts, canvas cabins for glamping and a lake house family vacation rental are all on the menu. Decide what fits your family's personality and dive in.

The lakefront hotel is wonderful for groups with young adults sixteen and older, no pets please. The stunning great room and fireplace were made for board game competitions and fine wine sipping. Davy Crockett fans will love the log cabins, which hold up to six guests and two pooches. Families will settle in to these cabins for serious bonding. For closer but even hipper living quarters, order up a deluxe yurt. They feature King-size beds with flannel sheets, flat screen TVs, private hot tubs and wet bar. The Littles will enjoy cuddling up to doze on the full size sleeper, with flannel duvet and linens. This is glamping staycation-style.

Walk To:
It will be hard to leave your cozy home away from home, but Lakedale Resort at Three Lakes is all about the outdoors. Pursue games of chess on a giant chess set, or try ping pong, bocce ball or horseshoes. Three fresh spring water lakes offer gentle swimming areas and rentals a-plenty (paddle boats, row boats, kayaks, stand-up paddle boards and canoes). You can also take your kids fishing. The lakes are plentifully stocked with wide-mouth bass and trout (psst...permit required).

Good Eats:
The lodge & hotel offer complimentary breakfast that tempts taste buds with options like Lakedale signature granola, homemade jam and egg dishes. For all other accommodations, bring in food for cooking or barbecue fun. The General Store on site is open on weekends starting in May, and seven days a week from June 1 to Labor Day. Hot espresso drinks, sandwiches, salads, wine, beer, groceries, ice cream, and camping and fishing gear (including bait), ice, wood and more are available for purchase.

A short drive away, The Company Store in Roche Harbor is open for sundry and grocery needs. Madrona Bar & Grill serves fish and chips, rockfish tacos plus more yummy snacks guaranteed to please tiny tots. And Friday Harbor Ice Cream Company is a wonderful treat on a warm evening.

Don't Miss:
San Juan Island Zip Tour is adrenaline-fueled family bonding for ages 8 and up. Newbies welcome. The experience takes three hours but is only one mile from the resort.

4313 Roche Harbor Rd.
Friday Harbor, WA 98250
360-378-2350
Online: lakedale.com

The Maxwell Hotel Seattle

courtesy Maxwell Hotel Seattle

If you and the kiddos desire a quieter setting, The Maxwell Hotel is a great option. While the hotel is nestled in a quieter Lower Queen Anne neighborhood, it’s just a skip and a hop to the Seattle Center. A quick monorail ride will take you to the sights and sounds of downtown. And with the hotel’s complimentary shuttle service and loaner beach cruisers, you’ll have plenty of transportation options. But make it back in time for the Afternoon Delights of coffee and the hotel's signature pineapple cupcakes!

Stay: Kings, duet queens and suites are available. All rooms feature complimentary wifi, a microwave with popcorn welcome packet, and a mini-fridge for storing cold items. The indoor pool is a bright, sunlit space and super kid-friendly: it only goes to 4’ deep.

Good Eats: The Pineapple Bistro & Bar, in the lobby, offers espresso and locally baked goods from 6:30-11:30 a.m. and is open from 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. ('til 11 p.m. Thurs.-Sat.) for beer, wine and craft cocktails as well as locally sourced starters, brick oven pizzas, sandwiches and a daily happy hour from 4-6 p.m. The best part? Guests are welcome to enjoy their Pineapple Bar purchases anywhere in The Maxwell Hotel lobby, so you can make happy hour a family affair.

Walk To: Seattle Center, Space Needle, Pacific Science Center, Seattle Children’s Museum, Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) and the monorail. Queen Anne Avenue, with a huge array of charming boutiques and delish restaurants, is only a few blocks away.

Don’t Miss: The Dashing Through the Snow Promo has been extended through the end of April! Take 15% off your stay by booking online with the code WINTER19, or just mention it on the phone at 866-866-7977.

300 Roy St.
Seattle, WA 98109
206-286-0629
Online: staypineapple.com

Four Seasons Hotel Seattle

"Urban Retreat" conjures chic images not always associated with spring break. Think again! Imagine the wow your kids will have jumping into an outdoor heated infinity pool, with views of the Sound. Find it at Four Seasons Seattle—the only pool of its kind in the area. Almost every room has a spectacular view of the water as well. Afternoon treats are served in the lobby every day after 3 p.m., from house made s’mores and ice cream cupcakes, to caramel apples and macarons.

Adults will enjoy the most extensive collection of Pacific Northwest artwork outside a museum or gallery. Kids will revel in the vacation welcome gift. Let the staff know your munchkins' ages so they can enjoy fun treats like cookies and milk for tiny tots, or root beer and popcorn for tweens. Kid-sized robes and slippers are available, as are cribs, baby toiletries, and diaper genies for packing ease. Add in other convenient touches, like step stools in the bathroom so kids can reach the sink, and bath toys for the deep soaking tubs and you've got the perfect home-away-from-home getaway.

Good Eats: Find fabulous fare at in-house Goldfinch. The kids' menu is as much fun as the LEGO stacking utensils and coloring sheets that accompany it.

Walk to: Enjoy Four Seasons Hotel Seattle's excellent location near Pike Place Market, Seattle Art Museum, Seattle waterfront, the Great Wheel, shopping, theater, music and more. Book the Space Needle VIP Experience for that truly OMG moment. Your family will tour the iconic monument an hour before it opens to the public with a private photographer capturing every WOW. Breakfast bites and coffee included.

Don't miss: Make room for everyone with 30% off a second guest room when booking two nights at Four Seasons Hotel Seattle, 25% off 60 day advance purchase or third night free when booking two nights. Restrictions apply.

99 Union St.
Seattle, WA 98101
206-749-7000
Online: fourseasons.com

Fairmont Olympic Hotel

photo: courtesy Fairmont Olympic

The historic Fairmont Olympic Hotel is so fancy it will make the littles feel like they're Eloise living at the Plaza. It wouldn't be spring break without pool time, and the gigantic indoor pool delivers, with plenty of floaties and pool toys. Note: The renovation currently underway won't affect your fun, per the hotel concierge.

Stay: Check out the locals-only Resident's Rate for a whopping 20% off your stay with ID.

Good Eats: The Fairmont’s Shuckers Oyster Bar restaurant offers a tasty Kid's Menu. Even better, kids five and under eat for free! Nearby Sweet Iron Waffle Bar has waffles to please any kid, young and old, while Potbelly Sandwich Shop offers warm, grilled namesakes.

Walk To: The Seattle Public Library has a gigantic children’s section and fun events every week. The Seattle Waterfront, Seattle Great Wheel, Olympic Sculpture Park, Seattle Aquarium, Seattle Art Museum, Pike Place Market and Pioneer Square, are all a short hop, skip, Link, Lyft, or walk away.

Don’t Miss: When making your reservation, ask for special kids' bath amenities. They will have tiny bath robes, special products and fun kids' stuff waiting in the rooms.

411 University St.
Seattle, WA 98101
206-621-1700
Online: fairmont.com

Kimpton Hotel Monaco Seattle

courtesy Kimpton Hotel Monaco

The Kimpton Hotel Monaco Seattle might seem too glam for the fam but it's not: It's fun for the fam! Upon checking in, curious kiddos receive an adventure map to go exploring. The lobby library loans out kid-friendly bedtime stories. Upon request, Land of Nod teepees and play tents will be delivered to the room, and custom lunch pails with activities, snacks, and gum are also available. These fun extras are also freebies! The venue lies just steps away from major sights and sporting events, so grab your two legged and four legged creatures and set off an urban adventure.

Stay: Kings, queens and suites are available. All rooms come complete with wifi, pillow top beds, and flat screen TVs. Check online for hotel promotions—they offer a Northwest resident rate.

Good Eats: The hotel’s restaurant Outlier offers seasonally-driven global fare such as Seafood Laksa and Duck Bolognese, as well as brick oven pizzas for sharing. The restaurant has a back patio space, perfect for dining out during warm spring days. The Kid's Menu includes choices so tasty you’re going to wish you were under 12.

Walk To: The Pinball Museum, Magic Mouse Toys, Seattle Aquarium and the Seattle Great Wheel.

Don’t Miss: If you're looking to see the city on two wheels, complimentary hotel bicycles are available to use during your stay. Hotel Monaco hosts an evening wine hour from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. every day, showcasing local vineyards sp parents can sip and unwind, while sodas, snacks, and treats keep the minis at bay.

1101 Fourth Ave.
Seattle, WA 98101
206-621-1770
Online: monaco-seattle.com

Embassy Suites by Hilton

Nestled in the Pioneer Square neighborhood, the Embassy Suites by Hilton Seattle sits right next door to the King Street Station and just steps away from CenturyLink Field. Families traveling into the city via Link light rail, car, or ferry will find the hotel’s convenient location a major perk along with its proximity to some of the city’s top tourist attractions. Access the Seattle Great Wheel, Seattle Aquarium, Pike Place Market and Seattle Art Museum, along with a plethora of restaurants, eateries, and specialty shops all within one mile of the hotel.

Stay: The Embassy Suites by Hilton Seattle is composed of two glass towers, boasting ahh-mazing views of downtown Seattle and Elliott Bay. The spacious two room suites--perfect for a family of four--each feature a separate living area, private bedroom, and a mini kitchen. Each room features an Amazon Echo so your kids can ask for additional towels, room service, or the soundtrack to Frozen 2. If you’re hoping to take in the city’s gorgeous views from your room, be sure to upgrade to a premium suite or go big and book an exclusive Embassador suite on the top floor.

Good Eats: Each morning, families can enjoy a free made-to-order breakfast in the hotel's second floor dining hall. In the evenings, families can take advantage of complimentary drinks and snacks at the hotel’s evening reception inside Zephyr Bar. Bring the whole crew into Zephyr between 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. (it’s 100% kid-friendly) and let them nosh on tasty snacks and drinks while you enjoy an assortment of Northwest-inspired wine, beer, and craft cocktails. For another easy, tasty option walk down the block to Cone & Steiner for yummy sandwiches, local brews, and any sundries you need. For late owls or early risers, Seattle institution 13 Coins is located in the hotel's lobby. 24 hour breakfast, lunch or dinner is just an elevator ride away.

Walk To: It's Sounders season and the hotel could only be closer if it was on the pitch. So why not take in a game? Go Sounders! Or march the kiddies to the Seattle waterfront with stops at the Seattle Great Wheel, Pirate’s Plunder, Old Curiosity Shop, Wings Over Washington, Seattle Aquarium and Olympic Sculpture Park. Then, venture to Magic Mouse Toys in Pioneer Square, Pike Place Market, and Seattle Public Library. Make your way over to the Seattle Center to explore the International Fountain, Artists at Play playground, Seattle Children's Theater, Pacific Science Center and MoPOP. Want to see a bit more of the city from the water? Argosy Cruises on Pier 69 offers daily cruises along Elliott Bay and excursions to Tillicum Village.

Don’t Miss: If the weather cooperates, the outdoor rooftop deck with killer views of the Seattle skyline and Elliott Bay will not disappoint.

Embassy Suites by Hilton
Pioneer Square
255 S. King. St.
Seattle, WA 98104
Reservations: 206-859-4400
Online: embassysuites.com

Hyatt Regency Lake Washington

Courtesy of Shubha Tirumale Photography

Stay: If the Hyatt Regency Lake Washington didn't exist, staycation would invent it. Upon entering the welcoming lobby, the lake view and Seattle skyline seem to say "Leave it all behind." Grab a chair on the outdoor patio and start relaxing while the kids splash and play. Be sure to pre-order the Kids Glamping Package for $40. Well worth the delight in their eyes when the room is opened and a teepee replete with cozy pillows, soft blankets and S'mores plates greet them. Book a suite to give the group a play room, and pack swim suits and a favorite floatie for the indoor pool and hot tub.

Good Eats: Water's Table, the on site restaurant, masters the art of fine dining alongside family feasting. The kids cookie decorating option is a creative way to entertain fidgety diners--it's complimentary so pre-order with ease. There is also a 24 hour-market available for last minute snacks, souvenirs and goodies.

Walk To: Bordering the hotel is a wonderful playground within the 57-acre Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park.

Don't Miss: Nearby Skykart Indoor Racing Center, Henry Moses Aquatic Center and the Museum of Flight make stimulating field trips and Woodinville wine country is lovely for more adult group entertainment.

1053 Lake Washington Blvd. N.
Renton, WA 98056
425-203-1234
Online: hyatt.com

—Natalie Compagno, Kristina Moy & Myriam Gabriel-Pollock

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