Governor's Mansion Inn

January is a lovely time to stay, when it’s quiet and cold. The Mansion feels warm and inviting, like settling into a good book with something interesting on each page. You can walk to everything you might want, and there’s a lovely view of and access to the lake. The service staff are awesome.

We came for a Sunday night stay before a concert at the Orpheum Theatre. The room was small, as we knew when booking, but spotlessly clean. It used to be servants’ quarters and had two comfortable twin beds. The bathroom was spacious and clean, with even a little heater. We were given clear directions for parking and getting through the front or side entrance to our room, and felt very safe walking the half mile to the theater. Breakfast was self-serve, with coffee and tea, scones, bagels and cream cheese, fruit, cheese, and oatmeal. There was a nice variety, thoughtfully set out. Afterward we followed the in-room suggestions and walked to the dock. My friend and I would happily stay again and recommend it to others.

David was so accommodating when winter weather and travel delays meant we had to change our reservation several times. The location was great, and everything was so clean. A perfect stay.

The Mansion is a beautiful old home with plenty of history, quiet rooms, antiques, and recently renovated bathrooms. The location in the lovely Mansion Hill area is convenient for the lakes, Capitol Hill, and UW campus. Still, I probably wouldn’t stay again. It looks like a traditional B&B, but guests are told to let themselves into the house and room because there’s no host. Someone served breakfast, though he didn’t really act as a host. For such a historic house, the way it’s furnished felt a bit sterile. The mattress in my room was also very saggy and needs replacing. I stayed at the Mansion Hill Inn a few doors away last summer, and that was truly exceptional. I think there are better choices nearby.