Port Angeles Inn

The rooms were clean, if a little dated, and the staff were friendly. Everything worked. We came back this year even though we paid half as much two years ago, because the location is so good: you can see the Hook right outside the window, and downtown is about 50 yards away down the cliff staircase. But the rate feels too high otherwise. Breakfast is the bare minimum. I own an inn, so I've got a frame of reference, and at the PAI anything that doesn't arrive ready-made in a box or carton just isn't there. Really, you're paying for the view and location.

There was hair left in the bathroom, and a cigarette burn in the blankets from a previous guest. The mattress sagged in the middle, and its loud, creaking springs made a sleepless night likely. The rooms seemed untouched since the place was built, and the tacky décor made the stale, mothball smell even worse. It’s the sort of stay you’ll remember for a long time. Do yourself a favor and stay elsewhere, even if it costs more to stay in town.

The front desk folks were super nice, accommodating, and ready to help. The rooms and technology are a little old, but everything was very clean and well kept. We had a great two-night stay at the Port Angeles Inn while exploring Olympic, and would definitely come back. Five stars for our experience.

For me, the view is why I return to this family-run Port Angeles Inn. This was my third visit, in early December, the off-season, and I paid $73 a night. From the floor-to-ceiling window in my "Harbor View" room, I could watch people, different kinds of ships, and sea gulls riding the wind over the calm deep-water harbor. Looking past sleepy downtown, I could clearly see Vancouver Island across the strait. I stepped outside my room and found snow-capped mountain peaks on the other side. The inn sits on a hill near Second Street, and from the window the ferry pier, a few blocks away, almost feels close enough to touch. The ferry was parked alongside, waiting. It can be hypnotically peaceful to sit and watch it all. Back in the 1950s, the three-story inn was called Hill Haus Motel. The room had a comfortable queen bed, heating, a large bathroom, cable tv, a fridge, and a microwave. JoAnne and Lacey seemed glad to answer questions. I asked if it was okay to drive to the top of the peaks to visit Hurricane Ridge. Lacey checked her computer and said there was snow up there. The inn has an elevator and free breakfast. If you want to catch a ferry to Victoria or Vancouver Island, you can see it from the window. For me, adventures in Port Angeles never get old.