Silver Cloud Inn Tacoma

We booked Silver Cloud Tacoma Waterfront for the night before our wedding, hoping for the waterfront setting and wanting to support a local business. Instead, we left after a chaotic check-in. We'd parked by the lobby to unload two suitcases, several boxes, and our wedding dresses. I went in to check in, but the front desk was empty for about 10 minutes while my wife unloaded in the rain and wind. Some of our things, including the dresses, got wet. When a staff member eventually showed up, she said she couldn't find any luggage carts. We spent another half hour waiting in the lobby while she searched, and she didn't offer much help. There wasn't another staff member available. We told her the wedding was the next day, but didn't feel any urgency or care. I also didn't have my physical credit card with me because of the wedding stress. I usually pay by phone, which is common, so I was surprised that a hotel charging around $400 a night had no more modern payment option or flexibility. The answer was basically that nothing could be done. The hotel also looked worn and outdated. We went to Marriott Tacoma Downtown instead. Their staff were at the desk, carts were ready, and they were helpful and professional as soon as we arrived. For such an important occasion, the lack of staffing, organization, empathy, and basic hospitality here was shocking. I can't recommend it. A larger chain may be a better bet if you want check-in to go smoothly.

I keep coming back to this Silver Cloud Hotel on the Tacoma Waterfront. The staff are friendly and helpful, and it's right on the water, with Ruston Way close by for a walk. For me, it's a home away from home and an easy local getaway. It's an older place, but I love that the windows still open. I can let in fresh air, hear the water, and relax with a view of the bay from the Jacuzzi tub. That's a calm, refreshing feeling you don't get in many hotels. There is a train along the waterfront and you will hear it at night, but somehow the place still feels peaceful to me.

The big jetted tubs in the water-facing rooms are wonderful, and those rooms are huge. They provide bath salt, gel, and a little exfoliating loofah, plus delicious chocolate chip cookies in the evening. There's a good selection of wine at the front desk, and Harbor Lights is nearby and fantastic. Lots of other restaurants are within walking distance too. My two drawbacks are that pets aren't allowed except service animals, and there's no restaurant or bar on site. One more fun thing, I met Lee Asher in the lobby. If you don't know him, look him up. He and his crew rescue animals!

The train crossing nearby is worth keeping in mind. Rooms closest to the road can be noisy, with trains sounding their horns several times overnight. Still, it's a nice hotel right by the water, with friendly staff and a good breakfast. Parking along the beach promenade is free, and there are restaurants, shops, and coffee places within walking distance.