China Creek Cottages

There’s a creek outside, along with an old logging trail, an outdoor stage, and tables and benches where you can hang out. The cabins are tucked into the woods by the highway and feel cozy inside, with nice decor and a lot included for the price: dishes, microwave, proper coffee maker, mini-fridge, flashlight, heated bathroom floors, extra towels, private porch, WiFi, and cable TV. The insulation was good, and both the heater and AC worked well. The mattress was a bit lumpy and the WiFi ran slow, but I loved staying here and would come back.

We called needing rooms for the night and got everyone booked quickly at a decent price for the area. Check-in was fast, and having a code to enter the room was handy. The staff were very friendly on the phone when we arranged it. Inside, the kitchenette had everything we needed, including real plates, and the bathroom was nice. The bed was fairly comfortable, though the mattress was firm enough that I piled pillows around me to lean on. It squeaked a little, so I wore earplugs. It was snowing outside, but the heater kept the small room warm all night and I felt very cozy.

I booked a cottage for me and my dog, but finding it after arriving around 6 p.m. was a hassle. The office was closed, there were no signs or map posted, and the cottage numbers were too small to spot easily. The keypad locked the door, but there was no working lock on the inside, which felt a little unsafe since anyone with the code could get in. The cottage was okay, though dated, with worn furniture and several problems. Some outlets didn’t work, and there wasn’t a convenient one by the nightstand, which only had lamps and a tissue box. None of the TV channels worked except the scenery channel. There was hair in the shower, food stains on the wall behind the sink, and spiderwebs on the lights. Coffee powder spilled onto the counter when I opened the microwave, as if some had been left between the door and not cleaned up. It left me wondering how well the cottages are kept clean.

Working here for the second time, and I’m still charmed by this unusual, lovely place. Cabin 3 was delightful, with a comfortable bed, a really nice bathroom, and a practical kitchenette. Sitting on the deck in the late afternoon sun to work was glorious. And being able to walk over to Kim’s Kitchen for the most delicious Thai food I’ve ever eaten was a nice extra.