The Woodmark Hotel and Spa is the only hotel located directly on Lake Washington - perfect for business or relaxation.

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The Guestroom

Our room faced north with a view of Lake Washington. Some of the rooms that face west, across the lake, have balconies. Our room had a sliding glass door with a railing, also known as a French balcony, which opened the room to the view without outside access.

The room itself was cosy and comfortable, decorated in shades of pale green and celadon with the occasional burgundy accessory. It wasn't a large room but it was elegant and beautiful. An armchair and hassock snugged against a corner of the room, complete with a throw for chilly nights. The placement of the armchair eliminated space for a table, which I would have preferred, but my daughter liked the chair and thought it was a wonderful, homey touch.

The bathroom was well-equipped and attractive, with a wooden corner shelf to hold the amenities, hair dryer and bathrobes thoughtfully provided by the hotel. Bath amenities are ProTerra products; they are a perfect fit for the atmosphere of the hotel. There was always plenty of hot water and great shower pressure.

At the large entry was a granite-topped counter with a coffee maker, complimentary coffee, sugar and cream, and a selection of Taso teas. A refrigerator underneath the counter held the usual mini-bar items for purchase.

The only criticism I have of the room was that the closet was absolutely miniscule, so tiny, in fact, that our suitcases didn't fit into it. Since the entry was so large it was surprising to have such a small closet for guest use.

View from my guestroom

One of the greatest features of this hotel is that while you are safely and comfortably cocooned in your guest room or suite you forget that you are actually in civilization. I spent hours just looking out over the lake at the fishing boats and pontoon airplanes. The rooms and views are so pastoral and bucolic it's difficult to imagine that just outside the doors of the property lies a vibrant and thriving community. My daughter was thrilled that there was a shopping mall close by and spent a lot of time going back and forth. We also spent time walking along the lake's edge, sitting on the terrace, and enjoying Mediterranean cuisine at Waters Lakeside Bistro. When it was cold and drizzly, we could sit in front of the lobby's fireplace or enjoy the Library Bar on the lower level.

During one of my daughter's solo shopping excursions, I treated myself to a manicure at the elegant Spa at the Woodmark, which is oddly located outside the lobby entrance and around the corner. Featuring facials, body scrubs, sundry types of massages and salon services, the Spa is utilized by locals as much as it is by hotel guests. And no wonder... it's easy to access, provides wonderful service by a team of professionals who are as kind as they are proficient, and the prices are reasonable. Had I had the time, I would have enjoyed a full body massage and then, with the chill drizzle outside, I would have snuggled into an armchair at the lobby's fireplace and imagined myself in heaven.

The Woodmark, as refined and distinguished as its spaces and furnishings appear, is not without a sense of whimsy. One of its most delightful features is its "Raid the Pantry" midnight snackfest, in which one literally "raids" the pantry. An array of snack foods, candy bars, sandwich "fixings" and a daily hot special is put in a serving station at the back corner of Waters, and guests can avail themselves of the goodies for about two hours. There's something almost deliciously naughty about a midnight foray through the darkened restaurant, and it was great fun.

There is a reason that The Woodmark, a member of the prestigious Preferred Hotels group, is the recipient of four stars (Mobil) and four diamonds (AAA) and was named Seattle's Best Hotel in Zagat's U.S. Hotels survey. The rooms are lovely, the atmosphere is wonderful, the service is impeccable, and I can't wait to go back and get that massage.