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Alderbrook Resort
Category: Event Planning & Services Hotels Hotels & Travel Hotels Hotels
7101 WA-106Union, WA 98592
(360) 898-2200
45 reviews for Alderbrook Resort
Review Highlights
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"The views of the Hood Canal are so breath taking." In 10 reviews -
"...to back a swim suit and take advantage of the hot tub." In 6 reviews -
"...you can see the Hood Canal and the Olympic Mountains." In 4 reviews
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45 reviews in English
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Review from Shasta L.
3/28/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Who KNEW that this place was along the water near Union, WA?!?! It's like Washington's best kept secret or something!
We stayed in one of the hotel rooms (as opposed to a cottage) and it was wonderful. The interior of the hotel is amazing - beautiful wooden beams and Northwest decor. The room itself was very comfortable with a fluffy bed, a nice sitting area by the window, and a mini-deck that looked over the water.
I loved their crab macaroni and cheese at the restaurant!!! It was so delicious that I wish I could have eaten 5 more bowls without accumulating any cellulite. If only.
Oh? And the spa? People, it was the best 90-minute hot stone massage that I've ever had. Well, it's also the only 90-minute hot stone massage that I've ever had, but seriously, amazing. My only "ehh" about their spa is that the waiting area with refreshments, sauna, and steam room are open to both genders. I'm a mature woman, sure, but I'm just not used to that I guess.
I do plan on staying here during the summer to enjoy the water more. -
Review from Maria L.
1/31/2012 5 Check-ins Here
We stayed in Cottage 22 which, if you look on their website, is actually the cottage depicted (albeit with different furniture staging). For the most part, I enjoyed our stay. It was exactly the sort of rustic nature retreat I was looking for. The staff was very nice and brought us as many towels as we needed for our 4-month-old, even though it rained for most of our stay and bringing us extra towels required frequent treks in the rain. I suppose it helped that we waived most housekeeping in lieu of receiving a nice, steady stream of towels.
Minus one star for the spotty WiFi.
Minus two stars for the downgraded tea service and a lack of towels in the towel warmer at the spa's relaxation room. They no longer serve prepared teas in glass kettles warmed with tea lights. Instead, they now have tea bags sitting next to a thermos. And in the towel warmer, there were no warm, wet towels. Just a single towel that was dry, cold and messily unrolled. Not sure if it was used, but I found myself wishing I had brought some hand sanitizer with me.
Plus one star for the quality of food, cocktails and service at the bar. Really enjoyed their kobe burger and their Bloody Mary. Also thought the staff at the bar was very nice. -
Review from Tom L.
8/23/2011
I decided to take my girlfriend here for a nice little decompression weekend. I actually got the idea from Neil W. Thank you.
First of all the building is spectacular. It is a wooden structure with big open windows. The building totally looks like it belongs in the area, instead of trying to overwhelm the space that it's in.
The grounds were well groomed. Everything was immaculate. There is fire pit in the back of the lodge, near the bar/restaurant. It was a great place to sit and lounge. You can buy a smore kit from the restaurant. Unfortunately the day that we wanted to do that it started to rain. There is also a creek that runs through the property. The property also includes a large chunk of shoreline and a small marina. From the shoreline you can see the Hood Canal and the Olympic Mountains. Great view!!!
There is also a pool, hot tub, sauna, and steam room. All of this is inside a glass building so if you decide to go there in the winter you can still enjoy a nice swim, without freezing your parts off. In the sauna I discovered that the resort has an open door policy for it's neighbors. So might see a neighbor or two down the street using the facilities. I thought this was great since we got some good information about the resort and the area.
Part of the services offered by the resort is a spa. All I can really say about the spa is that my girlfriend loved it. She was, figuratively, melting into a pile of goo, because she was so relaxed.
There is also a restaurant/bar on the premises. It has a great view of Hood Canal and the Olympics. As for the food, see my other review.
Our room was very nicely decorated. It had wood frame bed, desk and tables. The bed had was very comfortable. The blankets on the bed were really warm and I get cold easily. I noticed that the bathroom was fairly small. It had a medium sized tub in it. They also provided a small leather seat for women that need to sit down to put on their makeup. Everything about the room and bathroom was clean and immaculate.
Turn out this place is also a great place to take your kids. There is a game room for them to play in. It's full of Xbox's that are linked together. They stay busy playing games, while you and your significant other can go enjoy yourselves.
Well I had a great time at the Alderbrook Resort and Spa. It is a great place to get away and enjoy a few days without any stress. I will definitely be going back. -
Review from David W.
Hoodsport, WA
2/20/2012
Alderbrook Resort and Spa is the best place on Hood Canal to stay and eat. The location has some of the best views you will find in most locations in the world. There is plenty to do outside from: sitting enjoying the surroundings, enjoying the SPA, eating great food, kayaking, SUP's and boating at Hood Canal Adventures, hiking on the trails, swimming in the indoor pool, and much more. Have stayed there a number of times and always enjoyed ourselves. You can not go wrong.
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Review from Carol F.
Bellevue, WA
2/12/2012
We love Alderbrook and try to go at least once a year. The resort rooms are comfortable and lovely. We have stayed in the cottages, too. Very cozy. The restaurant food is wonderful. The blue cheese burger and lobster mac n cheese are some of our favorites. Last night, I had mussels and claims for our appetizer and quinoa stuffed squash for the entree. My husband had steak. Wonderful! The dessert was adequate. I would highly recommend as a wonderul get-away and special treat. I've also used the spa often and they do a great job, as well
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Review from Neil W.
5/29/2011
Outstanding!! My wife took me here for my birthday and I truly enjoyed the stay. We really felt like we got away.
The grounds are outstanding. They allow us to have our dog there, which was great. The pool and hot tub are a good size and are open late.
The spa was nice and relaxing. I will say there was a group of ladies in there that were unaware of the etiquette of a spa, this is not Gene Juarez it is a truly coed place to relax. They were cackling and make it hard to get in to the relaxation mode, but I managed. I really enjoyed my treatment.
The restaurant has great views of the surrounding mountains and water. They have an extensive and reasonably priced menu. The portions were actually quite large for the price. The food was nothing truly cutting edge or new cuisine, it was traditional NW cuisine and comfort food. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality and flavor of what we were getting. If I would change anything, I would update the decor of the restaurant. It felt a little to casual and I think needs a little more elegance.
Overall the service was prefect. Not too overly in your face, but when you need something they were there. -
Review from K F.
Seattle, WA
3/28/2012
Make an appointment at the spa with Tom if you are going. This was a relaxing get-a-way even though it was raining. The lodge is cozy and warm inside.
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Review from Theodore S.
Seattle, WA
11/8/2011
This review is from the perspective of wedding photography; I work as a photographer and I highly recommend the Alderbrook Resort from a photographic standpoint.
The staff at the Alderbrook are very accommodating; they were willing to work with me and even went out of the way to ask if I needed anything. They treated the bride and groom, who were staying with their wedding party for the weekend, with the same respect. I was impressed.
The grounds are well-maintained. You can comfortably fit 100+ people for an outdoor wedding. If it rains, they have a fairly large indoor space (often used for the reception). If you love boating, it's right on the water with a beautiful view at sunset (great for pictures too).
There will be other guests at the resort when you get married, but the layout is such that they won't get in your way. Definitely worth checking out if you are planning on getting married on the peninsula. -
Review from Zannie S.
Seattle, WA
Updated - 1/26/2011
We just spent another weekend at Alderwood on one of their winter slow-season specials. We stayed in a 1 bedroom cottage.
My prior review is still pretty accurate. I'm raising one star because in spite of it's deficiencies, we thought it was worth it to go back for a second trip.
They have added wireless internet which is nice. We also discovered a small nature trail behind the resort up the hill. It's not really a "hike" but it's certainly enough to stretch one's legs (and the dog's legs too).
We still find the lack of bathtub inexcusable for a resort of this caliber and the pay-per-cup coffee station which occupies the ONLY counter space in the "fully furnished kitchen" is not only tacky but an annoying waste of space.
Our room service lunch was prompt, courteous and came quickly. I must say the gorgonzola kobe burger was very good. It came medium-rare as requested. It was huge - enough for two meals and a snack. Nice bun. The prime rib dip was a bust. It had hardly any meat. It was mostly onions, peppers and cheese and came on regular white sliced bread. As a result, it tasted like a piece of pizza as opposed to a french dip. The jus was good but arrived spilled all over the plate making the bread a mushy mess.
Bonus points for the room service staff who pointed out that an 18% gratuity and $2 delivery fee had already been added to the check.
Big subtraction for the resort for including a 20% off restaurant and spa services with our reservation but not honoring it. I confirmed at check-in, reminded them when we placed our order and I was told it would be taken off on the final bill for our stay. It wasn't.
We appreciate the amount of staff required to keep everything so groomed and clean, but we did find the staff presence a little bit overbearing. The landscaping vehicles are noisy and they were working right outside my cottage patio all day. Daily housekeeping service is fine but do they have to send an additional person several hours later just to check our honor bar? The housekeeping staff zips around in the quiet electric golf carts but there are so many of them that it's hard to enjoy the peace and quiet while using the outdoor space.
Anyways...the above quibbles aside, it's a really nice weekend getaway for a great value if you can get the sale price. For full price? Forget it - they have some work to do.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/13/2010
I'm really torn about what to rate this experience. Some things about it are really nice and some… Read more »
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Review from Flora C.
Seattle, WA
Living Social Deal
-no water view room
-$50 spa credit (must book something min. 60 mins)
-$40 food credit (easy to use)
-Bottle of wine
Service: Excellent
Food: Good with Resort price
Environment: Relaxing and peaceful
There are lots of things to do around the resort.
Notes:
No flat screen TV, DVD is in place, Bathroom is small.
Great glasshouse swimming pool and good size Jacuzzi
Fire places inside and outside of resort.
Great view to meet "The Traveler" at the right time. -
Review from Tani S.
3/10/2011
I had the chance to stay here because of a company offsight and it looks like many companies in the area choose to do the same (there was a Boeing meeting at the same time).
It's a beautiful hotel with a lobby that feels like a well appointed lodge. My room was in the main building on the third floor (room #309) and had a glorious view overlooking the lake and grounds. It's quite the peaceful setting and I think it would be perfect for a weekend getaway with the family (our 3 year old monkey princess would love going boating on the dock).
The only nits is the fitness center (nice with so many treadmills/equipment with televisions) and the pool aren't connected to the main building (it was pouring when we arrived and I can't imagine going from the nice warmth of the pool to the cold exterior) and there are surprisingly no nice covered walkways to take you to either... So immediately after getting warmed up while exercising you're subjected to the cold downpour of rain if visiting in winter/early spring :(. Also, wish everything wasn't quite so pricy from the boat rentals to the restaurant... -
Review from jim w.
Portland, OR
12/14/2011
Great retreat, great spa, good price point... Food at the restaurant is nothing short of amazing. Totally delicious! Looking forward to returning in warmer weather.
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Review from Thomas J.
1/10/2011
Stayed as part of a winter getaway special, and had a great time. The staff was friendly, the room was quite nice, and aside from a few minor quibbles (charging for in-room coffee, the room took forever to heat up) the stay was a good one.
Also ate in the restaurant, and based on the executive chef's background (steak, steak, and then more steak) I had a steak. It was perfectly cooked, and the asparagus was also quite nice. The breakfast the next morning had an interesting hash that I'd get again in a heartbeat. Very nice.
Bottom line - as an off-season, getaway special - option type of place, you can't go wrong. As far as paying full-price in the regular summer season - well, Mr. Moneybags, you'll probably have a good time, and won't balk at paying $2 for coffee you brew yourself in the room.
Not quite sure where the negativity is coming from - we interacted with many of the staff and all were friendly and helpful. -
Review from Kelly M.
Oak Park, IL
10/21/2010
My husband and I recently stayed here for the weekend for a wedding. It was our second time here and we both enjoyed it.
First of all the resort is beautiful - very woodsy log cabin feel with beautiful grounds, right on Hood Canal across the water from the Olympic Mountain range. On a clear day, you can't beat the scenery. Nearby are many great hikes and you can rent kayaks as well to explore on the water. Wonderful!
We stayed in the main lodge and had a nice room - I particularly love the bath tubs! One compliant I have about the guest rooms is the pay coffee station. I think coffee should be free and we certainly are paying enough per night for a free cup of coffee.
For the wedding the staff was amazing - from coordinators to serving staff. The catered food was delicious and they did a great job making a flavorful vegetarian option. That often does not happen with catered wedding food. the staff was also very accommodating to the guests with all the in between time for the planned wedding activities. They let us have access to the provided keg at all times which was nice :)
The wedding party took a 2 hour cruise on the Lady Alderbrook and again, we had outstanding service and yummy food. The views were outstanding as well. It was a great thing the bride & groom planned!
One more note - we had a bloody mary from the bar and it was hands down the BEST BLOODY MARY i have ever tasted. Maybe it was all the wonderful garnishes including a crab claw, maybe it was their house made mix - all I know is that I wanted to drink a gallon of them!
All and all, we enjoyed this resort and would come again. -
Review from Chris W.
San Francisco, CA
2/11/2011
A quiet, peaceful getaway perfect for weekends.
My wife and I have been going to Alderbrook for the past 4 years, perhaps once or twice a year. The resort, food, and spa all continue to get better and really have done a great job of being reponsive to feedback.
Rooms are very handsomely decorated, and are quiet and have excellent linens and bath facilities. My main gripe is the in-room coffee, which is a pay-per use instant cup system that never works right.
Aside from that gripe I have nothing but good things to say about Alderbrook.
Gorgeous views: check (make sure you get a room that faces the water)
Great bar: check
Great food: check
Friendly, accomodating staff: check
Hot tub, pool, work-out facilities: check
Great spa services: check
Close to home for a weekend jaunt: check
Responsive to customer feedback: check
Frequent specials for the budget-minded: check
When you check-in they also make it quite easy to book dinner reservations online, and it is also easy to book with their spa (just watch out for wedding weekends, as the spa can get very busy at times).
We'll continue to head out to Alderbrook and relax our asses off. :) -
Review from Lynn S.
Kent, WA
2/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
My wife came across a LivingSocial deal for Alderbrook Resort which included a creek view room with a $50 spa credit and $40 dinning credit for $90 a night. We purchased two and used them back to back so we were able to spend a wonderful two day getaway.
The facilities are beautiful, the lobby is well decorated and has plenty of comfortable seating around a fireplace to sit and play board games or read a book. We were in a double queen room facing the creek and cabin area which was pleasant. The room felt a bit cramped but I think it's because of the two queen beds (it was all that was available when we booked). They had a great on-demand movie selection, nice big bath tub and shower and nice decor. The only thing on the property that didn't seem right most of the time was the carpeting, especially in our room which wasn't dirty, but was a horrible mass of random colors.
We had several meals in the restaurant and ordered room service one night, all the of food was great, but a bit pricy. A normal breakfast or lunch ran the two of us around $40-50, Dinner was $80-100 but the service was great, the food was wonderful and the view from the restaurant and bar was beautiful looking out over the Hood Canal.
Another activity we were able to enjoy while we were there was the spa. We both had the "Alderbrook Signature Massage" and we both loved it. It has a combination of hot stone, deep and relaxation massage for 90-minutes. My wife and I both stumbled out of the room in a daze afterwards, it was amazing.
Lastly, we played a round of golf at the Alderbrook Golf and Country Club which isn't part of the Alderbrook Resort, but they are open to the public and have some sort of an arraignment with the resort to let guests play the course which is just a few minutes' drive up the hill.
All in all this is a place that we look forward to making another weekend getaway to soon. -
Review from Joanna H.
Tacoma, WA
2/26/2011
Eh...We also got the Living Social Deal, which came with $50 voucher for the Spa, and $40 for the restaurant, and a bottle of wine. Our "Creekside View" room, was a view of....the roof of the floor below! It was ugly and crusty, we kept the curtains closed for the most part. Also, I got the pedicare @ the spa which was $85, (so it came to $35+tip minus the voucher). The most expensive pedicure I've ever had! and it wasn't that great!!!! I've had many many many far better $20 pedicures (see my review on Nail Masters in Longview).
The room itself was nice and clean, if not a little small, but well decorated. There was a lovely deep bath tub. The bottle of wine...was a screw cap Merlot (but what would we expect if it's free?).
The restaurant, which we got breakfast-was pretty good, but then again breakfast is kind of hard to screw up. The lake itself is beautiful. I found the Resort to be a little "yuppie" and generic, even the decor. I've been to much more beautiful lodges and hotels with much more character.
A plus side was that they are very pet friendly and only for an extra $25 we could bring our dog with us! Only downside, we could not leave the dog alone in our room, so when we ate at the restaurant or wanted to swim, we would have to lock him up in the car out in the parking lot.
The hiking trails are also kind of chauncy...very short, but beautiful, but not a "Real" hike, more like a stroll.
Would I come back? I am on the fence. I might. But it's definitely not a place I want to turn into a tradition! -
Review from Joel V.
9/13/2009
I've now been to Alderbrook Resort twice and it is a real treat. The "log cabin" feel of the main building is sweet! Everything is decorated in woods and is just gorgeous. The views of the Hood Canal are so breath taking. My room faced the canal and I just sat on my balcony and read during sunset - it's beauty is hard to rival.
The rooms are awesome - a neat shaped tub for bathing is the centerpiece of the bathrooms. Each room has a separate "window bed" where you can read and peak out the window at the boats, sea planes and seals in the canal. Each room also has a patio with a couple of chairs. The meeting rooms were large and nice, but the walls were thin and the loud group next door was a major distraction at times. Banquet staff was very kind and helpful. The gym was small, but in good condition... and the glassed in pool was pretty swell as well.
Lone complaint. Lack of food offerings. Only one restaurant on-site and very little else around. The menu was small, pricey, and limited. I ate there four times and was never happy with my meal. But seriously, that is my lone issue. Bad food brings what could be an easy 5-star down to a 4.5 with loads of potential to grow. -
Review from Josafena C.
Burien, WA
5/4/2009
This is a great place for families. Excellent for anyone in the mood for lots of activities; golf, tennis, boating, kayaking, fishing, etc. This isn't a quiet, cozy romantic getaway spot; tends to be lots of boisterous guests. After an active day, it's fun to gather around the big fire pits with wine, cigars, etc looking out over the water, chatting late into the night.
Nice views from the restaurant, good service, and well prepared food. But I've got to say that the prices are just too high (dinner entrees $30-45). We're in Union, WA looking at the Canal, not Malibu overlooking the Pacific. For a low priced alternative, check out the Union Bay Cafe down the road. Alderbrook's bar reminds me of an airport waiting area and the drinks are just so-so. But when the weather gets nice, the outdoor deck and vacation vibe make up for it.
The lobby is comfy and gets a decent amount of action; people playing chess, sharing a bottle of wine, cozying up to the fireplace. There's a resident cat to keep you company. The spa is decent, not the most luxurious place I've been but the therapists are good and treatment rooms are quiet. Again, prices are high. The pool is enormous and overlooks the water. Great for laps when it's not filled with screaming 14 year olds. The adjacent hot tub is huge but in bad shape, needs to be replaced/resurfaced.
The rooms are of reasonable size, but the furniture they've got crammed in is far too big and is oddly arranged. We were constantly banging our shins. And the frogs!!! I had no idea frogs could be so loud. We were on the waterfront side and weren't bothered while trying to sleep, but I understand those facing the gardens slept with ear plugs. Room prices are high. Nearly forgot to mention the mondo sized bathtub. Big enough for three. Not that I'm into that sort of thing. I'm just saying.
Overall, a great property with lots of amenities. Nice getaway, but I I'd truly feel better about paying these prices if it were on the ocean. -
Review from Gene D.
10/7/2007
Pull your boat up to the dock and head to the spa. Once you've been untangled and exfoliated, walk to the dining room for a leisurely lunch. Here you may run into the Gates or the McCaws, as they have houses next door.
It's a mini getaway for those who don't have time to schedule a weekend trip to someplace like the Bel Air Hotel. This is quaint, more or less local, and waterfront.
I'd crown it a five star except it happens to be true about the staffing; it's a little country, as in, rough around the edges. But the spa crew is perfect.Listed in: Bling Gene
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Review from Jody F.
Olympia, WA
Updated - 8/27/2009
Time to down-grade. AGAIN my burger was overcooked, but the quality has gone down, too. It's served on an oversized ciabatta role - way too much bread. The tomato was pale pink (no excuse in late August), and the fries were........ COLD!
It's kind of ironic, because I had joked with the server that he shouldn't stress if the burgers were perfectly cooked, because we'd just send them back if they weren't. After he served us? He didn't re-appear until we were pretty much done.
Seriously, if I'm going to pay $12 for a burger.....1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/11/2008
I'm a little surprised that 3 different reviewers gave the restaurant 4 stars, when they were served… Read more »
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Review from Dennis L.
11/29/2008 1 photo
This is one of the classier hotels I've ever stayed at. I can't really say I've laid my head down in a lot of fancy places (so take that into consideration), but this definitely tops my short list.
This place must have recently been built or renovated - everything here is nice, new, and designed like an Ikea catalogue. The location is awesome. It's right on the water and very isolated from the hubbub of Seattle.
In fact, if there is anything wrong with this place it's that it's very burdensome to get here. Driving at night around here sucks since the roads are thin, windy, and not well lit. If you want to do something other than nature type stuff, well there's an indian casino not too far off, but not much more than that.
But coming all this way for anything but the beautiful mountain views and the lake is like going to Yosemite to watch TV. -
Review from Dave A.
Seattle, WA
7/31/2010
There are two kinds of resorts we usually end up in: The "high activity" type where there's a ton to do and is great for kids, and the "Relaxation Vacation" type where the whole point is to be pampered and do essentially nothing other than chill. Alderbrook is a great example of the second variety, since most of what they offer is ambiance and high quality amenities for you to get your relaxation fix.
The main building is beautiful, comprised of rustic wood beams and stone. Dozens of awesome common areas to sit and enjoy the views. Overall, the main grounds are not huge but everything is well appointed and extremely well cared for. Nice indoor salt-water swimming pool and jacuzzi, with attached workout room. The spa looked small but really nice, even though we passed on a treatment this time. We went during good, warm, July weather, which I'd highly recommend since the lake view is stunning in the sunshine and makes the outdoor dining a real pleasure.
We settled on a "cottage view" with twin queen beds instead of the cottages themselves, which looked nice. We liked the space but had to switch out of room # 335 on the first day since it's right above the kitchen exhaust which starts firing up at 6am and continues to provide a low hum during food service hours. Kudos to the kind staff who were very accommodating about switching us to a similar room down the hall, which wasn't a problem during the less-booked mid-week. Air conditioning is provided by an effective but noisy free-standing unit in the corner, but this wasn't a deal-breaker. The second room had curtains to accompany the blinds which really helped with the early morning light-blocking. Nice showers with sit-in tubs, which would make for a great bath if that's your thing. Dvd player in each room is a nice amenity.
BIG points off for the in-room cartridge style coffee machine which requires you to pay for each cup (!!!) like it's part of the honor bar. The honor bar is well stocked with overpriced junk food as would be expected, nothing unusual there except for two full bottles of locally produced wine at $35 a pop.
The outdoor dining on the patio is a great way to enjoy a meal, with services provided to the bar platform area AND to a small cluster of comfy chairs and recliners surrounding a fire-pit 20 yards away. The outdoor menu is a bit different from the big restaurant upstairs, and a little less expensive. LOUSY beer selection, something this place really needs to work on, considering the great local breweries available in Wa. GIGANTIC points off for the cheesy ukelele player that performs during happy hour, as he and his set are clearly designed to appeal to the largely senior / retiree audience who he schmoozes with during set breaks.
The main dining room and bar are gorgeous, and provide a more premium selection of entrees, even though as a vegetarian I focused on a few of the excellent side dishes which left me more than satisfied. Speaking of meals, the big drawback to these types of "all-in-one" luxury resorts is the food pricing, and Alderbrook is no different with outrageously expensive menu prices, and since there are no local restaurants within walking distance you kind of have to play along. If you're on a budget I'd recommend bringing a few meals with you or rent a cottage where you can cook in the kitchenette or BBQ grill.
We also took the free kayaking lessons and rented one at $40 per hour-and-a-half. The guy who runs the kayak shop and provides instruction was great, and made our first time outing effortless and fun, and the lake is a stress-free place to tool around around in and check out the local seal population. Paddle boats are available too.
Overall we loved our stay, and we'll be back to try out the cottages someday, barbeque tongs in hand. -
Review from Tony S.
Bothell, WA
11/20/2010
I went for a single night and had a great time. The scenery is beautiful, the massages were professional and relaxing, the food was fantastic.
I highly recommend this to anyone who would like to get a weekend to recharge. -
Review from Lucy S.
Redmond, WA
1/30/2011
We stayed here twice this '10 winter within a span of a month or so between so that should show how much we like the place.
First I'll start with the Cons (remember I'm picky):
1. Our room package came with a bottle of wine "Boom Town". Good thing we brought our own bottle. I wouldn't consider it as an "extra" to your package.
2. There were no luggage carts available. They only have 2 (!) for the entire place and most of the time people just leave them outside their door. If you don't mind they have a spare hand truck or two.
3. Bring water with you to the pool house if your going to sauna, steam or use the jacuzzi since there are no water fountains. Strange.
4. If you are brand new to the place it looks huge at first and a map would be nice - we'll forget it, you won't find one.
5. The room description will say coffee maker but don't be fooled. Its' a one cup brew system that cost's money if you use it. (WTF?) However, you can go to the lobby to get a cup of coffee (near front desk). There will be cups and cream and sugar there but only in the mornings.
OK, now the Pros(despite 5 cons - I can live with them):
1. We love this place for the pool house. Usually there are plenty of towels provided there. The jacuzzi is big, the pool is heated, and there are decent bathrooms there a shower.
2. They provide 2 nice, heavy bathrobes in your room.
3. The rooms are very nice, especially if you get a water view. If you do, then you can sit in the window and watch the birds, water, sky and mountains. Bring your binoculars.
4. The beds are sooo comfy.
5. If you decide to eat there, the food is pretty darn good! If you have breakfast make sure to order their special hash brown cake thing (OMG!) it's to die for. And for lunch/dinner their mac and cheese is delicious.
6. It's not too far from Seattle, about an hour and 45mins if you take the Tacoma Narrows Bridge - cheaper than a ferry and no wait.
7. The Spa is great. They give you even comfier robes than in your room and special sandals that massage your feet with the knobbies inside the foot bed. I fell in love with the slippers along and bought a pair. There is a nice waiting room, where you sit in your robe and have lemon water or tea which is there for you to help yourself. My massage was awesome - you have to ask for Susie. Afterward you get to take a shower in an huge (personal) slate laid shower. -
Review from Hekela S.
Seattle, WA
4/4/2011
I booked the "Rekindle your Passion" package because it automatically includes $50 spa and dinner credits, plus a comped bottle of wine. Sounded good to me! Then I scheduled dinner reservations + 2 spa treatments (1 for each of us) and THEN I got on Yelp and saw all the bad reviews. So instead of being super excited about the trip, the negative reviews made me really upset and anxious as I'd budgeted about $800 for the weekend. So yeah, a lot of money! Now I feel obligated to write my own review because I wish I would have never had any of those doubtful feelings.
I just can't say enough good things about the past weekend. I booked a "Waterfront King" room and we were put in room #425 with an absolutely breathtaking view of Hood Canal, the boat dock and the Olympic Mountains.
The room was a great size with lots of comfortable seating to enjoy the view. Also, the sun decided to come out, so we were able to sit out on our little balcony for a while too. There were nice amenities including an alarm clock with an iPod/iPhone hookup. Also, the bathtub was huge!
We arrived early, but were able to check in at 2PM with no problem, which was nice because our spa treatments were at 3PM so we didn't have to worry about lugging in our stuff in after we were all relaxed.
In the spa I had a wonderful lady named Jennifer for a 90 minute "Hood Canal Starry Night" treatment and it was sooo amazing! Eventually I was incapable of completing thoughts or uttering sounds. It had to be one of the most relaxing things I've ever done!
My boyfriend had a 90 minute deep tissue massage but I don't recall his practitioner's name. He's a fine dining waiter who carries around large trays of food all day and he always has lower back soreness, but I can never get him to schedule massages, but I think they might have got him hooked finally! He loved it!
When we got back to the room we found a bottle of wine delivered which was a Cab Merlot from Barnard Griffin. We had a little wine (and a LOT of water) and then headed down to the restaurant for dinner.
Our dinner server was very knowledgeable and efficient. To start, we had the prawns and a cup of the bisque (VERY rich), and both were great. Second, we had the duck breast salad and the caprese. The duck was good but we didn't really touch the greens. The mozzarella and balsamic were fine in the caprese but the tomato was not ripe. I don't fault the restaurant entirely as it was a bad tomato year, and I haven't had a good tomato in a very long time. Lastly, I had the Wagyu beef and he had the rack of lamb. Both were excellent. And we are picky... as I said... fine dining waiter in tow.
Essentially this place took 2 stressed out kids from the city and turned us into jello in a matter of 6 hours. We crashed hard at about 9PM and then awoke to a gorgeous early misty morning on the Canal. We didn't even bother with the TV and barely used our iPod, and instead opted to leave balcony door ajar and just listened to the sound of the water. Honestly, it just doesn't get any better than that!
In conclusion, this place is absolute magic. It is pricey, so it's not going to be an every month occurrence, but we were in heaven every second and every single Alderbrook employee we talked to was relaxed and gracious and wonderful. Plus! They had 2 kitties running around the place!
oh, one last thing: I've read very bad reviews about the restaurant and asked our breakfast server about it (breakfast was awesome btw Philly cheesesteak omlette!!!). Apparently the chef was replaced a couple of years ago and ever since they've been on the up and up. But she did admit the food was not that great before the new chef came in. -
Review from J G.
Renton, WA
3/21/2011
Overall, I was disappointed by our experience at the Alderbrook Resort. I purchased the LivingSocial deal that was offered a month or so ago- which included $40 towards dinner at their restaurant, $50 towards their spa, a one night's stay and a bottle of wine in the room for $180. I'm not sure this was actually that great of a deal. Our room was very small and tucked in a back corner of an inner hallway (different than the rest of the rooms) and did not have a balcony. It seemed obvious to me that they gave us the smallest room they possibly have available. When we arrived, I called down to the spa to book a spa pedicure and use the $50 I had for the spa (although even the pedicures were $85!) and was rudely told by the woman who answered that they had no availability. When I inquired about other services, she brusquely told me they were 100% booked for everything.
We went for dinner at their restaurant, and although everything was pretty good, I don't think it was worth the exorbitant prices. We ordered an appetizer of Grand Marnier shrimp, and although they were delicious, the order only came with four shrimp for $15. My husband and I each ordered a steak, and they were okay. The sauce on mine was great, but I ordered mine medium and it came very rare, and had a thick line of gristle in the middle that made it hard to cut. My husband's steak was overcooked. Their drinks were good but were at least $12 a piece. Overall our dinner ended up costing over $200, which I guess is okay every once and a while for special occasions, but in this situation, just was not worth the price.
Our main complaint was the experience we had with service. Despite the fact that we had seen multiple guests strolling around with wine glasses, as we left our room towards the pool, glass of wine in hand, we were reprimanded by a guy fixing a light bulb that "we couldn't go down to the pool with that and if we do, they will just call him down there and he will have to take it from us." When we arrived at the pool, there was no one there "to call him down" and no sign saying you couldn't bring drinks and other guests there had drinks with them as well! How rude! That combined with the rude woman at the spa, I was annoyed.
I hate to be nit-picky, but there were other small things that added to the negative experience. A really basic one was that they had a Keurig coffee machine in the room, but as I went to make a cup of coffee in the morning, noticed that the two cups cost $2 and additional cups cost $2. What hotel doesn't give you free coffee in the room? Are you kidding me?
On a positive note, the hotel is beautiful, and the ocean and the view are beautiful, so if you can overlook the fact that you are paying a lot more than you should and might have to deal with some less than great service, then this might be the place for you. Personally, we won't be going back! -
Review from Devin C.
Seattle, WA
6/16/2010
This resort is beautiful. Also very surprising to find a facility of quality so far out from Seattle.
I came to a wedding here(entertained) and found the experience was fun. The catered food was great. I enjoyed the salmon especially. Although some of the staff here are a little aloof when asked operational questions about the resort. Don't expect quick answers.
I've worked dozens of weddings and exhibition events and found the atmosphere here was very personal and scenic. -
Review from Nina M.
Seattle, WA
5/29/2009
My husband and I went for 2 nights in April. We had an oceanfront king room. It was definitely worth the view. The room was cozy, luxurious, and I love the couch in the bay window for reading and just chillin.
The only good place to eat is at the on-site restaurant, unless you want fried bar food down the street. Alderbrook's restaurant was on the pricier side. The french fries came out cold, the clam chowder came out luke warm. The mixed green salad with walnuts, pear and cheese was delicious. -
Review from Jeff M.
9/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is a wonderful getaway. I stayed in one of the waterfront rooms. WOW! Huge open space, with large windows, a balcony, and a gorgeous view of the lake and mountains. Really, really beautiful. Huge, comfortable bed. Just a really comfortable room. I loved the day bed by the large windows to relax indoors and enjoy the view (especially when its cold in the morning or at night). Lots of fantastic amenities. Within the room and outside of it. Service is friendly and prompt. The grounds are really nicely kept. I was here for my best friend's wedding. The set up on the waterfront lawn overlooking the lake and mountains was insanely beautiful. Props to the Alderbrook staff for ensuring it was a clear, sunny, and cloudless day! The reception outside and in the main hall was fantastic too. Room service was always good, but dining in the main hall was even better. This is a fantastic wedding venue; I witnessed it last night. But independent of the wedding, I could come back and stay here. It's an excellent place to escape, regroup, and rejuvenate before going back into the real world!
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Review from Jeffrey S.
Seattle, WA
8/3/2009
This place has reportedly been in serious financial trouble since before it was built -so I have been told. That said, the views are spectacular. Rooms are very cozy, plush and neo-rustic. Meals and everything else I thought were pretty good. However, in my experience the honesty and integrity of the operation is completely void. Imagine that you're spending a prefunc honeymoon here after receiving an "Alderbrook Resort & Spa" gift package which is suppose to include the minimum spa treatment (1 per person) and dinner and breakfast (for 2), then being told that you will be charged (only when you checked out by the way) for everything because the $389.00 "package deal" paid for was not a package deal at all. What the f*ck?! There was nothing on the certificate to explain this. Nor on the receipt, advertisements. Nada. When we asked to speak with the manager at the desk they said they don't allow customers to "...directly discuss these types of package deal issues with senior management"(?).
Furthermore, when we arrived they offered to set us up in an upgrade room at no additional charge (since it was our honeymoon), which they then tried to make us pay for when we checked out. Had I not had the check-in woman write down on our receipt that this was a comped upgrade, we would have had to pay for that as well!
When we complained to corporate, we received no phone call, but an anonymous (marketing) email offering us a 10% discount of a luxury suit (no apology, not even an explanation). This place is without a doubt the most dishonest and horrid customer service provider I have experienced IN MY LIFE. I've read so many similar occurrences on vacation blogs I have to wonder how they can still be allowed to stay in business. Perhaps scamming folks is the only way. Avoid false advertising and scams. Go somewhere else. Rent a cabin, sleep in a tent - anywhere on Hood Canal but here.
What a frick'in nightmare for seeking just one night's worth of relaxation. If they changed management, they might have a chance at survival. Anyone in this business realizes that success does not in lie in the fluffy down comforters and views alone. -
Review from Scott H.
Port Orchard, WA
1/15/2011 4 Check-ins Here
Went here for a business retreat and was really impressed with not only the view of the Olympic mountains, but of the hospitality of the staff. I definitely would bring my family back for short holiday in the summer!
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Review from Austin R.
Seattle, WA
2/15/2011
Me and my fiancee stayed at the Alderbrook Resort a couple of weekends ago after hearing about the place on a Living Social e-mail (We called the resort and booked a similar package to the one that was being offered on Living Social). Despite a little hiccup with in-room breakfast, which was delicious, the resort exceeded my expectations.
The resort is situated on Hood Canal, about a 30 minute drive from Olympia. Driving from Seattle, I felt that it was the perfect marriage of feeling like you were away, without having to drive for a very long time. The resort itself was well manicured, and had a log cabin type feeling in the lobby. We stayed in a garden room, which has a peek-a-boo view of the water, which frankly was fine for us. The room also had a reading nook, a soaking tub for two, and was handsomely decorated.
We ate at their restaurant (I highly recommend the Baked Brie app, I might drive from Seattle just for the dish), and smoked cigars outside near the docks. Everything about our stay was great, and would go back in a heartbeat....I do agree the in-room coffee charge was a joke, but we went down to the lobby and took advantage of the free coffee that's provided. No problem to us. We plan on using their spa services the next time we go there.
Anyone looking for a romantic getaway for a night or weekend shouldn't think twice.
Highly Recommended -
Review from Adrian S.
Updated - 2/28/2010
I have to drop a couple of the stars after my last visit. Not so much for the resort, but for the food -- which has always been iffy. I went to a wine dinner which began with a flavorless pan-seared scallop. Next up was spicy shrimp on cucumber -- with the emphasis on spicy. It tasted like Costco shrimp that had been sauteed and had chili powder dumped on it. Then came a decent halibut -- although the portion was very large for a six course meal. The duck breast on jasmine rice was very good, but the ostrich filet was a huge slab of tough, beef-like meat. The chocolate dessert was very nice. The resort is nice. But, be warned, you might have screaming children running around and partiers singing Hava Nagila around the fire pit at two in the morning.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/29/2009
I've been going to Alderbrook since I was a kid. Over the years it became more and more neglected.… Read more »
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Review from blanca g.
Santa Cruz, CA
6/20/2010
Excellent food! Locally sourced produce, intelligent flavors and pretty to look at! Breakfast is my favorite (be sure to get 'Alderbrook potatoes' as your side- hashed with onions, sausage, topped with creme fraiche), but dinner has been gastronomically divine. The bar's Happy Hour gets you $3 off menu plus $2 pints- all enjoyed while seated in front of the stellar Hood Canal with the Olympics towering in the background.
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Review from K N.
Roy, WA
We recently came back from our second trip to Alderbrook. My husband and I, truly enjoy the location and overall experience that Alderbrook has to offer. It's nice to not have to deal with the Seattle area traffic when you are trying to get away for a few days. After visiting in October, I much enjoyed being able to sit outside in the warm weather. We have gone both times during the week taking advantage of the specials they offer and less crowds. The lodge is beautifully decorated, and the view is gorgeous. I recommend spending the extra money to get a room with a view of the canal. Both rooms we stayed in were comfortable and clean. We have taken advantage of the spa as well and have yet to be disappointed. I suggest the 90 minute Signature Massage. I am still feelings relaxed and it's been a few weeks. After your treatment you get a handmade chocolate truffle, which is delicious. I wish they sold them in the gift shop or offered them on the desert menu. Definitely take advantage of the happy hour menu, it's worth it. I was hoping the menu would have changed because it was summer, but it was unchanged. Don't forget to back a swim suit and take advantage of the hot tub. Overall, I highly recommend staying here.
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Review from Rudy S.
Gig Harbor, WA
8/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
This was a great place. Sitting on a great spot for nearly 100 years a lot of these types of restaurant's don't deliver at all. I had the Louisiana style oysters for my main course and it was great. Don't order it if you are hungry. We also has their king salmon and it was great. Our appetizer was the tuna tartar and it was ok. The setting is great and the staff paced the meal just right.
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Review from Andy S.
Chicago, IL
4/24/2008
I went here for a wedding about a year ago and was blown away by the rooms, the beautiful landscape, and the food at the wedding. Everything was great, if I wasn't a born Midwesterner I would probably have my wedding at this location. The staffing was a little slower than usual I remember, but it didn't bother me one bit. I'd definitely like to go back to this place very soon.
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Review from Jason O.
Kirkland, WA
8/27/2010
This is the most amazing spa I've ever been to! Seriously, absolutely phenomenal!
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Review from Gillian M.
Melrose, MA
9/8/2009
We really enjoyed our stay at Alderbrook, and will go back if we have the opportunity.
Beautiful views of the Olympic Mountains and Hood Canal from our 4th floor room.
I'm usually disappointed by hotel rooms, but we actually said "wow" when we walked into the room.
We stayed midweek (Tues-Fri) and the place was relatively quiet. There were people around but we were often alone in the hot tub, or lounging in a chaise on the lawn.
We felt relaxed and refreshed after our stay.
My only criticism is that they have a a daily exercise class from 8:30-9:30am, outside on the lawn by the water. Beautiful setting if you are in the exercise class. But...the bass music from the aerobics class or the instructor hollering at the class are disruptive if you want to sit on your balcony, enjoy a cup of coffee and relax. In that setting at that time of day, they shouldn't have music blaring.
