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The Chrysalis Inn
Categories: Event Planning & Services Hotels Hotels & Travel Hotels Beauty and Spas Day Spas Hotels, Day Spas [Edit]
804 10th StBellingham, WA 98225
(360) 756-1005
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Garage
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- By Appointment Only:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
31 reviews for The Chrysalis Inn
Review Highlights
"...the whirlpool in the bedroom and the romantic window seat."
(in 6 reviews)
"I recommend going to Fairhaven for dinner."
(in 6 reviews)
"Fabulous room- even the side view rooms (which we had) have..."
(in 4 reviews)
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31 reviews in English
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Review from Ashley D.
Bellingham, WA
9/29/2011
The Chrysalis Spa is a simply fantastic experience. I got the Signature Trio as a birthday present. It included a massage, facial, and pedicure. As soon as I slipped into their comfy robe and sat in the steam room for about 5 minutes, everything was good in my life. They let you choose your oil scents for the massage and your salt scrub scent for the pedicure. Everything smells, feels, and looks relaxing. The three lovely ladies who gave me the treatments were all friendly and damn good at what they do.
In short: treat yourself, splurge, and go here. -
Review from Michelle K.
Seattle, WA
1/7/2012 1 Check-in Here
We drove hoping to check in early. We arrived at 130, check in at 400. We were given our key and went to the room. The corner suite was beautiful and spacious. with a living room and dining room complete with complementary wine and romance basket. The bed room was big with lots of windows looking out to the water. and a large very comfortable window seat. The bathroom has a large walk in shower, 2 sinks and a huge spa tub for 2 with another breathe taking view of the water and at night the lights of the waterfront.
We enjoyed the spa as well.. I was not all that happy with the body wrap, although I have had them before but this person does was not very good at the best part the message with the wrap. anyways, my husband loved his message which is great because he is the one who usually doesn't get the best out of his treatments. The manicure and pedicure are to die for served with wine or a full coffee bar.
i would give them 4 1/2 stars but sense I can not and this is the last memory of the experience they get 4. The bath tub bubble bath is way over priced and The breakfast is buffet style without lot to chose from. Simpler is most of the time better but in this case i did not enjoy the food, especially the buck wheat pancakes that were cold. They also charge &6-7 dollars for the meal.
All in all I loved the place and will post a picture or 2. -
Review from Robert S.
San Diego, CA
9/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
I really struggled with the star rating. Between a 4 and a 5. This is a top notch hotel and spa. Very roomy suites with lots of sleeping options. There is even enough room to sleep in the window that overlooks the bay. The spa is awwwwwwwesome. I wish I could be there right now. They knew exactly how to take care of me. The restaurant (Vino) is very nice and simple. This place quietly screams exquisite delights and comfort wherever you go. Very quiet and serene on the Bellingham Bay...that is until a train comes by (LOL).
We were sitting in the room with the window open as we enjoyed a cool breeze off the bay after a wonderful day in Bellingham. We were winding down for bed when the 8:40pm (?) train reminded us that the tracks are just below our window. I am screaming "WHAT THE HECK?" as I didn't expect a train to roll seemingly through our room. My friend's dad yells "Aww, man...what's going on?" in his deep Baloo voice. And you can see my friend's mom dancing and cheering "A train, A train, A train..."
It just added a great story to our trip. -
Review from Katie K.
Kalamazoo, MI
8/7/2011
This was one of the nicest hotels I've stayed at. Our full view room had a view of the water and mountains with a big, comfortable window seat. Our room also had a gas fireplace, big jetted tub, big flat screen and a giant bed. The hotel is right next to very busy train tracks. However our room came with two sets of earplugs.
Location: The location of the hotel is great because its right next to the boardwalk which leads to Boulevard Park.
Food: I was impressed with the quality of the breakfast. It was delicious and worth the five dollars to me. The service was also great. I would love to stay here again. -
Review from Bonnie G.
Seattle, WA
10/3/2011
Ahhhh...wonderful... We came here for a girls weekend getaway and had a wonderful time. The restaurant was great, the breakfast very good, the service excellent. If I had one complaint it would be the trains but I can live with that.
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Review from Elizabeth T.
Lynnwood, WA
4/28/2011
The boyfriend took me here for a weekend getaway. Awesome place!! The spa was fantastic. The staff there was really nice and knew how to pamper you from the moment you walked through the door.
The hotel rooms were clean and awesome. I'll be frank and honest...it was built for sex. Haha. Had a great, relaxing vacation here. Great romantic getaway for two. The hotel rooms all have a decent view of the bay and mountains, especially the hot tubs! The bed was huge and comfy. :) We're definitely coming back here.
The walk on the docks behind the hotel was amazing. :) I recommend going to Fairhaven for dinner. It's a nice little stroll in a quaint town.
I recommend coming here in the middle of the week before the weekend rush. Parking is great and it's not that crowded/loud. You'll get first dibs at the breakfast buffet, too. :D -
Review from Nancy H.
4/25/2011
Took hubby here for a surprise weekend get-away, to celebrate his 50th birthday. It was INCREDIBLE. Very posh and luxurient, in every way.
First of all, Maggie helped me a great deal the month earlier via phone and e-mail, setting up our reservation. I reserved a full-view room, the "date night" package, and booked a massage for hubby. Check-in was fast and simple. The hotel/inn was gorgeous, with a beautiful main-floor lobby complete with large fireplace and overstuffed chairs and a sofa and some tables to read or play board games on (games available on the shelves! Great for visiting families). The lobby/lounge has incredible views of the bay, as does the restaurant and the hotel rooms.
Our room was absolutely beautiful. The view, again, was stunning. The room was immaculate. With our package, I had expected a basket of champagne and chocolates (I asked for champagne, but you have your choice of different wines), but the basket also included bath salts, bath foam, almond massage oil and a candle, all beautifully packaged. I hadn't expected all that (maybe I had just forgotten these items were included. Either way, it was a lovely presentation - and surprise, for both of us!).
The bed was perfectly soft yet supportive. There's a lovely, deep, set-in bay window bench, to lounge and watch the sailboats on the water. The room had a fireplace and a flat-screen tv. Oh, and the bathroom! It was the nicest one I've had in a hotel! Fabulous soaking tub for two, and adjacent glassed-in shower (awesome water pressure, too!). The shamppos and lotions and potions provided were lovely, and the hairblower was just fine (glad they provided one, as I had forgotten mine).
We actually enjoyed the sound of the train when it passed. I think it gives the place character! But at night, we slept so soundly, we didn't hear it at all.
A big bonus for me was this inn's location. I parked my car and left it there all weekend. Hubby and I walked everywhere! The fun Fairhaven area, with all its shops and restaurants, is but 5 minutes away, accessible by a short walk on a path, and we also walked along the Taylor docks and the long boardwalk to the Wood's coffeeshop and the park. No need to drive at all!
Hubby's 90-minute massage was a huge hit. He came back to the room slightly disoriented, zombie-like, saying that the time went by like 15 minutes, and it was the best massage he's had, ever (and he's pretty loyal to our local masseur here at home, too).
Dinner at Fino's was pricey but excellent, and the morning breakfast buffet was the best of any hotel, hand's down, we have ever had: fresh fruit, home-made granola, lots of fresh breads and gourmet jams, eggs and sausage and French toast, cereals, 3+ types of fruit juices, different hot beverages, and your usual cereals and oatmeals. Everything was fresh and delicious.
Check-out wasn't as smooth as check-in, as they didn't have our dinner bill tacked on to our room charges, and I had to keep telling the gals that we owed more. It took a while for them to figure out the correct amount of money owed, but they were nice and we got it sorted out, eventually.
I've already recommended this place to my friends, and my neighbor is considering having her 50th birthday party here (the girls-oriented "Spa-jama" package sounds intriguing!). Hubby has already told me that he'll be taking me here for my next birthday, too, so I'm jazzed. -
Review from Eva J.
Bellingham, WA
11/7/2011
Beautiful!! They give great massages and fabulous manicures and pedicures!! A little pricey, but worth every penny! I was very happy with my visit!! :)
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Review from Larisa S.
Bellingham, WA
7/14/2011
I cannot believe I've lived less than a mile away from this gem and I've never paid a visit. You know its good when you leave wanting to schedule another visit...for the next day.
My one and only complaint is the wine bar. Where are all the Washington wines?! -
Review from Kathy R.
Camas, WA
2/27/2011 6 photos
Pros
Comfortably furnished room
Strong wireless internet signal
Side view room had some water view
Room and bathroom were both well lit
Breakfast at the Fino was one of the better hotel buffet breakfasts I've had. The selection was small but the food was tasty and fresh.
Neutral
Train noise. It's known that the train passes by (frequently) and they provide ear plugs for this. I can sleep through almost anything but I know some people may be bothered by this.
Separate breakfast charge of $5/patron seems a bit tacky. Build it into the room charge please.
Cons
Service at check-in was not as friendly as I expected for a hotel of this calibre. I had booked a garden view room and thought it didn't hurt to ask if they had any waterfront rooms available. Her response was a snotty "Not for the rate you booked at". Sheesh. It wasn't what she said that shocked me but rather how she said it. I didn't expect a yes answer when I asked, but a simple "no we don't" response would have sufficed. Thankfully my experience with another staff member during check-out was better or I would have deducted another star.
My husband complained the shower smelled like mildew/locker room smell
Bed too soft, but then again I have this complaint with most hotel beds -
Review from Tanya S.
Bellingham, WA
9/16/2010
POOR! Was given a gift certificate to use in the spa. Enjoyed my massage and the steam room, but the "relaxation area" was anything but. It was so crowded that I had to stand in the back corner between services, not even a seat! Not very relaxing : (
Then, when I went to check out, they would not honor the gift certificate. They claim that a card should have been attached to it, even though there was no indication that a card was ever attached, or any reference on the cert. to not being valid without a card. The gift giver says there was never a card, and now both she and I are out $100. I am still wrangling with them over this, and am amazed by the condescending attitude and poor service all around I have received in this matter. Pretty shabby for a service-based business. NOT RECOMMENDED! -
Review from Dale K.
Bellingham, WA
1/30/2011 1 Check-in Here
Just spent the night at the Chrysalis for our anniversary and had an amazing experience. The suite was beautifully appointed with fireplace and double jetted tub. In the morning, the buffet was fresh and coffee strong. The spa made me forget the world. Sarah gave a massage I won't soon forget.
I can't wait until our next anniversary...know where we'll be staying! -
Review from Nicola F.
Updated - 6/8/2009
Dear Chrysalis,
I was so happy to give you four stars but it has been about a month now since I sent you an email asking about July 4th rates however, I have yet to hear from you. Was it something I said?
I'm not sure we're going to work out if we can't communicate.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/11/2009
This is a wonderful hotel.
Ok, Ann was right, there are train tracks near the hotel but from one who… Read more »
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Review from Jennifer K.
Seattle, WA
12/28/2008
This is a spa review. For the holidays, I booked three manicures for two other women and me. I booked about 2 weeks in advanced and was lucky that they still had a time available for three simultaneous appointments.
Upon check-in, we picked one of three scents (iced pear, white tea and ginger and another option which I forget) that would be used to pamper our hands. The spa felt very luxurious - we got dressed in soft white robes and spent a few minutes in a nice steam room. Then we enjoyed some nice tea (or water) by the fire in the waiting room. They also have all the nice extras in the changing room for people who want to take showers, style hair, use mouthwash and hand lotion, etc.
We were the last appointment of the day, so they waited until they had all three chairs ready for us until they invited us in for our manicures. I do not blame them for the timing, rather I am just glad they had three appointments together and that we could all sit right next to each other during our treatments.
Note: For pampering novices like me, allow for plenty of extra time to relax before and after your treatment, especially if you have someone picking you up and dropping you off like we did, so you don't have to drive with your newly manicured hands. :)
We sat down on massage chairs in a room that might have a nice view in the daytime (so I'll have to come back and check it out again). This was my first manicure but it felt more like a spa treatment. It included a nice hand and arm massage, and some time in a hot Parafin wax and a hot towel. My manicurist was a little slower than the other two (I think she might be newer) but I am glad that she spent the time to correct her slight mistakes so my nails would look good.
All in all, we felt very pampered. It was a wonderfully luxurious experience gift to enjoy with others. A week after the treatment, my nails still look great. The spa has a variety of services and the staff said that the massages and pedicures were even popular with men too. -
Review from Rachel S.
San Francisco, CA
2/23/2010
Treat yourself to a stay here and you'll be glad you did! We were in town for work and loved the room, service, amenities. There's a spa (book ahead because it fills fast!) - unfortunately we didn't get in, but on the flip-side you can run the 5 mile path that runs behind the Inn towards downtown. It follows the water and is super picturesque. Go right before sunset... There are even seals floating on the water nearby.
At the front desk, they offer DVDs which you can watch in your room. They take a deposit but it's basically free as long as you return the movies.
The room was spacious and clean. There was a two person soaking tub and shower. The bathroom opened up to the main room, so you can watch movies while you bathe - totally luxuuuurious! Timed fireplace too. All counter surfaces are stone. Nice hardwoods. There was a sliding partition between the bedroom and bathroom with frosted windows.
Free WIFI in room.
Breakfast in the restaurant looks out over the water. It's a self-serve buffet of fresh, healthy food.
Bellingham is secretly a very cool place to be.... This is my second visit to this town and I would definitely come back again. -
Review from Torstors D.
Seattle, WA
9/27/2010
My husabnd and I love this hotel...its our go-to place for anniversaries. The reason for the three stars is that on our last visit, we noticed a few things that were a little off, which I'm really hoping doesn't mean the hotel is experiencing financial difficulties. We decided to visit the Chrysalis Inn again for our 1 year wedding anniversary about a month ago, and during our 2 day stay noticed a few minor things have changed with the hotel that I thought would be worth mentioning to people. Here we go:
1. No valet or bell hop service now, so you cart your own bags, and park your own car (not that big of a deal in reality, but thought people would want to know)
2. Terrible massages. We both got one that was a part of the Couples Retreat, and honestly both of us had never received such a bad rub down in our lives. Very disappointing, especially because in the past they were great. We were told they were going to be done in the same room, and while we were walking to the massage room, ended up being in seperate rooms. (again, not a big deal, but if you wanted that, I would clarify with the receptionist prior to the appointment) And, the robe I received from the check in gal to wear was a 3XX size, so I was swimming in this thing. I weigh 150 lbs and am 5'6''....not petite, but wish there would have been more attention to detail on that one. The relaxation room is very small and I ended up having to sit in the back on a stool in front of the tea bar until a seat opened up (15 minutes).
3. Restaurant is good, food is beautifully presented and extremely tasty. I don't think the restaurant gets enough credit on Yelp, so I thought I would mention that our experience at the restaurant was really good and I think the chef is really talented.
4. They now charge for b-fast (only $5 per person, but when you pay $200+ a night, it would be nice to throw that in).
We will continue to supoprt the hotel and hopefully go back for our next anniversary. I just thought it would be worth it to mention that people might start noticing the changes going on there...we sure did. -
Review from erin p.
Bellingham, WA
5/22/2008
I stayed in one of their rooms for my christmas vacation and the noise was horrible (and I am not refering to the train). I was kept up all night by a horrible banging that the night staff did not seem to care about. I wrote a letter voicing my concerns with the noise and the way I was treated and the manager seemed to be simpathetic to the situation. I will return to try out another night.
I also had an in room massage which ended up being pretty uncomfortable. My fiance and I both got a massage in the room at the same time. They placed us both with members of the opposite sex (which is perfectly fine) but the man that was massaging me seemed very uncomfortable. The massage was very light and he was very caucious about where he touched me. The woman that did my fiance was very good. I would prefer to use the spa rooms over the in room service.
I have also has a few deep tissue massages in the spa that they did not apply enough pressure. I have also had issues with the noise level of other guests. All and all the spa service is pretty good. I will return -
Review from Jim M.
Everett, WA
7/2/2008 4 photos
We stayed in a side room with a partial view of Bellingham bay. The view was wonderful from our window seat, and we spent the better part of two days sitting in the window seat and reading. The rooms are very tastefully decorated, and as someone has already mentioned the layout of the room with the sliding screens in the bathroom are wonderfully romantic.
The staff were very friendly and helpful. We ordered room service and the ham and brie sandwich though a bit hard to eat without making a mess was delicious. We also had the pate assortment which was delicious, except for the mushroom pate which had an oddly grassy taste and texture.
There is a complimentary breakfast buffet, which you should definitely take advantage of, the staff are friendly, and the food is plentiful. The buffet on the days we were there were: cofee, juices, cereal, oatmeal, hot dish (frittata on one morning, scrambled eggs and sausage the next day) muffins, bread, bagel, yogurt and fresh fruit. The atmosphere in the restaurant is relaxing with a lovely view. You can either eat in, or sit on the patio under the grape arbor.
All in all a wonderful getaway. -
Review from Dave B.
Bellingham, WA
7/28/2009
I just wrote a review for the Woods Coffee Kiln Room. We have hosted client visits and have recommended The Chrysalis twice now. The corporate rate and location made this an absolute no-brainer. The location is close to our offices in Fairhaven, and the rooms are very comfortable and classy. I think it is worth the extra money for a full view or the Bay.
I have not personally stayed at the Chrysalis but have heard rave reviews from our clients. We combine the Kiln Room at Woods Coffee for meetings and the Chrysalis for accommodations. If the Chrysalis does not have a meeting room then I believe a business package combing the Chrysalis and Wood's Kiln Room would be very attractive for some businesses. While I did not get any complaints from our clients, they did mention the train (the train runs very close to the Inn).
The Chrysalis by itself is a great luxury but the location makes it spectacular. It is located on the boardwalk. One can walk to Boulevard Park, watch the sunset, walk into Fairhaven (1/2 mile tops) or even downtown Bellingham (probably a couple miles). The Inn is only a couple of miles at most from the train station. A nice romantic getaway could include a train to Bellingham and a couple days at the Chrysalis.
Several years ago my girlfriend gave me a spa treatment. This was first rate. I'm not really the kind of person that indulges in a spa treatment but I enjoyed the experience. I cannot imagine a spa being any more luxurious than what I experienced at the Chrysalis. The spa technician put me at ease immediately. The experience was very relaxing. My favorite part was the shower that contained something 8 shower heads. -
Review from Jennie L.
Seattle, WA
9/8/2009
We visited the Chrysalis Inn for a weekend to cap off a short vacation. It is a GREAT hotel and I'd highly recommend it for a weekend getaway- especially for folks from the greater Seattle area. It is the perfect distance away and is a lovely little escape- both in terms of location and the hotel itself.
A few specifics:
Fabulous room- even the side view rooms (which we had) have terrrific views and thoughtful window seats that allow you to really enjoy the view
Great bathrooms- The bathroom had a spa-like feel with a two person soaking tub and a sliding screen that allows you to take in the same great view- from the tub!
Excellent Service- Everyone was very friendly and thoughtful. We travelled with our young children and the hotel staff was very accomodating and friendly- even though the hotel may cater to more "couples"- I would definitely consider it family friendly
Relaxing Spa- Both my husband and I had very good massages (not quite great) and enjoyed the relaxation area and the sauna. Perfect place to get pampered before eating in the restaurant. -
Review from Gemma S.
Seattle, WA
7/20/2010 2 Check-ins Here
My mom, sister, and I booked a room for a pre-wedding getaway, and I have never been treated so royally in my whole life. They had a deal for s Spa-jama party where they send champagne up to your room and you can have a pedicure in your pajamas... But we decided we could do that ourselves without paying for the extra service.
The next day we scheduled a pedicure for the morning, which overlapped the complimentary breakfast- we raced over to make it in time, but the kitchen had closed. The waitstaff, however, put together a FABULOUS spread and a coffee tray and brought it to our room.
Upon checking out, we asked if they sold the delicious granola that was part of breakfast- they said unfortunately they did not, but then printed the recipe and filled a large Tupperware of it-- all free!
And all this is without even mentioning how beautiful, relaxing, and luxurious the rooms, bathtubs, beds, and robes arre.
If you have the opportunity, GO!!
(edited for grammar mistakes) -
Review from J. M.
Bellingham, WA
12/30/2009
DO NOT GO HERE TO GET WAXED.
I had a bikini line wax, and the girl who did it managed to get wax all over my and my unders, and even told me that she's not certified to wax at the facility and that half the staff isn't but does it anyway. This was over a year ago so hopefully they've figured it out.
On the other hand, I really liked my pedi from Stephanie. -
Review from A. H.
Palo Alto, CA
7/10/2010
Hey, if you are in Bellingham, and want a little spa time, this is the place! I spent a few really happy hours here, sitting in a big fluffy robe, drinking tea watching the little waterfall, waiting for my (super fancy) swedish massage. While technically excellent, the massage wasn't the best I've had.The little spa itself was really good though. And they had this water with lemons floating around in it-it tasted so fabulous I was drinking glass after glass after glass. The prices seemed reasonable to me, too.
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Review from Cara Q.
Bellingham, WA
3/26/2009
This is a spa review but I will mention I stayed here for one night 4 years ago and the bed were ridiculously comfortable, the bathrooms were lavish and I cannot imagine money better spent in any other hotel in Bellingham if you can afford it.
As far as the spa goes I've been here twice. Once for a manicure and just recently for a hot stone massage. I am sure there are more luxurious spas in Western WA but in Whatcom county this is as good as it gets. The space is quiet, they have a relaxation room you go to wait for your services. In that room they have snacks, water, tea and quiet. The dressing rooms/bathrooms are nice but I wish they were a little bigger. The dressing area is a bit tight when there are more than 2 people in it. But other than that I love their steam room, stone showers and amenities they provide (shampoo/cond, lotions, hair products, styling tools, etc...). I also like that they have keys provided for each locker so you don't have to worry about your stuff.
When I had a pedicure here it was great. They have you sit in these big massage chairs that you can control with a remote. They are nice, but I wish they weren't heated as I get sweaty when sitting in that warm room AND in a heated chair. My back was damp. But other than that I have no complaints about the service. They also had a person going around and offering heated neck wraps while you got your pedi/mani.
For my hot stone massage it was also very nice. I was a little off-put as they set up my appt with a male masseuse and I personally, would rather have had a female. I have a hard enough time getting naked in front of a complete stranger so they can give me a massage, the fact that its a man makes it more uncomfortable for me. They didn't ask me for a preference on the phone when I made the appt so I assumed they just try to assign corresponding sexes. Obviously I was wrong. I really like massages though, so I tried to keep an open mind, though I didn't really feel that relaxed most of the time. He was VERY professional and VERY polite though, any discomfort was truly my own. Aside from that I did get a really great massage, except he never touched my buns which I find weird cause usually they do that. I've had a hot stone massage at another local place and they did it a little differently. I added a scalp massage treatment to my service, which I wasn't sure about because my last hot stone massage they included my scalp/neck area so I thought it might be a more intense thing, but it wasn't really except they wrap a hot towel around your head. In the end I didn't think the $40 add on was worth it. Also the masseuse was kind of weirding me out cause he was talking goofy and saying things like "what brings joy into your life?" while I was getting the treatment. Now I don't mind talking, but I would like it to feel more natural not all new-agey and mystical. I just want to relax. After a few more things like that I just didn't want to talk much. He would say stuff like "relax, come back into your body" when I needed to turn or at the end. Just not my style, so I would probably avoid this masseuse in the future and certainly specify that I would prefer a woman.
I also like the choice of aromatherapy scents before you go in the spa, they have 4 choices. The sandals they provide are nice too. Overall the massage was very well done, with the exception of those few things I mentioned. -
Review from Rob L.
Seattle, WA
If you want luxury and unparalleled pampering, try the Chrysalis Inn, also in Fairhaven. Overlooking Bellingham Bay, the Chrysalis features the very finest of everything. The restaurant and wine bar, Fino, is fantastic, and the views are breathtaking, looking west over the Fairhaven boardwalk, Bellingham Bay and the San Juan Islands. And then there's the spa....Spending a day here will add years to your life, leaving you feeling younger and more vibrant than ever, like a real-life Benjamin Button... a character whose movie, ironically, took away what felt like years of my life...(Awwww...I kid David Fincher. It was pretty good...but 2 1/2 hours? Really? I finished college in less time than that!
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Review from Ann H.
Redmond, WA
5/9/2009
Wow - this was a spectacular hotel. Too bad the train noise made it uninhabitable. Should have known from the big sign at the front desk and the complimentary earplugs. I would give it five stars if it weren't for the noise. Loved the whirlpool in the bedroom and the romantic window seat. So sad it is literally 15 feet from a very active train track.
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Review from Linda J.
Redmond, WA
3/29/2011
Just returned from The Chrysalis Inn & Spa. Loved it & our room was beautiful. Our breakfast buffet was great for $5 per person.
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Review from holly l.
Blaine, WA
7/10/2007
The Room: As soon as I approached the registration desk, I was impressed by the lobby decor. It is modern, elegant and romantic. I skipped the elevator and instead took the stately spiral stairs to get to my room. The room is superclean and beautifully decorated. Waterfront overlooking Bellingham Bay, so even in November, the grayest and wettest month of the year in Bellingham, the lovely and dreamy water view was still visible from my room thanks to large wall windows. The architecture is marvelous. The Bay could be seen from the living area, the bedroom and even from the bathroom. There is a built-in sliding door in the wall separating the bedroom from the bathroom. So if the door is slide open, you could see water view through the wall windows in the bedroom while taking a bath. Genius!!! The luxurious bathroom is enhanced with two oh-so-soft microfiber bathrobes and three pairs of slippers (still in sealed packages), making me feel totally indulged.
The Spa: In the waiting area, there are combs (individually packaged) and perfumed hand lotions (single-use sizes) so that you could fuss over yourself while waiting. Instead of a sauna, it has a steam room which I was invited to use while waiting for my massage. Being so used to sauna, I was hesitant at first, but the steam room felt much more relaxing than a sauna. I could fall asleep in there, something that would have been impossible in a sauna.
The atmosphere: Although it was raining the whole time I stayed there, I was completely content sitting at the window seat with a cup of aromatic coffee in my hands, feeling the warmth on my back from the blazing fireplace, and gazing out to the beautiful Bellingham bay and San Juan islands. It was perfectly serene and royally cozy.
PS- There was complimentary breakfast, but I can't comment on that. It was over by the time we got up. wink wink!! I was warned about the trains because the hotel is located nearby a railroad track, but I was totally oblivious of any noise. It must have been blended in as part of the ambience. -
Review from Chris C.
Huntington Beach, CA
7/29/2009
This is our favorite night away destination from Anacortes. It is a wonderful boutique hotel right on the water. The rooms are terrific. We have stayed in the full view and side view rooms and found both great. The tub and shower in the room are luxurious. The train has never bothered us. If you like to walk or run, there is a terrific path/trail/pier that passes right by the hotel. I took a nice four mile run in the morning while my wife had a massage in the spa. She said it was the best massage she has ever had. We have always found the service to be top notch. The included breakfast is good with fresh eggs, potatoes, and homemade breads. Finally, one of the best features of the hotel is the ability to take a nice five minute walk into Fairhaven to shop and eat.
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Review from Larry M.
Kirkland, WA
5/23/2009
This is a spectacular hotel. We have stayed here twice - once in a water view and once in an 'end' view room - both are wonderful. Yes - if you hate train noise then you should go stay at the Holiday Inn on I-5. Honestly - this place is quieter than most hotels because it's right on the water and it doesn't cater to large groups or kids/teens. Walk four blocks and you are in very cute downtown Fairhaven with restaurants, shopping, entertainment, etc. The new bayside trail is steps from the hotel. The views are some of the best in Washington State, (we sat in the 'window seat' alcove for two hours just watching the boats out in the bay and the sun go down.) We have not tried their formal restaurant but the complementary breakfast every morning is very nicely done - best I have had in a hotel. My wife is getting addicted to the spa tubs in every room - "no dear, we cannot take it with us..." It's not inexpensive - but you get more than you pay for.
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Review from E B.
Portola Valley, CA
1/12/2010
The Chrysalis left us feeling relaxed and comfortable. We requested the side view of the bay and enjoyed our window seat next to the gas fireplace which overlooked the open space and bay. Beautiful just to sit there and watch the changing clouds. The room was spacious, well appointed and just what we wanted. We used the large tub every morning and I even liked the free toiletries (you can use luxury full size ones, but they cost extra.) The complimentary breakfast is served in a lovely restaurant area overlooking the bay and offers fruit, oatmeal, eggs: a real breakfast and not just a bunch of stale carbs and sweets. We also visited the wine bar one late afternoon and enjoyed a romantic appetizer and great wine next to the fireplace. I really can't say enough about how much we enjoyed ourselves. The train was not a problem for us: I've stayed in B'ham many times over the years and was familiar with it's sound and frequency, so I had no worries about it waking me or my partner.
