PRICE:
Frommer's Very Highly Recommended

Despite all the lakes and bays in the area, Seattle has a surprising dearth of waterfront hotels, which alone would make the Woodmark worth recommending. But this resort-like hotel is so luxurious and in such a beautiful setting that it is the metro area's premier waterfront lodging -- and well worth the 20-minute drive from downtown Seattle. Surrounded by a luxury residential community, the Woodmark has the feel of a beach resort and looks out over the very same waters that Bill Gates sees from his nearby Xanadu. There are plenty of lake-view rooms here, although you will pay a premium for them. For less expensive lodging, try the creek-view rooms. Floor-to-ceiling windows that open are a nice feature on sunny summer days. In addition to the hotel's dining room, several other restaurants are in the area. For cocktails and afternoon tea, try the cozy Library Bar. Perhaps best of all, with advance reservations, guests can go out for a complimentary 2-hour cruise on the hotel's restored 1956 Chris-Craft boat. Beautiful surroundings, luxurious rooms, and a free boat tour all add up to one of Seattle's best hotel values.

Copyright: Excerpted from Frommer's Seattle 2008, (c) 2008, Wiley Publishing, Inc.

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