Stay Overnight In The Oldest Hotel Right Here In Washington At Tokeland Hotel
By Andrea Verschuyl|Published March 20, 2024
×
Andrea Verschuyl
Author
Having grown up in Washington, Andrea is a self-admitted Pacific Northwest snob. In their opinion, there's simply nowhere else in the country with the Evergreen State's beauty. After attending university, Andrea devoted themselves to writing full-time. They're thrilled to represent Washington for Only In Your State while pursuing other professional and personal projects. They currently reside in Olympia, where they enjoy leaf-blowing their yard, perfecting homemade ramen, cuddling with their three tiny dogs, and feeding their pufferfish, Sea Biscuit.
As local travel experts, we know what travelers are looking for when it comes to finding the perfect accommodations for their next trip. To compile our lists, we scour the internet to find properties with excellent ratings and reviews, desirable amenities, nearby attractions, and that something special that makes a destination worthy of traveling for.
If you love history and a boutique hotel experience, you need to know about Tokeland Hotel, the oldest hotel in Washington. Located on our state’s stunning coast, this accommodation wears its storied past proudly, boasting a singularly quirky interior design scheme. All without sacrificing the creature comforts that take a local getaway from humdrum to sublime.
The Tokeland Hotel was first built in 1885 as the first home of local couple Lizzie Brown and William Kindred. They were born on what was then called Toke Point and looked forward to raising their own family there. But the property's beauty suggested business opportunities, and just 14 years later, they transformed their house into the Kindred Inn. They changed the name shortly after, marking the Tokeland Hotel's official debut. It's remained the same ever since.
Incredibly, the Tokeland Hotel has been in business for the entirety of its 139-year lifespan, officially making it onto the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. Today's owners, Heather Earnhardt and Zac Young, are Seattle transplants who brought their expertise and their young family to the old property, injecting it with new life.
Adding their touch has meant leaning into the building's antique eccentricity. Persian carpets, Winchester sofas, and hanging canoes create rooms that feel effortlessly layered, reflecting the hotel's storied past.
For food-obsessed folks like me, it's worth noting that Heather Earnhardt has also transferred her successful Seattle bistro, The Wandering Goose, to Tokeland. The menu's largely the same—which is to say, divine—serving up sunshiney Southern favorites in a climate that's often gray.
While you really can't go wrong, my recommendation goes something like: "Anything with the biscuits." Whether topped with jam or sandwiched crispy fried chicken, these indulgent baked goods are a sure sign that deliciousness is imminent.
It just takes a weekend to see why this remarkable Washington spot persevered for over a century. Fortified by the fresh ideas and prodigious talents of its newest stewards, Heather Earnhardt and Zac Young, hopefully, it can be home to many more unforgettable memories.
If you’re looking for an incredible local getaway, check out the oldest hotel in Washington, Tokeland Hotel. It’s the perfect glimpse into a long-gone Evergreen State past, revitalized by the efforts of a lineage of passionate caretakers. And with its location by the coast, there’s plenty of outdoor recreation for those with the right gear. All you need for the time of your life is a sense of adventure and a love of vintage charm!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
