While there are plenty of properties in Washington that offer a luxurious staycation, nothing is quite as all-encompassing as the tranquil and decadent experience you get with a stay at The Lodge at St. Edward Park in Kenmore. Not only is the gorgeous building loaded with local history and art, it’s surrounded by peaceful, breathtaking nature — and there’s even an on-site spa.
St. Edward State Park is a place for hiking, biking, swimming in Lake Washington, having picnics and parties, and even hosting weddings. The building that is now The Lodge at St. Edward Park spent 46 years as the St. Edward Seminary, an institution for developing Catholic priests. When the seminary shut down in 1976, the building sat mostly dormant until a five-year renovation process turned it into the stunning hotel it is today.
The lodge has two bars, Father Mulligan’s Heritage Bar next to the lobby and The Tonsorium Bar downstairs, as well as a fine dining restaurant, Cedar + Elm. The menu at Cedar + Elm is focused on local, seasonal and sustainable cuisine, meaning the culinary team harvests produce, herbs and honey from the Chef’s Garden and apiary. Both bars also serve a more casual dining menu, with classics like burgers and fish and chips. The cocktail list is enticing and creative, and they offer a great selection of non-alcoholic options as well.
Guests are invited to relax, read and play games in the library, which hosts frequent happy hours to encourage mingling. If you’re feeling active, ask about the pickleball set-up in the gymnasium. But if you’d rather enjoy some serious self-care, book a treatment at Vita Nova Spa. With a comfortable changing area, a peaceful relaxation area with plenty of hot tea, an infrared sauna and an array of treatment options, this is the place to be for posh pampering. Vita Nova Spa offers seasonal treatments and specials on packages, so make sure to look at the menu online before your stay.
Of course, while amenities are lovely, the rooms are what matter most during a hotel stay. Each of the 84 guestrooms and suites here was thoughtfully designed with a mix of modern furnishings and historic charm, with restored original windows and doors and wallpaper depicting the building’s architectural drawings. The bathrooms have a Roman feel and come well-stocked with shampoo, conditioner and soothing shower steamers. In the morning, guests can sip fresh coffee from the Nespresso machine or sleep in on luxury bedding. Of course, nothing tops a morning walk on one of the park’s many trails before you checkout.
There’s never a bad time to stay at The Lodge at St. Edward State Park. From curated wine dinners to live music to special holiday-focused meals and events, there’s always something fun on the calendar here.
For more information, visit www.thelodgeatstedward.com.
14477 Juanita Dr. NE
Kenmore, WA 98028