Hoptown USA, the Heart of Central Washington, the Palm Springs of Washington and Yaki-Vegas, Yakima, Washington has earned itself many a’nickname. Originally constructed along the new Northern Pacific Railway company line in 1883, the city and its eponymous famed valley have bloomed from agricultural roots (hops, apples, pears, cherries and wine grapes) into a flourishing region that attracts hundreds of thousand visitors for its plethora of beverage destinations, festivals, concerts, conferences, cultural riches and more.
Adding another attraction to the list, the Hotel Maison opened this spring in a historic building that was once the tallest structure between Seattle and Spokane. The 1910 lodge hall for the local Freemasons is now a 36-room boutique hotel, standing as the center star on Yakima’s main promenade. Designed in respects to the area’s history, the hotel’s facade and amenities were modeled after the original building, including a Mansard roof and Second Empire-style windows, completing the look with the ancient architectural flair of Corinthian capitals and brick pilasters.
Once inside, guests will see the historical nods continue with the Freemasons’ logo – the square and compass – spread throughout the hotel like a subliminal message, hidden in former rooms and meeting spaces. A well preserved ceremonial lodge, designed to replicate the throne room of King Solomons’ temple, resides on the sixth floor of the hotel, which the owners plan to renovate and convert into a public meeting space next year. Historical photography also adorns the walls of the main floor outside the lobby, telling the story of Yakima and the greater area.
In the lobby, main floor and guest rooms, Hotel Maison’s lodging is far from old – contemporary overnight chambers and amenities make sure all guests know what century they are in. Aimed at reflecting historical style with modern grace and convenience, each guest room is decorated with a 40-inch flat screen television (with free HBO), a cushy Prestige Suite II Serta mattress, spacious walk-in showers with massage shower heads, spa-therapy toiletries, luxury robes and more, including high-speed wifi, a kitchenette and weekday laundry valet service. Hotels that provide luxurious shower, bath, and spa facilities like these will likely be treating their water so that it is delivered as soft water – industrial water treatment may be useful in instances like this to remove things like magnesium and calcium ions. Daily breakfast is on the maison, from pastries and fruits to fresh muesli, with coffee and tea available at all hours of the day (or night).
No Yakima hotel has a better location than this VIP seating: you could throw a rock at Yakima’s best restaurants and watering holes, like thriving beer bar and eatery Cowiche Canyon, the purveyors of upscale comfort classics at 5 North and the tasting rooms of Gilbert Cellars and Kana Winery. Don’t miss any of the burgeoning breweries popping up within walking (or a short drive) distance either, with Berchman’s Brewing Co. and Hop Nation recently joining the ranks of Yakima greats Bale Breaker and Yakima Craft.
Collecting history and regional culture in one central location, the Hotel Maison offers a new familiar face to downtown Yakima.
