When I build my dream house (let’s be honest, it won’t be with my own two hands), I would like it to be modeled after a room at Willows Lodge in Woodinville, Washington. Wood-clad, stone-framed and rustic in what has become a quintessential Northwestern decor of contemporary plaids and forest-hued tones, Willows flaunts luxury and elegance without losing its original motive of wine country lodging. Renovations have been made over the last few months and recently unveiled, but, much to my relief, the updates were modest and the countryside Northwest aesthetic perpetuated.
This defining theme runs throughout the 84 guest rooms that are fit for a king or two queen-sized beds and stocked with a 48-inch flat screen HD television, luxurious linens, complimentary WiFi, a mini bar sporting Woodinville products (like Redhook beers and a rotating winery that resides within miles) and a Keurig coffee maker with teas to boot. My personal favorite attributes include the array of Molton Brown of London bath and shower products, the plush terrycloth bathrobes and the soaking tub within the four-fixture bathroom that offers a sliding door to view (or not) the television or the stone-trimmed gas fireplace.
The want to embellish my home with the wood-beamed, open floor plan of Willows did not come from a singular visit—I have been staying at the lodge for years, each time coveting an amenity I didn’t notice the last time. This trip was made complete with the awareness that I could bring my eight-month-old chocolate lab with me—throughout the entire lodge. Each room is pet-friendly, so much so that the lodge offers the Willows Very Important Pet (WVIP) Program that includes a doggie room service menu, map and directions for pet and owner walks and branded bottled water for clean dog-bowl drinking. My dog received a welcome card (addressed to her by name), a recent issue of Citydog Magazine and a cushy bed with turn-down service including a night-time dog biscuit. For only $35, I might have lost my dog’s heart to Willows Lodge.
Given its proximity to all that Woodinville has to offer, including the historic Hollywood Schoolhouse district of Woodinville Wine Country, Willows serves as the hub for wine touring, temporary residence for concertgoers of Chateau Ste. Michelle’s summer series and venue for local musicians nearly nightly. Walking distance to more than 40 wineries and tasting rooms, plus a handful of breweries and distilleries, Willows is primed and prepared for tourists and locals alike with maps, individual recommendations and daily tastings of its own. Complimentary bicycles and helmets are provided to tour the valley, along with a complimentary shuttle van to nearby locations.
Rest for the weary is provided at the Spa at Willows Lodge, with or without an appointment—all guests of the lodge can enjoy the indoor steam room, a secluded outdoor relaxation pool in the courtyard (that stays open until 1 am) and 24-hour fitness room. Spa services are customizable and can range from therapeutic (massage and body wraps) to aesthetic (facials and cleanses). An in-room massage is also an option if you do not want to leave the above exalted guests rooms as well.
Assuming you also might not want to leave at all but that you eventually have to, Willows’ checkout is at 12 pm, giving ample time to enjoy the room, lodge and its restaurant, the Barking Frog. Saunter across the driveway to the Frog and follow the multi-course route I took a few months back. Relish in any meal from the comforts of your room as well—room service is fast, friendly and accommodating.
I will continue to map out my blueprints of my home with each visit to Willows—minor updates and dog-accommodations included.
