Located only 90 minutes from Seattle, Bellingham is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway. And the best place to stay is The Chrysalis Inn and Spa, a recently aquired Hilton property, but a long-time locally operated inn. Shout out to my friend, John, who is a friendly face and the best welcome each time we return to The Chrysalis
The Chrysalis is a tranquil, homey, and peaceful place. Located in the heart of Downtown Fairhaven, a quaint waterfront town just south of Bellingham proper and situated on the bay, the hotel is the perfect sanctuary for a restful weekend away. Recently remodelled, the rooms have a beachy, Nantucket meets the Pacific Northwest vibe. I love the updated furnishings which have a modern coastal feel, but are as comfortable as they are functional.
Our favorite Chrysalis activities include happy hour at Keenan's, the hotel's restaurant, which runs daily from 3-6 pm. We could happily pass hours sitting on the deck in the sunshine drinking rose and eating french fries. The spa is a tranquil escape. The signature facial and Swedish massage are not to be missed. A short walk takes you to Tony's coffee and downtown fairhaven, or you can walk the pier down to Boulevard Park for a waterfront coffee at The Woods. But the best part of staying at The Chrysalis is enjoying the expansive views from the comfort of the windowseat that adorns each room. Insider tip: You can even request bedding if you want to sleep on the windowseat!
The lovely Chrysalis Inn as pictured from the bay.
The newly remodeled rooms. This is a full view King suite.
View from our room. Yes, trains run by the hotel periodically, but the hotel provides complimentary ear plugs.
Chrysalis Bowl from the Keenan's dinner menu. The crispy chickpeas were my favorite part.
