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Highland Inn of San Juan Island: Traveler Reviews

Highland Inn of San Juan Island
Average price*: $237 (year-round)
TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: 4.0 based on 11 reviews 11 reviews
11 Reviews
5.0 of 5 stars
9
4.0 of 5 stars
0
3.0 of 5 stars
0
2.0 of 5 stars
1
1.0 of 5 stars
1
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #8 of 24 B&Bs in Friday Harbor
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  • Rooms: 2
Description: West side view from 88 ft veranda to Victoria, BC and the Olympics overlooking the Haro Straits. Orca whales, sunsets and stargazing. Full... This description is based on information provided by the B&B / inn.
Address:
P.O. Box 135
Friday Harbor, WA 98250

TripAdvisor Traveler Reviews

Reviews of Highland Inn of San Juan Island

( 2-6 of 11 )
“Wish we lived there”

Highland Inn of San Juan Island

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5 of 5 stars
SF Bay Area
Nov 19, 2007

We found this lovely inn via the Internet and were really pleased.

It is owned by Helen King, who has a long history of innkeeping and knows what she is doing. Her afternoon cookies are a specialty not to be missed!

The Inn has two, almost identical rooms that flank a central living room and kitchen area. A long deck runs the length of the house and both rooms have great views of the Haro Strait and Victoria BC a few miles away. Helen lives above the living room, and makes a great breakfast and afternoon cookies, but otherwise keeps out of your way.

The rooms: Identical layouts, but one room is more French country with yellow and blue colors, and the other one (our room) has a more asian feel with earth tones and black colors. Very comfy king bed, breakfast window seat, wood fireplace, couch, TV, wireless internet access. The large bathroom has a large tub that we did not use and a steam shower. Very clean and well maintained.

Breakfast: Helen makes a real nice fruit/yogurt plate followed by an egg dish or waffle etc. Good coffee and juice. All served in your room at a window seat overlooking the water.

The cost is in line with high end hotels like Hilton, Ritz, etc but well worth it. She does not do meals other than breakfast, but the island is full of great places.

Eateries we liked: Duck Soup is great. Michellin quality, but very layed-back and cozy. In Friday Harbor there is a lavender shop and cafe that is real good as well.

We went kayaking in Roche Harbor and that was very memorable. From the inn you can see killer whales,bald eagles and deer.

  • This TripAdvisor Member:
    • Liked — Views, comfort and quality
    • Disliked — We would not be able to come back with our kids
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
dbolt's Summary
Date of Stay: April 2007
Traveled with: Spouse / significant other
Visit was for: Romantic getaway
Age group: 25-34
Member since: July 14, 2006
  • My ratings for this hotel are:
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Check in / front desk
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
    • 5 of 5 stars Business service
Would I recommend this hotel to my best friend?
absolutely!
I recommend this hotel for:
An amazing honeymoon, A romantic getaway, Girlfriend getaway, People with disabilities, Older travelers, Tourists
I do not recommend this hotel for:
Great pool scene, Pet owners, Families with young children, Families with teenagers
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“An experience beyond words! Truly amazing!”

Highland Inn of San Juan Island

Aug 26, 2007
2/2 found this review helpful

Having never stayed in a B and B before, we did not know what to expect. Wow! what a treat. We arrived on the island, called as requested, and confirmed our 2:00 arrival. We were greated with a smile and a plate of warm cookies and tea. The inn keeper, Mrs. King, then showed us to our room and promptly discussed the room's amenities. We couldn't believe it. Just the night before we had stayed at a room in downtown Seattle, same (base)price, no comparison. Our room was twice the size, beautifully decorated, whirlpool bath for two, separate steam shower for relaxing, bath salts, robes, and slippers provided, fresh fruit, nuts, chocolates, complimentary sodas in the mini fridge, coffee, hot cocoa, tea in the room, not to mention binoculars provided for viewing the endless beauty outside. We chose breakfast for 9:30 in our room then stood there with our mouths still agape as she exited and handed us the room key. Mrs. King had even provided us with a list of restaurant menus and offered to call and make reservations. Words or lists of (included) amenities can't even begin to describe our beautiful experience at the Highland Inn. We came to experience the island and found we did not want to leave the Inn. The whales could be heard and seen from the deck, the star gazing was amazing, and the Inn provided total relaxation. The next morning we were greated with another friendly smile and a gourmet breakfast. Mrs. King is a lovely lady and her Inn and its surrounding view are breathtaking. The Highland Inn is a steal! What a relief to not have additional overnight parking and exorbitant room service fees. We wish all our travel experiences could be this grand! We are returning soon.

  • This TripAdvisor Member:
    • Liked — Exceded our expectations
    • Disliked — NA
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
moonandstar's Summary
Date of Stay: August 2007
Traveled with: Spouse / significant other
Visit was for: Romantic getaway
Age group: 50-64
Member since: August 26, 2007
  • My ratings for this hotel are:
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Check in / front desk
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Would I recommend this hotel to my best friend?
absolutely!
I recommend this hotel for:
Young singles, An amazing honeymoon, A romantic getaway, Girlfriend getaway, People with disabilities, Older travelers, Tourists
I do not recommend this hotel for:
Great pool scene, Pet owners, Families with young children, Families with teenagers
I selected this hotel as a top choice for:
Outdoor / Adventure, Great food / Wine, Other
Was this review helpful? Yes No
“Tops our list of favorite B&B's!”

Highland Inn of San Juan Island

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5 of 5 stars
Bothell, Washington
Aug 6, 2007

When my husband and I are in need of a get-away, we look for a great B&B. The Highland Inn of San Juan Island was the perfect escape for a weekend away from the stress of work and as a 50th birthday celebration. When we arrived, we were greeted by the innkeeper, Helen, with hot cookies from the oven and lemonade. We couldn't have felt more welcomed! Helen definitely knows what it takes to meet every possible need of her guests. She has designed her home with great care in order to create an atmosphere conducive to romance, relaxation, and privacy. Helen offered to serve breakfast in our room with a view of the water or in the dining room, and we could specify a time between 8:00 and 10:00 a.m. Those were options we've never experienced elsewhere. We felt pampered and very well taken care of with every imaginable amenity provided...hot tub with slippers and robes, jacuzzi tub, warming racks for the towels, refrigerator with chilled wine glasses and an assortment of pop, a coffee maker, hair dryer, lighted mirror, ironing board, a walk-in closet, binoculars, telescopes, a hot water faucet and an assortment of teas in the kitchen, fresh flowers in the room each day, our own phone line, and much more. Helen has left nothing out! She helped us make restaurant decisions and offered advice when we were looking for a kayaking experience. Clearly, Helen aims to please her guests. I knew I had made a good decision when my husband kept thanking me for taking him to the Highland Inn for his birthday. In the short time we have been home, I have already shared our wonderful experience with family and neighbors, and we are looking forward to returning for a longer stay next time.

  • This TripAdvisor Member:
    • Liked — the view and romantic ambiance
    • Disliked — nothing
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
pfuelling's Summary
Date of Stay: August 2007
Traveled with: Spouse / significant other
Visit was for: Romantic getaway
Age group: 50-64
Member since: August 06, 2007
  • My ratings for this hotel are:
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Check in / front desk
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Would I recommend this hotel to my best friend?
absolutely!
I recommend this hotel for:
An amazing honeymoon, A romantic getaway, Older travelers, Tourists
I do not recommend this hotel for:
Young singles, People with disabilities, Great pool scene, Pet owners, Families with young children, Families with teenagers
I selected this hotel as a top choice for:
Beach / Sun, Outdoor / Adventure, Great food / Wine
Was this review helpful? Yes No
“Beautiful Inn and location but the innkeeper made us feel ill at ease”

Highland Inn of San Juan Island

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2 of 5 stars
Woodinville, WA
Jul 30, 2007
1/2 found this review helpful

The Highland Inn is one of the most beautiful places I have stayed. The room is beautifully appointed, the scenery is lovely, and the view of the water (and a few whales!) was incredible. However, my boyfriend and I tried to talk to the Innkeeper several times, and she was not friendly or flexible. When I asked for a cup of coffee 15 minutes earlier than planned, I felt like I had put her out. As we left, she seemed to not be able to change the
sheets fast enough and initially said goodbye by calling to us from our suite. She did eventually come out to say goodbye but never thanked us for coming. Overall, our lasting impression was that we were not welcome. Part of the staying at a B&B is the overall ambiance. Unfortunately, the inside environment created by the hostess did not match the open, peaceful and lovely setting outside the inn. I would not go back.

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
SoutherninSeattle's Summary
Date of Stay: July 2007
Member since: July 30, 2007
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Management Response
Helen King, Owner/Innkeeper
(Management representative)
Aug 5, 2007
The guests here are provided with coffee makers and coffee in their rooms and are shown their location at check in for anyone who wants coffee before the time breakfast is requested. Breakfast is served at a time of their choice, 8 to 10 AM. It is then served in their room or the inn dining room.
I was changing sheets in their suite as they were late
in checking out and I have limited time before the next
guests arrive. They were welcome to use the living
room and veranda until they were ready to leave. I did
stop my work to say "Goodbye" and apologize if they
felt I was not friendly. Guests here usually want to be left alone and value the romantic privacy of the inn. If
they want conversation, I am always available.
Helen King, Innkeeper, The Highland Inn
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
“Great place to relax”

Highland Inn of San Juan Island

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5 of 5 stars
Palo Alto, CA
Apr 23, 2006
2/2 found this review helpful

The nicest and best designed B&B we have ever found. The two large guest rooms are separated by a huge common area so you will have complete quiet with a great view in gorgeous surroundings. The proprietress is really nice and helpful but also respects your privacy if you want to be left alone. I can't imagine a complaint about her.

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
TwoPlus2's Summary
Date of Stay: April 2006
Member since: April 23, 2006
  • My ratings for this hotel are:
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
I recommend this hotel for:
An amazing honeymoon, Older travelers, Tourists
I do not recommend this hotel for:
Young singles, People with disabilities, Great pool scene, Pet owners, Families with young children, Families with teenagers
Was this review helpful? Yes No

Reviews of Highland Inn of San Juan Island

( 2-6 of 11 )
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Highland Inn of San Juan Island Address

P.O. Box 135, Friday Harbor, WA 98250