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.

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.

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.

My wife and I have stayed in inns all over the world and I can say without a doubt that the Highland Inn is one of the finest. The house is exceptionally charming and set deep in the hills of the island giving it an "otherwordly" feel. My wife commented that it felt like we were in a Tolkein novel. The rooms were both recently updated and are each spacious, well accomodated, comfortable and very cozy. From the wood burning fireplace to the steam cabinet to the Satellite TV, no ammenity is spared. Helen was a wonderful and gracious host who went out of her way to make our stay pleasant. Her gourmet breakfasts are five star quality not often seen in most fine hotels, much less a B&B. She was friendly and extremely helpful and assisted us in such mundane tasks as getting restaurant reservations and telling us about the best spots on the island for whale watching. The vistas are beautiful and the porch was made for lounging. My wife and I plan on going back as soon as we have the availability and have already reccomended the Highland Inn to our friends and family.