Finding the best place to stay in Leavenworth, Washington can be overwhelming. If you’re like me, you don’t want to spend a fortune, but you also want to be short walking distance to everything and be immersed in the town. After all, this little Bavarian Village in the Cascades is a tourist destination year round for roughly 2.5 million people annually.
Over the years, I have stayed at several hotels (and one vacation rental outside of town) in the area. All of which have varying values and their pros and cons.
Favorite Hotel: Bavarian Lodge
Bavarian Lodge is iconic and is across the street from downtown Leavenworth right behind the gazebo. They offer rooms with either a village or mountain view and parking is included. They also have complimentary breakfast, two hot tubs, and an outdoor heated pool open year round just to name a few of the included amenities.
This is definitely the perfect hotel for your first (and possibly only) visit to Leavenworth.
Notable Mention: Leavenworth Village Inn
I booked a grand suite at Leavenworth Village Inn in July 2021 because well… I wanted a jetted tub. This hotel has eight suites and eleven deluxe rooms and is about a block from the main road that goes through downtown. The location is fabulous. Close enough to downtown, but far enough away that if you wanted to get away from the hustle and bustle of the town you can.
If you are traveling with kids or several of your girlfriends while budget traveling, many of the rooms have a couch that will give you a separation all while being in the same unit. In our suite, there was also plenty of space for an air mattress, if needed, in both the bedroom and living room area. The only downside to this hotel is parking is limited (albeit included) and you might have to pay for parking offsite if none is available upon check in.
Least Favorite: Hampton Inn and Suites Leavenworth
I am Team Hilton Hotels through and through and they are my go-to hotel company when looking for lodging anywhere. I have stayed at many Hamptons over the years, but this one was particularly uncomfortable. We woke up every morning after tossing and turning all night with sore bodies because the bed was so firm and the pillows immediately fell flat as soon as your head lays down. Sleeping on the floor may have been more comfortable.
If comfortable isn’t a deal breaker for you, this hotel is very affordable, parking and breakfast is included, and has a few other on sight amenities. It is right next door to Safeway, but it is not in the heart of Leavenworth and I recommend driving into town for any activities (which will require you to pay for parking). Weather permitting, you could walk, but it would likely be a 20-30 minute walk each way (uphill on the way back to the hotel).
Splurge Hotel: Posthotel Leavenworth
I personally have not stayed at Posthotel, but it is a bucket list destination. It is adults only, is right on the river, includes breakfast, a light lunch, and evening coffee and tea. Your stay also includes access to their wellness area with nap rooms, saunas, steam rooms, plunge pool, and a swim out salt water pool… just to name a few. There is also spa services on sight for purchase, but make those reservations in advance.
This is definitely a splurge hotel, but if you are looking for a getaway where you plan on taking advantage of all of the hotels amenities, then this will be the place to stay. I wouldn’t recommend booking this hotel if you are going to hardly be at the hotel. Definitely book something else.
There are tons of lodging options in Leavenworth. You can see some of them on Leavenworth’s website, but it is no an inclusive list. Do your research and determine what is most important to you. Is it location? Costs? Amenities? Or is it a secluded cabin or bed and breakfast? Whatever you are looking for you can certainly find it in Leavenworth any time of year.
Wanderland Jess 