Romantic Valentine's Day Vacations in the Northwest
conversation hearts and overpriced flowers are out; room service is in. The Pacific Northwest can be a romantic place, especially when winter weather drives everyone indoors. These road trips prove that distance makes the heart grow fonder, as long as that distance is from home.
For the Cozy Couples
If breakfast in bed is the vibe, Vancouver, BC's Fairmont Pacific Rim has the weekend covered with a grand romance package. Plus, a flamenco party in the lounge—con tapas—brings entertainment within easy reach. Explore the outdoor spa, a luxe six-course tasting menu at the hotel's restaurant, or stroll through the contemporary art gallery on site.
Spokane's Historic Davenport Hotel has the fancy lobby thing on lock.
For the Historically Inclined
Spokane's historic Davenport Hotels (one of our best hotels in Washington) has an ornate, old-world facade and offers packages with chocolate-covered strawberries, flowers, and champagne. Private outdoor igloos on the Davenport Grand terrace offer a private spot for cocktails and city views. Indoors, take time to find the secret message hidden in the hotel ceiling—ask a staff member for help.
Semiahmoo Resort serves up s'mores kits for a campfire kind of Valentine's Day.
Image: courtesy Semiahmoo Resort
For the Hungry Duo
Semiahmoo Resort's golf courses take center stage in summer, but during winter months the north-of-Bellingham waterfront hotel feels more akin to a storm-watching retreat. The property has a whole slate of food and drink activities for couples, from three-course dinners at nearby Great Blue Heron Grill and on-site Packers Kitchen to a mixology class. On Valentine's Day proper, a paint-and-sip class boasts charcuterie, truffles, and wine. And as always at the hotel, there are s'mores materials available for a beachfront campfire.
For the Small-Town Explorers
Port Townsend's Victorian style may seem romantic—all those dollhouse-y buildings with fanciful turrets—even if the Victorians have a famously prudish reputation. But the waterfront town on the Olympic Peninsula has plenty to do, home to rollicking bars (like Sirens Pub and big beachfront taproom Pourhouse) ideal for socializing with strangers. Downtown, Port Townsend Vineyards throws a jazz-infused Valentine's Day party.
Staypineapple makes a bid to become a dog's favorite hotel.
For the Dog People
Know who'll never leave your side, even if that means totally disregarding the concept of personal space? Dogs, beloved stalkers that they are, can join for free (normally $30 per night) at Staypineapple properties. That means staycations at local spots like the Maxwell Hotel, or Portland's Hotel Rose, come with a dog bed, water bowl, and doggie bags. The chain gets special props for allowing owners to leave their pets unattended in their hotel rooms; they even include a special "My Owner Is Out Exploring" door hanger so housekeeping doesn't let the proverbial dogs out.
For the Horror Lovers
Whidbey Island's Roller Barn throws a Scream Your Heart Out night both Friday and Saturday night this year, a kind of Valentine's Day mash-up of a haunted house and roller skating party. Whidbey has plenty of other spots for the elegant portion of the weekend; the Inn at Langley's a good spot to curl up and let the nerves recover.
For Fancy Feasters
Portland's Ritz-Carlton hotel goes all out for the holiday with a two-night Rose City package: five-course meal, rose-scented bubble bath, and an in-room massage followed by champagne. A rooftop afternoon tea on the 20th floor is optional, as is a private jewelry shopping experience—though a pre-visit chat about expectations is recommended lest an unexpected engagement conversation take place (unless that's what you're going for).
