The Lodge At St Edwards – Washington Luxury Hotel Review

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If there’s one thing I love to feel truly spoiled, it’s a visit to a fancy hotel. Luckily those closest to me also know this. That’s why for my 40th birthday my partner Jeff treated me to a stay at this unique – and newly opened – Washington state hotel. The Lodge at St Edwards state park is a former seminary, now converted into high end hotel.

With an interesting past and a stunning layout, The Lodge might just have to make it to your US bucket list. Keep reading to find out what I loved most about my stay, and what you should know if you’re interested in visiting this incredibly unique hotel.

Where is The Lodge at St Edwards?

The Lodge is not far outside of Seattle in Washington State in a place called Kenmore. For us, visiting from Vancouver Canada, it took about two and a half hours to get there. Whereas getting to Seattle involves continuing on the I-5 west of Lake Washington, The Lodge lies on the northern edge of the east side of the same lake.

The Lodge itself is found tucked away within Saint Edward State Park. Since it opened in 2021 it has received rave reviews, although remains a bit of a hidden gem. The fact it’s in a state park makes The Lodge even more special – and gives plenty of opportunities for exploring the beautiful trails.

If you’re visiting from the United States, getting there from downtown Seattle will take you about half an hour. Believe me when I say it’s worth the trip outside of the city – what a wonderful quiet getaway.

How much is it to stay at The Lodge?

Like any luxury hotel you won’t find this to be the cheapest to stay. But if you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind historic property with excellent amenities and somewhere a little off the beaten path, this is it.

Prices start at around $250 USD per night for a standard room, up to around $800 per night for a suite. Rates vary on days and seasonality. As well as the nightly room rate there is a resort fee of $35 per night.

The good news is that other than meals and drinks in the bar, purchasing items from the store, or a lavish spa treatment, there are no additional charges. Valet parking, complimentary snacks and soft drinks in the library, state park fee and all other amenities are included in the resort fee.

What is the history of The Lodge

The Lodge is a former seminary. For those of you who have no idea what that means (I had to look it up at first), it’s a school for priests or ministers. While the school closed down in 1976, the gorgeous building remained in the State Park.

Hailing from the 1930s, the dorm rooms have now been converted into luxurious guest rooms – 84 of them within the property. Fun fact: the seminary was designed by the same architect firm who created the famous Seattle Space Needle.

The new hotel was planned and and renovated over four years, and opened in 2021. Another fun piece of trivia – the first women’s bathroom at the property was opened in 2021. There wasn’t a need for one in the past as an all male seminary school.

The rooms at The Lodge at St Edwards

I have to say I absolutely loved the décor in the rooms at The Lodge. The theme was very minimalist – black and white accentuated with a classic dark brown wooden furniture. My favorite part: on the wall was an architect-style rendering of different parts of the property.

We had a King room and the bed was very comfortable with a good selection of pillows. I felt like I almost had to take a running jump to get in bed, but it would be the perfect place to cozy up on a colder day.

The amenities in the room are also amazingly sleek, from the Nespresso machines to the matte black kettle and matching ice bucket. There are some tasty selections of tea (what I find more important than the coffee choices). And while there isn’t a fridge, you will find a safe, extra blankets and an iron.

The rooms are much larger than I expected considering many historic hotels like the Fairmont Banff Springs in Canada have smaller rooms in general. But the rooms in The Lodge were definitely big enough, and the bathroom was very spacious too.

The black and white look continues in the bathrooms with black metal fixtures and fluffy white towels and embroidered bath robes. Personally, I could not get enough of the deliciously genius scents of the Grown Alchemist toiletries.

What to do at The Lodge at St Edwards

The Lodge is in Saint Edward Park and although not far to the town of Kenmore, the town isn’t too large. So to enjoy a retreat at The Lodge, you might not venture too far away from the property. Not to fear, there are plenty of fun things to keep you entertained for a weekend, or maybe longer.

Play games

I’m boldly starting out by saying this was one of my favorite things about a weekend visit to The Lodge. The library is set up with fabulously upscale versions of your favorite board games, set out on solid wooden tables.

Test your lexicology with a game of Scrabble, battle it out in Connect 4, or play maybe the game that starts the most family arguments: Monopoly.

My favorite is Clue, because who doesn’t love solving a good murder?! As well as these fancy games, there are additional board games on the book shelves including playing cards.

Enjoy a sophisticated cocktail

Did you even stay in a fancy hotel if you didn’t order a sophisticated cocktail? Father Mulligan’s Heritage Bar on the main floor of The Lodge is a bright and classy establishment. It offers some funky cocktails which you can enjoy seated on the old fashioned swivel stools at the bar.

Speaking of Old Fashioned – head downstairs to the Tonsorium Bar, a former barber shop at the seminary. Enjoy some evening cocktails alongside some live music on certain nights – but always a warm and cozy atmosphere.

Top Tip: Keep an eye out for feature menus and cocktails using locally sourced ingredients such as honey straight from the bee apiary on site.

Learn about the seminary property

How can you stay in a place like this and not want to dive a little into its history? The Lodge at St Edwards makes it so easy with scannable QR codes all over the building. Find them at the most historically important locations and learn all about this fantastic place.

The self guided tour points out unique aspects of the property, historical artifacts still on display, and even translations for many of the Latin words above the doorways. I got up one morning and followed the tour around the building for an hour and had a great time.

Top Tip: Get up a little early one day and you might have many of the rooms or hallways to yourself in this peaceful building.

Shop local products

I’ll admit it now, I’m a bit of a farmers market fiend. I love a handmade candle with the best of them. Provisions store is right by the entrance and opposite the check in desk. There you’ll find delightfully scented toiletries and candles, branded merchandise, local guide books and some refreshments.

The prices are a little steep for some items, but it’s worth a peek. Purchases need to be taken to the front desk – and they offer you to add the items to your room for even more shopping ease. Even better if you’re not paying the room bill. Thanks for the $2.99 can of Diet Coke, Jeff.

Take a hike to Lake Washington

One of the biggest excitements for me when I read up on The Lodge, was the fact it’s situated in Saint Edwards state park. You really couldn’t find many a hotel closer to nature. For me, that meant hiking the trails.

The front desk will provide you with a trail map if you ask, and while there are a lot of fun little trails, the best is to go down to Lake Washington. There are a number of routes you can take, some more challenging than others. But all end with a gorgeous lake view where you can gaze at the lakefront houses opposite and dream about winning the lottery.

Go for a bike ride

Not into hiking? The trails are also great for taking a bike ride. Plus, you don’t even need to bring your own bike – the hotel will let you take one of theirs. Out front of the property, by the valet, is where you’ll find the bike racks – make sure to ask about them at the front desk.

For those who want it a little easier, there are even electric assist bikes. To avoid disappoint make sure you aim for an off peak time as bikes are first come first served. Also remember to check the trial map as not all routes are bicycle friendly.

Relax at the spa

While I didn’t use the spa on my visit, there’s a whole menu of treatments you can book. From facials to massages it’s the perfect place to unwind and really pamper yourself. Maybe after you’ve been for a taxing hike. To fully decompress, take a visit to the infrared sauna. There’s also a lovely partially secluded relaxation area outside – a must on a warm day.

Reservations are necessary for the spa – I would recommend booking ahead of arriving at the property so you can pick the best time that works around your other plans.

Peruse the unique art

Every wall, every corridor – all are filled with the most incredible artwork. From statues to paintings and other pieces of art. Some will come with a price tag and is available for purchase. Other items are marked as the private collection of the owners of the hotel.

The Lady of the Lake statue is one of my favorites, along with the unicorn which can be found in the Tonsorium bar. Be sure to take time to wander the corridors and admire some inspiring local art.

Sweat it out

Sure, you might have come here to relax. But that doesn’t mean you can’t work off a cocktail or two ahead of time. The fitness center on the lower level has weights and machines, or there’s a gymnasium around the side of the main building outside.

There’s a complimentary yoga class you can attend on certain days too, make sure to ask the front desk about signing up. If sports aren’t your thing you can certainly still get a lot of steps in while wandering the seemingly endless corridors around the property.

Travel back in time

While the hotel has some very helpful valet staff who will park your car or bring it back to you in a timely fashion, there’s another fun option if you can afford it.

The hotel has its very own vintage limousine for hire. You’ll find this magnificent machine outside the main entrance opposite the valet desk. Hailing from the 1930s it’s one elegant ride if you’re looking for something special.

With prices starting at $250 an hour, you’ll need to reserve at least a week ahead of your stay. But it is one special way to enjoy an hour or two complete with personal chauffeur.

Dining options at The Lodge

There are three main places to get food at The Lodge – if you don’t count the complimentary snacks in the library. The first you’ll come across is Father Mulligan’s Heritage Bar next to the check in desk. A more casual atmosphere for a quick bite or light breakfast, and you’ll be tempted to go back for cocktails later.

The Tonsorium Bar on the lower level of the hotel is tucked away but worth venturing to. The cocktails are the real showstopper, but the bar also serves some light snacks, salads or elevated sandwich-style meals.

The main restaurant is Cedar + Elm next to the Heritage Bar on the main floor. The dining room is large and bright and wonderfully vintage. The menu is varied and uses amazing locally sourced ingredients. A nice dinner comes with a higher price tag, but the inventive menu items will help you forget about that.

Outside The Lodge, only a few minutes drive is another must-try restaurant: The Guest House. Their food was divine, and (for this vegetarian) had more options than the hotel. They also had a farm to table series of small plates which were so tasty.

Why Stay At The Lodge at St Edwards?

A weekend getaway to The Lodge at St Edwards was more than I could have hoped for. For somewhere I hadn’t heard about I was so thrilled with the entire experience. The elegant style, the beautiful location, and the friendly staff all made this a delightful stay.

Everywhere you turn is a subtle nod to the history of the property which is one of my favorite things about it. The Library was where I spent a lot of time – trying to maintain my claim as Connect 4 Champion of the World. It was the perfect recreation room and really made us feel like we were relaxing at home.

The prices for some things are a little higher than I would typically like on a regular day, but it is a luxury hotel and resort so this is to be expected. It all comes down to “you get what you pay for”. And with a stay at The Lodge I felt like the quality was worth the cost. Clearly a lot of thought has been put into renovating and opening this luxurious destination.

I’m excited to see if there will be any changes or additions after the first few years of it opening. Both Jeff and I left talking about our next visit, so it’s a place I can’t wait to stay at again. As birthday presents go, I think he knocked it out of the park with this weekend away at The Lodge.

If you’ve enjoyed this post leave a comment or share using the social media buttons below. What would you most like to do if you got to stay at The Lodge?