We’re big fans of luxury hotels that are connected to or just steps away from airport terminals.
And over the years, we’ve built special-occasion adventures using at-the-airport hotels such as JFK’s TWA Hotel, the Westin Denver International Airport, the Grand Hyatt DFW, the Grand Hyatt at SFO and others as home base.
Seattle, our hometown airport, has no at-the-airport hotel. But we found a hidden-gem property right near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) that works as either a great place to stay before an early flight or as a staycation location.
Cedarbrook Lodge
(Courtesy Cedarbrook Lodge)
Originally a retreat and training center for Washington Mutual, a savings and loan that went belly up in 2008, what is now Cedarbrook Lodge is tucked into a real neighborhood and sits on 18 lush acres dotted with walking trails, streams and koi-filled ponds.
167 comfy and well-appointed rooms are clustered around gathering areas called ‘Living Rooms’ with fireplaces, TVs, comfy sofas, refrigerators and microwaves. These areas also sport a stellar hotel amenity: complimentary snacks available 24/7 that include trail mix, chocolate-covered raisins, malt balls and a freezer stocked with Snoqualmie Ice Cream cups.
When we weren’t snacking on these treats, we visited the hotel’s fitness center, outdoor hot tub and the spa.
On our first night, we put together a light dinner from the bar bites menu at the hotel’s Copperleaf Restaurant and Bar, which has a surprisingly extensive wine and spirits list and a full menu featuring Northwest cuisine and locally-sourced ingredients.
The second night of our stay coincided with one of the hotel’s monthly Winemaker Dinners. We enjoyed a multi-course meal out on the patio prepared by Chef Josh and paired with intriguing guests and wines selected and presented by the knowledgeable crew from Ambassador Wines of Washington.
Convenience for travelers
We made note of the hotel’s very reasonable park and fly package for future adventures. And we appreciate that the hotel’s complimentary shuttle service runs not just to the airport, but also to the Seattle Link light rail station and the Tukwila Amtrak platform. That adds points to the property’s staycation-worthy credentials.
As a bonus, Cedarbrook Lodge is also one of the stops for Seattle’s Southside’s complimentary shuttle to and from the nearby Westfield Southcenter Mall, which has oodles of stores and restaurants, movie theaters, a bowling alley and arcade.