Bishop Victorian Hotel

On the Olympic Peninsula you'll find a small Victorian hotel in the heart of one of the most historic towns in Washington. A souvenir of a by-gone era, the Bishop Victorian Hotel is located in the Bishop Building, a classic four-story brick structure found in Port Townsend's downtown historic business district. The location is central to everything there is to see in Port Townsend: Admiralty Inlet from Juan de Fuca Straits is one block from the front door of the hotel, and the shops, restaurants, galleries, and museums of Port Townsend are all within a pleasant two blocks' stroll.

Exploring the town is only one of the many things to do in the area. Many guests find the hotel is the perfect place to stay while enjoying water activities such as sailing, kayaking, rowing, and fishing, all available from the nearby Wooden Boat Foundation and vendors.

A Good Game

Hosts Cindy and Joe bring a genuine love of the area and are happy to provide guests with directions and suggestions for getting to know this unique corner of the Olympic Peninsula. A guest doesn't need to leave the hotel to begin exploring the area: Cindy's passion is interior design and art, and her creative vision can be found in the local artwork found throughout the hotel. Joe is an avid golfer and can be talked into a game by his guests. You may frequently find both of your friendly hosts in front of the lobby area fireplace during the hotel's afternoon wine receptions.

Built to Last

The building is an impressive example of the architecture of its time. The façade is Port Townsend brick, and was completed in 1890. All the suites and common rooms are decorated to complement the building's turn-of-the-century style. Each of the sixteen fireplace suites includes one or more bedrooms, private baths, sitting rooms, mini-kitchenettes, and convertible couches that double as beds. Some suites also feature relaxation-inducing soaking tubs.

The "West Country English Victorian" décor is consistent throughout the hotel and features antique sideboards, armoires and lighting fixtures in all rooms. Most of the windows of sitting rooms and bedrooms offer attractive views of one kind or another: some offer partial water views, other rooms offer cityscapes or views of the historic buildings, and still others overlooking the hotel's very own spectacular Victorian gardens.

Green and Gold

Cindy assures me that for her the most romantic areas of the hotel unquestionably are the Victorian Gardens-particularly when dressed out and hosting a wedding or reception. The Bishop's award-winning gardens are a short stroll down a staircase behind the hotel. A naturally elegant setting, the gardens are popular among brides, though with a winding path and shaded benches, they're just as well suited for practicing the art of doing nothing after a pleasant afternoon taking a historic tour of nearby Fort Worden.

Impeccable Taste

For breakfasts, guests receive at their door a basket filled with an expansive continental breakfast featuring homemade croissants and scones. Slathering them with butter, it's enough to remind us of days gone by, where the pace was a little slower, style was more refined, service was paramount.

We came the first time to attend a wedding in the adjoining gardens. Now we come back to enjoy the restored hotel and to walk the town.