 21 Inns We Love:
Costal Living Magazine, October 2005
This island's raw shores and rolling green pastures belie its one-hour-drive
distance from Seattle. Here, the natural splendors of Puget Sound take
center stage. The scenic performance unfolds from private decks off the
inn's six simple but comfortable rooms (some with outdoor hot tubs).
Sweeping silence and a goose-feather bed catalyze restful sleep. Heated
bathroom floors ease chilly toes into the morning, which begins with
a glorious cheese soufflé (or other mouthwatering egg dish) and
strong coffee - delivered to your room in a basket. If that's not enough
decompression, the hot stone massage will leave you swooning.
 Camano Island Inn,
Washington
Travel and Leisure
Magazine, June 2000 Special Hotel Issue, Top Ten Favorite Bed & Breakfasts
Guests at this
six-room inn on a bluff above Puget Sound are treated to nonstop views
of doll's porpoises, bald eagles, whales and sea otters, not to mention
the Saratoga Passage and Olympic Mountains. Innkeepers Kari and Jon Soth
have decorated their 1904 Arts and Crafts house with Pacific Northwest
art, Pilchuck school blown glass, Mission furniture, and a river-rock
fireplace. Start your morning with a cheese soufflé, apples and
peaches from the Soths' orchard, and a healthy jolt of Tony's Coffee,
which caffeine  freaks will tell you beats that pricey Seattle brand by
a mile. Later, head to the pebble beach for a chilly dip, or paddle the
passage in a kayak. Wind down your day watching the Technicolor sunset
from you waterfront balcony.
Camano Island
Retreat
Sky West Magazine, Summer 2000
Watch gathering
clouds build across the horizon, observe sunsets that ignite the sky
in a tumult of crimson and flame, or simply comb the beach for shells
and
driftwood in the early morning light. This is 15-mile long Camano Island,
easily reachable by car less than one hour from the streets of Seattle.
It is a small, mostly residential island just east of Whidbey Island,
without the shops and bustling communities of the larger islands of the
Puget Sound. Its virtues are its ease of access by car; its authentic
and thriving artists community; and the quiet seclusion of unspoiled
shores.
Camano Island inn, a small luxury inn with six beautiful
rooms, each with a private waterfront deck offering gorgeous views of
the Saratoga passage and Whidbey Island. Rooms are cozy and relaxing,
the beach is just steps from your door, and the river rock fireplace
in the main living room is a great place to unwind and celebrate the day.
Ocean kayaks are available to guests, and the 18-hole Camaloch Golf Course
and Camano Island State Park are nearby. There are also glider rides offered
by Camano Soaring (most weekends; 206.784.6936). |
Customer Testimonials
• "We
can't tell you how much we enjoyed our stay here. Loved being able to
listen to the waves from the warmth of our featherbed. Hope to be back
to see y'all this summer. Your place is a treasure-thanks for sharing
it with us."
Sharon H., Houston, TX
 • "Your facility and hospitality are absolutely world class. I look
forward to many more visits over the years to come!"
Kevin K., Everett,
WA
•
"We both thank you so much for such a beautiful and romantic place for
us to come and escape to! We relaxed completely and enjoyed the peace
and quiet and the incredible food. We'll pass the word along about what
a wonderful place this is."
Michael and Maria B., Bellevue, WA
• "Very enjoyable-even your pet whales. Keep up the
friendly service. Thanks!"
Solveig and Victor P., Norway
•
"Beautiful! We had such a great time. Fun time on the kayaks, laughing,
paddling, getting wet. Thank You. Breakfast was incredible. Thank you
for helping to make our anniversary special."
John and Rhonda C., Marysville
•
"A dream sleep on the featherbed. Lovely views and delicious breakfast.
We'll be back, if we can."
Ann B., Australia
• "Thanks so much for the wonderful memories! The rooms are awesome.
It was all we could do not to pack up some of the beautiful antiques!
We will definitely come back again! So peaceful and relaxing and romantic."
Phil
and Jodie P., Seattle
• "This was the most delightful place I've ever stayed. Thank you
for your pampering and attention to detail. We will be back!" Caleb W.,
Salem OR
•
"Our stay was enchanting! I am sure that we will be back again and again.
There isn't any other word but perfect to describe our stay. Thank you
for everything."
Margie B., Edmonds
•
"Thank you so much for your hospitality. We enjoyed our stay and had a
wonderful weekend."
Rula W., Germany
•
"Informal, charming, and gracious. Thanks very much for making our island
sojourn a memorable one!"
Bonney and Jeff L., Issaquah
•
"Thank you so much for your awesome hospitality. Staying at your
inn was an amazing experience!! We really enjoyed the sea kayaks,
especially observing the bald eagles!"
Liz F., Washington, DC
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Camano Island Inn's History
 The
Camano Island Inn is located on a site long associated with human occupation.
The site of the Kikialos tribe's permanent settlement is near the inn.
They occupied the area prior to 1855. The Kikialos subsisted on salmon,
bottom fish, shellfish, and a multitude of plants and berries available
near the site.
After 1855, pioneers began to settle the area. A shingle mill was started
in 1904 and a small town, Camano City, began to take shape. Camano Island's
first school was built near the inn in 1904. The building that is now
the Camano Island Inn was barged to the site shortly thereafter, to serve
as a boarding house for mill workers.
Once the island was logged, the mill closed. In 1923, the dock at Camano
City collapsed after being struck by the steam ship "Atalanta" in high
seas. This brought about change at Camano City. The boarding house became
a fine hotel, hosting guests from around the world. Overland transport
soon replaced steamship commerce. The local residents began subsistence
farming, rather than logging, and tourism began to develop on Camano Island.
Several fishing resorts and "autoparks" were located on Camano Island.
The Camano City Hotel operated until the late 1950's, when it became
a
private residence, and later, a nursing home. In 1995, the building was sold and was remodeled and opened for business on July 3rd 1998.
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