Lumber Baron Mansions Will Put You Up In Historic Style
Q: My husband and I are history buffs, and we like visiting old mansions. We also like staying at bed and breakfasts. Can you suggest some B&B mansions where we can combine both our loves? - P.P. and L.P., Hayden Lake.
A: I would suggest the Aberdeen area, in southwest Washington, for your vacation plans. There are several B&Bs in historic lumber baron mansions where you can treat yourselves to the elegance of a turn-of-thecentury home. These properties are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, have an abundance of fine woodwork and are decorated with antique furnishings.
Amenities typically include book and video libraries, parlor games and beautifully landscaped gardens for quiet walks. Room options include both private and shared baths. The quoted rates are for double occupancy. The mansions don’t allow smoking or pets. If you have children, be sure to ask if they are permitted.
Cooney Mansion Bed & Breakfast Inn (360-533-0602) is located in nearby Cosmopolis. It was built in 1908 as the residence for lumber baron Neil Cooney. Amenities include a whirlpool, sauna and exercise room. Rates range from $65 to $120.
Aberdeen Mansion Inn Bed & Breakfast (360-533-7079) is a Queen Annestyle home that was built for lumber baron Edward Hulbert in 1905. Rooms for one or two persons range from $75 to $95.
Hoquiam’s Castle in Hoquiaum (360-533-2005) is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The mansion was built by lumber baron Robert Lytle in 1897. Guided tours are conducted daily 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. from mid-June to mid-September. Admission is $4, $3 for seniors.
The Lytle House Bed & Breakfast (360-533-2320) is located next door to Hoquiam’s Castle. The Victorian mansion was built in 1897. An afternoon tea is served between 4 and 8 p.m. for guests checking in. Rates range from $75 to $115.
Information sources:
For general visitor information: Grays Harbor Chamber of Commerce, (360) 532-1924 or (800) 321-1924.
Q: During our honeymoon, we stayed in one of the theme rooms at the Fantasyland Hotel in the West Edmonton Mall. We’d like to celebrate other special occasions with another stay at a romantic theme room, but Edmonton is too far for a weekend trip. Are there any hotels that offer similar specialty theme rooms closer to Spokane? - C.W., Spokane.
A: Theme rooms are gaining in popularity for overnight stays for couples celebrating special occasions. Naturally, rates are higher for these specially designed and decorated rooms, which can offer a wide array of amenities.
I know of two local locations.
Quality Inn Valley Suites (509-928-5218) or (800-221-2222), in the Spokane Valley, has four theme suites. The Galaxy Suite has a black light to enhance the stars on the ceiling and a two-person jet tub. The Marilyn Monroe Suite is adorned with photos and memorabilia of the movie star and has a jet tub. The Honeymoon Suite has a red heart-shaped two-person jet tub. The Royale Suite has a fireplace and jet tub. All suites have a microwave, coffee maker, refrigerator, sink, thick robes and color television. Guest amenities include a tanning room, beauty salon, fitness center and indoor pool complex with sauna and whirlpool. Rates range from $160 to $300 a night.
Bennett Bay Inn (208-664-6168 or 800-368-8609) on Coeur d’Alene Lake Drive offers a choice of seven theme rooms: Victorian, Ocean, Fantasy, Galaxy, Montana, Garden and Hawaiian. The room decor is reflected by the theme names. Each room has a mirrored 4-person hot tub, refrigerator and color television. Guest amenities include movie rentals and a heated outdoor pool. Rates range from $90 to $150 a night.
Information sources:
For reservation information on the 127 theme rooms at the Fantasyland Hotel & Resort in the West Edmonton Mall in Edmonton, Alberta: (403) 444-3000 or (800) 661-6454.
For Edmonton visitor information: (403) 496-8400 or (800) 463-4667.
Q: We have heard about the yurt type of camping on the Oregon coast. Can you direct us to where to make reservations? - D.E. family, Coeur d’Alene.
A: The Year-round Universal Recreational Tents (YURT) are available at eight selected Oregon state parks on the coast. The units offer a quasi-tent camping experience with some frills. They have plywood floors, electricity, bunk beds, couches, space heaters, smoke detectors and lockable doors.
One of the goals of the parks department is to encourage an extended camping season at the coastal parks from spring to fall. Campers don’t have to bother with setting up their own tent; their home-away-from-home is ready for occupancy upon arrival.
The base rental rate is $25 a night. There is a $5 charge for each additional person. The units can sleep up to 8 people. Bring an outdoor stove or items that can be cooked over a campfire because cooking is not allowed in the units. There also is a nosmoking and no-pet policy. Public showers and restrooms are located at the parks. Many of the units are disabled-person accessible.
Information sources:
For reservations and information: Oregon State Parks, (503) 731-3411 or (800) 452-5687.