Built in 1891 as the Tourist Hotel, Bird Rock is today one of the oldest hotels on the island and enjoys historic status. If you look closely, you can still see the original name inlaid in the bricks on the very top of the building on the First Street side. The Tourist Hotel was the first hotel with indoor plumbing on the isle, a rare luxury at the time.
It had a restaurant, bar, pool hall and a reception room for the ladies, who were not allowed in the bar. A dentist periodically provided his services in the lobby, most likely with anesthesia dispensed from said bar. Since then the hotel has undergone many transformations, from hostel, private residence, house of ill-repute to famous pizzeria with a hot tub rental place in the basement and back to being a hotel.
It had a restaurant, bar, pool hall and a reception room for the ladies, who were not allowed in the bar. A dentist periodically provided his services in the lobby, most likely with anesthesia dispensed from said bar. Since then the hotel has undergone many transformations, from hostel, private residence, house of ill-repute to famous pizzeria with a hot tub rental place in the basement and back to being a hotel.
Services
Adorable Bird Rock is a small boutique hotel with 15 unique rooms in downtown Friday Harbor. Perhaps you'll treat yourself to the charming San Juan Suite with a harbor view, private patio and kitchen, or the luxurious Marrowstone Suite with your own private outdoor hot tub, a king bed and a gas fireplace.
Our King Rooms come with private baths (except for the Matia Room) and a variety of delightful luxury amenities unique to each room, like aerated tubs, extra space, private balconies, private outdoor hot tub, gas fireplace or harbor view. Scroll through the list and you're bound to find what you are longing for.
Our Queen rooms are cozy and convenient. Some feature a lovely private bathroom and others have detached baths, offering everything you need, and nothing you don't, for an exceptional San Juan Island value. This cozy and inviting room, nestled on the second floor, perfectly reflects the balance of historic building and stylishly renovated hotel.
Having a room with a kitchenette is a real treat--whether it is to cook your catch of the day or the clams from the local seafood farm or simply to heat up yummy leftovers. Especially if it comes with a private balcony overlooking Friday Harbor's waterfront! The stunning San Juan Suite, located on the top floor and flooded in natural light, is undeniably the most romantic room in our lovely hotel.
The well-appointed, two bedroom Bainbridge Suite on the main floor is the perfect choice for families or friends, who like to travel together. It sleeps up to 4 people very comfortably. One bedroom has a comfy Queen bed, the other a luxurious King. The snug bathroom features a two-person jetted tub, toilet and sink.
Reviews (23)
Darla Sather
Nov 13, 2021
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I would like to give this location a strong 3.5 but not quite 4. I appreciated the distance to the ferry and sites downtown but their were quirks which could not be avoided by the hotel. We stayed off season which was great. Rainy and cool did not bother us. There was no on-site attendant so communication was via text, which was fine, mostly. I received a door code and instructions to enter the facility front door, our room and private bathroom located in the hall near our room. I found the on duty absent attendant to be helpful but there were little things like the light was not on outside the
Jess N.
Oct 26, 2021
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Scott Bauer
Oct 21, 2021
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Jamie Bumgardner
Oct 17, 2021
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Nice place! Comfy beds. Thoughtful amenities. Kind communication. Strict check in and check out times tho. The place wasn’t busy and we got a knock on our door at 9:59am, when checkout was at 10. We were probably five minutes behind, and it felt pretty pushy. Besides for that strange experience it was a good stay.
Cortni Bird
Sep 28, 2021
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This is a beautiful location with wonderful rooms. The communication with the staff was awesome. They were able to accomadate us way beyond expectation. We traveled on a whim and did not have any solid places booked. Their team worked very diligently and made sure we had a place to stay. Also, went as far as helping us book at a sister property. Their cleaning staff does a great job. I made sure to thank them! We will stay at their properties again!
A. Cos
Sep 17, 2021
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We requested a couple of items from the “front desk”. It wasn’t manned, so the request went to a sister hotel. We didn’t get a response from any of the staff and the items we requested were not delivered.
The living room was a step up from the kitchen. Every thing was the same color and we kept tripping on the step. Guess we are slow learners.
We did like the layout of the room and it seemed clean.
The living room was a step up from the kitchen. Every thing was the same color and we kept tripping on the step. Guess we are slow learners.
We did like the layout of the room and it seemed clean.
Kimberly Dequis
Jul 28, 2021
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The location was great. The room was uncomfortable for sleeping, due to the facility not having air conditioning. Not having air conditioning may have been fine, however the window of our room faced out to the loading dock of the local grocery store which made it impossible to sleep due to all the loud noises of the delivery trucks and wheeled carts taking products into the store late into the night/early morning on all three nights we stayed at the property. Thus leaving the window open for the evening cool air was impossible. We stayed in the Cypress room, which was on the third floor, no elevator
Amanda Goodgion
Jul 22, 2021
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Cricket La Chica
Jul 18, 2021
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Jessica Townsend
Mar 02, 2021
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We actually got snowed in here and it was amazing, we were next door to the store and restaurants so walked where we needed to go. Even with the Corona happening the hotel had everything we needed (forgot toothpaste) the coffee was amazing, and the shampoo in bathrooms was amazing! Now to the bed, I brought my own pillows but the ones there were so soft and comfortable, the bed was so comfortable I probably got 10 hrs each night. Everyone was so friendly and helpful! A sheriff even stopped to pull is out of snow. We cant wait to come back in the summer ♡
Rudy E.
Feb 14, 2021
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This place is great, kinda small for what we are used to but our plan was not to stay in the room anyways. The receptionist were great. I called them a few times before we booked and they were always polite and cheerful!! Everything was electronic due to the pandemic. Like i said before our room ( Whidbey Island ) was nice and cozy. Smelled and look good.
Jolene B.
Nov 28, 2020
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Arnie G.
Jun 07, 2019
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Katy C.
May 25, 2019
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A lovely hotel with helpful and attentive staff, wonderful insulation and dreamy beds. The continental breakfast provided each morning is generous and of excellent quality, having coffee-making facilities in the room is much appreciated for those of us needing caffeine to become functional humans and the toiletries provided are high quality with a light lavender/herbal scent.
Hannah W.
May 11, 2018
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Stayed here with my hubby on our first visit to the San Juan's, as it was our first visit I wanted to be in the centre of things and this hotel is perfect for that. We stayed in the Cypress room which is on the top floor in the eves, its a comfortable room but does get a little warm as it's basically in the roof. There is a ceiling fan and the window opens but be warned there's a lot of activity early in the morning such as trucks delivering things and AC units on other buildings. The hotel do provide ear plugs which are very helpful and fully acknowledge the issue too. The only
Philippe D.
Sep 30, 2016
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Charming hotel, completely renovated. 3 floors w/o elevator. The people are very warm and friendly. The rooms are comfortable, some have the bathroom outside. If you are on the top floor, restrooms and bathrooms are one floor under. 2 bathrooms, one with shower and one with tub
One tip: try to be on the street side and not the supermarket side: they deliver at 6:30am and are noisy
One tip: try to be on the street side and not the supermarket side: they deliver at 6:30am and are noisy
Suzy V.
Sep 22, 2016
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We had a fabulous time staying here. We were so impressed with the quality of people working there especially Winnie. She was able to get us into our room early, let us have scones even though breakfast was over, helped us get our whale watching tour, hooked us up with bikes, held onto our bags when we were checked out but wanted to walk around, and was overall awesome! The breakfast was delicious - the jam for the scones was super good, and the peach Greek yogurt and fruit was a favorite. We loved our room and the GIANT tub in Bainbridge room. The fireplace worked great and was very cozy.
Laura P.
Sep 02, 2016
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What a great hotel! We scored and got our own little studio on the first floor, which has a separate entrance from the hotel - highly recommend spending the extra dollars, as you get your own private bathroom, unlike the rest of the hotel that is communal.
The complimentary breakfast every morning was a nice touch. Fresh fruit, juice, coffee, tea, yogurt, cereals & fresh baked scones. Yum!
The hotel is in a great location, right in the middle of town walking distance to everything. They have beach cruiser bikes that you can rent to take around town but unfortunately we didn't have time
The complimentary breakfast every morning was a nice touch. Fresh fruit, juice, coffee, tea, yogurt, cereals & fresh baked scones. Yum!
The hotel is in a great location, right in the middle of town walking distance to everything. They have beach cruiser bikes that you can rent to take around town but unfortunately we didn't have time
Nick V.
Aug 04, 2016
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Our visit was great. This is a very well run hotel. Our room was small, but very clean and quiet. The balcony outside our room was really nice and spacious. The bathrooms were very clean and well appointed. The staff was very attentive and they were always at the front desk ready to hep with anything we needed. Finally, the hotel was very close to all of the activities available in Friday harbor so you don't need to walk much more than a few hundred feet for dinner, shops, and excursions. This is a top notch hotel.
Traveling M.
May 23, 2016
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The bird rock hotel is a beautiful, three floor, 1800s home. The staff was more than willing to accommodate our late check-in which was greatly appreciated. Luckily, my boyfriend and I got in earlier than expected so we got to enjoy the room a little more. It had such comfortable pillows!! Our room was also a small but homey space. Though we left before breakfast they left out the best granola we have ever had (both had two bowls)! When we come back there is no question we will be staying at the bird rock hotel.
Jaime D.
Apr 20, 2014
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I am currently in my room here, and I never want to leave. We are considering "missing" our ferry tomorrow and staying an extra night. It feels like a mini, cozy apartment that is letting us escape from reality. The robes are plush and so comfortable. The staff was over the top helpful, and I am so looking forward to breakfast in the morning. We are going to make this a regular trip, and definitely a regular stay. I AM IN LOVE.
Update: I've now gotten back to Spokane from my trip, and I'm longing for the bird rock. The breakfast was worth the wait - absolutely the best continental
Update: I've now gotten back to Spokane from my trip, and I'm longing for the bird rock. The breakfast was worth the wait - absolutely the best continental
Mercy D.
Oct 28, 2011
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It was my first time on the San Juan Islands, hence, my first time in Friday Harbor. I stayed here on two separate nights, but on the same weekend (one night before and after a seakayaking/camping trip)! Don't think I could have picked a better place to stay! Upon arrival on Friday afternoon, I was greeted by Tory, who was an extremely friendly and nice guy! He gave me great recommendations on where to eat for lunch/dinner and places to drink.
My highlights:
- Just a couple of blocks away from the ferry.
- Within walking distance from the grocery store, bank, restaurants and shopping
My highlights:
- Just a couple of blocks away from the ferry.
- Within walking distance from the grocery store, bank, restaurants and shopping
Danielle K.
Nov 25, 2009
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When we booked the Bird Rock, we had NO idea what to expect. We stayed in the Queen room with Shared Bathroom. This is NOT dorm style living. The rooms are small, but VERY clean! So is the bathroom. You get a wonderful basket of shower goodies and robes gently folded on the bed. Flat screen tvs. Free rental bikes. Espresso machine. Did we mention how CLEAN this place is?
The shared space is so stylish and comfortable. There are baked cookies and fresh lemonade with strawberry slices for everyone. Also teas and coffee.
Best thing: Breakfast is delivered to your door. Yum! Fresh berries and fruit
The shared space is so stylish and comfortable. There are baked cookies and fresh lemonade with strawberry slices for everyone. Also teas and coffee.
Best thing: Breakfast is delivered to your door. Yum! Fresh berries and fruit
