How to Find Luxury Hotels in Olympia, Washington

Located in the Pacific Northwest of the United States on the southern tip of Puget Sound, Olympia is the state capital of Washington. The city offers fascinating history, beautiful scenery and plenty of activities, both outdoor and cultural. Luxury accommodations abound in and around Olympia, so you shouldn't have trouble finding an establishment that can serve your needs.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Computer with Internet access for making reservations

Know Your Destination

1. See the capital sights. Olympia is Washington's state capital, and the State Capitol Grounds are at the heart of a city that also features a scenic harbor and a thriving art scene.

2. Dress for the weather. Like the rest of the Pacific Northwest region, Olympia has a moderate climate. Winters are rainy, with average temperatures in the low 40s (degrees F). Summers are mild with average temperatures in the high 60s (degrees F).

Organize Transportation

1. Book your flight into one of the area's airports, including the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac), Portland International Airport and the Olympia Regional Airport. Olympia is located 60 miles south of Seattle and 110 miles north of Portland.

2. Arrange transportation from the airport to your accommodations. Rent a car, take a taxi or check with your hotel to see if it offers pre-arranged transportation. Many luxury hotels offer shuttle services to and from the major airports.

Choose Your Lodging

1. Decide which type of luxury accommodations you prefer. These include bed-and-breakfasts, hotels, and beach and vacation house rentals. To book accommodations, contact the Olympia - Lacey - Tumwater Visitor and Convention Bureau at [phone] or visit their Web site (see Resources, below).

2. Go online to browse accommodations and book reservations. The Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater Visitor's Bureau Web site provides a list of accommodations with links to each lodgings' Web site. Mainstream travel Web sites can also provide resources and often offer special packages only available online.

3. Consider staying at a luxury hotel or a bed-and-breakfast in the city center if you intend to tour the State Capitol Grounds or absorb the Olympia's cultural offerings.

4. For a great view of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains, choose a cozy beach house or a bed-and-breakfast, most of which are located just outside the city.

Tips & Warnings

• Many bed and breakfasts and small hotels have only a few rooms, so book your reservations well in advance to ensure availability.

• Olympia, Washington, is almost always cool at night. Remember to bring a jacket.

• Time your trip according to any local fairs or festivals you wish to see. For example, the annual salmon run is a local attraction that takes place in the fall. Thousands of Chinook salmon run up the local fish ladder beneath the Fifth Avenue Bridge on their way to spawn in the river or in the Tumwater Falls Hatchery.