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Lakedale Resort at Three Lakes

From $215/night • Score: 4.6★ (1420 reviews)

Exterior 1Exterior 2Interior 1Interior 2Surroundings

First Impressions & Architecture

Approaching Lakedale Resort at Three Lakes is an exercise in profound decompression. As you leave the bustling ferry terminal of Friday Harbor behind and wind your way deeper into the verdant interior of San Juan Island, Washington, the urban pulse slows to the gentle rhythm of the Pacific Northwest wilderness. Sprawling across an impressive 82 wooded acres, Lakedale is not merely a hotel; it is a meticulously curated ecosystem where rustic Pacific Northwest forestry meets understated luxury. The property is anchored by three pristine, private spring-water lakes—Log Cabin Lake, Neva Lake, and East Lake—which serve as the shimmering focal points for the entire resort experience. Upon arrival, the transition from the modern world to this secluded sanctuary is absolute, wrapped in the scent of towering Douglas firs, western red cedars, and the crisp, mineral-rich air of the islands.

The architectural philosophy of Lakedale is one of respectful integration rather than imposition. Rather than cutting down the ancient canopy to erect monolithic concrete structures, the resort’s architecture hugs the landscape, utilizing timber, stone, and glass to echo the natural topography. The historic Lodge building serves as the beating heart of the property. With its cedar-shingle facade, expansive wraparound porch, and welcoming gables, it evokes the classic spirit of a grand Adirondack camp translated to the rugged Pacific Northwest. Inside, the design language speaks fluently in luxury-rustic vernacular: soaring vaulted ceilings crossed with exposed heavy timber beams, massive stone hearths crackling with hardwood fires, and walls of oversized windows that frame the shifting, moody light over the water. It is a space designed to invite lingering—whether you are curling up with a leather-bound book in a deep-set armchair or gazing out at the misty morning fog lifting off the surface of Log Cabin Lake.

Circulating through the property reveals a masterclass in zoning and spatial design. Lakedale achieves a rare hospitality feat: it caters simultaneously to the traditional lodge-seeker, the romantic cabin-dweller, and the luxury glamper without any single demographic feeling intrusive to the other. Paved and bark-mulched pathways meander gracefully through the dense forest, connecting the various enclaves of accommodations to the central lodge, the camp store, and the waterfront docks. The architecture does not compete with the environment; it frames it. Every sightline has been carefully considered to ensure that guests are constantly reminded of their immersion in nature, yet cocooned within a bubble of refined comfort. It is this seamless marriage of untamed wilderness and civilized hospitality that establishes Lakedale’s immediate, commanding presence as the definitive outdoor sanctuary of the San Juan Islands.

The Room Experience

One of Lakedale’s most remarkable achievements is the astonishing diversity of its accommodations, catering to a broad spectrum of luxury travelers without ever compromising on quality or atmosphere. Whether you choose to hole up in a classic lodge room, secure a romantic lakeside log cabin, or elevate your relationship with the outdoors via a luxury canvas glamping tent or yurt, the standard of interior comfort remains impeccably high.

The Lakefront Log Cabins

For those seeking traditional architectural permanence paired with sublime water views, the resort’s log cabins are the undisputed crown jewels. Constructed from massive, hand-peeled cedar logs, these cabins exude warmth and exclusivity. Inside, high cathedral ceilings amplify the natural light pouring through floor-to-ceiling windows that look directly out onto the glassy surface of the water. The decor is refined cabin-chic: plush leather sofas positioned invitingly in front of stone gas fireplaces, rich Pendleton wool blankets draped over handcrafted wooden bed frames, and fully equipped kitchens boasting modern stainless-steel appliances and granite countertops. Step out onto your private, wraparound wooden deck, complete with Adirondack chairs and a private barbecue grill, and you have a front-row seat to some of the most tranquil sunset reflections in Washington State. The primary bedrooms feature cloud-like mattresses dressed in crisp, high-thread-count linens, ensuring that a day spent hiking or paddling culminates in deeply restorative slumber.

Luxury Canvas Glamping Tents & Yurts

For the traveler who desires the romance of sleeping under canvas without sacrificing the amenities of a five-star hotel, Lakedale’s glamping village is a revelation. These are not mere tents; they are sophisticated, canvas-walled suites perched on elevated wooden platforms that blend seamlessly into the forest canopy or sit right at the water’s edge. Inside, guests are greeted by hardwood flooring, elegant chandeliers, real king-sized beds upholstered with luxury duvets, and a pull-out sofa for additional guests. Power outlets, bedside lighting, and a small refrigerator ensure modern conveniences are never out of reach. Each glamping tent features a private, covered front porch with comfortable seating—ideal for sipping a local Pinot Noir as the sun dips below the tree line. Just a short walk away, pristinely maintained modern bathhouses feature heated floors, private rainfall showers, and premium bath products, elevating the traditional camping hygiene experience to spa-like heights. The yurts offer a similar level of refined rustic indulgence, featuring circular wooden lattice framing, magnificent domed skylights for stargazing from bed, and private hot tubs bubbling away on the private decks.

Lodge Rooms

Positioned within the central Lodge building, the traditional guest rooms offer an intimate, boutique-hotel experience. Ideal for couples seeking a cozy weekend getaway, these rooms blend classic Pacific Northwest lodge aesthetic with contemporary luxury. Expect rich earth tones, custom artwork celebrating local flora and fauna, incredibly comfortable beds, and modern spa-inspired bathrooms equipped with plush bathrobes and upscale toiletries. Many of these rooms feature private balconies overlooking the meadow or the sparkling lakes, providing a peaceful, private retreat just steps away from the main lounge areas.

Signature Amenities & Atmosphere

The true luxury of Lakedale Resort lies not merely in where you sleep, but in how you spend your waking hours across its 82 private acres. The property operates on an ethos of active relaxation and unplugged engagement with the natural world, curating a suite of signature amenities that transform a standard hotel stay into an enriching expedition.

The atmosphere across the resort is one of quiet exclusivity and welcoming camaraderie. There is a distinct absence of pretension here; luxury is defined by space, silence, and access to pristine nature. Mornings break in hushed reverence, punctuated only by the calls of bald eagles and great blue herons hunting over the water. Days unfold at a deliciously unhurried pace, spent reading in a hammock strung between two ancient firs, casting a line into Neva Lake, or exploring the island's wider treasures. As twilight descends, the resort takes on a magical, cinematic quality, illuminated by strings of warm Edison bulbs strung between the trees and the soft, amber glow of cabin windows reflecting off the still water.

Food, Drink & Local Nightlife

While Lakedale’s accommodations encourage self-sufficiency—particularly the fully equipped kitchens in the log cabins and the outdoor cooking setups—the culinary landscape on and around the property is a vibrant celebration of the Pacific Northwest’s legendary agricultural and maritime bounty.

At the heart of the resort’s immediate dining offerings is the aforementioned General Store, which functions as a gourmet pantry for guests. Rather than forcing travelers into a rigid, singular hotel dining room schedule, Lakedale empowers you to curate your own culinary journey. Mornings can begin with locally roasted artisanal coffee and freshly baked pastries procured from the store, enjoyed on your private deck as the mist clears. For lunch or an impromptu afternoon snack, the store is stocked with locally sourced charcuterie, San Juan Island cheeses, fresh fruits, and artisan crackers, perfect for assembling an upscale picnic to take down to the lake docks.

When the sun goes down and the craving for a sit-down meal or a vibrant night out strikes, the charming town of Friday Harbor is just a convenient 10-minute drive away. The island’s culinary scene punches well above its weight class, driven by farm-to-table and ocean-to-table philosophies that celebrate the hyper-local ecosystem.

Back at Lakedale, the evening ritual often circles back to the fire pit or the privacy of your deck, perhaps uncorking a bottle of Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon purchased from the General Store, letting the silence of the woods provide the ultimate soundtrack to your nightcap.

Who This Stay Is For

Lakedale Resort at Three Lakes is not a monolithic luxury hotel designed to please every generic traveler; rather, it is a brilliantly targeted sanctuary crafted for specific discerning audiences who value experience, nature, and architectural integrity.

The Discerning Nature Lover: If you yearn to immerse yourself in the rugged beauty of the Pacific Northwest but refuse to sacrifice the comfort of high thread-count sheets, plush bathrobes, and modern amenities, Lakedale is your holy grail. It delivers uncompromised access to 82 acres of wilderness without the discomforts of traditional roughing-it.

Couples Seeking Romantic Seclusion: Whether you are celebrating an anniversary, embarking on a honeymoon, or simply needing to reconnect away from the digital noise of modern life, the lakeside log cabins and luxury glamping yurts with private hot tubs offer an intoxicating backdrop for romance. Evenings spent roasting s'mores under the stars or paddling a canoe in absolute solitude set an intensely intimate tone.

Multigenerational Families: Because of its immense structural diversity—ranging from standard lodge rooms to sprawling multi-bedroom log cabins—Lakedale is exceptionally well-suited for family reunions or generational trips. Grandparents, parents, and children can all find an accommodation style that suits their comfort level while gathering centrally for fishing, boating, and campfire bonding.

The Unplugged Wellness Seeker: For creative professionals, executives, and urbanites suffering from burnout, Lakedale acts as a powerful botanical and psychological reset button. The combination of forest bathing, freshwater swimming, paddleboarding, and total acoustic tranquility provides a deeply therapeutic escape.

Practical Travel Notes

To ensure your escape to Lakedale Resort at Three Lakes is as seamless and luxurious as possible, keep the following logistical nuances in mind: