Meet on the Islands
With warm hospitality in a stunning location, the San Juan Islands await your next meeting or special event.
A picture-perfect setting, fine facilities and warm hospitality make the San Juan Islands a popular destination for summer-time tourists. When you step onto one of the islands, the sounds of the city become only a memory, allowing your group to get down to business without distraction. When the meetings are over the islands offer a bounty of diversions.
A temperate marine climate means you will likely encounter mild weather whenever you visit, making the island an attractive option for meetings and events year-round. The period from mid-September to mid-March offers optimum availability and privacy.
The Islands abound with opportunities for team activities and post-conference pursuits. The activities range from strenuous to relaxing. Activities include cycling, sea kayaking, whale watching and zip lining. Quaint villages provide opportunities for browsing through local boutiques and sampling island-fresh culinary delights.
San Juan, Orcas and Lopez islands are easily accessible by private charter boat, by ferry or by air, and free parking is available for guests arriving by ferry. Visitors will note the absence of traffic lights and will enjoy the friendliness when they visit the islands.
San Juan Island
The largest community in the islands, Friday Harbor is the hub of activity on San Juan Island. With a variety of accommodations, a bustling marina and a selection of meeting spaces, Friday Harbor is an ideal home base for groups heading to the islands. Beyond Friday Harbor, resorts located around the island can accommodate small groups for a quiet retreat or large groups for a productive conference.
Only four blocks from the ferry landing at Friday Harbor, the Earthbox Inn and Spa has the appearance of a classic Northwest motor inn. Inside the Inn, you will find a comfortable retreat-like atmosphere with all the modern amenities. Groups will find a full-service venue that is ideal for a mid-size conference or intimate retreat. The quiet location is just steps from the center of Friday Harbor, offering access to all the dining, shopping and recreation that the town is known for.
The second-floor conference room can accommodate up to 75 for a meeting or banquet, and it can be divided for smaller groups or breakout sessions. The conference room is equipped with audiovisual equipment, and complimentary WiFi is available throughout the facility. The conference room has a commercial kitchen and the Inn’s staff can provide local catering options to meet the group’s needs.
Perched on the hill overlooking the harbor, the Friday Harbor House offers a relaxed space for a company retreat, special luncheon or multi-day meeting. The hotel’s guest rooms are modern and tasteful. The restaurant features fresh regional cuisine and expansive views.
The venue’s San Juan Room provides a warm, stylish setting for any gathering. Accommodating up to 75 guests in a theater-style setup, the room features a large fireplace and a relaxed ambience. The outdoor patio is a nice space to wind down at a post-meeting reception.
Recently upgraded audiovisual equipment, complimentary WiFi and free parking make the Friday Harbor House an attractive option for groups. The hotel’s culinary team offers onsite catering to meet the needs of any group from break-time refreshments to a full banquet.
With a post-industrial architectural style and a contemporary vibe, the Island Inn at 123 West cascades down the hillside immediately above the Friday Harbor marina. Originally a fuel storage facility for the fishing fleet, the site has been transformed into a Silver LEED-certified hotel. The lodging options include multi-bedroom European-style penthouse suites, large guest rooms (called “sweets”) and standard rooms (called “Euros”).
“We host a lot of corporate retreats and executive planning sessions,” says Misti Cook, owner. The View Share room is a functional gathering space with a cozy fireplace surrounded by the Euro guest rooms. The space can accommodate up to 30 for a meeting or retreat. Groups can have meals catered in the multi-purpose room, nicknamed the Principal’s Office, and then adjourn to the View Share Room for a productive meeting. The penthouse suites, some more than 1,400 square feet in size, are suitable for an executive session. The large penthouse kitchens are ideal for a shared cooking session or even cooking classes.
Set amid 82 acres of pristine meadows and forests only minutes from Friday Harbor, Lakedale Resort at Three Lakes is a peaceful island getaway. With three fresh-water lakes, the resort is an ideal location for a fun group session or a productive corporate retreat.
The massive fireplace in the lodge’s Great Room, flanked by windows overlooking tranquil Neva Lake, entices your creative juices to emerge. With space for up to 60, the room is ideal for a conference or planning session. Views of the lake are the highlight of the Dining Room that comfortably seats 40. The deck overlooking the lake is ideal for an outdoor event.
“We work with groups to custom-build their event,” says Karl Bruno, general manager. The facility offers complimentary WiFi and has a full range of audiovisual equipment available. Local caterers and suppliers can provide whatever extras your group requires. The facility has 10 guest rooms in the main lodge in addition to several log cabins and custom-built canvas “cabins” for glamping, an upscale camping experience. The resort’s three lakes are ideal for swimming, fishing, kayaking and canoeing.
A picturesque, full-service resort, the Roche Harbor Resort is located on a quiet harbor on the north end of the island. The resort accommodations include hotel and vacation rental homes. The resort’s Hotel de Haro has been welcoming guests since 1886.
The indoor Pavilion and adjacent outdoor courtyard, overlooking the boat-filled harbor and distant islands, can accommodate up to 225 guests for a special celebration or reception. The Pavilion’s large fireplace provides a cozy atmosphere for even large events, and the room is equipped with a projector and surround sound. Near the Hotel de Haro, the Madrona Bar and Grill is available during the off-season for meetings or events with up to 50 guests.
The Farmhouse-style homes, with one to four bedrooms are ideal for an executive retreat or business planning meeting. Groups can cook their own meals, or a chef will come to the home for a live cook-in. WiFi is available throughout the resort, and the culinary team can meet the catering needs of any group. Whether it is a relaxing afternoon at the spa, kayaking, whale watching, a spirited bocce ball tournament or a fun scavenger hunt, the resort’s staff can arrange team-building and break-time activities for the group.
Additional San Juan Island meeting and event spaces include a variety of options. Brickworks is a large re-purposed building in the center of Friday Harbor. It is the indoor home of the weekly farmers market, and it serves as a meeting hall accommodating up to 160 guests.
The Tucker House Inn and Harrison House Suites are historic bed and breakfast homes. Groups of up to 20 will find these venues ideal for a quiet retreat. The facility includes complimentary WiFi, free parking and catering. A full concierge service will assist your group with transportation arrangements and group activities.
For fun and team building on San Juan Island, groups have a wide range of options. Whale watching excursions depart from Friday Harbor and Roche Harbor, and kayaking opportunities abound. An all-day or evening cruise on the schooner Spike Africa will be a memorable occasion. Wine tasting at San Juan Vineyards and perusing Friday Harbor’s shops, art galleries and museums are additional options for the group.
Orcas Island
The largest of the San Juan Islands, horseshoe-shaped Orcas Island is dotted with several small communities. The rural atmosphere and quiet roads that offer scenic views around every corner make the island an enticing location for a corporate retreat or planning session. Small groups will appreciate the enchanting hotels and inns that are sprinkled across the island, while larger groups will find modern conference facilities.
The gem of island resorts, Rosario Resort and Spa, is a premier meeting facility with a deep history and first-class facilities. The centerpiece of the resort is the Moran Mansion. Massive, yet elegant, the mansion was originally built as an island retirement retreat by a Seattle ship builder. The mansion has been preserved as a museum, displaying furnishings and photographs from the late 1800s and early 1900s.
The Beachhouse Conference Center at Rosario offers 6,000 square feet of meeting and event space in two dividable rooms. The venue can accommodate up to 296 guests in a theater-style arrangement. The variety of room configurations allows the resort to offer just the right space for any group meeting or retreat. The Conference Center features full audiovisual support, complimentary WiFi and onsite catering by the resort’s talented culinary staff.
The relaxed atmosphere of the resort allows groups to focus on their agenda, while the waterfront setting and natural environment allows inspiration and creativity to flourish. For a relaxing break from their meeting, guests can take a self-guided tour of the mansion, browse in the mansion’s extensive library or enjoy a treatment at the resort’s full-service spa. For active recreation the resort’s staff can arrange whale watching, fishing and kayaking tours, and the nearby Moran State Park has hiking opportunities and breathtaking vistas.
With a rich and varied history, the 130-year-old main building of the Outlook Inn offers modern comfort amid a step-back-in-time ambience. Comprised of three buildings, each with its own personality, the Inn offers a relaxed elegance in a picturesque bayside setting.
A large fireplace and stylish décor make the Victorian Room an ideal setting for a retreat or conference. The room can accommodate 100 guests in a theater-style arrangement or 60 for a banquet. Audiovisual equipment, complimentary WiFi, catering by the in-house restaurant and free parking provide the support necessary for a successful retreat. The charming community of Eastsound, with restaurants, interesting boutiques and art galleries lies at the hotel’s doorstep.
Main Street Works, located in Eastsound, is a contemporary shared-working space in a modern fully-equipped office environment. The facility has three meeting rooms, and it can accommodate up 40 depending on the setup. High-speed internet and secure WiFi along with the latest audiovisual equipment will make presentations go smoothly. Owner Sarah Cooper has extensive experience as a meeting and event planners, and she will provide the support you need for a successful meeting.
Serving some of the finest cuisine on the San Juan Islands, the restaurant at the Inn at Ship Bay showcases fresh seafood and locally-grown produce. Built around an 1860s-era farmhouse with expansive views of the bay, the Inn offers modern comfort with a stylish nod to yesterday. The Banquet Hall, located in an adjacent building, can accommodate as many as 64 guests for a retreat, business meeting or banquet, and the expansive grounds are ideal for outdoor activities. The Inn offers complimentary WiFi, free parking and customized menus for meals and breaks.
The Orcas Center, located in Eastsound, is a modern preforming arts venue with a 213-seat theater and large community room that is suitable for conferences, meetings and receptions.
Additional venues on Orcas Island include the Doe Bay Resort and Retreat and the North Beach Inn, each nestled in tranquil bay-side settings. The Doe Bay Resort and Retreat has a variety of accommodations, including a gigantic treehouse for a unique sleeping experience. Large deck areas, a yoga studio that can accommodate as many as 50, and a large Retreat House provide a variety of options for groups.
The North Beach Inn lies on a secluded beach with expansive views only two miles from Eastsound. Designed in the style of a Scottish hunting lodge, the venue hosts business retreats and brainstorming sessions in comfortable chairs and couches. The 800-square-foot lodge can accommodate up to 50 for a meeting.
Lopez Island
Groups will enjoy the opportunity to disconnect from the distractions of urban life on Lopez Island. The serene woodlands, rolling hills and scenic open spaces reflect the simplicity of island life. Small villages welcome guests to enjoy fine cuisine and unique shops and art galleries. Lopez Island has a variety of cottage rental, boutique inns and cozy bed and breakfast accommodations, all reflecting the peaceful island setting. Many facilities offer WiFi, so although you are in a secluded location, you are still able to stay connected with the outside world.
The Lopez Islander Resort, located on the shores of Fisherman’s Bay, is the largest resort on Lopez Island. With 31 guest rooms, a 60-slip private marina and large open spaces for a fun afternoon of recreation, the venue is a full-service facility. The Banquet Room, overlooking the bay, provides an inspirational setting for a small conference or retreat. The staff at the Island can assist in finding the ideal team-building activity from kayaking and whale-watching excursions to an afternoon of golf or a twilight cruise on a 65-foot yacht.
Additional meeting and event facilities on Lopez Island include the Woodmen Hall and the Lopez Center. Woodmen Hall is a rustic, historic building that is ideal for a large reception or meeting. The 2,750-square-foot building can accommodate up to 330 guests. The Lopez Center for Community and the Arts is a modern facility available for non-profit organizations and community service groups. With a complete audiovisual setup and three meeting rooms, it can accommodate up to 300.
With a variety of meeting and event facilities and a wide range of accommodation options in a scenic setting, the San Juan Islands beckon groups of all sizes to escape the city and enjoy a relaxing island interlude. The island setting will inspire creativity and be conducive to an inspirational and productive conference, while the recreational and sight-seeing opportunities will entice groups to mix pleasure with business as they experience all that the islands have to offer.
CONNECT:
SAN JUAN ISLAND
San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau
888-468-3701
visitsanjuans.com
Earthbox Inn and Spa
72 guest rooms
1,675 square feet of meeting space
Two meeting rooms
75 seated capacity in largest meeting room
Steffi Wehner, customer service manager
360-317-7566
steffi@earthboxinn.com
earthboxinn.com
Friday Harbor House
23 guest rooms
1,070 square feet of meeting space
One meeting room
75 seated capacity in largest meeting room
Meaghan McCormick, general manager/innkeeper
360-378-8455
mmcormick@fridayharborhouse.com
fridayharborhouse.com
Island Inn at 123 West
15 guest rooms
Two meeting rooms plus penthouse meeting spaces
30 seated capacity in largest meeting space
Scott Hale, CEO
360-378-4400
islandinn@123west.com
123west.com
Lakedale Resort at Three Lakes
10 guest rooms in the lodge plus log cabins and tent cabins•
Two meeting rooms
60 seated capacity in largest meeting room
Karl Bruno, general manager
360-378-2344
kbruno@lakedale.com
lakedale.com
Roche Harbor Resort
31 guest rooms in two hotels plus cottages and village rental homes•
Wide variety of meeting and event spaces
225 seated capacity in largest event room
Alyssa Ostenrude, sales manager
360-298-1566
rhevents@rocheharbor.com
rocheharbor.com
Brickworks
One event space
160 seated capacity
Steph Coffey
360-378-0095
info@fhbrickworks.com
fhbrickworks.com
Tucker House Inn and Harrison House Suites
17 guest rooms and five suites•
A variety of meeting spaces for up to 20
Anna Maria de Freitas, owner
360-378-6330
am@tuckerhouse.com
tuckerhouse.com
San Juan Vineyards
360-378-9463
sanjuanvineyards.com
Evening sail on the Spike Africa
360-378-2224
schnoonersnorth.com
ORCAS ISLAND
Rosario Resort
More than 100 guest rooms
6,000 square feet of meeting space
Five meeting and event rooms
296 seated capacity in largest meeting room
Holly Southern, marketing director
360-376-2152 x. 339
holly@rosarioresort.com
rosarioresort.com
Outlook Inn
41 guest rooms
1,050 square feet of meeting and event space
One meeting room plus large gardens
100 seated capacity in largest meeting room
Sara Farish, owner
360-376-2200
info@outlookinn.com
outlookinn.com
Orcas Hotel
12 guest rooms
One meeting and event room
130 seated capacity in meeting and event room
Doug and Laura Tidwell, owners
360-376-4300
orcas@orcashotel.com
orcashotel.com
Main Street Works
Three meeting rooms
40 seated capacity in largest meeting space
Sarah Cooper, owner
360-376-6093
sarah@sarahcooper.com
Inn at Ship Bay
10 guest rooms and one suite
One meeting space
64 seated capacity in meeting room
Geddes Martin, innkeeper
360-376-5886
shipbay@rockisland.com
innatshipbay.com
Doe Bay Resort
Lodging for up to 200 in a variety of accommodations
Two meeting facilities
50 seated capacity in largest meeting room
River Augenstein, general manager
360-376-2291
doebay.com
North Beach Inn
13 beach cottages
800 square feet of meeting space
One meeting room
50 seated capacity in the largest room
RuthAnne Comrie, venue manager
360-376-2660
thelodge@northbeachinn.com
northbeachinn.com
Orcas Center
360-376-2281
orcascenter.org
LOPEZ ISLAND
Lopez Islander Resort
31 guest rooms
1,500 square feet of meeting space
One meeting room
80 seated capacity in largest meeting room
360-468-2233
desk@lopezfun.com
lopezfun.com
Woodmen Hall
360-468-3092
whallrentals@gmail.com
woodmenhall.org
Lopez Center for Community and the Arts
360-468-2203
lopezcenter@rockisland.com
lopezcenter.org
