Romantic Valentine's Day Vacations in the Northwest
Phone down: Fairmont Pacific Rim offers a digital detox getaway for couples.
People have commemorated love on Saint Valentine’s Day since the fourteenth century (so take it up with Geoffrey Chaucer, haters). The middle schoolers among us may resort to stuffed bears and conversation hearts, but adult celebrations demand room service. Try these lovey-dovey destinations for romantic road trips, no matter your relationship status or occasion.
For the Newly Coupled
Maybe you met on an app, but it's time to take it offline. Vancouver, BC's Fairmont Pacific Rim offers a digital detox package for couples that emphasizes the get-to-know-you period. Besides a couples spa treatment, access to the new outdoor spa, and a luxe six-course meal at the hotel's restaurant, the package includes aura readings (that include a photo of your joint vibe) and a board game called We're Not Really Strangers to play and take home.
Spokane's Historic Davenport Hotel has the fancy lobby thing on lock.
For the Botanically Inclined
Spokane's historic Davenport Hotels (one of our best hotels in Washington) has an in-house florist and offers packages that come with chocolate-covered strawberries and champagne. Private outdoor igloos on the Davenport Grand terrace offer a private spot for cocktails and city views. Indoors, take time to find the secret message hidden in the hotel ceiling—ask a staff member for help.
Semiahmoo Resort serves up s'mores kits for a campfire kind of Valentine's Day.
Image: courtesy Semiahmoo Resort
For the Hungry Duo
Semiahmoo Resort's golf courses take center stage in summer, but during winter months the north-of-Bellingham waterfront hotel feels more akin to a storm-watching retreat. The property has a whole slate of food and drink activities for couples, from a chef's table dinner at Great Blue Heron restaurant to a beer or wine tasting. On Valentine's Day proper, a salsa-making class includes margaritas. And as always at the hotel, there are s'mores materials available for a beachfront campfire.
For the Old Fashioned
Port Townsend's Victorian style may seem romantic—all those dollhouse-y buildings with fanciful turrets—even if the Victorians have a famously prudish reputation. But the waterfront town on the Olympic Peninsula has plenty to do, home to rollicking bars (like Sirens Pub and big beachfront taproom Pourhouse) ideal for socializing with strangers. Also downtown, Port Townsend Vineyards will host a jazz show on February 14.
Staypineapple makes a bid to become a dog's favorite hotel.
For the Dog Lover
Know who'll never leave your side, even if that means totally disregarding the concept of personal space? Dogs, beloved stalkers that they are, can join for free (normally $30 per night) during the entire month of February at Staypineapple properties. That means staycations at local spots like Hotel Maxwell, or in Portland at Hotel Rose. The chain gets special props for allowing owners to leave their pets unattended in the hotel room; they even include a special "My Owner Is Out Exploring" door hanger so housekeeping doesn't let the proverbial dogs out.
