Holiday rental ideas, near nature, 1 hr from Seattle, no scary driving (Vashon: hotel, new home)

[flyingsaucermom]

My mom is coming to visit us for Christmas/New Years. I decided from now on it's better for everyone if we try to minimize our time together at my home, but we want to stay near the Seattle area. One year we went to Port Townsend and had a cabin.. it was a bit on the boring side, but more because I think our accommodations were pretty lame. Ultimately I think we just need good internet, nicer furnishings and a pretty view. As for affordability... I'm hoping not much beyond $250 a night. I love the mountains, but not fond of driving on them in the winter... what are my options?

[homesinseattle]

I love Port Townsend, maybe you didn't spend much time in town? A place like Index is beautiful, great hikes and stunning scenery. A bit more than an hour, but Roslyn (past Snoqualmie) is a great little town with an interesting history and lots of nature around. Locally (but far away feeling), Vashon Island is lovely.

Have fun!

[Hemlock140]

As you know, the weather can change quickly, and snow with little warning, but staying in the lowlands helps. We have stayed at VRBO homes in Sequim area with great water views and deer in the yard, in the Diamond Point Area on Discovery Bay. If you want to stay closer in, there are VRBO/Airbnb homes on the water all over Puget Sound.

[flyingsaucermom]

Originally Posted by homesinseattle

I love Port Townsend, maybe you didn't spend much time in town? A place like Index is beautiful, great hikes and stunning scenery. A bit more than an hour, but Roslyn (past Snoqualmie) is a great little town with an interesting history and lots of nature around. Locally (but far away feeling), Vashon Island is lovely.

Have fun!

I love Port Townsend, which is why I picked it. The kids, however, got bored quickly.

That was many years ago.

Now the kids have mobile devices. Now my guess is we could go anywhere for any amount of time.

[flyingsaucermom]

Originally Posted by Hemlock140

As you know, the weather can change quickly, and snow with little warning, but staying in the lowlands helps. We have stayed at VRBO homes in Sequim area with great water views and deer in the yard, in the Diamond Point Area on Discovery Bay. If you want to stay closer in, there are VRBO/Airbnb homes on the water all over Puget Sound.

I hadn't considered simply staying in the Puget Sound, but that's an excellent idea.

[mayfair]

Whidbey Island would be another choice that's close by. Ebey's Landing has nice hiking with water views, beaches and historic areas. Coupeville is very small but cute and has a couple of restaurants.

[CrazyDonkey]

On Hood Canal (Quilcene): https://www.vrbo.com/849041

[Ruth4Truth]

Originally Posted by flyingsaucermom

My mom is coming to visit us for Christmas/New Years. I decided from now on it's better for everyone if we try to minimize our time together at my home, but we want to stay near the Seattle area. One year we went to Port Townsend and had a cabin.. it was a bit on the boring side, but more because I think our accommodations were pretty lame. Ultimately I think we just need good internet, nicer furnishings and a pretty view. As for affordability... I'm hoping not much beyond $250 a night. I love the mountains, but not fond of driving on them in the winter... what are my options?

For $250/night, you should be able to find what you want in Port Townsend. Well, IDK about the pretty view, that might up the price, but what are you looking for? A 2-br. cottage? Two hotel rooms, or a double suite? A view of what: downtown and the Sound? Or the Strait, on the other side of town? If you're looking for a place for an entire family, plus your mom, yes, that will cost more than $250. Could you clarify? Pt T has kayaking for older kids, BTW.

IDK, I might be able to find you something within your range on Orcas, where there's biking, horseback riding, kayaking or canoeing, and hiking for older kids. Everything depends on the weather, though; if it rains, you're all going to go nuts, with cabin fever. But Pt T has downtown shopping, and Orcas has art galleries in their small downtown.

[Ruth4Truth]

Originally Posted by flyingsaucermom

I hadn't considered simply staying in the Puget Sound, but that's an excellent idea.

But you posted you want to stay near the Seattle area. Isn't that on Puget Sound? OP, this is confusing. Could you explain a bit more what you want, so we know what we're aiming for, for you?

[flyingsaucermom]

Originally Posted by Ruth4Truth

But you posted you want to stay near the Seattle area. Isn't that on Puget Sound? OP, this is confusing. Could you explain a bit more what you want, so we know what we're aiming for, for you?

It was just a quick thought, but thinking about it over the last couple hours I've decided not to do anything. It's been a crazy year and the "grand finale" is moving to a new home in October, becoming landlords for the first time (hopefully in November) and, as a bonus, might be finishing the year with a roommate.

There just isn't much room (pun intended) for a visit from mom right now.

Not to mention we'll be a bit cash poor until we find a tenant. Definitely not in the mood to spend too much $ when we don't need to.

And having talked to her about it earlier.. oh gosh, just the conversation about it reminded me I don't have it in me right now. Her visits are stress-inducing for both my husband and I. Maybe end of January.. kids have two 3 day weekends back-to-back. That will be a good time for all of us. I'll take her to the renovated Needle and my husband can escort her through the Amazon Spheres. She might be wanting to escape the Minnesota winter by that point anyway.