One of the most important parts of any getaway is your temporary home away from home. The new Village Inn at Eastsound, opened in 2023, is a fantastic home base for your Orcas Island escape.
The Village Inn sits near the entrance to Eastsound’s urban center. It’s just a short walk to any of the village’s businesses, and about a 20-minute drive to most locations on the island, whether you’re interested in Moran State Park in Olga or the marina in Deer Harbor.
Islanders and Owners Mariah and John Dunning also own and operate Northwest Island Escapes (the largest vacation home rental agency in the San Juans) and Windermere Orcas (the largest real estate office on Orcas Island). The idea for the hotel hatched when they went to build a new “forever home” for Windermere Orcas.
Photograph courtesy of Village Inn at Eastsound
“We felt like this was really our legacy property,” says Mariah. “We thought, ‘If we’re going to undertake a construction project like this, what’s the best use for the property?’”
Photograph courtesy of Village Inn at Eastsound
As a result, the new building at 217 Main Street has a top floor with eight lavish king-sized studio rooms—all with sofa beds and two work spaces—and a large common Living Room, Windermere real estate offices in the middle, complete with a balcony lounge accessible to hotel guests, and a garage floor for convenient, onsite parking (with complimentary electric vehicle charging stations, which was a lifesaver for me during my visit).
The Dunnings’ hospitality experience from Northwest Island Escapes and their own travels influenced their choices of amenities, and they offer everything for their guests’ comfort. Luxurious Simmons Napa Black mattresses, radiant heat flooring in the bathroom, and 48’’ electric fireplaces bring the wow factor. Bespoke furniture and furnishings, local art on the walls, high-quality linens and robes, and deluxe toiletries from Bee Kind establish the charm and care behind the Village Inn. Additional amenities like a pack-and-play for little ones and a doggy care package are available, to account for all members of your traveling party.
Photograph courtesy of Village Inn at Eastsound
The Dunnings made every effort to build and maintain the Village Inn sustainably, choosing innovative materials and doing their part to be good stewards of the island and for the next generation.
“All the carpets are made from recycled water bottles, and according to our calculations, we saved 588,000 water bottles from going into the landfill by using that carpet. All the metal frames and the fire doors are made from salvaged cars. Of course, [we use] all eco-friendly cleaning products,” says Mariah. “It was all those kinds of details that we really put a lot of thought into.”
Photograph courtesy of Village Inn at Eastsound
As a guest, you have access to the Living Room, a common area for guests with a huge picture window looking out onto Main Street and Fishing Bay. The Living Room has a fridge and freezer stocked with drinks and snacks, dry breakfast foods and snacks for your travels, a still and sparkling water dispenser, ice, and even games to play! I was especially impressed with the agenda I found printed and left in the Living Room with events and specials to take advantage of around town. Such a nice personal touch!
To learn more about the sustainability, convenience, and comfort of staying at the Village Inn at Eastsound, head online or call. 217 Main Street, Eastsound, 360.851.9067, villageinn-orcasisland.com
