Often referred to as “the town so nice, they named it twice,” Walla Walla is a well-known Eastern Washington destination for wine lovers, but it’s also a culinary destination, and a shopping one—I spent far too much money on Main Street in just four days!
I was lucky enough to experience the town twice, at two very different properties: The FINCH and The Marcus Whitman. Here’s my take on both.
The FINCH
“Everything you need and nothing you don’t” is how The FINCH describes itself, and that rings very true to my experience. My room was sleek, beautiful, and impressively designed to maximize the space without overcrowding: I had a large, very comfortable bed (with a sloped headboard that was perfect for working or reading), a lovely bathroom with everything I could need (including lots of hooks for towels/laundry bag/ etcetera), a mini fridge and glasses for sustenance, and a separate desk area with blotter, notepad, and pencils for work.
Photograph by Anne Godenham
Photograph by Anne Godenham
The 80-room hotel began its life in the 1960s as a classic motor lodge, with rooms opening directly to the building’s exterior. When a Montana-based property group acquired the building in 2017, they wanted to honor its history and work with its original Streamline-era architecture while also bringing the design and amenities up to contemporary standards. In addition to remodeling the rooms— including adding a series of rooms with an interior, key-access hallway—they added a spacious open-air courtyard, a covered outdoor patio completes with wood burning fireplace, two flexible communal workspaces, and an art gallery.
But the goal of The FINCH isn’t to be the kind of hotel that keeps you on the property with amenities and luxuries; it’s to be a comfortable home base for you to explore Walla Walla.
Photograph by Anne Godenham
“We really lean into this whole concept of [being] your guide while you’re here and really curate specific itineraries or fun things for you to do,” says General Manager Morgan Davis. “[Our team provides] great customer service, but also a lot of knowledge about the community and things to do.” 325 E. Main St., Walla Walla, 509.956.4994, finchwallawalla.com
The Marcus Whitman
For an entirely different kind of stay at the other end of downtown, there’s The Marcus Whitman, which was built in 1928 and, after a major restoration and renovation in the ’90s and a further renovation beginning in December 2022, stands as a stunning example of Renaissance Revival architecture. The original woodwork and light fixtures are complemented by luxurious, vintage-style furnishings and rugs, all offset by cozy touches like a working fireplace and original telephone booths.
Photograph by Anne Godenham
“Walla Walla has always been really proud of the hotel; it was built by the community,” says Senior Sales Manager Emily Brown, who grew up in Walla Walla. “It’s definitely been really fun…to see it brought back to its former glory.”
Photograph by Anne Godenham
Kyle Mussman, who purchased the hotel in the ’90s and began the painstaking restoration project, also connected the 1928 building and the 1970s-era motor lodge next door, which was part of the overall property. The remodel added the Explorer Ballroom (a huge ballroom that can be split into three smaller rooms, or one smaller and one medium-sized), a foyer, and a promenade to connect the older building with what’s now referred to as the West Wing. The design is thoughtful, both reflecting the style of the original building and standing apart.
My Tower Suite was a microcosm of the whole hotel: beautiful historic features with luxurious modern amenities. The bed was plush and lovely, the parlor furniture was extremely comfortable and great for work, and the view from every window— out over the top of downtown Walla Walla and to the mountains beyond—was stunning. I could have luxuriated in that suite all day, maybe popping down to taste some wine at Nine Hats or grab a bite at The Marc Bar.
Photograph by Anne Godenham
One thing I couldn’t miss was dinner at The Marc, the hotel’s recently renovated restaurant, where the menu highlights the best, the region has to offer (even listing the “local artisans in the field” from whom they source). I started with a beautiful late-season heirloom tomato salad with gray sea salt and a glass of Seven Hills rosé, then moved on to the Snake River Farm Filet Mignon, served with a smoky red chimichurri that cut through the richness of the tender meat. I was almost too full for dessert, but I made a hero’s effort to at least taste the raspberry bombe my server recommended, and I was glad I did. 6 W. Rose St., 866.826.9422, marcuswhitmanhotel.com
Whether you prefer a more contemporary, minimalistic hotel experience or a bit of luxurious indulgence, the perfect Walla Walla hotel awaits you!
