My family started our 10 day island hopping vacation last summer - on bikes - on this island. While I wouldn't recommend this island for the bike part, I would highly recommend this island as a beautiful stop. And I would highly, highly recommend this property as a place to consider staying. It's a ways from the ferry drop off and it's somewhat secluded from most of the island's population, but it's a great location. The rooms aren't fancy. But many, including ours, have a water view with a small patio. We watched seaplanes land regularly as there's a marina here, too. Fun outdoor grill/food/patio and a GREAT restaurant on property. There's also a pampering spa on site. While I was there, my family biked to the top of Mt. Constitution one day while I sat by the pool and soaked up some rays. The hotel staff made margaritas to order poolside. Aaaaahhhh...Tip: If it's available, don't miss the afternoon piano "concert" in the main house...it's a fun musical review of the property's history and those who built it.

My boyfriend and I stayed at this wonderful hotel for two nights last week. We actually stayed in the recently purchased part of the resort (Cascade Harbor Inn) which the staff told us will be remodeled in the near future..which would be a nice improvement because the decor was a bit dated. Our room included a small deck with chairs and a table...and an amazing view of the harbor and Rosairo Mansion.
The night we arrived, we enjoyed some appetizers in the lounge - seared Ahi and salads (it was great and the food we spied in the restaurant looked fabulous!). The staff at the hotel was very friendly and knowledgeable about the area. We didn't have time to experience the spa or athletic room, but the facilities were nice! There is a indoor Jacuzzi and a pool which was under renovation. Don't miss the Mansion's museum located upstairs (while exploring that, I swear that one particular room felt haunted - weird, but seriously! I later read that there are stories of the hotel being haunted). Also, there is a beautiful music room which includes a pipe organ and grand piano...we were sorry to have missed the weekly concert (every Saturday).
We drove up Mt Constitution and were lucky enough to have perfect weather and visibility to experience the 360 degree views of the San Juans (and into Canada) from the observation tower - lots of history here too!
We highly recommend the New Leaf Cafe in East Sound - wonderful service and incredible food!!

While a bit on the pricey side for my income, it was certainly worth it. The staff are amazing, friendly and will go out of their way to help you with whatever you desire. The food in the restaurant in the main building was excellent, the bed was heavenly, the towells were awesome, and the scenery - amazing, simply amazing. Even in January, when we went the first time, it was freezing cold but still absolutely beautiful. Highly recommended for a couples getaway or even for the family. There is plenty to do on the island for everybody.

First off i have to say that orcas island has some of the friendliest people. our trip was a dual purpose trip, but it was mainly to focus on planning budgets for household and a wedding. We arrived on Orcas and really had no idea where to go to eat (to early to check in and wanted to ck out town). We looked on t.a. for restaurants and came up with Chilada's. We weren't disappointed. it was like someone's kitchen with real placemats, a real ceramic water pitcher, a fireplace. then we headed over to enzo's cafe across the st for ice cream (yes, ice cream in jan) and the girl behind the counter was very nice and helpful.

now about the resort:

first off they emailed me about 2 weeks ago to let me know the pool would be closed and it was ok if i wanted to cancel my reservation due to that, knowing that is sometimes the reason people book a hotel. that wasn't our case at all, so we kept the reservation and i'm glad we did.

the check in was smooth, they even had my name on the room key envelope. our room was in the skagit building, a 2 min walk to the mansion where the pool/spa/restaurant is, facing the bay with a very nice, long balcony. if we had traveled during nicer weather (we had snow), we would've spent more time out there, it would've been very peaceful and a chance to relax after our stressful budgeting.

the room- it was huge. it had a dining area w a stereo, and a sitting area with a very comfy couch facing the bay. it had a nice, warm, gas fireplace that we used alot due to the cold. there was a decent size l shaped counter near the sink outside teh bathroom that also had the microwave on it. the fridge was on the floor under the counter. the bathroom only had a toilet and tub, but a decent size tub (not jetted).

the grounds- were very nice. again, had it been spring or summer, i'm sure it would've been filled with flowers, but it was nice with snow as well.

the staff- very nice and helpful. after a few stressing moments in planning a couple of budgets, we went over the mansion for drinks/appetizers. i ordered a drink and after tasting it, i didn't care for it. the waitress was very willing to bring one i liked instead, no problems, no questions asked.

the breakfast- this area could've used some help. not a big variety nor selection. one thing we learned about the island is that it's very healthy. that's fine, but not all of us are on diets, watching our weight and only like grape jelly. being picky i've learned restaurants aren't going to cater to me and that's fine, but they only had 1 kind of bread, 1 kind of jelly, no peanut butter or honey, no bagels, toaster didn't work properly, bread didn't fit the toaster. the staff, again was helpful in getting me hot water for the oatmeal in a cup. there was a tub for dirty dishes, but it was taken away, i'm sure because it was full, but another one wasn't put in it's place so we didn't know where to put our dirty dishes.

overall, this resort was nice. we felt we got a great value compared to some resorts at home. the island is more expensive then the mainland, but not so high priced i wouldn't go back. note to self: gas up before going over and places don't sell ice cream in jan. the people were great, very nice and personable and it defintely had the small town feel.