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Boardwalk on the Water – reviews, photos

8292 Orcas Road, Orcas Island Ferry Dock, Orcas Island, WA 98280
Hotel amenities
Boardwalk on the Water
4.0 of 5 stars 3 Reviews
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3 reviews from our community

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Tacoma, Washington
1 review
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
“Mamie's also rents cottages with an AWESOME view, and discounts for military.”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 August 2010
1
person found this review helpful

We stayed in one of the cliff side cottages that overlooks the ferry landing...The view was awesome. The bathroom was small and you could tell that the place was older, but it was clean, comfortable, and quite romantic with the view and the electric fireplace. Another bonus is that it is located just up the hill from the ferry landing so you can walk onto the ferry from Anacortes and save a little money.

As for what the last reviewer said about the food and service, I would have to disagree. My husband and I both had the fish and chips and they were very tasty, and granted some of the staff members spoke with and accent, but they were not difficult to understand at all. As for the food being expensive, it was no more pricey than anywhere else on the island. Anyone who has ever lived on an island can tell you that everything on an island is more expensive.

The best part about Mamie's is of course, Mamie; she could not be a sweeter person if she tried. When I called Mamie's the day we wanted to travel to Orcas Island she had one cottage left, and she held it for us without even requesting a credit card number.

She was very welcoming and to both my husband and myself when we arrived and even went so far as to thank my husband for his Military service (Mamie's offers a 20% lodging discount to service members and veterans). She also was very helpful with advice on what we should see and do based on the limited amount of time we were there, she made me a list, and showed me on my map where everything was.

In truth I could not have been happier with the service and accommodation we received. I am sending her a thank you card today!

    • 3 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask alaskanmoose about Boardwalk on the Water
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Washington
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
“Overpriced Lodging in a Great Location”
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 May 2008

The cottages of Boardwalk on the Water on Orcas Island couldn't be located in a better spot. They are literally steps from the Orcas Island Ferry Dock in the San Juan Islands. They are adjacent to a small cafe called Mamie's, which serves essentially fast food meals for 4-5 times the price (the pancakes are "pre-packaged" according to a staffperson). Whale watching tours, a small grocery store, a coffee shop, and kayak rentals are all within a few yards of the cottages and ferry dock. The cottages themselves contain the basics (beds, satellite TV, mini-fridge, microwave, and bathrooms). One of the cabins has a small kitchen and a fold-out couch and is suitable for families. Potted plants abound, and the large porches of each cottage feature deck furnture and gliders on which to experience spectacular views of the Sound. Surprisingly, the ferry engines are barely noticeable when inside the cottages. While these cottages are in a fantastic location for ferry riders, there are a few things missing. There is no housekeeping service and there are no hair dryers or telephones. The furnishings are very basic and a tad worn and outdated, and the bathrooms are extremely small. The rates are high ($179 per night plux tax for "Grandma's Little House" in high season, $109 plus tax in the off season...no meals included), but the views and location make the prices almost worth it. These cottages would be perfect for those who don't plan to spend a lot of time indoors.

  • Liked — Location overlooking the Sound
  • Disliked — Lack of ammenities for the price
  • Stayed May 2008, travelled with family
    • 3 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Location
    • 4 of 5 stars Check-in / front desk
    • 3 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 3 of 5 stars Cleanliness
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Ask bigbirdwashington about Boardwalk on the Water
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