Archive for the ‘Blog’ Category

A Romance Package for the holidays. We all need a little more romance! For ourselves and for our friends and family. So whether it be for yourself or your loved ones a Romance Package in Olympia Washington is a must have this holiday season!

We have taken out all the hard work and have created a package that includes all of the essentials;

• Two nights in the Columbia, Deschutes or Percival Rooms.
• A couples massage at The Attic Day Spa (on site).
• Champagne or Sparkling Cider and Truffles.
• Gourmet Breakfast each morning of your stay.

So what are you going to do with yourself for two days?

The idea of this romance package is to take time out from the hectic and sometimes stressful holiday season and simply do nothing! Enjoy time with your partner. Experience the luxury of our day spa as our expert massage therapists melt away the aches and pains. Sleep in and have a leisurely gourmet breakfast each morning. Did we mention the beds are king size? You can get lost in them.

Romance at a restaurant!

Sample the menus at a couple of Olympia’s finer restaurants, or chill out at the pub, whichever you choose we will be sure to recommend an appropriate place for your dining needs.

Get some holiday shopping done in downtown Olympia. We have many boutique shops offering a wide variety of gifts.

See a live show!

See a live show at one of the live theaters in town. Harlequin Productions always has their Christmas show, Stardust. However there is also Capital Playhouse, Olympia Little Theater and the Washington Center.

Perhaps you would rather get back in touch with nature? Whatever you choose to do you wont run out of things to do!

Purchase a Romance Package.

You can buy a Gift Certificate online, or give us a call. We can post the certificate to you or to the lucky recipient.

If you are in need of coming to Olympia for business travel, then you may want to consider staying at our Bed and Breakfast.  We provide all that a sterile hotel or motel does, but with some personality and amenities you will not find at chain lodging.

All of our rooms feature a sizable writing desk, with easy access to power for all of your electronics. Of course you get the basics you would expect of any lodging, a king size bed featuring luxury bedding, private bathrooms with organic amenities, Turkish towels and microfiber robes are featured for good measure too!

We often host business travelers who appreciate the fact that they are not staying in another hotel where every room looks like the other. Then throw in the fact that we provide a three course gourmet breakfast between 8am and 9pm and most business travelers are sold! If you are leaving earlier than 8am we provide a filling and convenient breakfast to go, containing orange juice, fruit, yogurt, and baked item. Normally somewhat more impressive than the free buffets offered at those generic hotels.

We don’t forget about you at other times of day either. We provide coffee and tea upon request and always have fresh baked chocolate chip cookies on hand for snacks.

When you are here on business travel we realize you are probably going to be dining with clients or colleagues, so we pride ourselves on being able to recommend great restaurants where you can wine and dine them! Olympia has some great places to eat, from quirky food trucks, to casual pubs, to more formal restaurants, and even a fancy place or two where you won’t feel out of place dressed for business.

For those of you who are State workers we can offer you the State Per Diem on single person lodging, and breakfast. For others who are on business but do not fit that criteria we offer a 20% discount on extended stays of five nights or longer. You will find that our rates at $109, $119 and $169 (for our largest room featuring a Jacuzzi tub) are very competitive with local hotels and motels.

If you purchased our Living  Social Escape, let us make life a little easier on you, us and our telephones! We have done this once before you see, and can answer 90% of questions in a few short paragraphs. Here are some of the most common.

Question: “When do you have a Friday and Saturday available?”

Answer:  The first weekend that is now available is late October. Check our availability if you want specific dates.

Question: “Can I bring my pet?”

Answer: No. Sorry but our place is not designed for pets (other than our own dog who lives in our private area and outside). We do get guests who are severely allergic so we just cannot accommodate pets in the Inn.

Question: “Do you accept children?”

Answer: We accept children 12 and older, no exceptions. Anyway, did you read what the package includes? A couples massage is featured. This is supposed to be a romantic getaway for two! Get grandma to look after the kids and treat yourself to a little luxury.

Question: “What is there to do in Olympia?”

Answer: There is a lot more to do in Olympia than you can fit in to two days. Highlights include our Farmers Market, restaurants, The State Capital Campus, and outdoor activities. See our post “20 things to do in Olympia” for more ideas.

Question: “Is there parking?”

Answer: We have off street parking for every guest room.

Question: “Are you close to downtown?”

Answer: Yes! We love living so close to downtown, our guests often walk to dinner, the theater, market and the like. We even have great walking maps to give you an idea of how close everything is.

Question: “Can I reserve a room using my Living Social Escape Voucher online?”

Answer: Yes! Just put the voucher number in to the notes section. We still require a credit card to secure your reservation, and to cover the tax portion that we are required to collect. Just visit our reservations page to get started. If you do not have your voucher number yet you can still reserve, just call us with the number when you have it.

Question: “Can I purchase a voucher for a gift?”

Answer: Definitely! However we advise you to do so only if you know the intended recipient enjoys Bed and Breakfasts and Pampering Massage. Also they have to realize that they may need to be flexible on their dates.

Question: “Can I upgrade my room or add on more nights?”

Answer: You can upgrade to the Astoria room for $100. You can extend your stay and are offered a discounted rate of $100 for each additional night when you do so. A deal that could help you turn a short break in to a vacation! Just book the additional nights when you book your stay.

Question: “When does the voucher expire?”

Answer: It expires on  March 7, 2012.

Question: “When do I have to book by?”

Answer: Must book by November 15, 2011, but you can stay any time (subject to availability) until March 7, 2012 using this voucher.

Question: “How does the $100 credit for the Couples Massage in the day spa work?  I saw overnight guests get 20% off spa services do we get that as well as the credit?”

Answer: As you have already received a discount when you purchased the package through Living Social you don’t get the 20% off the couples massage, but you do receive complementary Shea Butter Hand and Foot treatments.  If you take advantage of the credit your entire time slated in the spa will be close to two and a half hours and the balance remaining that would need to be paid is $98.  If you want to really take advantage of our on site spa, any additional services you book will receive the 20% discount.

1. Wander the Farmers Market (Thursday to Sunday 10am  to 3pm).
2. Take a walk around Capital Lake.
3. Tour the Bigelow House Museum.
4. Have a meal at a waterfront restaurant.
5. Listen to the live music at the Farmers Market (Thursday to Sunday 11am  to 2pm).
6. Take a guided tour of the State Capital Building (Daily 10am to 3pm on the hour).
7. Go for a hike at the Nisqually Wildlife Refuge.
8. Experience the Capital Museum at the Lord Mansion.
9. relax with a yoga class (Yoga Loft, Bhanda Room, Oly Yoga).
10. Eat lunch at the Farmers Market.
11. Visit the Mima Mounds and Interpretive Center.
12. Eat a burger from Big Tom’s at Lion’s Park!
13. See the rose garden at Priest Point Park.
14. Rent a kayak at Boston Harbor and paddle the sound.
15. See Tumwater Falls, then dine at Falls Terrace.
16. Run through the fountain at Heritage Park.
17. Walk the beach at Tolmie State Park, Burfoot Park or Priest Point Park.
18. Take a self guided walking tour of one of the historical neighborhoods (Bigelow, South Capital, Eastside).
19. See live theater downtown! (Harlequin Productions, Capitol Playhouse, Washington Center).
20. Relax at the Attic Day Spa, treat yourself to a massage!

Are you looking for a weekend away sometime soon? What about Spring in Olympia? Olympia has a lot to offer this time of year (we actually think it has plenty to offer all year long!).

Repeat guests to our Inn know that we love the Olympia Farmers Market. Guests in turn also tend to become big fans of the market. the market alone is good enough reason to come and visit Olympia. Just remember that it runs from Thursday to Sunday from 10am to 3pm. The food vendors make it a local favorite for lunch, and between 11am and 2pm each day there is live music to add to the atmosphere.

Another spot to visit this time of year is the State Capitol Campus. Between the beautiful bursting blossoms and the colorful lively protests and demonstrations, you have the backdrop of our grand and majestic capital building. Walk the halls the politicians do. Take the guided tour with passionate docents. It is open everyday between 10am and 3pm for tours.

All the local live theaters have shows on in spring. This would definitely add to your weekend away in Olympia. Our small intimate theaters all put on shows that are worthy of bigger stages, but we don’t mind as they are all very close to us!

In fact everything on our quick little list is walking distance. Downtown is but a 15 minute walk from our Bed & Breakfast, meaning that once you are here you can forget the car (save the gas!) and walk to events, attractions and meals.  Talking of meals as the market opens and the array of fresh produce and meats grows with the season, so does the seasonal menus of some of the finer dining choices of Olympia (including out inn).

At the Inn we plant an extensive garden and attempt to grow more of the food that we serve you for breakfast. This ranges from the berries through to the fillings for omelette’s, and especially the herbs and garnishes.

Olympia Hotels are what they are, nothing spectacular, friendly staff, generic hotel rooms. Hotels and motels meet a certain need, but for the more discerning traveler a bed and breakfast can offer all hotel does plus more!

Here is a list of various reasons why we think you will enjoy a stay at our bed and breakfast more than a hotel or motel.

1. Our rates are comparable and sometimes cheaper than the hotels in Olympia. Especially during the summer.
2. Just like a hotel we offer the government per diem Sunday to Thursday, Military Discounts (on stays of two or more nights), a discounts on stays of five or more nights in length.
3. Unlike Olympia Hotels, we serve a three course gourmet breakfast each day of your stay. Beats a buffet any day!
4. We have some of the most comfortable beds (all king size!) in Olympia. Don’t believe us though read the independent reviews on TripAdvisor or BedandBreakfast.com.
5. We are as good if not better than any hotel concierge or front desk person when it comes to helping you make the most out of your time in Olympia and the area. We send you to the best restaurants, events, parks, and scenic drives. We pride ourselves on mailing sure you have the experience you were looking for.
6. We have an on site Day Spa, The Attic Day Spa. No Olympia Hotel can claim that!
7. Free cookies! Homemade chocolate chip cookies, lovingly made by Casey the Innkeeper.
8. Your spending your money with a local business. We appreciate it so much! You support our local business and in turn we try and support other local businesses wherever possible too.

We are not saying we are perfect, we are not saying we are for everyone. Sometimes people like the anonymity of a hotel. We however think we are a better way to stay, and join the nationwide movement letting people know why a B&B stay is superior to a hotel or motel.

If you are in the bad books after Valentines Day, you can redeem yourself by booking a massage for your sweetheart in our Day Spa. Our Signature Massage is the most popular and luxurious option, with almost 2 hours of pampering for $99.

Note that you do not need to be an overnight guest to enjoy the Day Spa, but you should make a booking at least 24 hours prior.

You still have time to book a romantic getaway, day spa package, or couples massage for Valentines Day weekend.

We offer two different choices.

1. B&B and Day Spa Package: You get a night in one of our guest rooms, a couples massage topped off by a gourmet breakfast. (Starting at $319 plus tax – for Columbia or Percival Rooms)
2. Couples Massage: We still have very limited availability for couples massage in the Attic Day Spa, which is one of the best reviewed Day Spas in the Olympia area. For independent reviews see Spa Finder. (From $198)

We can also recommend some great romantic restaurants to round out our packages. Of course overnight guests get our three course gourmet breakfast in the morning as well.

When visiting Olympia, a trip to see the beautiful and historic State Capitol is a must. This time of year however the legislators are actually in session. This adds a new dynamic to any visit!

Whether you are a tourist visiting for the day, or a lobbyist, or business person visiting for the entire session, you can make the Swantown Inn your base of operations. We provide the most comfortable beds in Olympia (check our third party reviews if you don’t believe us), gourmet breakfasts for those with time, or if you are off at the crack of dawn a hearty breakfast to go. We have convenient free WIFI, along with a laser printer and guest computer.

In the past our guests have included business people and lobbyists who say they have had their most successful sessions! They say that it could be contributed to the comfortable and peaceful environment at the Inn, which helped them start their day on a high.

Note that Sunday through Thursday we do offer the State Rate for state and federal workers.

From our family to yours, whether you be a regular guest or just someone considering staying at our Bed and Breakfast, we would like to sincerely wish you a safe and joyful holiday season. We hope you get to spend time with your family and friends, as we plan to do with ours.

Today (December 16th) is our 6th Anniversary here at the Bed and Breakfast. We would like to thank all our guests, wedding parties, neighbors, fellow innkeepers, friends and family for making the past six years possible. We actually hope to find out today about the expansion we have been planning for. The answer will greatly influence the next six years here at the Inn!

There is still room at the Inn if you are coming in to Olympia to visit family and friends for the holidays.