Rosario Resort

Hillside rooms are up a very steep hill from facilities but the view is superb.

The view

I love Rosario's it has a total great Gatsby vibe that I've never experienced anywhere else. However, the property which I have stayed at several times is constantly going through changes and definitely never been able to go into the mansion, never been able to use the pool on the waterfront and I've been coming since 2023. The properties landscape is going unmanaged as well. The grass is actually brown!!! which is so sad to see I'm sure it's because of drought issues on the island. Everything else is perfect the beds the rooms. I have zero complaints about those!

What a disappointment. I want to note that we stayed there AFTER the Washington State Ferry started their summer schedule, so I see no reason for the substandard experience given how they advertise it. The pictures still up here are very deceiving. It is not a resort. Many buildings on the property are in a state of disrepair. The main mansion is closed, and the adult pool associated with it was also closed with a few inches of green water in it. Apparently the mansion has separate ownership but that was not conveyed or explained at the time we booked. As noted by other reviewers, it is a remote check-in, which went smoothly for us, but there is NO HOTEL STAFF ONSITE TO ANSWER QUESTIONS.

Rosario has a bigger pool that was just seeming to start to open as we were there - but I heard several people asking about it to the marina staff - and they are not the people running it. No clarity about pool hours. There also is one small cafe open for breakfast - thankfully - which had a limited menu but was fine for what it was. The restaurant on site was not open the days we were there - how can you be a resort if you have no FOOD to offer your guests? The room, while spacious and clean, was in definite need of a refresh. You absolutely need a vehicle to get around this island and to get your basic needs met if you stay at Rosario. There is mimimal Uber or taxi service; the few taxis are basically one-man operations.

A few positives, which are the only reason I am even rating it as high as I am - the weather was spectucular, we had a bayside room with a beautiful view, and they have a nice marina with whale watching cruises and kayaking tours going off regularly. The state park was close by and there are good hiking opportunities there.

The view and location

The view from the room was outstanding - a lovely view of the lake.
The room was a good size and had a big bathroom with double sinks and a large closet. Plenty of clean towels.
We had dinner at the restaurant in the evening at the resort near the marina and the food was average the staff were very accommodating and friendly

It was close to the marina.

Location. Quiet, close to the water. The staff very nice, friendly and helpful. We loved meeting Sean(sp?) He was delightful, a wealth of info about the island. We would love to see him again. Jacob & Selena were also very nice and helpful. Our room was very nice and clean.

The quiet atmosphere

Fantastic view, waterfront room. Quiet. Comfortable bed and linens, good temperature control, decent hot water in bathroom, clean, Adequate parking.

Beautiful

The room is fine; nicer than I expected, clean, and the view is fantastic. Problem is I never would have found the building if not warned by other users to ask for location specifics, ask for a map, and I had to ask two or three times. They never told me what building I'm in until I asked several times (getting worried) instead of being able to enjoy the rainbow from the ferry as the ferry approached the dock! Worse, they lied: remote communication emails and texts assured me there would be staff at the "Beach House" when I arrived, but I stopped by the Beach House at 8:30 PM to find a "Closed" sign. No explanation, no hours posted (that I could easily see, anyway).
Also, there's been a loud, high-pitched whine that I've had to drown out for hours this rainy morning with peaceful music of my own; then it switched to a low roaring hum. I'm guessing this may be the ice machine just next to my room? Ha, nobody needs ice on a chilly rainy morning, temps in the low 50s, and the inefficiency of the equipment means it's sucking energy as well as annoying (if in fact that's the source of the noise).
Yes, you need a car to fully enjoy this location if staying at Rosario. But, DRIVE SLOWLY for wildlife! You don't want to be the one to kill a low-flying bird or a confused baby fawn, like the fawn that stood there on the road in a 55 mph zone yesterday! I was able to come to a complete stop for the little fawn only because I was already watching for wildlife and driving under the speed limit.
Maybe if you stay in Orcas Village where you first get off the ferry, you could walk, bike and get rides to the hiking spots -- Turtleback Mountain. It's gorgeous everywhere here.

The overwhelming beauty of this island is a truly spiritual experience. So if you do stay at Rosario Village, my suggestion is to post an honest review, but then focus on the deeper reality of this incredible island, its Indigenous history, its wildlife populations and beauty. Enjoy!!! Michael at the Cafe in Orcas Village where you first get off the ferry will cheer you up too, if you stop in there anytime 8 - 8. Their server Shoshana gave me good hiking tips.

Location was the only pro from this experience.

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