The Old Consulate Inn

Cindy & Nathan: From waistcoat to leg o' mutton shoulders, from the history, tour and details of the house - you are impecable and gracious hosts! Cindy, your breakfasts are nutritious, balance and so delicious.Thanks for making our first experience of the Olympic Peninsula such a pleasure.

My husband and I chose the Old Consulate Inn for our first B&B experience due to the reputation for excellence of the new owners that took possession the first of July. We were charmed from the moment we stepped onto the porch and rang the bell. This Victorian mansion is splendid in every way possible. All of the old images shown on the Internet have dolls, teddy bears, frou frou of a silly nature in each room . We were delighted to find that the 'silly' stuff was gone and in it's place there is an elegance and ease of living showcased in every room. An outstanding collection of musical instruments has replaced the silly hat's in the grand foyer. We were greeted by both owner/inn keepers and given a tour of the mansion. We arrived on a Friday afternoon before any other guests so were treated to a viewing of each room upstairs. We were excited to learn as time goes on of the new decorating changes for many of the rooms by the new owners. The room we chose for our three day weekend was what has been called the Anniversary suite. Spectacular! Luxurious! Elegant! An incredibly comfortable King bed. Tasteful decor and color throughout. Spacious bathroom with claw foot tub and modern shower stall. We felt like royalty. We were treated as such. I was concerned that as an early riser (5 or 6 am) there would be difficulty finding a cup of coffee in the neighborhood. My fears were unfounded! The new owners have an espresso machine that is self serve. Hot water for tea or cocoa, espresso, or large cup of coffee. I had no problem making my own delicious brew each morning in the subdued light and quiet house. It was set up each evening before. Sugar and half and half also provided with spoons and large cups and saucers. I was very happy with this set up. Breakfast we were told would be served near 9 am. Fresh fruit, granola, cream, yogurt, and a selection of cheese tidbits were on the sideboard along with orange juice and a fresh pitcher of water a half hour or so before breakfast. The house began to smell of delicious muffins fresh from the oven. Cinnamon and apple one morning and a pumpkin and walnut another. First morning we had a choice of waffle with strawberries and crushed almonds or a mushroom and cheese omelet. Second morning choice of eggs benidect with ham or spinach. Everything was absolutely cooked to perfection and brought to the dining table to each guest steaming hot. Our Inn keeper dressed in modest skirt wearing a fresh head coif and clean ironed apron. She was attentive to each guest's needs and happy to explain recipes. There were vegan choices, gluten free, and low salt. Her husband was present to greet each guest at the dining room and added a friendly conversation start each morning or explain how to use the espresso machine to new comers. Friendly and relaxed. Lively conversation and great food to start the day. We were reluctant to leave and live in the real world again. Our first B&B experience was like living in the lap of luxury in one of the most beautiful Victorian mansions in Washington State. We are already planning our next visit and definitely will choose the suite again.

Port Townsend is a historical seaport with a Victorian flair. Charm is as abundant in this town as the vivid baskets of geraniums, petunias and lobelias that march down Water street like a grand parade. Architectural eye candy is everywhere you look, from historically accurate buildings to lovingly restored homes. But none are as lovely as The Old Consulate Inn. As a resident of the lovely city of Las Vegas (birthplace of the impersonal mega hotel experience) I look forward to my yearly visits to Port Townsend for the Wooden Boat Festival to relax and unwind. I ALWAYS stay at The Old Consulate Inn (booking well in advance as it is VERY popular) since I discovered it several years ago. I appreciate the genuine friendliness and helpfulness I am greeted with when I arrive and that continues throughout my stay. It is true hospitality that exists here. From the moment you walk under the entry arch covered with sweet champagne grape vines and through the front door into the foyer resplendent with gorgeous carved wood and antique display cases filled with swoon worthy antique lace, china and silver items (I must admit to owning several items, including an elaborate Victorian hat purchased as momentoes of my stays there) you are made to feel welcome and special, I was on a first name basis with Mary, Mike and Sue before the end of my stay. The Victorian hats displayed near the stairwell are a must to try on and you are encouraged to do so...transporting yourself into an era of grace and elegance that is represented so beautifully in the accoutrements of the Inn. After you arrive, you are treated to a short tour of the Inn and a bit of history (the story of the grape chandelier and the 'war' between Port Townsend and Seattle are my favorites) and trust me...after several visits it never gets old, as there are many tales to be told of this historic inn and seaport. If any of the guest rooms are open during the tour, take a moment to check them out...all 8 are different and each is wonderful in its own way, perfectly decorated with victorian flair. My favorites are the tower honeymoon suite (you won't want to leave the stunning views and relaxing comfort of the wonderful tower sitting area) and the garden room..ts canopied bed will make you feel like royalty). No matter which you choose, you will enjoy a restful nights sleep on very comfy mattresses and you will have plenty of room to store your things on and in lovely antique furnishings. After a day walking around the city, you will enjoy slipping between the crisp sheets (after removing and enjoying the yummy chocolate mint left for you on your pillow by the wonderful Innkeepers and their excellent housekeeping staff) and snuggling up for a peaceful sleep. It is hard not to dream about elegant Victorian ladies dripping in ribbons and lace with feathered hats perched coquettishly atop intricately coiffed hair walking side by side with their mannerly top hatted, ascotted gentlemen, perhaps on their way to a sailing adventure to Vancouver Island or beyond. Upon waking, you are greeted by the most delectable smells, and if you are like me and have experienced the abundance of deliciousness that awaits in the dining room...you will run, not walk, downstairs. The breakfasts at the Inn are...well...fabulous and they are my favorite part of staying there. From steaming platters of eggy goodness called Consulate Puffs and fluffy pancakes with what I like to call 'Mrs. Butterworth, Eat Your Heart Out' syrup that will haunt your memory for days afteward to melon platters drizzled with a delectable sauce the recipe for which I have been trying to charm out of the chef for years, you will have enough food to satisfy your hunger, be it for sweet or savory, light or hearty. Generous amounts of delicious coffee, juice or tea are available to quench your thirst. Take a moment to enjoy your coffee and get to know your fellow guests. I have found many 'off the beaten path' and little known hideaways...those elusive non-touristy 'local' gems sought after by most travelers from these casual moring conversations. In true B&B fashion,the Inn does not serve lunch or dinner, however not only are menus from the local restaurants available but Mary, Mike or Sue will be happy to give you recommendations and tips earned from first hand experience, and based on breakfast...you KNOW they will not steer you wrong. If you would like to experience true hospitality wrapped up in elaborate victorian elegance and food worthy of a 5 star restaurant, I invite you to stay at The Old Consulate Inn. Wander around the lovingly decorated rooms, play a game of chinese checkers, or shoot some pool downstairs on the red felted pool table. Pour yourself a cup of tea and relax on the beautiful wrap around porch, rocking on the porch swing or unwind with a walk around the beautiful gardens, pick a few champagne grapes, smell the luscious roses and enjoy the view of sailboats on the bay and a very unique 'lighthouse' nearby.

Beautiful in every way.