Escape to Auld Holland Inn: Oak Harbor's Hidden Gem!
Escape to Auld Holland Inn: Oak Harbor's Hidden Gem? (Or Just a Really Good Place to Crash?) - A Rambling Review
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your average, polished hotel review. This is me, spilling the tea (or maybe the lukewarm coffee from the in-room maker) on my recent stay at the Auld Holland Inn in Oak Harbor. SEO be damned, I'm going for real.
First Impressions & Getting There (aka The Anxiety Starter Pack):
Finding the Auld Holland Inn was a bit like a treasure hunt. Okay, maybe not that dramatic, but it wasn't exactly plastered all over the main drag. Nestled away a little, it felt like you were discovering a secret. And the exterior? Charming, definitely. Maybe a little… quaint. Think "Dutch Village Grandma's B&B" but, you know, bigger. Parking was a breeze – free, on-site, and thankfully I didn't have to navigate one of those ridiculously tight European parking garages. Praise the heavens. They even have a car power charging station, which, even though I don't have a fancy electric car, it's a sign they're trying to be modern, right?
Accessibility: A Mostly Smooth Ride (With a Few Bumps):
Now, I'm not a mobility expert, but I did pay attention. The website claims good accessibility. And… it's mostly true. The elevator was a godsend, because, let's be honest, climbing stairs with luggage is my kryptonite. The common areas seemed decent for wheelchairs, with ramps and generally wide spaces. My biggest gripe? The bathrooms. While accessible they weren't perfect. Some of the maneuvering space felt a bit tight, and the location of a grab bar could've been… better. Still, kudos for trying.
Rooms: My Sanctuary of Slightly-Too-Soft Pillows (and Seriously Good Blackout Curtains):
My room? (This is going to get long, brace yourselves.) A standard double, apparently. The good? Amazing blackout curtains. Seriously, it was like sleeping in a vampire's coffin (minus the vampires…hopefully). I'm a light sleeper, and they were a game-changer. The bed itself? Comfortable enough. Maybe a touch too soft for my liking, but hey, that's a personal preference, right? The bathroom was…adequate. Clean, functional, with all the necessary toiletries, including free bottled water (a small win!). The little things matter, people. They had a desk, a reading light (essential!), and a mini-fridge. I even think there was an extra-long bed.
Rambling Thoughts on Hygiene (Because, 2024):
Okay, let's talk about the elephant in the room: cleanliness. I'm a natural germaphobe, so I paid close attention. The Auld Holland Inn seemed to take things seriously. Hand sanitizer everywhere, staff wearing masks, and signs plastered all over the place about their rigorous cleaning protocols (anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection, rooms sanitized between stays, etc.) Honestly, it was a little too overkill at times, but hey, I'd rather err on the side of caution, right? The rooms felt clean, which is the most important thing. Sanitized kitchen and tableware items? Check. Individually-wrapped food options? Double check.
Food, Glorious Food (and My Ongoing Coffee Crisis):
Let's just rip the Band-Aid off: the coffee situation was a tragedy. The in-room coffee maker… well, it made something. Not coffee. Gray water with a hint of despair, more like. But! The breakfast buffet was… passable. Breakfast [buffet]. They had a decent selection of your basic breakfast buffet fare: eggs, bacon, some sad-looking pastries, and the all-important coffee (that was thankfully better than the in-room stuff). They offered an Asian breakfast, too, which I did not try (too afraid of the coffee gods). There are restaurants and a coffee shop in the hotel, but I did not try any.
"Things to Do" (and My Personal Struggle with Relaxation):
Okay, this is where things get interesting. The Auld Holland Inn isn't exactly a resort. But! It does have a pool! An outdoor swimming pool that looked pretty inviting, though I didn't go for a dip. I think it even has a pool with a view. Also, a gym/fitness center and a spa!. I intended to use the facilities - the sauna? The steamroom? A message? Sounded dreamy. But, alas, I spent most of my time in the room, catching up on emails, because, life. Okay, I take that back. Didn't even touch those.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking:
There's a restaurant, a bar, and a snack bar. They offer room service (24-hour!), Happy Hour, and lots of options. The hotel offers western and international cuisine in the restaurant. I didn't get to sample the delights.
Services and Conveniences: The Good, the Bad, and the Slightly Confusing:
The Auld Holland Inn offers a mountain of services. It's the little things, isn't it? Like the available facilities for disabled guests (thank you!), the daily housekeeping (YES!), and the free Wi-Fi in all rooms (Hallelujah!). They also had a Concierge, which I didn't use.
For the Kids (Because, You Know, Family Vacations):
Family/child friendly, Babysitting service, Kids meal, Kids facilities. I didn't travel with children, so I cannot speak to this very well.
Getting Around (aka, Parking, Parking, Parking!):
Free car park on-site! Major win. They even have taxi service, airport transfer, bicycle and valet parking (Metadata & SEO Stuff Now, I Swear!):
- Keywords: Oak Harbor Hotel, Auld Holland Inn, Wheelchair Accessible Hotel, Spa Hotel, Restaurant, Free Wi-Fi, Swimming Pool, Breakfast Buffet, Family Friendly Hotel, Pet Friendly Hotel. (Sadly, the Pets allowed is not available).
- Title: Auld Holland Inn, Oak Harbor: Honest Review & Is It a Hidden Gem?
- Meta Description: A brutally honest review of the Auld Holland Inn in Oak Harbor, WA. Accessibility, food, amenities, and more! Find out if this hidden gem lives up to the hype.
- H1: Escape to Auld Holland Inn: Oak Harbor's Hidden Gem! (Or Just A Nice Place to Crash?)
Final Verdict (The Unvarnished Truth):
The Auld Holland Inn? Not a perfect hotel. There were quirks, a few imperfections, and the coffee situation nearly broke me. But, overall? It was a good experience. it gives you the feeling that you're in a hidden gem! Clean, comfortable, and with enough amenities to make your stay enjoyable. I'd recommend it. But maybe bring your own coffee. And learn to embrace the slightly Dutch-y charm. You might even love it.
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Alright, buckle up, buttercups! This ain't some pristine, perfectly-manicured Expedia itinerary. This is my attempt to conquer Auld Holland Inn in Oak Harbor, Washington. Expect detours, potential meltdowns, and the unvarnished truth.
Auld Holland Inn: My Attempted Conquest (And Likely, My Downfall)
Day 1: Arrival & Existential Dread (aka, the Front Desk)
14:00 - Arrival, Arrival, Arrival! (or, at least, the idea of it). I’m picturing myself sauntering in, a vision of effortless grace, and charming the receptionist with my impeccable travel skills. Yeah, right. More like stumbling in, looking slightly disheveled from the drive, and praying I didn’t forget the damn reservation number. I'm already regretting not packing a good book, a comfy blanket… and maybe a small therapist.
14:15 - Check-In Chaos (probably). Okay, realistically, the front desk is a potential minefield. Will the room be ready? Will the key card work? Will there be a hidden problem, like a clogged toilet or a ghost that plays polka music all night? I genuinely hope to not experience the latter.
14:30 - Room Reconnaissance (and a Moment of Zen, or Despair). Let the judging begin! Cleanliness is key. Soft bed is crucial. And a view… well, I'm not picky. A view of the parking lot is better than a room with no window at all, I guess. deep breath Stay positive, stay positive…
15:00 - Unpack & Assess Emotional State. Because let's be honest, unpacking is an emotional rollercoaster. I'll start with the essentials: phone, charger, snacks (critical for survival). Then, I'll gaze longingly at the king-sized bed and consider whether or not I'll just take a nap for the rest of the day. The more I think about it, the more it looks like a good idea.
16:00 - Exploration Phase 1: Time to explore the Inn. I'll see if I notice any hidden treasures.
17:00 - Eating Out or not to eat out. The dining out choice is a big deal. But first, I wanted to see what are the food options. The main dining room? Maybe the food will be great, or maybe it will be the worst meal of my life.
18:00 - Dinner, Possibly Followed by Existential Dread Part 2. Let's see if the chef is up to scratch. After dinner, I can either go back to the room or maybe enjoy a game night at the Inn.
21:00 - Bedtime Routine. I'm going to get a good night's sleep, so I can have a great day tomorrow.
Day 2: Whidbey Island Adventures (Attempt #1)
08:00 - Breakfast (Maybe). Free continental breakfast? This could go either way. Cereal and lukewarm coffee? Prepare for disappointment. Pancakes? Now we’re talking! I'll try not to judge the other hotel guests too harshly as I shovel down my fuel for the day.
09:00 - Whidbey Island Bound! Today's mission: conquer Whidbey Island! I've mapped out a route (ish). The plan is to drive to Deception Pass State Park. I want to capture some epic photos from the bridge.
10:30 - Deception Pass (Hopefully No Deception). This is it! The bridge! The views! The potential for vertigo! I'll try not to look down too much. Note to self: Don't drop my phone.
12:00 - Lunch (or, the Search for Real Food). Okay, where do I eat? Hopefully, I'll find the food trucks and eat a great meal.
13:00 - Oak Harbor Exploration. I'll see if I can find the other sights in Oak Harbor.
15:00 - Back to the Inn. It's time to rest before dinner, tomorrow.
16:00 - Relaxing at the Inn. I'll take a bath, read a book, or watch some TV.
18:00 - Dinner time.
21:00 - Rest and prepare for the next day.
Day 3: Departure (and a Sigh of Relief?)
08:00 - Breakfast (Again! Pray For Pancakes). I wonder how many people in the breakfast area are also having the same existential thoughts as me?
09:00 - Last-Minute Reflections. I might check the pool.
10:00 - Check-out (with Fingers Crossed). This is always the most stressful part. Did I leave anything behind? Did I wreck the room? Did I accidentally steal a towel? Deep breaths.
10:30 - Exit Strategy. This is it. The grand finale. I hope to have learned something about myself, the Inn. Wish me luck!
This is just a rough guide. Real life, and my own indecisiveness, will likely throw everything off course. But hey, that's the adventure, right? Wish me luck! I'll need it. And maybe a stiff drink.
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Okay, spill the beans! What *is* this "Escape to Auld Holland Inn" everyone's raving about? And is it really worth the hype?
Alright, buckle up. Escape to Auld Holland Inn is basically a (surprise!) inn, tucked away in Oak Harbor. It's got this whole Dutch theme going on – think windmills (okay, maybe not *actual* working windmills), clogs, and a general vibe of cozy, slightly quirky charm. And is it worth the hype? Look, I'll be brutally honest. I went in with super-high expectations after hearing all the buzz. The truth? It's... complicated. Some parts are absolutely *magical*. Others? Well, let's just say I experienced some, ahem, "room for improvement."
Let me give you an example. Picture this: you arrive, exhausted from the ferry, and the owner, this sweet woman named Agnes, greets you with a tray of hot apple cider and stroopwafels. Agnes. Ah, Agnes. More on her later. So, immediately, you're like, "This is it! This is the perfect getaway!" Then you get to your room, and... well, my first room had this slightly… musty… aroma. Not a deal-breaker for *some*, but I spent the first hour frantically searching for a hidden air freshener. Found none. Endlessly!
What are the rooms *actually* like? Are they nice? Specifically, the beds!?
The rooms... Oh, the rooms. Okay, this is where things get *really* subjective. Some are absolutely delightful. Seriously, picture perfect. Think fluffy duvets, charming Dutch-themed decor, and a view of the garden or, fingers crossed, the elusive, but gorgeous, windmill. The beds? That's the million-dollar question. Some have wonderfully comfortable mattresses – I slept like a baby in one. Seriously, I didn't wake up once! Others... *sigh*. Let's just say they're more "rustic charm" than "luxury hotel." If you're a light sleeper, consider bringing your own pillow. Just in case.
And remember Agnes? She's got this amazing memory, which is great, except when she remembers to put you in the 'room with the squeaky floorboards'. I was not prepared. After some pleading, I managed to get a room change.
Word to the wise: look at photos online *before* you go! I mean, I should have. I didn't. Don't be like me.
The food! What's the breakfast like? Is it authentic? And, importantly, is it any good?
Breakfast. The moment of truth. And the answer, my friends, is a resounding... maybe? It's included, which is a definite bonus. Agnes's cooking? Well, there's a certain... *homeliness* to it. Don't expect Michelin-star cuisine. Do expect a hearty, home-cooked meal. Think waffles, eggs, some kind of Dutch pancake (that I *loved*), fresh fruit, and if you're lucky, some delicious homemade jam.
The authenticity factor? Pretty good! They tried to stick to the Dutch theme. But there was this one morning, the "special" was something vaguely resembling… a breakfast burrito? I'm still trying to figure out how that happened. Still, even with the occasional culinary curveball, the food's pretty decent, and the atmosphere is super charming, which is a huge plus.
I heard there's a garden! Is it as beautiful as it sounds? Can you actually *use* it?
Oh, the garden! Okay, *this* is where the Inn truly shines. The garden is *gorgeous*. Seriously. It's a riot of color, with flowers blooming everywhere, little pathways winding around, and a sense of absolute tranquility. I’m not a gardener, I struggle with keeping a houseplant alive, yet I just couldn't help but admire the beautiful blooms.
Can you use it? Absolutely! There are little tables and chairs scattered around, perfect for enjoying a coffee, or reading a book. And, if the weather's good, it's the ideal place to just… be. My advice is to grab a book, a cup of coffee, and just lose yourself in it. It's the highlight! Honestly, it's the real "escape" part of Escape to Auld Holland.
Are there any downsides? Anything I should be aware of before booking? And any tips?
Okay, here's the honest truth, the gritty bits. Yes, there are downsides. First, the Wi-Fi can be spotty. Consider yourself warned. Second, the Inn is old. Really old. That means creaky floors, and the occasional… unexpected… noise. (I think, on one occasion, a cat was in the walls. Or was it?)
My biggest piece of advice? Be flexible. Go in with an open mind. Don't expect perfection. This isn't a slick, corporate hotel. It's someone's home. Embrace the quirks, the imperfections, the slightly-off breakfasts.
Other tips:
- Request a room with a comfortable bed, like, *specifically* ask.
- Bring earplugs if you're a light sleeper.
- Pack a good book. (Seriously, the garden is calling!)
- And most importantly, relax and enjoy the experience! It’s unique, and that's saying something.
Would you go back? And, if so, why?
Okay, here's the bottom line. Would I go back? Hmmm… The answer, surprisingly, is *yes*. Despite the occasional musty smell, the iffy Wi-Fi, and the unpredictable breakfasts, there's something about the Auld Holland Inn. It’s the charm, the garden, the genuine warmth of Agnes. It felt like a real adventure, a proper escape. Sure, it wasn't perfect, but it was memorable.
I found myself missing the creaky floors, and Agnes's rambling stories (that, as I recall, went off the rails more than once, in a good way). It had a certain… soul. And in today's world, that's a rare and precious thing. Absolutely, I'd go back. I'd probably try to book the room with the windmill view. And I’d definitely bring a better pillow.
Hey, what are some things to do *besides* staying at the Inn? I’m not *just* there for the stroopwafels, I promise!
Okay, so you're not just looking for a cozy cot. Smart. Oak Harbor has some pretty sweet stuff to offer.
First off, consider the Whidbey Island happenings. Beaches, hiking, you name it. Deception Pass State Park is a MUST. The views? Staggering. You'll want to be there to take pictures. There's the Coupeville Wharf, a great place to wander,Hotel Near Airport
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