Exploring Bothell, Washington: A Charming Retreat at Anderson School Hotel

I'm going to let you in on a secret hidden gem in the Pacific Northwest that offers the perfect blend of small-town charm and urban amenities. Whether you're seeking a relaxing getaway, an adventure-packed vacation or a tucked away town that's close to Seattle, but isn't in the heart of it, Bothell has something to offer for everyone. In this blog post, I'll introduce you to the delightful Anderson School Hotel. You aren't going to want to miss visiting this historic junior high school turned hotel property! I'll even share some tips to help you make your trip to Bothell unforgettable.

Exploring Bothell, Washington: A Charming Retreat at Anderson School Hotel

Visiting Bothell and the Proximity to Seattle and SeaTac Airport

One of the most appealing aspects of Bothell is its proximity to major transportation hubs, making it a convenient destination for both local and international travelers. It's an easy home base if you want to visit Seattle, but don't want to stay in the city, and typically accommodations are a bit less expensive than you'll find downtown. Here's a quick breakdown of the distances from Bothell to Seattle and SEA.

Bothell to Seattle

Bothell is located approximately 20 miles northeast of downtown Seattle. Depending on traffic conditions, the drive can take from 30-45 minutes. 

Bothell to SEA

SeaTac Airport is situated about 30 miles south of Bothell. The driving time from Bothell to SEA is around 30-45 minutes, again depending on traffic. There are shuttle services and public transportation options available. 

Discovering Anderson School Hotel: A Unique Retreat

When planning your visit to the Seattle area, your choice of accommodation plays a pivotal role in your overall experience. There's no better place to stay in Bothell than the enchanting Anderson School Hotel. Housed in the old Bothell junior high school building, the hotel is part of the McMenamins family of properties known for transforming old structures into unique destinations with a whole lot of personality.

Facts about McMenamins Anderson Hotel

Historic Roots

The Anderson School was originally built in 1931 as a combination elementary and junior high school. It served the community for many decades and then sat empty before being thoughtfully repurposed into the unique hotel it is today.
Throughout the campus, there is a nod to the Anderson School Hotels past. The classrooms have been turned into the hotel rooms and guests can enjoy complimentary coffee outside of the Principal's Office every morning. 
The old wood shop is now The Woodshop restaurant with pool tables, pinball and shuffleboard. The Woodshop serves pizza and burgers and has a fairly extensive bar menu as well.
Who didn't love movie day when you were at school? The old gym has been turned into a theater that shows current movies a few times a day. The old cafeteria is now The Tavern on the Square, a farm-to-table restaurant with market-fresh seafood, local produce and house-made pastries and desserts. 
The old pool is now The Northshore Lagoon Pool where you can enjoy a saltwater swim in 88-90 degree water! Hotel guests are free, but if you are just visiting the grounds, you can pay hourly to swim. 
The school grounds have been turned into beautiful gardens with free garden tours on Tuesday and Friday. If you get a chance to visit in May, the gardener that did my tour told me that the whole grounds are in bloom around that time making for some incredible photo opportunities. But with any garden, it's constantly changing, so you'll want to explore it during all four seasons!

McMenamins Properties

McMenamins is a family-owned chain of unique hotels, restaurants, breweries, pubs and entertainment venues primarily located in the Pacific Northwest. Walking onto a property, reminds me a little bit of being on a cruise ship, except it's on land.
The properties have a distinct approach to hospitality that involves the thoughtful and creative transformation of historic properties into destinations that you're encouraged to explore. Even if you aren't staying on site at a property, 

McMenamins Passports

Part of the exploration process involves the concept of a McMenamins passport that adds an element of adventure and discovery to visiting different McMenamins property locations. They encourage guests to explore and experience the various properties and venues within the McMenamins family while collecting stamps and earning rewards as they travel from one destination to the next.

How McMenamins Passports Work

The McMenamins Passport is a physical book that actually resembles a traditional passport. It's available for purchase at any McMenamins locations. Each McMenamins property has its own unique stamp featuring custom artwork representing the location's theme or history. When you visit a location, you can request a stamp in your passport from the staff.
The goal is to collect as many stamps as possible by visiting different McMenamins properties. As you accumulate stamps, you become eligible for various rewards and incentives based on the number of locations you have visited. These rewards include discounts, special offers, complimentary meals, merchandise and more. 
McMenamins also occasionally hosts special events or promotions tied to the passport program. The ultimate achievement for passport holders is to complete the entire passport by collecting stamps from all the participating McMenamins locations. Those who accomplish this impressive feat receive a special reward!

Things to do in Bothell, Washington

Like I said, The Anderson School is a destination in and of itself. You really don't need to leave since there is plenty to explore and experience, but if you want to get out to discover Bothell and the surrounding area, here are some things to do. 

Visit Bothell Landing Park

This picturesque park along the Sammamish River is perfect for a leisurely stroll or a family picnic.

Explore the Burke-Gilman Trail

This 27-mile trail is an old rail trail  that stretches through King County and connects the surrounding area. It's great for cycling or walking and gives a nice scenic path to enjoy.

Kenmore Airlines

Take a scenic flight from Kenmore Airlines. It's about a 10 minute drive from The Anderson Hotel and provides a unique opportunity to take a float plane on a scenic flight around the city or up to the San Juans and into Canada. 

Log Boom Park

If you just want to watch float planes take off and land, you can head over to Log Boom Park and walk the dock and be close to the "runway". There are several benches at the end as well as public restrooms and a small playground.
Bothell is close to Bellevue, Seattle and several other surrounding areas that all have plenty to explore! Staying at the Anderson School Hotel provides the perfect home base for exploration. You don't even have to leave the property, but if you want to, there's plenty of area to explore! You aren't going to want to miss this hidden gem in the Pacific Northwest!


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