Somewhere between the advent of Airbnb and Instagram, vacationers began craving accommodations that provided them with more than beige, standardized interiors. Today's sightseers patronize businesses that deliver comfort while maintaining the local character guests couldn't find anywhere else. If a one-of-a-kind stay is on your wish list, you might want to stay in Port Townsend's Bishop Hotel, one of the oldest hotels in Washington.

Perched on the northeast tip of the Olympic Peninsula with sweeping views of Puget Sound, Port Townsend is a famously picturesque town with a reputation for well-preserved Victorian architecture. The community's careful conservation of these structures is partly thanks to luck. While other Washington cities fell victim to fires that forced redevelopment, Port Townsend avoided these disasters.

With its stylish looks and oh-so-symmetrical architecture, there's something charmingly Wes Anderson about The Bishop Hotel. Walking up, it delivers visitors Old West luxury with a Victorian flair.

A local man named William Bishop Sr. built the site in 1890. It became known as The Bishop Block, serving as the headquarters for the Owl Cigar Company well into the 1900s before being converted into temporary housing for WWII civilian workers in the 1940s. 1980 was the first year the building operated as a hotel, and it's been a tourist favorite since.

Current owners Jessica Jennings and Eric Wennberg purchased the building in 2020 and have done a remarkable job updating it while remaining sensitive to its storied past. You'll find their touch in modern details that imbue the hotel with timeless panache.

One of the things we love most about this boutique hotel in Port Townsend is that it sits just one block from the water, creating the perfect coastal escape. You can access the beach and water right from Water Street. And after your time outdoors, you can take a walk and browse the many local shops.

Though the downstairs Bottle Shop at The Bishop Hotel is open seven days a week for espresso, pastries, and adult beverages, and the beautiful courtyard is a must-visit year-round, some rooms are fitted with quaint kitchenettes, meaning you can luxuriate in bed as long as you'd like on a lazy vacation morning.

As well as being squeaky clean, the rooms are equally packed with character. As a lover of antiques, I relished the hotel's attention to detail. Here, guests enjoy all the atmosphere of a Victorian building while also benefiting from modern comforts. The combination makes for a delightful experience you'll want to repeat again and again.

This Old West hotel in Washington also offers weekly, private, and various pop-up events. These events typically take place in the Bishop Block Bottle Shop or Garden Courtyard and can include everything from live music nights to a weekly pasta night. We recommend you visit The Bishop Hotel’s website for upcoming events and activities.

You'll love your stay at one of the oldest hotels in Washington! The Bishop Hotel delivers Old West glamour in a decidedly Victorian package. Best of all, this boutique hotel is located within walking distance from Port Townsend's charming downtown. Book your vacation and make lasting memories in this stunning waterfront town! And, of course, if you have stayed at this Washington hotel in the past, let us know about your experience. Don't forget to include your favorite The Bishop Hotel photos!