Dominating the skyline in downtown Anacortes are the eye-catching twin structures of the Majestic Inn & Spa, a grand hotel steeped in history and invested in this community’s future.
It has been only a few weeks since the opening of the 30-room “twin” addition to the Majestic Inn, but the four-story structure immediately to the south dates back more than 120 years, a towering star in the history of this seaside city.
Surprising to most is the fact that the original Majestic Inn building shares neither original building site nor function. In fact, the structure was built as an office building by James McNaught in 1890, located about seven blocks west of its current site in a neighborhood intended to become the city center at one time.
Shortly after the young community lost out on its dream of becoming a major railroad terminus, investors including McNaught attempted to shift the business district to the west of the existing downtown. When that effort failed, the McNaught building was pulled atop logs pulled by horses to its present location at 4th Street and Commercial Avenue. The year was 1904.
Over the decades, this resilient building has survived Depression and fire. It has housed a mercantile, hotel, professional offices and grocery. Improvements have ranged from light exterior work to major renovation, including a $4 million investment in 2005.
Today, with the addition of the new 30-room corner building to the north, the Majestic Inn & Spa features 51 rooms, restaurant, inside lounge, spa and ground-level retail spaces. The 2,500 sq. ft. rooftop lounge and event facility offers a breathtaking view of the San Juan Islands, Cap Sante Marina, Mt. Baker and the North Cascades. Rooftop lounge amenities include firepits, and guests order from a full menu of food and beverage items from the Majestic’s own 5th Street Bistro.
Architect Dale Sweeney said the challenge was to create a new hotel building that “respected” the design of the turn-of-century twin structure. Sweeney noted cornice detail and window trim “to match the elegance of the main hotel.”
“The Majestic is a true gem, and we wanted to reflect that back to the community and the guests who stay there,” said Sweeney. “The result is that these two beautiful buildings fit together even though they are more than 120 years apart in age!”
Interior designer Tiffany Weber was inspired by the hotel’s location in a seaside Northwest community. “We drew from the colors and energy of the sea, sky and sun,” she said. “We wanted the experience of staying in the new building to reflect not only the hotel’s history, but its surroundings as well.”
Style and design of furnishings are complementary to the hotel’s history, but modern in feel. Weber applied the colors of a “warm palette” for walls, fabric and furnishings. Local photographs are on display throughout the Majestic and can be purchased at Northwest Image.
Rob Lee, director of operations for the Majestic, said plans to expand the capacity of the 21-room hotel were born in the wake of his family’s purchase of the facility just over two years ago. The hotel features rooms and suites from 300- to 500-sq. ft., from traditional studios to family suites with full kitchenettes
Linking the two buildings is a landscaped courtyard, including gazebo. This area, which can be tented, can accommodate gatherings of up to 250 people.
Located within the Majestic is the award-winning Apothecary Spa, offering a range of treatments and products as well as spa packages. The hotel’s popular restaurant, the 5th Street Bistro, features fresh local products as well as Northwest wines and microbrews.
Whether it is for relaxation or adventure, a special occasion or a meeting, the historic Majestic Inn & Spa in downtown Anacortes is here to meet your every need.