Accommodations

Lodging can be dicey during the Ellensburg Rodeo [1] in early September, the Western Art show in May, and Gorge Concerts on summer weekends. The Ellensburg Chamber of Commerce (509/925-3137 or 888/925-2204, www.ellensburg-chamber.com [2]) keeps track of which lodgings have space. Reservations should be made far in advance for these times—before mid-January for the rodeo. Also be forewarned that during the rodeo, rates may be considerably higher than those listed here.

Fans of Craftsman-style architecture will love The Wren’s Nest Bed & Breakfast (300 E. Manitoba Ave., 509/925-9061, www.wrensnest.com [3], $90–110 d), a 1912 home that has been restored inside and out to spec with the clean style of the movement—everything except, of course, the two lions sitting on the stone porch railings, which are charming in their own right. Inside the woodwork is deliciously golden and nutty, cut in simple lines to let the medium speak for itself.

The Inn at Goose Creek (1720 Canyon Rd., 509/962-8030 or 800/533-0822, $119 s or d) is different. Very different. The 10 rooms all have different motifs, ranging from a room in which it’s Christmas all year long, to the All-Star Sports Fan room, complete with basketball hoop table. Each room includes a fridge and whirlpool tub, and a continental breakfast is served.

A favorite among parents visiting their kids at CWU, GuestHouse Ellensburg (606 N. Main St., 509/962-3706 or 888/699-0123, $135 d) is an easy four-block walk from campus and close to the shops of the historic downtown. The Victorian home situates guests in one of two suites done up with the best of the old and the new: English antiques and big flat-screen TVs. Wine lovers will be pleased to find Ellensburg WineWorks operating beneath them on the first floor.

Rainbow Motel (1025 Cascade Way, 509/933-7100$57–105 s or d) has standard rooms; kitchenettes are also available. I-90 Inn Motel (1390 Dolarway Rd., exit 106 off I-90, 509/925-9844, $62 s or $72 d) has lakeside rooms with continental breakfast; pets are welcome. Nites Inn Motel (1200 S. Ruby, 509/962-9600, $62–65 d, pets $8 extra) has parklike grounds and microwaves and fridges in all rooms.

Super 8 Motel (1500 Canyon Rd., 509/962-6888 or 800/800-8000, www.super8.com [4], $81 s or $94 d) has an indoor pool and hot tub. Quality Inn (1700 Canyon Rd., 509/925-9801 or 800/321-8791, $95 s or $99 d) has an indoor pool, sauna, and hot tubs.

The Comfort Inn (1722 Canyon Rd., 509/925-7037 or 800/221-2222, www.hotelchoice.com [5], $104 s or d) features an indoor pool, hot tub, and continental breakfast.