The Hotel Leo in downtown Bellingham dates to the early 1900s.
In the early 20th century, a stately brick structure that became known as the Leopold Hotel was the site of many social events, from weddings to other soirees, in downtown Bellingham, a Washington State bayside community roughly equidistant to Seattle and Vancouver, British Columbia. Though these days, travelers to this outdoor-oriented city may be more likely to be cycling, hiking, or exploring the waterfront than donning ballgowns, this historic lodging — refreshed and rebranded as the Hotel Leo — is a convenient place to stay.
Here’s the scoop:
The Hotel Leo lobby retains many of its art deco features.
The Hotel Leo
Entering the lobby at the Hotel Leo can feel like walking back to a grander era, with its ornate statue at the room’s center, polished brass fixtures, and even an old-school phone booth.
The lobby lounge, Amendment 21, recalls the Prohibition era when the US banned the production and sale of “intoxicating liquors.” The original Leopold Hotel served the first legal cocktail in Bellingham after Prohibition was repealed; the lounge takes its name from the US Constitutional amendment repealing the Prohibition laws. Today, you can have a drink or a tapas-style light bite in the restored lounge space.
On the second floor, you can browse in the library, its dark wood shelves lined with books, or join your companion for a round of pool.
The hotel also has a fitness facility, divided into several different rooms for cardio and weight workouts.
Simple updated guestrooms
Guest Rooms and Amenities
The hotel’s guest rooms are located in two different sections, the historic building and a more modern wing.
The historic rooms have been updated with amenities including flat-screen TVs, French press coffeemakers, microwaves, and mini-fridges, while retaining the original tile baths. These rooms, with one queen bed, are quite small, ranging only from 100 to 200 square feet.
The suites in the historic building vary in size but have separate bedrooms and living rooms, which feature a sleep sofa. They also have kitchen facilities.
Suites have a separate living room area.
The modern studios measure 342 square feet and have more space than the standard historic rooms. They have king beds, contemporary bathrooms, and kitchenettes, and the furnishings are more stylish than those in the simpler historic rooms.
Another option in the modern wing is the 648-square-foot “Grand Suites,” one-bedroom apartments with king beds, separate living rooms, and full kitchens.
Whichever room type you choose, try to get a higher-floor room facing the bay. The sunset views are fantastic.
Sunset views from the Hotel Leo
What’s Nearby?
The Hotel Leo is convenient to all of downtown Bellingham’s attractions and restaurants, and it’s only a short walk from the city’s waterfront. You can visit the SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention. In this inventive, hands-on science gallery, you might participate in static electricity experiments or learn about the evolution of music recording technology.
Across the street from the hotel, you can stop into COF& for a variety of Colombian coffee drinks, from traditional espresso to creations like the “cappuccino gold,” espresso, and steamed milk topped with local honey and almond powder. At nearby Storia Cucina, you might dig into a pizza with a sourdough crust or a pasta like linguine with local clams or classic Pappardelle Bolognese.
Or head to the waterfront for drinks at Kulshan Brewing’s Trackside Beer Garden in the Portal, an outdoor “village” constructed from shipping containers. At the Portal, you can also rent an e-bike from Sun-E-Land Bikes to ride along the waterfront or explore the city.
Rates
Double room rates at the Hotel Leo vary significantly by room type and date but generally start at about $169/night.
For the latest rates for the Hotel Leo, check online at Booking.com or Expedia.com.
Overnight parking in the hotel’s lot is complimentary, although limited. You can also park overnight on the surrounding streets at no charge.
The Hotel Leo offers free bicycle storage in a secured indoor bike room for modern-day Bellingham visitors who’ve brought their bikes rather than their ballgowns.
Hotel feature by Vancouver-based travel, food, and feature writer Carolyn B. Heller. Photos © Carolyn B. Heller. Visit Bellingham arranged my stay for review purposes.
