12/05/08

THE most romantic getaway in the Seattle area!

by Gregoryp32

The little woman and I truly enjoyed our romantic weekend at ?L'Auberge at The Edge of Seattle? in nearby Woodinville, Wa. Proprietress, Nancy Gates, greeted us at the expansive entryway. A charming woman who instantaneously set us at ease and welcomed us into her beautiful home. I was very impressed with the entryway and living room. Decorated with antique slot machines, original art and some of the most beautiful hand-woven Moroccan carpets I have seen. Nancy led us to the ?Honeymoon Suite? just down the heated tile hallway. The King-size bed looks out on the beautiful grounds and patio. The fireplace was ready for us with a supply of kindling and wood. A decanter of homemade wine was on the nightstand. The large spa bath was wonderful and appointed with candles, soaps, shampoo and cream rinses. The walk-in shower had two showerheads and all the hot water needed. We enjoyed magnificent homemade candy and cookies that were on the table in the sitting area before the bed.

Dinner was served in the elegant dining room and was the most formal dinner I have ever been served. Full service fine china, silverware, embroidered tablecloth and individual wine glasses for each wine. Each course from soup, salad, entree and desert was excellent. Nancy was faultless in her preparation and service. We were treated like royalty. Breakfast was served the next morning in our room in the same elegant manner. Fresh fruit, Belgian waffles, juice and coffee.

My wife and I will return to L'Auberge at The Edge of Seattle whenever we need a romantic getaway from the stress of our busy lives.

08/04/08

Best Bed and Breakfast and Cooking Class

by JesseGriffin

Since my wife and I had never stayed at a real bed and breakfast before we had no idea what to expect. Our hostess, Nancy Douglas, was very accommodating and helpful even though we had to arrive very late (11:00 pm) she said just to call when we were about an hour out and she would have the room ready for us with the door unlocked and to just check in in the morning. We did not know that the preparing of the room included warm homemade pastries, chilled sparkling wine and a beautifully appointed room. Since we are extremely early risers we did not avail ourselves of the breakfast available but I am sure it was amazing. We came for the French Crab Feast with Chef Adam Hoffman of Rovers Restaurant in Seattle. My wife uses a very apt word for our cooking/dining experience?awesome! The meal was spectacular in itself, but to have been a part of its creation was special indeed. Chef Hoffman allowed us to be as hands on as we wanted and guided us at every turn. We started with some of the most beautiful live locally caught crabs and ended with a meal to rival any restaurant anywhere at any price. Then there was the wine. Each person was asked to bring a bottle of his/her favorite wine (white in this case) to share with our small group, these were very special selections and were greatly enjoyed. All the while our hostess, Nancy, was there to make sure that we had the time of our lives. We plan to make this a favorite place to stay even if there is no class scheduled as the cost of the room is very comparable to that of a Marriott with so much more. If you plan to be in the Seattle area you can do no better than to stay at L?Auberge?.take the cooking class if it is available, you will not be disappointed. Jesse and Nancy Griffin, Walla Walla, WA

• Pros: Unexpected amenities, gracious hostess
• Cons: We live too far away to stay here every weekend

06/03/08

Bed and Breakfast Inn

by JPatrickKelly

On Memorial Day Weekend I had the fortune to travel North of Seattle and stay at L'Auberge Edge of Seattle, located at 16400 216 Avenue N.E. Woodinville, Washington 98077, (425) 260-6213, hosted by Nancy Douglas. The property is breathtaking, quiet with mocking birds singing amongst the needled trees.

The rooms/suite was comfortable, relaxing with all the amenities one only hopes to experience. The bed was one of the mos t comfortable with down comforters and pillows. Plush robes for the bath kept one warm and comfortable after a shower with all the small amenities not usually found. Al l French and done in a true style. Ms. Douglas? roots in France is shown throughout the house.

The wine, the coffee, light dinner, fresh warmed baked sweet breads in the morning and the upbeat personality of Ms. Douglas makes one feel as if you are at a home of a friend who enjoys making one fill comfortable.

The experience at L'Auberge Edge of Seattle is not replicated in many inns/hotels that try to create what Ms. Douglas does naturally. It is worth the drive through beautiful country to experience this inn. Thank you Ms. Douglas for your service.

Rev. J. Patrick Kelly

Sacramento, CA

• Pros: The atmosphere and the host Ms. Douglas
• Cons: Took me two phone calls to locate the property (but worth the calls!)