HOTEL SUMMARY
Where Romanesque Revival grandeur meets Pacific Northwest luxury, The Lodge at St Edward State Park + Kenmore transforms a 1931 Catholic seminary into Washington's most distinctive boutique retreat, where 84 thoughtfully appointed rooms rest within 326 acres of pristine parkland overlooking Lake Washington.
Designed by architect John Graham Sr.—whose son would later create Seattle's iconic Space Needle—this magnificent 90,000-square-foot stone edifice tells an extraordinary story of preservation and rebirth. After serving as a seminary for 46 years and standing vacant for decades, visionary preservationist Kevin Daniels orchestrated a meticulous four-year restoration that opened in 2021. Operated by Columbia Hospitality, the same group behind the acclaimed Salish Lodge and Spa, The Lodge at St Edward State Park has earned recognition as a living museum where history, hospitality, and nature converge in unprecedented harmony.
Each of the 84 guest rooms occupies former seminary dormitories, where soaring rounded windows flood spaces with natural light while forest views create an intimate connection to the surrounding wilderness. The thoughtful conversion preserves original architectural elements while introducing contemporary luxury amenities and sophisticated design touches. Former classrooms have been transformed into elegant meeting spaces, while the priests' common areas now serve as refined social venues, maintaining the building's contemplative atmosphere while embracing modern comfort.
Dining experiences honor the property's sacred origins through innovative culinary offerings that celebrate Pacific Northwest ingredients. The signature Tonsorium Bar, housed in the former seminary barbershop, serves craft cocktails beneath a whimsical plaster-cast unicorn head, embodying the property's playful approach to historic preservation. The restaurant showcases regional cuisine while multiple bar venues provide intimate settings for evening gatherings.
Beyond traditional luxury hotel amenities, The Lodge offers an immersive wellness spa, working apiary, and extensive gardens that reflect its commitment to holistic experiences. The surrounding St Edward State Park provides exclusive access to hiking trails descending to Lake Washington's shores, while the property functions as both art gallery and cultural center, hosting rotating exhibitions and educational programs. Staff members serve as storytellers, sharing local lore and the building's rumored hauntings that add mystique to every stay.
For discerning travelers seeking more than conventional luxury, The Lodge at St Edward State Park represents a singular opportunity to experience Washington's most thoughtfully preserved historic property. Book during spring and summer months for optimal garden and trail access, with premium rooms offering the finest lake and forest vistas for an unforgettable Pacific Northwest retreat.