McMenamin’s Anderson School: a perfectly charming Seattle getaway.

layered sweater. (h&m- not online) similar here. jeans. shoes. sunglasses. necklace. bag. suitcase.

When I was a kid, my parents were really big on getting away as a family.   We went on an epic road trip every summer, but even on those months in between they were really great about planning little weekend getaways as a family.  My dad used to say that it was important for us to get out of our normal routine, and create memories as a family.  Now that I look back, I realize that it was all those cramped car trips and shared hotel rooms, those fun getaways, and shared experiences that really bonded me and my siblings.  And I feel a great amount of gratitude to my parents for making that happen.  There were six of us kids and that couldn’t have been easy, but they really did it.  And it’s something that’s really important for me to give my kids as well.

Last week, before we left Seattle the kids and I went for a stay at McMeniman’s Anderson School hotel.  Moving is a lot of work, and stress even for kids (especially when dad leaves several weeks before us) and I told my crew that if they hung in there with me, and worked really hard, when it was all done we would reward ourselves by staying in a fun hotel and having a little overnight celebration.  They were thrilled.

I thought of McMenamin’s Anderson School right away.

I wanted the little stay to be a real treat and not just a night in a normal hotel–I wanted it to be really memorable.  And I have to say, not to pat myself on the back or anything, but in the mom department, I knocked this one out of the park.  Our stay was so unique and fun, and the kids are still talking about it.

I have to tell you about this place, because I first discovered it earlier last year, when we moved north to Bothell.

It’s this amazing hotel that used to be a school and the McMenamin brothers have completely transformed it into this amazing art deco mecca in the middle of downtown Bothell, just 20 minutes north of Seattle.

McMenamin’s Anderson School is literally the perfect charming Seattle getaway whether you have a family or you just want a little over-nighter with you’re hubby.  The main building is an art-deco school building with classrooms-turned-hotel rooms.  My kids got the hugest kick out of all the names of former students on the doors, and loved getting to read about the history.   The Anderson School has tons of on-site attractions, including a brewery, a market, gardens to hang out in, an old-fashioned movie theater that serves food (yes it’s the school’s original theater), and literally the most amazing pool you’ve ever seen.  I’m not exaggerating, it’s huge and so cool. There are also several different eating and bar options, including the Tavern on the Square restaurant (my favorite- the pear salad is amazing), The Brewery (pool tables, shuffle board, etc), the Principal’s office, and the North Shore Lagoon (a fun restaurant over looking the pool).  They also offer room service at breakfast (you guys the cinnamon rolls!  Heavenly.)

We ordered breakfast in bed, swam in the pool, went out to dinner, and explored the grounds.  We’ve also loved coming here to see movies over the last year, it’s such a different and fun experience, so much more special than just catching a movie at a normal theater.

I’m one of those people that appreciates not-only a job well done, but one done with a little (or a lot) extra flair and that’s exactly what every nook and corner feels like at The Anderson School.  And apparently I’m not the only one, the place was hopping even on a Thursday night.  Check it out for an overnight stay or even just an evening out.

If you can’t make it North to Bothell, (although you really should) McMenamin’s also has two local Seattle Restaurants closer to downtown: McMenamin’s Queen Anne, and McMenamin’s Six Arms, and a bunch of unique locations throughout the Pacific Northwest.

*created in partnership with McMeninman’s Anderson School.