Indulge in luxury lodgings — and you don’t have to drive far

Face it, this pandemic has you frazzled. The kids have been underfoot since March, and working at home is … well, work.

You need a vacation. But booking a flight, rental car and hotel on short notice was easier said than done even before the novel coronavirus swept the nation. So staycation it is.

Thankfully, Snohomish County has some great resort and hotel options to kick back, indulge and rediscover the place we call home. Be entertained at Tulalip, or enjoy the panoramic views of the Everett and Mukilteo waterfronts.

Here are three places to book when you need to remember why you love calling Snohomish County home. They’re open for business, and comply with all health and safety guidelines — so don’t forget to pack your masks.

Hotel Indigo: The new kid on the block

Waterfront Place is quickly becoming the place to be in Everett. Built on what once was the home of Everett’s industrial might, Waterfront Place is nestled on the shores of Port Gardner and is growing into a gathering place full of restaurants, trails and performing arts venues. A new pedestrian bridge connects the waterfront with north Everett’s neighborhoods.

Amongst all that change, Hotel Indigo opened in October at 1028 13th St. The boutique hotel is the county’s largest waterfront inn, and its sleek lines, bright colors and modern feel make it a comfortable-yet-fun place to spend a weekend.

The hotel and its restaurant are back in business after closing down during April. Managed by Seattle-based Columbia Hospitality, which also operates Semiahmoo Resort and Salish Lodge & Spa, Hotel Indigo has a locally inspired restaurant, saline swimming pool and indoor and outdoor event spaces.

Staying in: Shake off that winter rust by taking a dip in the hotel’s indoor pool and enjoy seafood dishes inspired by the Salish Sea at the hotel’s restaurant, Jetty Bar & Grille. Afterward, prop up your feet and enjoy the view of Port Gardner from your nautical-themed room.

Out and about: Take a leisurely walk around Pacific Rim Plaza and the splash fountain, then make your way out to Boxcar Park at the water’s edge. There’s plenty to do at Waterfront Place, with the promise of much more to come. Grab a beer at Scuttlebutt brewery or a cocktail at Bluewater distillery.

Further afield, watch expert glassblowing at the Schack Art Center, revel in your comic-book dorkiness at pop-culture toy company Funko, see a show at the Everett Performing Arts Center and grab a cup of coffee at Narrative Coffee.

Silver Cloud Inn: Ferry watchers’ paradise

From the waterfront rooms in the Silver Cloud Inn in Mukilteo, it can feel like floating gently along the waters of Possession Sound. In fact, a boathouse operated for nearly 50 years where the hotel stands, at 718 Front St. Adjacent to the Mukilteo ferry terminal, the hotel is a great place for ferry watchers. The view will get even better when the new Mukilteo ferry terminal, located a few hundred yards north of the current terminal, opens later this year and sends ferries gliding right past the Silver Cloud.

The Silver Cloud has remained open throughout the pandemic.

“Mukilteo is a great spot for locals to enjoy a short staycation,” said Lynn Drake, Silver Cloud’s director of sales. “It’s a great place to just enjoy a peaceful weekend getaway near the water.”

In 2018, all 70 of Silver Cloud’s guest rooms were remodeled, and updated with modern decor and sleek furnishings.

Staying in: There’s plenty to do just walking around near the Mukilteo Ferry Terminal. Grab some halibut and chips at Ivar’s and wander over to Mukilteo Lighthouse Park. Down a pint at Diamond Knot brewery and restaurant, or rent a paddleboard from Hydrology Stand Up Paddle and head out into the Sound.

Out and about: Tired of watching ferries? Board one for a day trip on Whidbey Island. The 15-minute ferry ride takes you to Clinton, where you can hop on a bus and ride for free to anywhere on the island.

Or, head inland and take to the air at the Future of Flight Aviation Center and Boeing 747 Tour. Learn everything about jets and their history in a variety of exhibits.

Tulalip Resort Casino: The elite staycation

If you really want to treat yourself, head to the largest resort in Snohomish County. The Tulalip Resort Casino, 10200 Quil Ceda Blvd., is located on 83 acres in Quil Ceda Village. It’s the only AAA Four Diamond casino resort in Western Washington.

Of course there’s gambling, but Tulalip Resort is more than just a casino. You also can enjoy live music, fine dining and a 14,000-square-foot spa.

“You can stay with us, never going gaming and have an amazing time,” said Troy Longwith, Tulalip Resort Casino vice president of hotel operations. “We encourage our guests to game, but we’re so much more than that.”

The 370-room luxury hotel is operating at half-capacity during the pandemic.

All of its guest rooms were renovated in 2017, and all of the accommodations feature Coast Salish artwork — canoes, totem poles and stained glass — by tribal artists.

If your pockets are deep, you can go all out and book the 2,500-square-foot Tulalip penthouse, complete with a chrome baby grand piano, a granite-topped bar and a double-sided fireplace.

Staying in: Oasis Indoor Pool and T Spa are closed because of the pandemic. But you can savor Asian cuisine at Journeys East and enjoy gambling at the slots and tables in the 192,000-square-foot casino. If you have winnings, you can spend them at the nearby Seattle Premium Outlets mall.

Out and about: The 10-story hotel boasts a great view of the Cascade Range, which might inspire you to use the resort as a jumping-off point for mountain fun. The resort also has packages to visit the Hibulb Cultural Center, an interactive museum that features exhibits showing the history and culture of the Tulalip people.