Whether it’s for my travel planning clients or my 1-2 visits a year, I’m always on the hunt for the best places to stay in Lake Chelan.
If you’re not familiar, Lake Chelan is a popular wine region surrounding one of the deepest lakes in the US. Given its prime location about 4 hours east of Seattle, it’s a popular weekend getaway year round.
People flock to Chelan during the warmer months for activities in the crystal-clear water. The colder months bring out the winter sports and stunning mountain vistas dusted in snow. Wondering about wine tasting? Obviously that’s a prime activity any time of year. 🙂
I always recommend staying in Lake Chelan for more than one day so you can experience all it has to offer. Lucky for you, there are a ton of lakeside retreats for every budget and group size. Some even allow your furry family members!
To help you find the perfect accommodations, I rounded up a list of my favorite places to stay in Lake Chelan. Many of them are off the beaten path, so if you prefer staying in unique vacation rentals or under-the-radar winery guesthouses, you’ll love this list!
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Best Places to Stay in Lake Chelan
Save this to Pinterest for later because I’ll add more as I discover them! Also, scroll to the end to get my tips on which area I prefer to stay and the best time to visit for the lowest prices.
Spoiler: Accommodations are more expensive during the summer months, so that’s why you see a wide price range in the listings below.
Chelan Valley Farms
link to book | Manson, WA (get directions) | 1 bedrooms | 1 bathrooms | fits 4 people | price: ~$215-$270/night | no pets
If you’ve been following along for a while, it’s no secret I’m a big fan of Chelan Valley Farms. Owners Chad and Jeana are the sweetest couple with so many amazing offerings for both visitors and locals alike.
For example, their property is both a working farm and their family home. They grow grapes, apples, produce, and flowers, which means come summer and fall there is a lot of u-pick going on.
They turn their grapes into award-winning wines under the label Lagrioth. Chad is the farmer so you’ll often see him providing tractor tours during warmer months. Jeana is the winemaker, flower garden tender, and wellness expert leading events and running the tasting room.
There’s plenty to do for all ages on their property. You’ll find corn hole and fun activities for kids throughout the year. They also regularly invite their friends to the farm for pop-ups and events such as yoga, nutritional retreats, chocolate tastings, and more.
I make sure to visit Chelan Valley Farms whenever I’m in town, but the best option is to actually stay on their property in the gorgeous guesthouse next to their own home. It looks as if Joanna Gaines from HGTV’s Fixer Upper designed it, so people who love that airy, modern farmhouse style will swoon.
You’ll find a super comfortable bed, air conditioning, and a cozy fireplace perfect for snuggling next to while watching a movie. There’s also a full gourmet kitchen if you want to whip up dinner using some of their fresh farm produce.
You may never want to leave the property given everything there is to do and the breathtaking views overlooking Roses Lake, but some of my favorite Lake Chelan wineries are just a few minutes away. Because of this, I think Chelan Valley Farms is hands down one of the best places to stay in Lake Chelan.
Nefarious Cellars
link to book | Chelan, WA (get directions) | 2 bedrooms | 1.5 bathrooms | fits 4 people | price: ~$320-$420+/night | no pets
One of my other favorite wineries in Lake Chelan is Nefarious Cellars. They’re on the south shore in Chelan proper and have stunning views of the lake. You used to only be able to experience them from their tasting room, but they now have a guesthouse right on the property. I haven’t stayed here yet, but it’s high on my list for a future trip so of course I had to add it to this list of best places to stay in Lake Chelan.
The loft-style cottage is airy and spacious with a large main living area. You’ll find huge leather couches, a large-screen TV, and fully-equipped chef’s kitchen. You can choose to eat at the large dining room table, or open the French doors leading out to your own private patio among the vines.
The two queen beds upstairs are Sealy Posturepedic and adorned with Pottery Barn linens for a luxurious feel. There’s also a large bathroom with double sinks, shower, and bathtub perfect for calming soaks after a day of wine tasting.
The Villa at Siren Song Vineyard
link to book | Chelan, WA (get directions) | 2 bedrooms | 1 bathrooms | fits 6 people | price: ~$240-$350/night | pet friendly | hot tub
If you want to stay at a winery, this is definitely one of the best places to stay in Lake Chelan. Siren Song Vineyard is one of the most lavish wineries in Chelan Valley thanks to its Provencal-style architecture and picturesque views.
The villa is 850 square feet with a spacious living area, hardwood floors, vaulted ceilings, central AC, gourmet kitchen, and plenty of windows for taking in the surrounding views.
You’ll have your own private entrance and parking steps away from their tasting room and restaurant. However, you also get a private veranda so you can relax among the comfort of your own group.
C201 at Park Pointe
link to book | Chelan, WA (get directions) | 2 bedrooms | 2 bathrooms | fits 6 people | price: ~$175-$450/night | no pets | pool & hot tub
Park Pointe Condominiums is near Don Morse Park near downtown Chelan. It’s close to the popular WorldMark Chelan Lake House, but I find this condo more modern and less touristy than the WorldMark.
Sure, the outdoor pool, hot tub, and grounds at Park Pointe are less grand, but my philosophy is that you’ll likely spend most of your time out and about so I prefer comfortable accommodations over resort amenities.
Besides stylish modern decor, this upper floor condo has a private balcony with sweeping views of the lake. The fully-equipped kitchen comes with a wine cooler to stash your bottle purchases, plus there’s a fireplace and plenty of TVs for cozying up after a long day.
Townhouse at Peterson’s Waterfront Resort
link to book | Chelan, WA (get directions) | 3 bedrooms | 3 bathrooms | fits 8 people | price: ~$360-$775/night | no pets | pool & hot tub
Peterson’s is one of the hotels in Lake Chelan right on the water. I’ve always been curious about this place, but never booked because I couldn’t find rooms that matched my taste level. That’s until I found this privately-owned and listed townhouse that’s been updated more than other rooms I’ve seen available to book.
As its name implies, Peterson’s Waterfront Resort looks right out onto Lake Chelan. The property has a seasonal outdoor swimming pool and hot tub overlooking the lake. There is also a garden, barbecue facilities, complimentary parking, free WiFi, and free bikes. You even get an onsite casino, tennis courts, and ping pong!
This townhouse in particularly has a balcony, fully-equipped kitchen with a dishwasher, fireplace, flat screen TV, washing machine, and jetted tub. You may not want to leave the property given all the amenities, but it’s near downtown Chelan, wineries on the south shore, and Slidewaters water park. It’s also near the dock where Lady of the Lake departs, so if your family is interested in visiting Stehekin this could be a good location for you.
Wapato Point Casita
link to book | Manson, WA (get directions) | 2 bedrooms | 2 bathrooms | fits 6 people | price: ~$300-$560/night | no pets | hot tub
Not to be confused with Mountain View Lodge that’s basically on the property, Wapato Point Resort is one of the best places to stay in Lake Chelan given its prime waterfront location and amenities.
You’ll be able to access both an indoor pool and seasonal outdoor pool, sandy beach, fishing gear, and watercraft rentals (including jet skis!). Recreational sport lovers will absolutely swoon over the free bikes, tennis and pickle ball courts, basketball, exercise facility, shuffleboard, mini golf, and horse shoes.
There are a bunch of vacation rentals to choose from within the resort, but Wapato Point Casita caught my eye thanks to its prime location closer to the lake and modern finishes. It has a large patio with outdoor dining, gas BBQ, and fire pit perfect for chatting over wine. There’s even a basketball hoop and ping pong table for those times to you want to get in a bit of physical activity.
Walnut Hill Lake Vista
link to book | Manson, WA | 3 bedrooms | 3 bathrooms | fits 8 people | price: ~$400-$900/night | no pets | hot tub
This vacation rental caught my eye given its cool furnishings and spacious interiors. The decor is like a mashup of an urban city loft and rustic farmhouse, with details like dark wood and ironwork paired beautifully with colorful tile.
The great room has wall-to-wall glass doors showcasing beautiful views of Lake Chelan, Wapato Point, Manson Bay, and the surrounding mountains. You’ll find a gourmet kitchen anchored by a large industrial island with stainless-steel appliances. There are pops of color throughout the house, the most noticeable being the turquoise subway tile in the kitchen and Spanish-style tile around the living room fireplace.
Despite how beautiful the inside is, the main draw of Walnut Hill Lake Vista is its outdoor area. It has a covered patio with a dining table and BBQ. You’ll likely spend most of your time in the sun, though, given the large private pool and hot tub. When hunger hits, there’s also a pool cabana with a kitchenette perfect for grabbing snacks!
Water Street Retreat
link to book | Chelan, WA | 1 bedroom | 1 bathroom | fits 4 people | price: ~$263/night
I love how much natural lighting you’re able to fit into this cozy one-bedroom apartment. The deck runs along one wall of the building, giving you an unfettered view of the lake. I also like that it’s in a quiet residential area of town yet you’re only 11 minutes walking distance from Slidewaters Water Park. Your stay includes a private entrance, parking, and use of the fitness center.
Grandview Lake Chelan
link to book | Chelan, WA (get directions) | 1 bedroom | 1 bathroom | fits 4 people | price: ~$385/night | hot tub
If you’re after a resort experience, it doesn’t get more luxurious than this beachfront property. It’s only a minute from downtown and within walking distance to Slidewaters. Amenities include a pool (note, with a pool bar), hot tubs, a spa, a fitness center, and a golf course. Oh, and let us not forget private beach access!
Scandinavi Inn
link to book | Chelan, WA | 5 bedrooms | 4+ bathrooms | fits 16 people | price: ~$1690/night | hot tub
The next time I’m traveling with a bunch of couples I have to book this Inn. Newly constructed, it offers a pristine view of the lake and surrounding mountain vistas, all while keeping you within walking distance of wineries, restaurants, and downtown Chelan. Guests staying on the property can access the gym, pool, hot tub, and sauna.
Modern Condo
link to book | Manson, WA | 3 bedrooms | 2 bathrooms | fits 18 people | price: ~$455/night | hot tub
This condo is good for families looking for a prime location and luxury amenities but want the privacy of a traditional condo as opposed to a resort hotel. The condo is across the street from the lake, but there is an on-site pool so you don’t have to venture far, and the spacious kitchen makes it easy to cook on the nights you’d prefer to wind down.
Rocky Point Lodge
link to book | Manson, WA (get directions) | 3 bedrooms | 4 bathrooms | fits 10 people | price: ~$430-$1,700/night | dog friendly | hot tub
I’ve been lusting after this vacation rental for a while. It’s a mid century modern stunner right on the shore of Lake Chelan. It comes with 150-feet of private waterfront perfect for experiencing the water activities the area is known for. I mean, just look at those loungers and that huge water trampoline!
This place is super pricey in the summer months, but it’s easier to swallow the cost if you’re rolling deep and can split it with friends. However, if that’s not the case for you (as it isn’t for me), then book this spot during the spring or fall to stay at a lower price point.
There are plenty of amenities here to keep your whole group happy. Inside you’ll find five cable TVs, two living rooms, and a well-equipped kitchen. In addition to the loungers on the deck, there’s a BBQ grill, patio furniture, and water access so you can SUP or kayak right from the property. Overall, I dream about family vacations here and think it’d be one of the best places to stay in Lake Chelan for you too!
Northern Lights at The Lookout at Lake Chelan
link to book | Manson, WA (get directions) | 2 bedrooms | 2 bathrooms | fits 4 people | price: ~$300-$600/night | dog friendly | hot tub
I’m super intrigued by The Lookout at Lake Chelan because it’s a community built by the same people behind Seabrook, one of the quaintest towns on the Washington coast and somewhere I go every summer with my family. It’s a super kid-friendly area, so if you have little ones in tow you’ll love this place. And if it’s anything like Seabrook, which I’m assuming it is, this is definitely one of the best places to stay in Lake Chelan.
Community amenities include two swimming pools, a hot tub, pickle ball, basketball courts, bocce ball, and a beach cove where you can rent SUPs, kayaks, and other small water crafts. If you don’t feel like taking a scenic walk though the community, you can grab the shuttle to the waterfront.
They also host events like outdoor movies regularly. The area is designed so you can park your car and walk or bike everywhere, giving it an idyllic Pleasantville vibe (you know, when the town turns into color).
There are a ton of properties to choose from at The Lookout, but Northern Lights is high on my list of places to book in the future. It has a charming cottage/vintage cabin vibe and comes with a large private outdoor area, hot tub, fire pit, BBQ, and patio furniture.
Inside you’ll get air conditioning, a chef’s kitchen, HD Smart TVs, and Xbox One. Kids will love the bunk beds and complimentary games. Plus this place is a win in my eyes because it has my beloved ping pong.
Casa Vista Linda
link to book | Manson, WA (get directions) | 6 bedrooms | 3 bathrooms | fits 12 people | price: ~$450-$1,450/night | dog friendly | pool & hot tub
Since the main draw of the area is a lake, many of the best places to stay in Lake Chelan cater to people who don’t mind natural water. However if you’re like me and prefer to swim in pools, this vacation rental is for you. It has its own pool and an absolutely stunning outdoor area!
My jaw dropped as soon as I saw Casa Vista Linda’s property. Besides the pool it has a hot tub, barbecue, and nice deck with plenty of loungers. It feels like a private villa you’d find in Mexico!
Inside you’ll find modern decor and fun entertainment features like ping pong, an arcade game, flat screen TVs, and even a bar. There’s also a gourmet kitchen with plenty of space at the dining room table to eat. Plus most of the main living space has stunning views of the lake and mountains in the distance.
Campbell’s Resort
link to book | Chelan, WA (get directions) | 1-2 bedrooms | 1-2 bathrooms | fits 1-6 people | price: ~$190-$350/night | no pets | pool
One of the most quintessential resorts on Lake Chelan is Campbell’s, so obviously I had to include them on my list of the best places to stay in Lake Chelan. They’ve been family owned and operated since 1901. And while there are cheaper downtown Chelan accommodations like the Deep Water Inn, Campbell’s has a prime location right on the water that can’t be beat.
Since it’s perched right on the crystal-clear lake, the benefits of staying here are the views and waterfront amenities. Campbell’s has a little beach with water access, an outdoor pool, volleyball, lounge chairs, and umbrellas. It’s the closest you can get to a beach vacation without having to head to the coast!
You may have noticed it’s near Grandview on the Lake and Lakeside Lodge and Suites, two other popular place to stay in Lake Chelan. While I haven’t stayed at any of these spots yet, I’d choose Campbell’s for my own vacation since it has better reviews and the rooms seem more updated. However, Campbell’s is more expensive so if it’s out of budget the others could be a better choice for you.
Tips for visiting Lake Chelan
Having trouble deciding where to stay or when to book your trip? Here are some tips to help you decide.
Best time to visit lake chelan
Lake Chelan is known for its summer water activities, but I’ve never visited this time of year because accommodations are so damn expensive. If you don’t care about getting on the lake, visit during the off season September through May for the lowest prices. I put price ranges on all the places to stay in Lake Chelan above and you can see there is a huge markup come June – August!
Best area to stay around the lake
When people say they’re visiting “Lake Chelan”, they may not realize there are actually two main towns skirting either side of the lake: Chelan and Manson. Manson is on the north shore and Chelan is on the south shore. Downtown Chelan is at the east corner of the lake, so it’s the unofficial hub separating the two areas.
I personally always stay in Manson because it has a quaint downtown, is near most of my favorite wineries, and feels like like where the locals hang. It takes about 15-20 minutes to drive to the other side of the lake, but I don’t mind the slight inconvenience.
Downtown Chelan is a a better location for easily accessing both sides of the lake. Staying on the south shore is also a good option if your favorite wineries are the popular ones like Karma, Fielding Hills, or Tsillan.
Things to do around Lake Chelan
After you book one of these best places to stay in Lake Chelan, fill the rest of your itinerary with these activities:
- Best Wineries in Lake Chelan
- Where to Eat in Lake Chelan
- What to Do in Lake Chelan During Winter
- Things to Do in Nearby Winthrop
- Everything You Must Eat in Winthrop
- Fun Reasons to Visit Nearby Wenatchee
- Best Places to Eat in Nearby Leavenworth
- Must-Visit Leavenworth Wineries
- Cozy Things to Do in Leavenworth During Winter
- The Perfect North Cascades Itinerary
Overwhelmed by the idea of planning your trip? Delegate it to me and let me create you a custom itinerary.
More places to stay in the PNW
There are so many cool places to stay in the Pacific Northwest. Check out my other guides for more vacation ideas!
