The Heathman Hotel, Kirkland

Kirkland has always had its own allure—right on the water, vacation-day feel and, over the years, an increase in eateries, art galleries and shops. If you haven't been for awhile, you'll be amazed at the upscale-ness of it all and yet it has managed to hang onto its friendliness and casual feel. With the addition of The Heathman Hotel, Kirkland has kicked it up a notch.

Part of the beauty of the Heathman is that although it is an upscale, boutique hotel, it offers a relaxed, casual feel. Even while providing thorough and personal service, the staff manages to be friendly and comfortable. Their tag line, "Where service is still an art," is taken seriously. The same person who greeted us at the very small check-in desk also walked us to our room and went through all the room's amenities (Café Vita coffee, French coffee/tea press, wireless high-speed internet, MP3 compatible clock radio, iron and ironing board, VOIP local and domestic long distance calls, a handful of local magazines and windows that open in various positions to match your fresh air needs). Each guest is teamed up with a personal concierge.

Rooms have a spare feeling that makes them feel spacious; they're simple and filled with high quality furnishings. All third floor rooms have Tempur-Pedic® beds or you can choose a European pillowtop or featherbed mattress; the desk chair is actually comfortable; a cushy chair and ottoman offer a great reading/napping space; high definition TVs are mounted on the wall, taking up far less space; and a frosted glass panel slides across the doorway into the bathroom. Tubs are deep and perfect for soaking. An evening turn down service ensures that your bed is ready to dive into, soft slippers are waiting for your feet and sweet bites await your tongue.

Rarely taking enough time to exercise routinely, it's ironic that when I should be relaxing on a getaway, I like to work out. The Heathman's fitness center has all the equipment you need—bikes, treadmills, free weights, elliptical conditioning, presses, yoga mats. There are also the obligatory TV screens on machines so you don't miss any important world events. Since I'm already increasing my heart rate, I'm more inclined to look outdoors than hear the latest troubles from around the globe. If you prefer to do your exercise outdoors, it's the perfect opportunity to work with your personal concierge on where to walk and jog along beautiful Lake Washington.

Critical to the getaway, in my opinion, is a spa experience. Penterra Spa wants to engage your five senses using natural elements like sea salt, aloe, green tea, purple lavender and bamboo. They offer pedicures and manicures, massage, skin care, body polishes and wraps, aromatherapy and bath therapies. After checking in upstairs, women head down one floor to another world. You create your own combination for your locker and don't have to wander around with a key on your wrist or in a robe pocket. Spacious showers feel luxurious. A steam room helps force those toxins from your body.

LaStone Massage is one of their signature spa treatments. Like any stone massage, the smooth, hot stones lessen muscle tension. The difference here is the use of cool stones as well. The combination increases circulation. When it's over, you're relaxed but also stimulated. Coffee scrubs aren't new, but they certainly seem appropriate for our area. Penterra offers a full body scrub with organic coffee and essential oils. Before and/or after a spa treatment, spend time in the sanctuary room. Soothing music, water and comfortable furniture allow you to truly relax.

Needless to say, every decent getaway includes a food experience. Trellis is loosely based on Napa Valley restaurants ("Trellis, the art of the vine") that feature local artisan products. Vegetables and fruits are served in the actual season they're grown. Executive Chef Brian Scheehser is known for his three-acre garden where he grows a great deal of what is served at Trellis. Over 200 wines from Washington, Oregon and California are available and the list is always being updated. Artisan beers and seasonal brews are available as well. Menu items are what you'd expect from a wine country-style restaurant—cured meats and cheese, flat bread, sandwiches. Dinner items range from the simple, pan-roasted brook trout, to Sonoma duck breast with braised endive, watercress, pears and figs. Since the menu is seasonal, you won't always find the same items each time you return. Being located at a hotel, Trellis serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Trellis offers several dining atmospheres. The bar is a fine place for a bite and a glass of wine. Stone flooring and distressed wood finishes in the dining room evoke the wine country feel. And the ‘front porch' that runs the length of the bar and dining room allows an al fresco experience (this is western Washington, however, and there are ceiling heaters). Fresh herbs in pots garnish the tables and hop vines grow along the fence.

Getaways don't have to be long-distance events. With all that the city of Kirkland offers (performing arts, great scenery, fun shops and restaurants), nearby attractions (wine tours, lake cruises) and the Heathman-as-home option, we have a wonderful escape nearby.

Photos courtesy of Heathman Hotel

Connie Adams/July 2008