This is a very specific request, so feel free to PM instead of posting.
DD is planning a wedding on south Whidbey this summer. All is falling into place except for lodging. It is proving much more difficult than expected. Local guests are primarily taking the ferry to/from, but we also have quite a few out-of-town guests, and I don’t know what to recommend to them.
When DD booked the venue, she immediately began seeking places to stay. At that time, it appeared many were not booking that far out. So now we are searching again. OUCH. Prices are much higher (summer plus inflation). Many are already booked or have 3-7 night minimums (in the summer), that were not indicated previously.
To add to the dilemma, most of the out-of-town guests will not know their circumstances until later this spring (health, family, job, etc.). We found a handful of AirBnB’s for 2-3 night minimums, but most still require non-refundable deposits, or very limiting cancellation policies. All are obviously hesitant to book this far in advance, only to find out they’re not coming after-all. But if they wait until late spring, are concerned nothing will be left.
Most destination weddings I’ve attended have a list of hotels that hold a block of rooms which are released about 30 days before an event if not booked. We haven’t had luck with that. (The only hotels we can find are the few in Oak Harbor). I thought a traditional BnB could work well, but am discovering most are already booked as well (or far beyond everyone’s budget).
Any other options we should consider?
Is it easy enough for guests to take the Clinton ferry and stay in Mukilteo or even Everett on a Saturday night? Many more hotels are available there, with better cancellation policies. Event should last until about 9:30pm, and there are only a few remaining Clinton ferry hours indicated (but the schedule does not show summer hours yet). Does the WSF system typically have more frequent and later rides (both ways) in the summer?
That was our plan, and it worked. If you are talking about going back after the wedding, the late night Clinton ferries travel only every 30-60 minutes but are never full, so the guests will be able to get on the first available boat.
Wanted to mention that back in 2022, there were no rideshare services of any kind on the island, only a local cab company, so if your guests plan on ubering, they need to double check that Uber is an option. Carpooling is highly recommend!
If you aren’t staying on the island, walking on, carpooling, or hiring a van & driver to transport are probably the best options for summer travel to Whidbey. The morning ferries from Mukilteo on weekends are often full with waits in the summer.
The Inn at Langley was always nice and there are lots of places around Mukilteo and Everett because Boeing is right there. When I was a kid, summer cabins on Whidbey would require a 2-week stay.
(We’ve lent our neighbors there the detached cabin at our place on the Olympic peninsula because getting anything for less than a week in summer is next to impossible)
One island hotel recommends planning for a 90 min. wait time in line on summer weekends. Wedding events start approx. 3pm, so is the ferry wait still a problem after 11am (assuming most day trippers will leave earlier)? DD was going to recommend that guests plan to come to the island around noon, and suggest some of their favorite spots to visit prior to the gathering.
Correct, there are no Ubers, and only two taxis? They’re trying to find a shuttle service to assist walk-on guests. Venue is midway on the south Island, so yet another complication.
BB… I’ll definitely appreciate your first-hand advice - sending a PM soon. Thanks!
The waiting times for cars usually peak around 9-10 am and drop off by noon. Walk on folks are always able to get on the first available boat even during peak times.