Captain Whidbey

The original Captain Whidbey Inn certainly didn’t lack for charm — this 1907-vintage lodge on the Puget Sound looks like the Pacific Northwest counterpart to Wes Anderson’s Moonrise Kingdom. All it needed was a little nudge into the 21st century, and that’s what its new owners — a pair of Portland-born hoteliers and an architect with Ace Hotels on his résumé — sought to provide.

Surrounded as it is by old-growth fir trees, nestled right against the shore of Penn Cove, it’s got atmosphere to spare. The renovation updated the interiors, and managed to leave the place looking fresh as can be without altering its essential character. The vibe is still classic Northwest maritime-meets-camp, it’s just been focused a bit — and the four new cabins, each one a collaboration with a brand like the venerable outdoor retailer Filson, are show-stoppers, with a slightly upscale edge to their décor and comforts.

The restaurant and bar, too, benefit from some fresh talent in the form of chef Eric Truglas. Dishes are sourced from the island when possible — including Penn Cove mussels and produce from the hotel’s organic garden — and the cocktail list is an inventive one. Less isn’t always more when it comes to hospitality, but in the case of Captain Whidbey, a light touch on the part of the new owners makes all the difference.