Red Lion Hotel Port Angeles Harbor Review & Prices

Perched on the waterfront along the Strait of Juan de Fuca, the Red Lion Hotel Port Angeles Harbor offers 187 guestrooms with direct views of the Olympic Mountains and passing ships. Operated under the Sonesta Hotels portfolio since 2023, this property at 221 North Lincoln Street positions travelers steps from the Black Ball Ferry terminal and a short drive from the Olympic National Park visitor center. This review consolidates verified data from the official operator, major booking platforms, and guest reviews to help you evaluate whether this harborfront hotel fits your travel plans.

Last checked: 2026-08-13

Name: Red Lion Hotel Port Angeles Harbor (now part of Sonesta) · Address: 221 N. Lincoln St., Port Angeles, WA 98362 · Phone: (360) 452-9215 · Amenities: Free WiFi, fitness center, restaurant, bar/lounge, seasonal outdoor pool and hot tub, gift shop

What Is the History of the Red Lion Hotel Port Angeles?

The property at 221 North Lincoln Street began as a standalone hotel before joining the Red Lion chain, a brand with a long presence in the Pacific Northwest. In 2023, the hotel was rebranded under the Sonesta Hotels portfolio, which now operates the property through its Red Lion flag. The transition brought the property under the same corporate umbrella as other Sonesta-managed hotels across the United States, though the Red Lion name remains on the facade.

Earlier marketing materials and some older OTA listings refer to the on-site restaurant as Port Angeles CrabHouse and CrabHouse Lounge, indicating that the dining concept has changed over time (Priceline). The current restaurant brand is 48° North, which serves breakfast and dinner. A Priceline notice from 2024 also documented that the seasonal pool would be closed until June 2025 and the whirlpool until November 4, 2024, providing a concrete timeline for amenity downtime.

Where Is the Red Lion Hotel Port Angeles Harbor Located?

The hotel sits at 221 North Lincoln Street in Port Angeles, Washington, directly on the harborfront along the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The property is steps from the Black Ball Ferry terminal, which operates daily sailings to Victoria, British Columbia. The dedicated Port Angeles Harbor Hotel marketing site emphasizes this ferry proximity as a key differentiator.

The Olympic National Park visitor center is roughly 1.5 miles from the hotel — a short drive or a longer walk along the waterfront. KAYAK and Expedia both describe the hotel as a suitable base for accessing the park and regional outdoor activities (KAYAK). Downtown Port Angeles restaurants and shops are within walking distance, and several guest reviews mention walking to the wharf area for dinner.

For travelers arriving from Seattle, the drive to Port Angeles via the Bainbridge Island ferry and US-101 takes roughly 2.5 hours. The hotel is also near Olympic Bus Line stops, providing public transit access to the area.

What Amenities Does the Red Lion Hotel Port Angeles Harbor Offer?

The hotel provides a range of amenities that are typical for a mid-scale full-service property. The seasonal outdoor swimming pool and hot tub operate from roughly May through late September, then close for the colder months. A Priceline notice confirmed the pool was closed until June 2025 and the whirlpool until November 2024, reinforcing the seasonal pattern. Travelers booking a winter stay should not expect pool access.

The fitness center is available to guests, and multiple OTAs including Expedia, KAYAK, and Trip.com list it as a 24-hour facility. Complimentary bicycles are also available for exploring Port Angeles, a feature that several listings mention but that fewer guests seem to use based on review volume.

Free WiFi is provided in guest rooms and public areas. At least one recent guest review described the WiFi as “very slow” and not usable for uploading photos or streaming video (Tripadvisor). This is a single data point, not a consensus, but it suggests that heavy internet users may want to test the connection early in their stay.

On-site dining is handled by 48° North restaurant, which serves cooked-to-order breakfast (for a fee) and dinner. The bar/lounge serves drinks and appetizers in the evening. Some Tripadvisor reviewers advise against dining at the hotel restaurant, recommending independent restaurants near the wharf instead. The property also includes a business center and approximately 4,000 square feet of meeting space across three rooms, suitable for conferences and events (Trip.com).

Room amenities and layout

Standard guestrooms include air conditioning, cable TV, a microwave, refrigerator, coffee/tea maker, work desk, hair dryer, and free toiletries. Some rooms feature a notable bathroom layout with two sinks — one inside the bathroom and one outside — which several guests described as convenient for families. Sea-view rooms and suites with balconies are available and are frequently highlighted as the best option for experiencing the waterfront setting.

“We loved leaving the balcony door open to hear the waves and watch the ships come in.”

— Tripadvisor guest review, March 2024

What Do Guests Say in Red Lion Hotel Port Angeles Harbor Reviews?

Aggregated review scores place the hotel in the “good” range. Booking.com reports an overall user rating of 7.4 out of 10, with a location score of 9.1 and a comfort score of 8.1, while value for money scores lower at around 6.9 (Booking.com). Trip.com lists an overall score of 8.1 out of 10 based on 116 reviews, describing the property as “Very Good” with strong cleanliness and amenity ratings.

Common praise themes across platforms include the waterfront views, the seasonal pool, and the helpfulness of the front desk staff. Multiple reviewers specifically mention the relaxing experience of sitting on their balcony watching the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The location near the Black Ball Ferry terminal and Olympic National Park is consistently cited as a major advantage.

Frequent complaints center on the seasonal pool availability — guests who arrive in the off-season are sometimes disappointed to find the pool closed — and the perception that some rooms feel dated. A 2015 Tripadvisor review described the hotel as “clean enough” but implied that the property could use updates. More recent reviews suggest that sea-view rooms have been renovated, while other room categories may not have received the same treatment.

“The WiFi was very slow and not usable for uploading photos or streaming video.”

— Tripadvisor guest review, March 2024

What Are the Current Room Prices at Red Lion Hotel Port Angeles Harbor?

Room rates at the Red Lion Hotel Port Angeles Harbor vary significantly by season. Summer months (June through September) command the highest prices, reflecting both the outdoor pool availability and peak tourism demand for Olympic National Park. Winter rates are typically lower, though the pool is closed during this period.

No specific dollar amount is provided here because rates fluctuate daily. Travelers can check current pricing on the official Sonesta site, GuestReservations, and standard OTAs like Expedia, KAYAK, and Booking.com (GuestReservations). Booking directly with the hotel may offer rate flexibility, while OTA platforms sometimes include package deals that bundle parking or breakfast.

For the best deal, consider booking during the shoulder seasons (May and September) when the pool is still open but rates are lower than peak summer. Members of loyalty programs affiliated with Sonesta or Red Lion may also receive discounted rates or room upgrades.

Is Parking Available at the Red Lion Hotel Port Angeles?

Yes, the hotel offers complimentary self-parking for guests on site. The official Sonesta listing confirms free parking, and multiple OTAs including Expedia and KAYAK list it as a standard amenity. The parking lot is adjacent to the hotel, making it convenient for guests with vehicles.

Given the hotel’s location near the Black Ball Ferry terminal, some guests park their cars at the hotel for the duration of a day trip to Victoria. The hotel does not appear to charge separately for parking, but it is worth confirming the current policy at check-in. No reviews in the sampled data mention parking difficulties or limited availability.

For travelers arriving by bicycle, the hotel provides complimentary bike storage and rental bikes for exploring Port Angeles and the Olympic Discovery Trail.

Red Lion Hotel Port Angeles Harbor: Specifications at a glance

Alternatives in Port Angeles

Travelers considering the Red Lion Hotel Port Angeles Harbor may also evaluate other Port Angeles hotels, particularly those along the waterfront or closer to Olympic National Park. The market includes independent inns, chain motels, and vacation rentals, though the Red Lion is one of the larger full-service properties in town with 187 rooms.

For travelers heading to Victoria after their Port Angeles stay, the Parkside Hotel & Spa Victoria, BC offers a direct ferry connection via the Black Ball Line terminal steps from the Red Lion. Visitors arriving from the Seattle area may find the Paramount Hotel Seattle Review useful for planning their Washington state itinerary.

Other properties in Port Angeles include the Olympic Lodge, the Port Angeles Inn, and the Super 8 by Wyndham, each offering different price points and amenity sets. The Red Lion’s combination of waterfront location, pool, fitness center, and meeting space distinguishes it from smaller motels that may lack these facilities.

For travelers curious about the broader legacy of the name, this guide to iconic Red Lion pubs in Europe offers a fascinating look at the history and culture behind these establishments.

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