McMenamins Bothell is a fun hotel with resort-like facilities, located on Seattle’s Eastside in Bothell. The hotel opened in 2015, inside the old Bothell Junior High School.
The sprawling 5-acre complex includes an indoor swimming pool, cinema, three restaurants, a bar, a whiskey shed, gift shop, and beautiful gardens.
It’s easy to spend a few days here, and never run out of things to do. It's also extremely family friendly!
Explore Seattle’s wine country in nearby Woodinville, or visit other restaurants and attractions within walking distance at downtown Bothell.
7 best things to do at McMenamins Bothell
1. Hotel
Book a night in the historic hotel at McMenamins Bothell, constructed in 1931 as a junior high school. Today the classrooms in this art-deco style building have been converted to 72 hotel rooms, and each room is named after a local Bothell identity.
Explore the 3 floors of the hotel to see fascinating photos and memorabilia about Bothell’s history, and stroll along old school corridors with an eclectic mix of historic lights and artworks.
The hotel rooms have retained the high ceilings and tall windows from their earlier classroom days. Each room has a TV and private bathroom, and overlooks either the courtyard or Bothell streets.
2. North Shore Lagoon indoor swimming pool
Guests at McMenamins Bothell have free, unlimited use of the fabulous, North Shore Lagoon indoor swimming pool, once part of the junior high school. Visitors not staying at the hotel can also drop-in for hourly sessions in the pool.
As an added bonus, there’s also a cool Tiki bar overlooking the swimming pool, perfect for a meal or cocktail.
3. Restaurants
There are 3 restaurants inside the old school buildings at McMenamins Bothell.
The first restaurant is in the old school cafeteria, and is known as Tavern on the Square.
.jpg)
The huge space at Tavern on the Square resembles an English pub, and has both bar seating, booths and tables.
The coziest seats are beside the roaring fire.
The second restaurant is inside the old school woodshop, and is aptly named the Woodshop Pub.
There’s plenty of fun things to do at the Woodshop Pub, like pinball machines, foosball, billiards, and big screen TVs with live sports.
The third restaurant is the South Seas Pub, which is a Tiki bar and restaurant overlooking the swimming pool. The teak lined walls and ceiling is from Balinese fishing boats, and there are Polynesian-themed decorations like masks and statues.
4. Patio dining
During warmer months you can dine out on the courtyard at McMenamins Bothell, overlooking the beautiful gardens. Both Tavern on the Square and Woodshop Pub offer patio dining.
The mood at McMenamins Bothell becomes very festive in the evening, with fairylights draped from the trees, and live music on the weekends.
5. Whiskey Shed
The Whiskey Shed is a quaint stone cottage in the courtyard at McMenamins Bothell, serving a wide selection of whiskeys and cocktails. Sit beside the indoor/outdoor fireplace while soaking up the ambiance, or take your drink to the patio outside, and warm yourself up on the other side of the fireplace.
6. Principal’s Office Bar
The Principal’s Office Bar is on the third floor of the hotel, tucked away in a cozy space inside the original principal’s office. This is a great place for a nightcap, before wandering back to your hotel room.
7. Cinema
Walk across the courtyard to the cinema at McMenamins Bothell, constructed on the school’s old basketball court. You can also load up on drinks, burgers and popcorn at The Anderson School Theater Bar, to enjoy while you are watching the movie.
8. Gift Shop
Stop by the Gift Shop at McMenamins Anderson School for cider, wine, coffee, stouts, IPAs, artworks, clothing and so much more!
Review this attraction