Sandcastle at Birch Bay
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About
#2 of 2 hotels in Birch Bay
Location
Rooms
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Sandcastle at Birch Bay is an upscale resort located in the serene community of Birch Bay on the northwestern coast of Washington State. The resort is the perfect place to stay for nature lovers or those looking for a quiet retreat. Sandcastle at Birch Bay’s guests have access to an on-site fitness center to keep up with their workout routine, a heated swimming pool, and a hot tub, the perfect spot to relax after a full day of adventure. Sandcastle at Birch Bay’s one-, two-, and three-bedroom condominiums feature all the amenities guests need to feel right at home. Each unit has a fireplace, flat-screen TV, washer and dryer, fully equipped kitchen, and a balcony that offers a view of either Birch Bay or the snow-capped Mt. Baker.
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Property amenities
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Fishing
Business Centre with Internet Access
Meeting rooms
Parking
Wifi
Paid wifi
Hot bath
Outdoor pool
Heated pool
BBQ facilities
Concierge
Non-smoking hotel
24-hour front desk
Express check-in / check-out
Self-serve laundry
Washing machine
Fireplace
Private balcony
Safe
Seating area
Coffee / tea maker
Kitchenette
Flatscreen TV
Hair dryer
Sofa
Telephone
Iron
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Dishwasher
Microwave
Refrigerator
Room types
Ocean view
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Quiet
Modern
Location
7854 Birch Bay Dr, Birch Bay, WA 98230-9656
Getting there
Car recommended
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 49 out of 100
49
52 Restaurants
within 10 kilometers
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Detailed Reviews
This is such a nice place. Granted there's a little wear and tear (worn fabric on the couch, dings on table legs, our toilet paper roll fell off the wall), but it's an older hotel and it allows kids and pets (in some rooms), so there's no way to keep it pristine.
Our balcony faced the parking lot, but if you just looked to the right you could see the bay and it was lovely! We also enjoyed having a few dinners on the roof where you just had a fantastic view!
This place took tons of COVID precautions from everyone wearing a mask inside, to constantly having cleaning staff walk around sanitizing rails and common areas. The elevator even had hand sanitizer available so you could clean your hands while waiting for your elevator. The staff obviously can't help if other patrons aren't covered with a mask, but they reminded a few people, and no one seemed upset.
The beach itself is very rocky. I didn't realize it was that kind of beach, luckily my kids loved throwing rocks in the water. And we took several walks and bike rides along the bay. We lucked out with great weather and every night the sunset was picture-worthy.
Next door to the hotel is a great brewery, Beach Cat Cafe, that shares menus with the restaurant next to it (so restaurant has Beach Cat beers, and Beach Cat uses their food). It's a "five star dive bar" and has EXCELLENT food.
I would go back to this hotel again. But hopefully there won't be a pandemic, and I might aim for a warmer time of year (early March is pretty chilly).
Our balcony faced the parking lot, but if you just looked to the right you could see the bay and it was lovely! We also enjoyed having a few dinners on the roof where you just had a fantastic view!
This place took tons of COVID precautions from everyone wearing a mask inside, to constantly having cleaning staff walk around sanitizing rails and common areas. The elevator even had hand sanitizer available so you could clean your hands while waiting for your elevator. The staff obviously can't help if other patrons aren't covered with a mask, but they reminded a few people, and no one seemed upset.
The beach itself is very rocky. I didn't realize it was that kind of beach, luckily my kids loved throwing rocks in the water. And we took several walks and bike rides along the bay. We lucked out with great weather and every night the sunset was picture-worthy.
Next door to the hotel is a great brewery, Beach Cat Cafe, that shares menus with the restaurant next to it (so restaurant has Beach Cat beers, and Beach Cat uses their food). It's a "five star dive bar" and has EXCELLENT food.
I would go back to this hotel again. But hopefully there won't be a pandemic, and I might aim for a warmer time of year (early March is pretty chilly).
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Date of stay: March 2021
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Â You can borrow BBQ tongs and other equipment if you want to use the BBQs on the roof.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Sharon Pisapia, Owner at Sandcastle at Birch Bay
Responded Mar 18, 2021
Wow, it sounds like you had a fun filled vacation and took advantage of all the fun things to do here and in the surrounding areas! We are so glad you enjoyed your stay and were able to be here at such a beautiful time of the year. One thing for sure you cannot beat watching the sunset from the 5th floor deck!! It is amazing and something that should be taken advantage of by everyone who comes to stay with us. Hope to see you again soon!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We had an amazing experience at the resort over the Christmas holiday. The staff was so friendly and helpful. The resort had a hot cocoa bar, find the elf game, and a drawing for a goodie basket/ginger bread house kit on several days before Christmas. Our grandkids (4 and 8) stayed with us and the staff made all of us feel so welcome. The pool and spa was heated so we swam every night. The room was so spacious and comfortable. We had the 2 bedroom which also had a full kitchen. We had a view/balcony with view of the bay and will definitely stay at this resort again.
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Review collected in partnership with RCI
Date of stay: December 2023
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Susan R, Owner at Sandcastle at Birch Bay
Responded Jan 2, 2024
Thank you for choosing us for your Christmas vacation with your grandkids! We are thrilled you enjoyed all the little extra touches our staff created to help make this holiday week extra special for all our guests- we had a great time too! We appreciate you taking the time to review us and letting future visitors know about our great assets such as our heated pool and hot tub, spacious rooms, and great views of the bay. We look forward to welcoming you back on all your future visits!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Cozy little resort in a quiet town (at least during off season). Beach is across the street and there are a couple of bars and restaurants to which one can walk. Pool was "heated" - could of used a degree or two more but it was nice to have this cool June. My major gripe about the resort is the lack of curtains in the bedrooms. There's blinds so privacy isn't an issue but light is. At this latitude there is sunlight from 5am to 9:30pm in summer. For a family with kids being able to block out the light is a basic necessity and comfort. Seems like a really obvious standard room amenity.
Rooms are a little dated but in good shape. I would stay again, I would just bring something to block out the light. Kitchen could have used some more lights on the counters for food prep.
The other thing is the bar/restaurant attached to the property. It closed at 8pm... way too early for a resort bar. Sun was up and the bar was closed. Weird
Rooms are a little dated but in good shape. I would stay again, I would just bring something to block out the light. Kitchen could have used some more lights on the counters for food prep.
The other thing is the bar/restaurant attached to the property. It closed at 8pm... way too early for a resort bar. Sun was up and the bar was closed. Weird
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Date of stay: June 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip:Â Be prepared for local eateries and bars to close early. Bring something to block out light in...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Susan R, Owner at Sandcastle at Birch Bay
Responded Jul 5, 2023
We are so glad to hear that you enjoyed your stay with us and got to take advantage of all our quaint little town has to offer. We also appreciate your feedback on the little tweaks that could improve the rooms. Thank you for taking the time to write this review and we hope you will be back to see us again soon!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
In March I reserved and paid for two suites for family that was coming for my husband's 90th birthday in August. The morning they were to arrive I received an email saying the reservations were cancelled. I reserved through Extra Holidays, which turned out to be Booking.com. A month later I am still waiting for a refund of the $1000+ I paid for the reservations.
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Date of stay: August 2024Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Susan R, Owner at Sandcastle at Birch Bay
Responded Sep 19, 2024
We are very sorry to hear your reservation got cancelled with Extra Holidays. Unfortunately, we at the resort level, do not manage reservations made through a third party vendor. We are sorry you had this inconvenience during your important celebration. In the future, please always book with us through our Raintree website, www.travelraintree.com, or you can go directly to www.sandcastlebirchbay.com. We'd love to host you or your family for your next get-together!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This is by far the worst Raintree Vacation property I have stayed at. The room was dirty with Coffee stains on the carpet, the beds was so uncomfortable and the pull out bed squeaked. The room we had 205 it faced a bar and car park so couldn’t even sit out on the balcony as it was so noisy, the bathroom was not clean and had people’s hair in the corners of it.
The hot tub wasn’t working either
We were booked to stay here for 7 nights but after 3 we had to check out and drive home to get a good nights sleep
The only good thing about this property is that the staff a really friendly
The hot tub wasn’t working either
We were booked to stay here for 7 nights but after 3 we had to check out and drive home to get a good nights sleep
The only good thing about this property is that the staff a really friendly
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Don’t stay here
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Susan R, Owner at Sandcastle at Birch Bay
Responded Aug 30, 2023
We deeply regret that you did not enjoy your stay, yet we appreciate you highlighting the friendly staff at Sandcastle. We understand some things such as bed comfort is subjective, but we never want any of our members to be so uncomfortable they cannot finish their vacation! This is not the kind of experience we pride ourselves on. Someone from Raintree's Member Service team will reach out to you shortly regarding this situation.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Resort is across from the Bay. My room has a good view.
Furniture is out dated, bed headboard has lost of dust. (Rustic look?)
Paint on furniture is faded (rustic look?)
TV is not smart. Cannot mirror my phone to it. HDMI input is locked and therefore guests not allowed to connect their video device.
Bath tub has a whole with rust on top of the rim.
Bed is very soft. If you roll over during your sleep, the other person in bed will ve woken up by the wavy movement of the entire mattress.
No safety grab bar, Getting out of the bath tub after shower could be dangerous without grab bar to hold on to.
If you do not mind these, not a bad resort to visit.
Furniture is out dated, bed headboard has lost of dust. (Rustic look?)
Paint on furniture is faded (rustic look?)
TV is not smart. Cannot mirror my phone to it. HDMI input is locked and therefore guests not allowed to connect their video device.
Bath tub has a whole with rust on top of the rim.
Bed is very soft. If you roll over during your sleep, the other person in bed will ve woken up by the wavy movement of the entire mattress.
No safety grab bar, Getting out of the bath tub after shower could be dangerous without grab bar to hold on to.
If you do not mind these, not a bad resort to visit.
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Review collected in partnership with RCI
Date of stay: February 2023
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Susan R, Owner at Sandcastle at Birch Bay
Responded Feb 21, 2023
Thank you for taking the time to write this review and we hope you come back to see us again soon!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We were not impressed with our stay. When we booked this place 3 months in advanced. We were told we would get a Bay View Room multiple times when we called the front desk. But when we checked in, they told us all Bay Rooms were booked. Very disappointing. If you book this place and are not part of their timeshare, you will be getting a room above the back parking lot. This place really needs to be updated. Halls and floors are worn, Rooms are dark, furniture outdated and large. Kitchen was missing items, bathrooms toilets clogged. Front desk was helpful in finding us missing items. Overall, we liked the location. You are close to everything, and some businesses are within walking distance. Front desk employees were very helpful. Nightly room rates need to be adjusted lower, since most hotel amenities have halted due to covid.
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Date of stay: April 2021
Location
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Sharon Pisapia, Owner at Sandcastle at Birch Bay
Responded May 3, 2021
We regret that you were not 100% satisfied during your recent stay with us at Sandcastle Birch Bay. We strive to exceed all guests’ expectations all the time. Your review is extremely uncharacteristic of the experience of most of our guests. Please let us know at the front desk while you are in residence in the future and we will address any issues that you are having, as we strive for a five!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We have been coming to Birch Bay for 6 years or more and everytime we stay at Sand Castle it is always clean, welcoming and a awesome stay. The rooms are spacious and have everything you need for a comfortable stay.
The staff are always asking to help you. If you need something that isn't in your room ask and they do their best to get it for you.
The staff are always asking to help you. If you need something that isn't in your room ask and they do their best to get it for you.
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Review collected in partnership with RCI
Date of stay: December 2023
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Susan R, Owner at Sandcastle at Birch Bay
Responded Jan 10, 2024
Thank you for being a loyal guest with us at Sandcastle at Birch Bay! Thank you for taking the time to let us know what you enjoy about our resort and for letting future visitors know what they can expect. Our staff takes great pride in providing dedicated and friendly service, so thank you for highlighting their efforts. Most of all, they love welcoming back familiar faces, so we look forward to having you back again soon!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We stayed in a 2-bedroom on the third floor with my sister and her husband who booked through RCI. We are WorldMark owners and WorldMark does have units on the 4th and 5th floors. Our unit overlooked the pool and hot tub with bay views as well.
The staff were really wonderful, from check-in to helping with bringing up a non-stick frying pan. They were always busy attending to cleaning and maintenance checks. Also everyone on staff was friendly and welcoming.
The huge drawback was overlooking a very dirty hot tub. It was quite unappealing, and yet people were continually using it including one mother who took her diapered baby in with her. We just couldn't understand how it was not closed for cleaning! The pool also had accumulated filth on the sides, though not as blatant as the hot tub. Again, this did not discourage people from using it. Also the rooms seemed outdated in their decor and air conditioning would be a nice bonus.
We had a wonderful time, the unit was comfortable, and while Birch Bay in general could use some revitalizing, there was plenty to do and see around the area and in other nearby places.
The staff were really wonderful, from check-in to helping with bringing up a non-stick frying pan. They were always busy attending to cleaning and maintenance checks. Also everyone on staff was friendly and welcoming.
The huge drawback was overlooking a very dirty hot tub. It was quite unappealing, and yet people were continually using it including one mother who took her diapered baby in with her. We just couldn't understand how it was not closed for cleaning! The pool also had accumulated filth on the sides, though not as blatant as the hot tub. Again, this did not discourage people from using it. Also the rooms seemed outdated in their decor and air conditioning would be a nice bonus.
We had a wonderful time, the unit was comfortable, and while Birch Bay in general could use some revitalizing, there was plenty to do and see around the area and in other nearby places.
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Date of stay: September 2022Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Susan R, Owner at Sandcastle at Birch Bay
Responded Sep 20, 2022
We are so glad you and your family had a wonderful time with us while visiting Birch Bay and all the area has to offer. Thank you for mentioning our friendly and attentive staff members as we take great pride in making everyone feel welcome and well cared for! Per your feedback about the pool and hot tub, please be assured that they are cleaned daily and that chemical checks are done throughout the day. The 'dirt' you saw on the sides of the hot tub and pool are actually stains that occurred after we resurfaced the pool last year and something we are trying to address. It is also our policy that you must be at least 6 years of age to use the hot tub. With this in mind, we hope to have you back whenever you are ready for more adventures in our beautiful county!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Quiet with beautiful vistas of the Bay. Access to Whale watching, walks along the Bay, close enough to Bellingham for shopping, 35 minutes from Vancouver and just over and hour from Seattle. CJ's has great food, practically next door. Victoria on Vancouver Island is a must see, 40 minutes to the British Columbia Ferry to drive on followed by a 1hour and 30 minutes boat ride to Victoria.
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Review collected in partnership with RCI
Date of stay: October 2023
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Susan R, Owner at Sandcastle at Birch Bay
Responded Nov 14, 2023
Thank you for this wonderful review! We are in a quiet area, but such a great location for so many day trips as you mentioned. We're so happy we could be that comforting home base to return to each evening with great service, food, amenities, and beautiful views. Thank you for letting others know what makes our humble resort so special, and we hope to see you again soon!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
All 1-bedroom units have mountain views; 2-bedroom units have bay views, partial view, or mountain views; 3-bedroom units have either bay views or partial bay views.
Not sure. They do have a bolt bus. You might check with them.
Hi there, yes it is! They even have handicap lift into the hot tub. And the attached restaurant has handicap ramp and access too. There are also several handicap parking spaces right at the entrance to the resort. Enjoy your stay - it's lovely there.
"Be prepared for local eateries and bars to close early. Bring something to block out light in bedrooms... there are no curtains, just blinds"Read full review
"You can borrow BBQ tongs and other equipment if you want to use the BBQs on the roof."Read full review
"If you can get a room on the roof (two bedroom units) try to do so. The views are amazing and you have a huge deck area fronting the bay."Read full review
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PRICE RANGE
C$207 - C$517 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
sandcastle at birch bay hotel blaine, sandcastle birch bay, sandcastle at birch bay blaine
LOCATION
United StatesWashingtonBirch Bay
NUMBER OF ROOMS
48
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Sandcastle at Birch Bay
Which popular attractions are close to Sandcastle at Birch Bay?
Nearby attractions include Semiahmoo Park (7.2 km), Birch Bay State Park (2.9 km), and Blaine Marine Park (7.5 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Sandcastle at Birch Bay?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, a pool, and a fitness centre.
Which room amenities are available at Sandcastle at Birch Bay?
Top room amenities include a kitchenette, a flat screen TV, and a refrigerator.
What food & drink options are available at Sandcastle at Birch Bay?
Guests can enjoy barbeque facilities during their stay.
Is parking available at Sandcastle at Birch Bay?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Sandcastle at Birch Bay?
Conveniently located restaurants include Edaleen Dairy Ice Cream Shop, Paso Del Norte, and Drayton Harbor Oyster Company.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Sandcastle at Birch Bay?
Yes, guests have access to a pool and a fitness centre during their stay.
Are any cleaning services offered at Sandcastle at Birch Bay?
Yes, self serve laundry and a washing machine are offered to guests.
Does Sandcastle at Birch Bay offer any business services?
Yes, guests have access to a business centre and meeting rooms during their stay.
Are there any historical sites close to Sandcastle at Birch Bay?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Lochiel School (11.6 km).