Tulalip Resort Casino

HOTEL OVERVIEW

You know what surprised me about Tulalip Resort Casino? It’s actually a really solid place to stay even if you’re not there to gamble. I mean, sure, you’ll hear the casino sounds when you walk through the lobby, but once you’re up in your room, it’s surprisingly quiet – especially considering you’re right off I-5.

The location is honestly pretty perfect if you’re doing the whole Pacific Northwest thing. You’re about 30 minutes north of Seattle (traffic depending, obviously), and it’s actually a great base for hitting the San Juan Islands ferry or exploring the Cascades. Plus, being on the Tulalip reservation means you get this interesting mix of modern resort amenities with some genuine cultural touches – the artwork in the lobby is beautiful, and I loved that they showcase local Tulalip tribal artists rather than just generic hotel art. The rooms are spacious and well-maintained, though I’ll be honest, some of the furniture feels a bit… conference hotel-ish? But the beds are comfortable, and the bathrooms are nicely updated. What really won me over was the staff – everyone from the front desk to housekeeping seemed to actually care about making your stay good, which you don’t always get at casino hotels.

The dining situation is better than expected too. Tula Bene (their Italian place) is legitimately good – not just good-for-a-casino-restaurant, but actually good. And if you’re traveling with kids or just want something casual, the Canoes Cove cafe does solid burgers and salads. The spa is where this place really shines though. I mean, I wasn’t expecting much, but honestly? It rivals some of the fancy Seattle hotel spas I’ve been to, and it’s way less pretentious. The pool area is nice year-round since it’s mostly indoors, which matters when you’re dealing with Washington weather. One thing to know – weekends can get pretty busy, especially during summer when people are combining their stay with trips to the nearby outlets or the Boeing factory tour. But even when it’s crowded, the place doesn’t feel chaotic. Parking is free and plentiful (which is kind of a big deal if you’re used to Seattle hotel rates), and you’re literally two minutes from some decent shopping if you need to grab anything. The whole setup just works – it’s comfortable without trying too hard, and the 9.0 rating makes sense when you factor in the value. It’s not trying to be the Four Seasons, but for what it is, they’ve really nailed it.