Before European settlers arrived, the area was home to the nomadic Wenatchi and other tribes. In the early 1800s, fur traders began to travel through the region, but the first permanent non-native settlers were cattlemen, missionaries, Chinese miners, and gold prospectors. The first business, a trading post, opened around 1867. It was followed by a hotel and other small businesses.
The modern city of Wenatchee was developed in Kittitas County by a joint effort of the Wenatchee Development Co. and the Great Northern Railway. Eventually, it grew large enough that a new county was required, and Chelan County was formed. Thanks to its rich soil and arid climate, the valley succeeded in establishing itself as one of the greatest apple-producing regions in the world. Other industries thrived here as well, including steamboat transportation and shipping, hydroelectric construction, and electric metal refining.
Today, Wenatchee is the second largest city in central Washington, and agriculture continues to play an important role in its economy.
When should you plan your trip to Wenatchee, WA?
Wenatchee has a semiarid climate characterized by hot, dry summers and cold winters. Most notably, because Wenatchee is located in the rain shadow of the Cascade Mountains, it offers 300 days of clear blue skies each year. In terms of weather, mid-May through mid-July is the best time to visit. Summer months tend to be the busiest, which means hotel and flight prices will be higher.
The second busiest season is spring, with highs that average in the upper 40s to upper 70s Fahrenheit. Temperatures get warmer as summer approaches and begin to cool off during the fall, when the average high begins to drop from around 85 degrees to 40 degrees. Winter is very chilly, with highs in the 30s and 40s. As you may expect, winter is a slow season for visitation, which means you can find better deals on hotels and flights.
For the best balance between cost and comfort, plan to visit during the fall. Tourism happens to be even slower during fall than winter, when winter sports draw some people to the area. You could secure great deals on accommodations. However, the weather won't be as cold as conditions during the winter, especially if you visit during early fall.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Wenatchee, WA:
Averate Rates by Star Rating
Below are 3 charts displaying average nightly cost trends by star rating class in Wenatchee, WA. Analyze these illustrations to determine the most cost effective seasons to stay in Wenatchee for upcoming travels.
Are there luxury hotel options around Wenatchee, Washington?
You can find any true luxury hotels in Wenatchee. Perhaps the most luxurious option in Wenatchee itself is the SpringHill Suites by Marriott Wenatchee. This hotel is within a 15-minute walk of both Wenatchee Confluence State Park and Walla Walla Point Park. Rooms include desks, microwaves, and refrigerators as well as cable programming and daily housekeeping.
Unwind after a long day in the hotel's indoor pool and spa tub, or break a sweat at the 24-hour fitness center. A business center and free Wi-Fi make it easy to get work done during your trip. Guests can also enjoy free breakfast, a snack bar, laundry services, and barbecue grills.
The Icicle Village Resort in nearby Leavenworth offers even more amenities. It sits next to Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest and a golf course. Leavenworth Summer Theater, Waterfront Park, and the Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum are also close by. Rooms feature refrigerators and microwaves as well as flat-screen TVs, cable programming, DVD players, and free Wi-Fi for in-room entertainment.
If you want to relax, the hotel offers a garden, terrace, indoor pool, on-site bar, and on-site spa services. You will also find two restaurants, a tennis court, a picnic area, concierge services, and an on-site coffee shop. The front desk, business center, and fitness facilities are open 24 hours a day, and a complimentary breakfast is served each morning.
Another option is the Bavarian Lodge in Leavenworth. Although its list of amenities is not as extensive as that of Icicle Village Resort, you won't be disappointed. The hotel features an on-site restaurant and bar, as well as an outdoor pool and two spa tubs. The business center is open 24 hours a day, or you can take advantage of the on-site library. Breakfast, parking, and Wi-Fi are all complimentary. Its location near Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest and the available ski passes make it an especially great choice for winter visitors.
What affordable hotel options are there in Wenatchee, WA?
3 Star Average Prices: $166.82
Whether you're traveling on a tight budget or would prefer to spend more money on experiences than accommodations, you can find a few affordable hotel options in Wenatchee. The Rodeway Inn, for example, is a convention center hotel that's centrally located in the city. Local attractions such as the Wenatchee Valley Museum & Cultural Center and Riverfront Park are within walking distance of the hotel. Also, guests of the Rodeway Inn can enjoy the hotel's outdoor pool, complimentary continental breakfast, and free Wi-Fi. Pets are welcome for a $10 per-pet, per-day fee.
The Travelodge by Wyndham Wenatchee, meanwhile, offers those same amenities plus a business center, laundry services and facilities, a 24-hour front desk, and a spa tub. Adjoining rooms are available and can be requested by calling ahead, and you can bring along your furry friends for an additional per-pet, per-day fee. The pool and spa tub are closed during the off-season months of November through April.
2 Star Average Prices: $90.63
What are the best hotel discounts in Wenatchee, WA?
Several Wenatchee hotels offer discounts for visitors to take advantage of. Senior citizens can enjoy special rates at La Quinta Inn & Suites Wenatchee. You can also secure a lower rate by booking online. However, the hotel reserves its lowest rates for military members and government employees. Remember that to claim this deal, you'll need to have the appropriate ID ready when you check in.
The Holiday Inn Express Wenatchee also offers excellent discounts for military members and government employees, as well as special online rates and senior citizen and AAA discounts. Be sure to check the terms of the deal you select, since some deals are nonrefundable.
Where are the hotels with the best value in Wenatchee?
Most of the hotels in Wenatchee offer exceptional value. Examples include the Best Western Chieftain Inn, the Red Lion Hotel Wenatchee, and the Coast Wenatchee Center Hotel.
Rooms at the Best Western Chieftain Inn include microwaves, refrigerators, shower and tub combos, cable programming, and complimentary weekday newspapers. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi, breakfast, and parking. A 24-hour business center, laundry facilities, an outdoor pool, a spa tub, fitness facilities, and a 24-hour front desk round out the list of amenities.
The Red Lion Hotel, meanwhile, is a hotel with an outdoor pool, a coffee shop, fitness facilities, a 24-hour business center, fitness facilities, and a 24-hour front desk. Wi-Fi is free, but breakfast comes with a surcharge. The hotel also offers conference space and ten meeting rooms. Pets are allowed for a per-night fee of $15 per pet. Each room has its own private balcony or patio, as well as a microwave and refrigerator.
The Coast Wenatchee Center Hotel offers similar amenities to the Red Lion Hotel, but with a few extras. For example, it adds an on-site restaurant and bar, a free area shuttle, and 24-hour fitness facilities. Rooms include satellite programming, refrigerators, desks, flat-screen TVs, complimentary newspapers, and daily housekeeping.
What restaurants should you dine at while visiting Wenatchee, WA?
You won't have trouble finding delicious food in Wenatchee. Shakti's, located on Mission Street, consistently receives excellent reviews, with past guests raving about the crabcakes, rack of lamb, and artichoke dip in particular. Also on Mission Street is Wild Huckleberry, where you can find the best brunch in town. It's open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends. Guests recommend the French toast and hash browns, but you can't go wrong with eggs Benedict or huckleberry pancakes either.
For dinner and drinks, try McGlinn's Public House on Orondo Avenue. It serves American cuisine and pub fare, including noteworthy pizza and beer bread. You'll find it open for lunch and dinner on weekdays, when it stays open until 11 p.m. and offers fare for all three meals on weekends. Another option is the Rail Station & Ale House on Columbia Street. Past diners have enjoyed the lobster mac and cheese, the brisket, and the apple bread. Sit on the outdoor deck if the weather is nice and enjoy anything from prime rib to pizza for your lunch or dinner.
If you're in the mood for some international cuisine, head to Wenatchee Avenue. Here, you can find Visconti's Italian Restaurant and Inna's Cuisine, which serves Russian, Ukrainian, and Eastern European dishes.
With orchards full of apples, plenty of outdoor recreational opportunities, and fantastic local restaurants, Wenatchee has everything you need for a relaxing getaway to Washington state.
FAQs about hotels in Wenatchee
How much does a cheap hotel in Wenatchee cost per night?
In the last year, a 2 star hotel in Wenatchee can be as cheap as $90.63 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a 3 star hotel in Wenatchee cost per night?
In the last year, the average 3 star hotel in Wenatchee has been $166.82 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
Recent traveler reviews of Wenatchee, WA
Below are reviews of the city of Wenatchee, WA from an actual visitor's perspective.
"Shopping, Parks & Farmers Market"
Score
4.0 / 5
Shopping, farmers market and the parks.
Laura B., from 27-Feb-2024
"Good Restaurant & Raspberry Cream Pie!"
Score
5.0 / 5
The Windmill Restaurant was good especially the raspberry cream pie!
Janice G., from 11-Feb-2024
"Love, Love, Love This Hotel!"
Score
4.0 / 5
I loved the hotel. I honestly can't think of anything else better they could do.
I love it, love it, love it.
Nate W., from 04-Feb-2024
"Near Downtown Leavenworth"
Score
5.0 / 5
Near downtown Leavenworth.
Viengkeo V., from 19-Dec-2023
"Good Restaurant"
Score
5.0 / 5
We ate dinner at Om Thai which is a short walk from the hotel. The food was delicious.
Audrey S., from 31-Oct-2023
"The hotel environment, the breakfast, the staff were very friendly."
Score
5.0 / 5
The hotel environment, the breakfast, the staff were very friendly.
Rael O., from 16-Oct-2023
"Golf!"
Score
5.0 / 5
We have visited Wenatchee several times and play golf.
Norman M., from 29-Sep-2023
"Beautiful Place with Every Restaurant & Store You Need!"
Score
5.0 / 5
It's a beautiful place! Every restaurant and store you need is here and more! Wish I could stay longer! Will return for sure!
Kristie L., from 21-Jul-2023
"Loved the parks along the river!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Loved the parks along the river!
Wendy W., from 17-Jul-2023
"Very Clean!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Very clean!
Liezl H., from 30-Jun-2023
"Across from health food store."
Score
5.0 / 5
Health food store across the street from hotel.
Clive E., from 06-Jun-2023
"Parks & Restaurant Options"
Score
5.0 / 5
Wenatchee has grown and changed so much. It is great to see improvements in the parks and restaurant options.
Sarah S., from 31-May-2023
"Pybus Market"
Score
4.0 / 5
Pybus Market
Steven E., from 05-May-2023
"The drive to Wenatchee was the best!"
Score
4.0 / 5
The drive to Wenatchee was the best!
Dan T., from 01-May-2023
"Close to so many outdoor activities and Leavenworth!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Enjoyed how close we were to so many outdoor activities and Leavenworth!
Camille T., from 21-Apr-2023
"Cool Town!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Wenatchee is great! Cool town!
Mark E., from 17-Apr-2023
"Love Pybus Public Market & parks & walkways along the river."
Score
4.0 / 5
Our grandchildren live in Wenatchee! Love Pybus public market. Love all the parks and walkways along the river.
Anne I., from 17-Apr-2023
"Many nice restaurants."
Score
4.0 / 5
Many nice restaurants.
Gary P., from 27-Feb-2023
"Comfortable and clean and staff was helpful and friendly."
Score
5.0 / 5
Comfortable and clean and staff was helpful and friendly. Beautiful views! We really enjoyed the Pybus market.
Johanna O., from 20-Feb-2023
"Awesome People!"
Score
5.0 / 5
The people! Being a foreigner walking around Wenatchee, everyone approached me and give me tips on what to do on my trip!
Lasse J., from 04-Sep-2022
"Rocky Reach Dam"
Score
5.0 / 5
I recommend seeing the Rocky Reach Dam while in town, we enjoyed our experience.
Stacy W., from 27-Jul-2022
"Shopping!"
Score
4.0 / 5
The convenience of shopping and places to go.
Robert B., from 24-Jul-2022
"Wenatchee is a beautiful city!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Wenatchee is a beautiful city. This was the second time visiting our friends.
Bryson R., from 21-Jul-2022
"Very nice little city!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Very nice little city!
Gerlad H., from 20-Apr-2022
"Lots of fun things to do here."
Score
5.0 / 5
Lots of fun things to do here.
Lance C., from 13-Jan-2022
"Friendly"
Score
5.0 / 5
Friendly people.
Catherine O., from 16-Aug-2019
"Very Pretty"
Score
5.0 / 5
It was pretty with the snow. Since we were there for a medical emergency and mostly saw the hospital, can't say much except the nurses and hotel staff were very friendly.
Dan A., from 26-Dec-2015
The average traveler rating of the city of Wenatchee, WA shown above is
4.7 out of 5 based on 27 reviews