Getaway for a Day: A Retro Hotel in the Heart of Walla Walla

By Rosemary Fotheringham

Only an hour away from the Tri-Cities, downtown Walla Walla is charming, walkable, and full of unique food, shopping, wine, and more. Follow along with us as we explore and relax.

This historic midcentury-era boutique hotel has been completely renovated and offers a central and relaxing place to be your home away from home for the weekend. Located right in the heart of downtown Walla Walla, The FINCH is just steps away from dining, wine, and shopping. Don’t miss the giant Connect Four games and more in The FINCH’s lobby area, the Map Room, as well as the whimsical framed art upstairs. The FINCH guides are friendly and knowledgeable and happy to offer recommendations or help you make reservations.

We love their focus on sustainability. Although there is ample parking, The FINCH is incredibly bike-friendly. Bike parking pods dot the courtyard outside the rooms. If you’re lucky enough to be there when the complimentary Finch-yellow cruiser bike is available to borrow, take it for a spin around the neighborhood and enjoy the sights around the area (it’s a popular amenity!).

After you’ve settled into your room, walk 5 minutes down to Downtown Walla Walla, and pop into Dama Wines, a women-owned winery, for a wine tasting. If the weather is nice, grab a spot out on the patio, otherwise, enjoy lounging in one of the plush velvet chairs indoors in the spacious lounge area with original brick walls. Don’t miss the custom art on the walls and on each of the wine labels. We loved everything we tasted, but ended up walking away with a bottle of their fruity, floral 2019 GSM. Head back to the hotel

Get changed into dinner attire — but before you do, indulge in a couple rounds of cornhole and take in the latest art installation in the courtyard: a series of driftwood and stone sculptures that sweep across the grounds.

Enjoy the sunset and walk 5 minutes down to Brasserie Four, Walla Walla’s French restaurant. Whet your appetite with Negronis or a glass of Walla Walla Syrah, and then dive into your main course.

Be sure to ask about the specials! While everything we sampled was exceptional, the seasonal parsnip soup with chili oil and crème fraîche was our surprise favorite. Dessert isn’t to be missed here, either!

Stroll back to the hotel, enjoying the beauty of the lively downtown at nighttime. Change into your coziest, comfiest pajamas, and enjoy S’mores in front of the roaring outdoor fireplace (S’mores kits are available for purchase from The FINCH) while you talk about the day’s highs and make plans for tomorrow.

Cozy up under the covers and drift off to sleep for a restful night. Each room has a unique piece of locally-inspired art on the wall and an eclectic mix of found treasures and modern amenities; the FINCH puts a contemporary twist on classic motels with walk-in showers, lots of sleeping arrangements to suit your needs, and crisp, luxurious bedding. Catch up on all your beauty sleep!

Pack up your things and check out of the hotel. Not hungry yet? For something light, walk down to Colville Street Patisserie for your morning cup of joe and a pastry. Pro tip: the cardamom gelato served affogato (with espresso over the top) is out of this world. For hearty fare, fill up with a delicious, filling breakfast or brunch at the popular Maple Counter Cafe. There’s often a wait on weekends, so plan accordingly!

One last walk around before you head back home! Stroll around downtown Walla Walla, perusing the shops as you go. Pick up a souvenir for your trip at Tra Vigne, the antique store, treat yourself to a new book or journal at Book & Game, and don’t miss local favorite Bright’s Candies — the homemade fudge is a must-try! Stock up on some treats to enjoy later in the car ride back home.

We barely scratched the surface of what Walla Walla has to offer. Being able to walk from The FINCH to all of downtown made our trip feel like such a luxury; we didn’t use our car all weekend! This gem of a city has so much to explore — you can bet we’ll be back.