Historic Hotel Stay in McCleary, Washington: What to Expect

 Staying at a historic hotel is not the same as booking a modern chain property—and that difference is exactly the point. A stay at The McCleary Hotel offers something increasingly rare: a slower pace, shared spaces with purpose, and a deep sense of place rooted in Pacific Northwest history.

If you are considering a visit to McCleary, Washington, or looking for a quiet alternative to hotels in Olympia, this guide explains what a historic hotel stay is like, who it’s best for, and why guests choose The McCleary Hotel.

Historic hotels were built to be social centers, not just places to sleep. At The McCleary Hotel—originally built in 1912—this philosophy still shapes the experience.

Rather than long anonymous hallways and sealed-off rooms, guests encounter:

• Inviting common areas meant for gathering
• Architectural details crafted from old-growth lumber
• Rooms designed for rest, not excess
• A rhythm that encourages slowing down

The building itself tells a story. The wood trim, doors, beams, and finishes were originally designed to showcase the craftsmanship of Henry McCleary’s lumber mill, which once operated directly across the street. Staying here means being surrounded by materials and proportions that simply aren’t replicated today.

One of the defining features of The McCleary Hotel is its shared spaces. These are not afterthoughts; they are central to the experience.

The Cedar Gathering Hall serves as the heart of the hotel. It is used for dining, small events, workshops, and celebrations, with comfortable seating for 30–40 guests. Even when no event is underway, the space offers a warm, grounded place to read, write, or connect with others.

For quieter moments, the Fireside Room provides a cozy retreat. With seating for up to eight, it’s ideal for conversation, board games, or simply unwinding by the fire after a day of travel or exploration.

These spaces reflect an older idea of hospitality—where guests share rooms not because they must, but because they enrich the stay.

Guest rooms at The McCleary Hotel are intentionally understated. Instead of oversized televisions or flashy design, the focus is on comfort, quiet, and rest.

Room offerings include:

• Queen, King, Full, and Twin configurations
• Select private-bath rooms
• Flexible suites created by connecting rooms
• Shared bathrooms on each floor, thoughtfully maintained

For many guests, shared baths are part of the historic hotel experience. They allow the building’s original layout to remain intact and encourage a lighter footprint—both physically and environmentally.

A historic hotel stay is not for everyone, and The McCleary Hotel is upfront about that.

This experience is best suited for:

• Guests seeking quiet, rest, and a slower pace
• Couples, solo travelers, and small groups
• Retreats, workshops, and intimate gatherings
• Travelers who value character over uniformity
• Those comfortable with shared spaces

It may not be the best fit for:

• Guests seeking resort-style amenities
• Late-night party groups
• Travelers expecting full hotel services at all hours

This clarity helps ensure that guests who stay here feel aligned with the atmosphere.

McCleary is a historic mill town with a calm, grounded feel. The hotel is surrounded by walkable nature, including forest trails, a creek, and a pond directly across the street.

Despite the peaceful setting, The McCleary Hotel is less than 20 minutes from West Olympia. Guests appreciate being close to the city without dealing with traffic, congestion, or constant noise.

For many, this balance—accessibility without overstimulation—is what makes the stay memorable.

What guests often remember most is not just the room they slept in, but the feeling of the place itself.

Historic hotels like The McCleary Hotel invite guests to:

• Wake with natural light instead of alarms
• Share conversations in real rooms, not lobbies
• Feel connected to a building’s past and present
• Experience hospitality as something personal

In a time when many hotels feel interchangeable, The McCleary Hotel remains distinctly itself.

When you arrive at The McCleary Hotel, expect:

• A warm, human welcome
• Spaces designed for presence, not distraction
• A building that shows its age with pride
• An atmosphere that encourages rest and connection

For guests who value history, calm, and authenticity, a stay here is not just a night away—it’s a return to a more thoughtful way of traveling.

 The McCleary Hotel is a historic boutique hotel located in McCleary, Washington, nearby Olympia, offering guest rooms, shared spaces, and intimate gathering areas in a restored 1912 building.