For your next romantic getaway, are you are searching through rental cabins in Seattle, Washington? In the small town of Medina, Washington, I’ve discovered a lakeside cabin near Seattle you are going to love.
Built along the shores of Meydenbauer Bay in the small town of Medina, Washington, whose residents include tech big wigs like Bill Gates, this circa 1925 log cabin is a slice of Seattle history with all the modern amenities travelers’ desire.
After being hosted for a night at this modern lakeside cabin near Seattle, I can say it is the perfect getaway for couples who want to feel like they’ve escaped the bustle of the city, but still want the city and its amenities like shopping and dining within reach (the cabin is 5 minutes to downtown Bellevue, Washington). And, for travelers who want some real downtime and do not want to go anywhere, they can prepare meals in the kitchen or grill steaks on the outdoor grill and chill.
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A Lakeside Cabin Near Seattle
The lakeside cabin offers its guests:
- A cozy cabin with waterfront access and views
- A kitchen with a gas stove, appliances, and cookware
- High-speed WiFi, cable TV, and streaming video
- Heated floors and seasonal A/C
- Gas fireplace
- Outdoor gas grill and gas fire pit
- Access to the dock (you can see Mt. Rainier from here!)
- A parking space for two vehicles
- Coffee, tea and light snacks
Our Escape to the Small Town of Medina, Washington
We arrived at the cabin on one of our stellar warm weather in Seattle days with sunny skies. As we walked down 57 steps to the waterfront and the log cabin revealed itself we knew we were going to be in for a treat. Nestled amongst modern houses the log cabin speaks of days gone by when life moved at a slower pace, and the comings and goings of the overwintering whaling fleet regularly made it in the local newspaper.
The cabin is outfitted with everything a modern traveler could want. A kitchen with a gas stovetop, appliances, dishware, and even some spices. A dining nook with water views, a cozy living room with a fireplace and television, a bedroom with a queen size bed and luxury linens, and a bathroom with a shower. An outside patio with a gas fireplace and furniture. Plus, WiFi, cable and streaming video.
The space is a one-room plan with a vaulted ceiling with wooden beams that go across. For the bedroom, there is a large sliding door if you desire some separation from the living and dining area, but, since you can see the water while lying in bed, you most likely never use this door. If you don’t want to get up early tho, you’ll want to slide the door to block the sun.
Before our arrival, our hosts gave us everything we needed such as the address to the cabin, the key code, information on the cabin and the area, and a contact person and phone number in case of an emergency during our stay. Our check-in and check-out were easy, and even though the owner’s house is directly behind the cabin, we felt like the cabin was a private waterfront escape.
As a lover of the outdoors, my favorite feature ended up being the outdoor patio. After our dinner in Bellevue, we enjoyed some time in front of the fireplace and listened to the frogs and birds as they settled down for the night.
Plus, the glimmerings lights of downtown Bellevue on the water, gave the evening a romantic ambiance.
The next morning we awoke fully rested, and I wished I had thought ahead to bring some eggs, avocados and toast. Instead, we sipped our tea, relishing the sunshine and planning what nearby parks to visit.
Cool Facts About the Little Log Cabin:
- The log cabin was built after Ship Canal opened and the water dropped exposing the land.
- From the cabin, you could watch whalers preparing the ships they took to Alaska.
- During its heyday “competitive poker parties” were held at the cabin.
- Lou Piniella, manager of the Seattle Mariners, once owned the cabin and the house behind it.
If it is a clear day, walk to the docks to see Mt. Rainier!
Travel tip: If you have your own watercraft, bring it and launch right from the docks. Or, rent canoes, kayaks, and SUPs at nearby Meydenbauer Beach Park.
Where to Eat in Bellevue
The city of Bellevue is only 5 minutes away, and there are hundreds of Bellevue restaurants to choose from. After some online searching, we decided on Lot No. 3, an American gastropub included in Thrillist’s “Best 10 Restaurants on Seattle’s Eastside.” We had comfortable seating on the second-floor balcony with views of the restaurant below.
We started with warm goat cheese with cranberry, pecans, and honey. We loved this dish. The flavors reminded us of the holidays. If you like cheese for dessert, this is the way to go.
Travel tip: Lot No. 3 offers free 4-hour parking validation when you park in Bellevue Towers.
For dinner, we both ordered the Lot No. 3 Burger with smoked cheddar, candied bacon, and red pepper aioli. I opted for a salad with my burger, but I really should have chosen the shoestring fries as they were the best I’ve ever had. (If you don’t like heat with your burger, order it without the sauce.)
Bellevue is a walkable town, and you’ll find more dining options, shopping at Bellevue Square, public art, museums, and galleries.
To see more Bellevue restaurants and what to do and see check out TripAdvisor.
Don’t Miss This FREE Attraction in Bellevue
One attraction you do not want to miss is the Bellevue Botanical Gardens. The 53-acre garden is open every day of the year and admission is FREE! There are cultivated gardens, woodlands, and wetlands. We hadn’t done much research before our visit and were pleasantly surprised at the extensive trail system and the suspension bridge! Throughout the year they have paid classes and workshops.
What to Do and See in Medina
Medina is mostly a residential community of around 3,000 people. For visitors, the biggest attraction are its parks. During our visit, we checked out Medina Park, which has trails that go around a pond and an off-leash dog area, and Medina Beach Park, which has a beach with views of the Seattle skyline.
Near Medina Beach Park is the Medina Grocery & Deli. If you need of a cup of coffee or a light snack, you’ll find it here. Close to the deli is the Medina Post Office. On the side is a mural with a quote that laments the change from strawberry fields to modern buildings and the closure of the Medina ferry.
Want Your Own Romantic Getaway at a Lakeside Cabin Near Seattle?
We loved our stay at the lakeside cabin, and I would recommend it for travelers seeking a unique escape that won’t take them too far from the city or individuals pressed for time, yet still want to getaway.
To book the cabin go to Vacasa.com. Prices fluctuate by season and day of the week. On the website, you can view more pictures and take a virtual tour of the cabin and outdoor patio.
Logistics: The cabin is a 15-minute drive to Redmond and Seattle, and a 5-minute drive to downtown Bellevue, Washington. From SeaTac International Airport, the cabin is around a 45 minute drive.
Note: As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with accommodations for the purpose of review. While it has not influenced this review, the writer believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest.
What a cute little cabin. It’s so close to Bellevue too. It’s hard to believe that you can get a log cabin that close to town. I would love to have seen a competitive poker tournament there. It seems like the perfect spot.
Jenn and Ed, I would have loved to have seen this area before it become so developed. Such an idyllic spot. I bet they had some good poker parties there!
My favorite thing about the cabin is the fact that you can sit outside and see the beautiful night city lights of Bellevue! This is a perfect getaway! Also the goat cheese with cranberries, honey and pecans. Yes, now please! YUM!
Heather, The cabin is in such a lovely spot, especially at night. You’d love the goat cheese!
Oh my gosh, I didn’t realize there was anything other than mansions on Meydenbauer! What a gem to stay in! I live just south of Bellevue – I will have to check this out for a staycation date night with the hubs.
Dani, Yes! Check it out and let me know what you think!
Looks like such a cozy yet modern cabin which is what I love! Those views are amazing and so calming. You always have the best foodie recommendations too, thanks for sharing 🙂
Carmen, The cabin is very chic and cozy. You’d appreciate all the luxury touches. 🙂
Does anyone want to babysit our kids so that my wife and I can get away for a romantic weekend? The cabin looks fantastic. Of course, the selling point for us is the heated floors. Having spent time in cabins, that sounds ideal.The views are simply fantastic. Having Mount Rainier as a backdrop sounds sensational. I can imagine sitting by the outdoor fire, listening to the sounds of frogs in the evening. A relaxing walk through a free botanical gardens sounds like a perfect companion to this relaxing cabin getaway.
Lance, I hope you have a romantic getaway soon! Being a parent is hard work and this is a perfect place to chill.
Oh wow. A lakeside cabin sounds like the perfect accommodation! The view looks amazing and the interior looks very homey too. We’ve never tried this type of accommodation before, but its quite tempting! I like the fact that you can see the city from across the lake. And that there are several great places to see in Bellevue too to while away the time. 🙂
Marvi, I’m all about small towns, but I think a huge advantage of this cabin is that it is so close to the city. You can chill at the cabin or visit the gardens and museums. 🙂
I love staying in lakeside cabins, they’re the perfect place to relax! I love the decor on the cabins, they always seem so cosy and it’s nice to be able to sit out on the lake too.
Nic, It was so relaxing and I so enjoyed the view!
Such a sweet little spot to get away to. While the night on the lake seems relaxing, that morning view is unbeatable. I can’t imagine a better way to start the day. It seems so secluded even though it isn’t, which is, really, pretty perfect.
Jen, We had such a chill morning, drinking tea and coffee, and enjoying the view. With all the development around it, it is amazing this cabin is still there. 🙂
I have always wanted to stay for a weekend at a lovely log cabin like this. It looks so cozy even from the outside. I would just sit there and listen to my fave music.
Punita, Sounds like bliss!
I really like having all that wood on display. It makes the entire place seem cozier. But what I like most is the bed, it’s like a comfy nook to nest in and be lazy during long weekends.
The Travel Bunny, The bed area did have a nook feel, nice that you picked up on that. 🙂
Heyy, I’m from Seattle! Sp glad to know about this cabin. I’d love to go there.
Akriti, I hope your travels take you there soon! Such a great city escape!