Review: Paradise Inn (Mt. Rainier National Park)
The Paradise Inn, located within Mount Rainier National Park (in Washington State), is a historic lodge known for its alpine setting and remarkable views (well, maybe not in our case – more on that below). Built in 1916, the inn features a grand lobby with exposed timber beams, a large stone fireplace, and (of course) close up views of Mt. Rainier. Visitors often use the inn as a base for exploring Paradise, a popular area within the park known for its vibrant wildflower meadows, sweeping glacier views, and extensive hiking trails.
Paradise Inn operates seasonally, typically opening from late spring through early autumn. The inn includes a variety of guest rooms, a restaurant, and a gift shop and is a designated National Historic Landmark. For many, a stay at the Paradise Inn offers not just accommodations but one of the best locations for the exploration of Mount Rainier National Park.
At A Glance: Review: Paradise Inn (Mt. Rainier National Park)
- Average Nightly Cost During Stay: $299.00 USD
- Loyalty Program: N/A
- Loyalty Category: N/A
- Discount Applied: N/A
- Room Type as Booked: Standard Double Room
Booking Through NationalParkReservations.com
PHOTO GALLERY
Parking/Hotel Entrance
Lobby
Welcome Letter
Sorry – this got crumpled during the check-in
Walkthrough Tour: Standard Double Room
Room Gallery
Bathroom
Yes, that soap has a hole in it
Property Gallery
Dining At Paradise Inn Dining Room
Breakfast
Dinner
Outdoor Area
THE FHOP BOTTOM-LINE 10 RATINGS: Paradise Inn
| Location: | 10.0 |
| Service: | 7.0 |
| Overall Room: | 7.5 |
| Property/Amenities: | 8.5 |
| Luxury Factor (National Park Lodge Scale): | 7.0 |
| Coolness Factor (National Park Lodge Scale): | 8.5 |
| Cleanliness/Non-Grime Factor: | 8.0 |
| Correct Billing/No Issues Factor: | 10.0 |
| Cash Bang-For-The-Buck: | 8.0 |
| Overall Experience (National Park Lodge Scale): | 10.0 |
| FINAL RATING | 8.5 |
The Bottom-Line Review: Paradise Inn (Mt. Rainier National Park)
Despite the fact we had full-on white-out conditions (from snow and cloud cover), we still managed to have a fun time at The Paradise Inn at Mount Rainier National Park. Above all, the hotel has an unbeatable location in the heart of Paradise. We would rate our experience at the inn an 8.5 out of 10, primarily for its awe-inspiring setting and its role as an ideal base for exploring the park (we parked there on a prior trip to hike some of the trails).
While the inn definitely had a historic charm, our stay in the annex wing revealed some limitations, particularly the compact size of our room, which felt a bit cramped for comfort. Put another way, the room was small. Unfortunately, the “white out” overcast we experienced during our visit that 100% obscured our views of Mount Rainier is not uncommon, and I was told it could happen at anytime. The dining experiences were OK, just not particularly memorable (aside from the beers and the artichoke dip).
That said, even in the white-out we were entertained by walking the property (we spotted a buck outside), having a beer on the patio and coffee by the fireplace, and exploring the inn’s historic photo collection. In the end, the inn’s proximity to Paradise’s iconic trails and natural beauty remains its strongest asset, making it a worthwhile choice for adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike. Despite the minor shortcomings, the Paradise Inn remains a unique and worthwhile National Park Lodge-type experience in the heart of Mount Rainier’s splendor.
FINAL RATING: 8.5 out of 10 (National Park Lodge Scale)
