That is the question! And answering it for yourself is part of the fun of coming to Gig Harbor. You'll have no shortage of options... from hotels to motels to small inns to tiny but personable bed and breakfasts, Gig Harbor has a place to stay for every traveler.

The question then breaks down into a series of smaller questions: What? Where? How much?

What type of lodging do you prefer? Hotel, motel, small inn or the comforts of home as manifested in a bed and breakfast?

Hotels, Motels & Inns
If you are the hotel type, select from the Inn at Gig Harbor or the Best Western Wesley, both located off our local "freeway" (Hwy 16).

One of the jewels of the Gig Harbor lodging scene is the Maritime Inn, a small inn (just 15 rooms), located in the quaint downtown district, directly across the street from the public pier. Walk to Gig Harbor's famous downtown restaurants, shops and art galleries from the Maritime Inn.

Sorry, Gig Harbor offers none of the ubiquitous motel chains that dot the interstate highways. No Holiday Inn, no Travelers Lodge, not even a Motel 6 (though spokesman Tom Bodett lives here). In keeping with Gig Harbor's original atmosphere, our local motels are one-of-a-kind. If you want to park your car directly outside your room as you come and go, check into the Westwynd Motel Suites & Apartments or Gig Harbor Motor Inn. These are outstanding motels, offering comfortable rooms and convenient locations. The Westwynd Motel generally offers the best rates in town, and is also a great launching pad for exploring the Key Peninsula and Kitsap County while staying rooted in the Gig Harbor area.

So those are your choices for hotels, motels and small inns. But it's just the start of the accommodations galaxy of the Gig Harbor/Key Peninsula area. Next, we explore the range of private residences offering you the chance to stay at home while you travel. The bed and breakfast experience!

The B&B Scene - On the Waterfront
The Gig Harbor/Key Peninsula area has over 20 private residences available with friendly innkeepers ready to greet you as a member of the family.

Where to stay becomes perhaps the most important question for your B&B hunt. Do you want to stay close in? Or would you prefer to get out into the countryside a bit... to the tranquility of our beautiful forests or waterfront? Decisions, decisions!

On the north end of downtown, in what is known as the Finholm District, you'll discover one of Gig Harbor's newest B&Bs, the Waterfront Inn. As the name suggests, this inn is on the water, offering tranquil views of harbor, as well as private entrance, fireplace and jacuzzi for nearly every room.

Just a smidge down the road from the Waterfront Inn, and not quite on the water (but directly across the street from the city park) is another of Gig Harbor's newest B&Bs, Gig Harbor Lodge. Relax in casual elegance at this beautiful new log home, conveniently located not far all the action.

If you like the idea of staying on the water, but would rather move a bit further out from the busy harbor, consider Aloha Beachside. Aloha Beachside is located just across the Purdy Bridge from the Gig Harbor area, and offers stunning views and sunsets across Henderson Bay, plus gracious Hawaiian hospitality.

Out on the Key Peninsula, about a 15-20 minute drive from downtown Gig Harbor, is Olde Glencove Hotel, overlooking Puget Sound. Built in 1896 and on the National Registered of Historic Places, Glencove Hotel makes for a fantastic romantic getaway off the beaten path. Glencove Hotel is also a very popular setting for weddings.

Other waterfront B&Bs in the area include A Bed on the Bay, Harborside, Beachside and the Modoc Pearl vessel docked in the harbor.

Into the Forest
If you are seeking peace and quiet... escape into the forest! Our recommendations for a relaxing stay in the trees would include Bear's Lair B&B, a gorgeous five acre country estate with beautiful gardens, a pond with island gazebo, unbelievable woodwork crafted by the owner throughout the home... and your own private carriage house to stay in if you like. The name of No Cabbages B&B should give you a hint as to the personality of this establishment, nestled in the forest just above Sunrise Beach. It's eclectic, it's fun, it's downright spiritual in the lush, rainforest-like setting that also includes a private guesthouse for your enjoyment. Though each of these B&Bs are hidden away in the woods, they are still just minutes from downtown. By the way, both of these establishments are about the best around if a family dog available to pet at the B&B is a big plus for your stay (as it certainly is for us). At the Bear's Lair, golden retriever-mix Buddy is waiting for you... and No Cabbages features lab-mix Trout wagging his tail in welcome.

Speaking of pets... if you are traveling with your own pets, be sure to inquire whether pets are accepted at the lodging establishment of your choice. Pets are definitely welcome at the Westwynd Motel. Usually pets are not allowed at B&Bs.

Vacation Rentals -- Fix Your Own Darned Breakfast!
If you're willing to forego the sumptuous gourmet breakfasts offered by the local B&Bs, and prefer something closer to a home of your own while staying in Gig Harbor, we recommend you consider Westbay Guest Cottage or The Cottage at Gig Harbor. Westbay, located on picturesque and serene Wollochet Bay, is a turn-of-the-century home that has been lovingly restored and updated. It's right on the water, a perfect place to relax... and just five minutes or so drive from Gig Harbor. The Cottage at Gig Harbor is an adorable cottage right smack in the middle of downtown Gig Harbor, just steps from the shops, restaurants and art galleries that Gig Harbor is quickly becoming famous for.

Boaters Welcome
Arriving by boat? You won't have to anchor out in Gig Harbor. Tie up at the public pier right downtown, and the Maritime Inn, Rose of Gig Harbor B&B, and the Cottage at Gig Harbor are just steps away. The Waterfront Inn features its own dock on the north end of the harbor, as does Waters Edge on the east side of the bay. Westbay Cottage has a deep-water dock available for you over at Wollochet Bay.

Tell 'Em You Found Them Here
We sincerely hope you enjoy your stay in or around Gig Harbor. Please let your innkeeper know that you discovered them at GigHarbor.Com, and let us know if you have any comments, recommendations or suggestions following your visit. We look forward to seeing you in the Harbor!

Russell R. Holster Jr.
Editor, Gig Harbor Online