Storybook Riverside Inn — Hotel in Leavenworth

The small things: No staff was present when we arrived. There was a note and instructions on how to let ourselves in, which turned out to be confusing. There didn't seem to be anyone else staying in the building to ask, even though the inn was supposedly booked. The walk up a steep hill to get into town was unexpected and difficult in the 102 degree heat.

The wholly horrible things: It was early August. We had not been informed about the unhealthy smoke-filled air before we arrived. The smoke was due to spreading nearby wildfires which apparently plague the whole area every year in the summer. The owners know this but don't inform customers and don't give refunds if you have to leave, as we did, to avoid health problems from the smoke. The levels set by the state graded the air "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups", groups we both belong to, and "Unhealthy for Everyone" during our reserved days. We had booked 3 nights and had to leave after 1 night as the air had become unbreathable for us. I was actually using an oxygen cannister to try to relieve headaches and constant fatigue. There was no relief for burning eyes and burning throat. When I contacted the owners about a refund, the woman I spoke with was rude, telling me that I should know "things" happen. Of course we had no way of even thinking to check on air quality as we live on the other side of the country and have never been to Washington before. However, it wouldn't have mattered even if I had checked because the air was fine when I booked. The owners of course DO know and yet they allow unsuspecting people to book rooms anyway and then refuse to refund any money. I was told I might get a refund for the 3rd night, but only if someone else booked our room. Of course the owner knew this was unlikely with the unhealthy air. This would also be unconscionable since any new unsuspecting customers would be subject to the same problem as we were. This is an expensive place and we had splurged on the room, so this was a huge disappointment and a budget buster for us. We had to find other accommodations with only hours' notice in a smoke-free area of the state. That required driving for many hours and taking other expensive lodging at two different places for the following 2 night when we were already out hundreds of dollars. I find it hard to understand such a lack of conscience. These business practices...

Unprofessional and greedy. We had booked our room weeks ago and had a family emergency the day we were set to leave (our son ended up in the ER with appendicitis). We called from the hospital to let them know and asked if we could transfer the reservation to another date or cancel given the circumstances. The woman on the phone was rude, cold, and completely unsympathetic to our emergency situation, even accusing us of making this up to just get out of the reservation before hanging up on my husband! The attending doctor was so shocked, she wrote us a note verifying it was her orders to not have us leave the area, needing to stay home to monitor him over night, which we emailed to the inn immediately. Still refused to make an exception for us, instead saying that if we moved it to another night we'd be "getting two nights for free" which literally does not make any sense! They refused to let the room go to get a last minute booking as well and charged us the full amount of the room, making their own free $400+. They also have a policy in place that in case the weather is bad and you can't get over the pass, they will refund your room. We cannot fathom how they feel they can use that discretion for weather and not for a health emergency. Quote: "We are not responsible for your personal emergencies...you'd be surprised what people say to get out of their reservation." I understand everyone needs to make a buck, but this is ridiculous; most businesses -- large and small -- would have the decency to evaluate the situation and make a proper call. Had we known this is the type of attitude and business practice, we would have never booked with them to begin with. Shameful. Completely inconsistent with the friendliness we've come to know from...

We stayed in the Olde Rose Suite in early December 2021. The room is located on the back of the property and faces the island. There are a few steps going down to the lower level. They have heated pads on them so the snow doesn't stick.

The suite was cute as can be. You enter the room and they had the heat already on and Christmas music playing on the tv, There are heated floors in the bathroom and a waterfall in the shower. We came here for a Baby Moon, and since the place doesn't allow kids we will unfortunately not be able to stay here as we will be parents soon. But that won't stop me from recommending this place to every person I can. We wanted a magical getaway and this was the place for that.

They had robes, slippers, free coffee and tea and a bottle of wine. Several charging ports for your phones, a remote fireplace and led candles (no real candles are allowed). Did I mention the most comfortable bed!!!

I give the Storybrook Riverside five stars for everything. We...