An 1890 historic brick landmark turned stylish all-suite boutique hotel in downtown Port Townsend.
The Bishop Hotel occupies a handsome, symmetrical brick structure known historically as the Bishop Block, built in 1890 on Washington Street in downtown Port Townsend. The property was originally financed and constructed by William Bishop Sr., a prominent early pioneer of Jefferson County who had famously escaped a British Navy ship during the Crimean War and paid a local Native American man fifty cents to row him across the Strait of Juan de Fuca. While Bishop originally intended the upper floors of his three-story building to serve as professional offices, the economic panic of the 1890s halted local demand. The building was subsequently sold to the Owl Cigar Company, which utilized the upper levels as a tobacco storage and distribution warehouse for decades. In 1940, the United States Navy acquired the property, converting it into a rooming house to lodge civilian workers during World War II, before it was finally transformed into a hotel in 1980. In September 2020, Seattle transplants Jessica Jennings and Eric Wennberg purchased the historic property, embarking on a thoughtful, modern renovation that respects the building's rich architectural bones.
Today, the hotel offers 16 uniquely designed all-suite accommodations that blend historic Victorian charm with clean, contemporary design. Each spacious suite features a separate living area, a cozy fireplace, and a convenient kitchenette equipped with a microwave, refrigerator, and coffee service. The high ceilings and large double-hung windows flood the rooms with soft Pacific light, and select suites on the upper floors offer glimpses of the nearby saltwater harbor. Jennings and Wennberg have curated the interiors to feel like a comfortable sanctuary, selecting plush linens, local artwork for the walls, and premium bath amenities from L'Occitane. The design is deliberately uncluttered, allowing the original exposed brick and historic window frames to stand out. Dog-friendly suites are also available, complete with pet bowls, treats, and a customized map of local dog-friendly walking routes.
At the heart of the property's social life is the Bishop Block Bottle Shop, which doubles as the hotel lobby and a vibrant gathering space for both guests and locals. This multi-faceted space operates as an organic and biodynamic wine bar and café, serving freshly brewed Victrola espresso and house-baked pastries in the morning, followed by small plates, local craft beers, ciders, and natural wines throughout the afternoon and evening. The lobby features a large fireplace, comfortable seating, and bistro tables. Behind the hotel lies the award-winning garden courtyard, a lushly landscaped oasis where guests can gather around outdoor fire tables to enjoy a glass of wine or a charcuterie board. The courtyard also hosts live music performances three days a week, creating a warm, communal atmosphere. Unlike many historic downtown properties, the hotel provides secure, reserved on-site parking in the adjacent lot for a small fee, ensuring a seamless arrival in the heart of the port town.
Look for the historic Owl Cigar 'ghost sign' painted on the building's exterior brick wall, a beautifully preserved relic from its time as a tobacco warehouse in the early 1900s.
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