Located in the heart of the Cascades, only 90 minutes from Seattle, Cle Elum provides a ruggedly beautiful backdrop for visitors hoping to camp, hike, mountain bike, or fly fish. The city takes its name from the Kittitas word Tle-el-Lum, which means “swift water.” Native people of the Yakama Tribe referred to the area as Tle-el-Lum because of the nearby Cle Elum River, and the name stuck when the city was incorporated in 1902.
Today, Cle Elum is home to just under 2,000 people, but the area is a popular getaway for Seattle residents chasing outdoor recreation. Whatever your reason for visiting Cle Elum, it's important to find the right hotel that lets you enjoy everything this gorgeous location has to offer.
When should you plan to visit Cle Elum, Washington?
Fall is prime time for visiting Cle Elum thanks to the variety of activities you can experience. Autumn temperatures are favorable for horseback riding, hiking, camping, and local events, so you can't go wrong with planning a trip from September through November. Hotel rates are also lower in the fall than during peak summer season, helping you save on your vacation.
Cle Elum averages 46 inches of snowfall per year in the winter, which is nearly double the national average. Unless you're planning to visit one of the area's ski resorts, you're probably better off waiting until spring. The upside is that hotel rates are affordable in the winter months, and you won't be subjected to the hiked prices like you would in the nearby ski resort towns.
Cle Elum warms up slowly in the spring, so expect temperatures in the low 30s in April. Be sure to pack plenty of layers and an umbrella to make the most of your trip. If you want to visit in the spring to save money on your hotel, the month of May offers average highs around 65 degrees, making it the best choice for taking advantage of outdoor recreation.
Summer is always a popular season for Cle Elum. Visitors from Seattle flock to the small city to enjoy their favorite warm-weather activities, which causes hotel rates to go up. Even so, Cle Elum offers a wide range of accommodations suited to almost any budget.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Cle Elum, WA:
Cle Elum by Star Rating
Below are 3 charts demonstrating mean price trends by star rating class in Cle Elum, WA. You can use these illustrations to determine the best months to stay in Cle Elum throughout the year.
What are the Cle Elum, Washington luxury hotel options?
4 Star Average Prices: $318.43
Do you prefer more luxurious accommodations in Cle Elum? Then you're in luck!
Suncadia Resort is one of the most picturesque destinations in Washington State. With more than 6,000 acres of rugged mountain landscape and more than 40 miles of biking and hiking trails, world-class spa treatments, three championship golf courses, and local restaurants, you can't go wrong with a stay at Suncadia.
Suncadia offers a variety of lodgings, including The Lodge at Suncadia, The Inn at Suncadia, Trailhead Condominiums, and luxury vacation homes.
The Lodge at Suncadia is a full-service luxury condominium hotel boasting large windows overlooking Tumble Creek, the Cle Elum River Valley, Mount Baldy, Domerie Peak, and the Cascade Mountains. Choose from 254 studios, one- and two-bedroom suites, or penthouses.
The elegant Inn at Suncadia offers 14 exclusive guest rooms and four suites for a more intimate getaway. This pet-friendly accommodation features well-appointed amenities like deep soaking tubs, gas fireplaces, outdoor balconies, rocking chairs, and plush down comforters. Guests can also explore the larger property and its additional dining options at their leisure.
Trailhead Condominiums serve as the ideal base camp for exploring Suncadia's surrounding mountain activity. Located adjacent to The Lodge, the Swim & Fitness Center, Glade Springs Spa, and the Prospector Golf Course, these luxury condos feature large kitchens with full-size appliances and granite countertops. Each condo also features a flat-screen TV, large deck, and a full-size washer and dryer.
No matter which accommodation you choose at Suncadia, you'll have access to unbeatable hotel services, including self-parking, optional valet parking, optional turndown service, high-speed internet access in all public spaces, bell service, wake-up calls, an on-site coffee shop, and an intra-resort shuttle service. The Lodge also offers room service.
Where are affordable hotels near Cle Elum, Washington?
3 Star Average Prices: $144.77
Finding an affordable hotel near Cle Elum's popular recreational spots isn't always easy, but there are many affordable options in nearby communities within easy driving distance.
The most affordable hotel in Cle Elum is Econo Lodge Near Suncadia Resort. This two-star hotel provides easy access to Interstate 90, Central Washington University, and nearby attractions. Guests enjoy a free continental breakfast, exercise room, ample parking, a free weekday newspaper, and free Wi-Fi internet access. Each guest room features a coffee maker, refrigerator, microwave, hairdryer, and convenient outlets on the nightstands. Upgrade to a room with a hot tub for an even more relaxing stay.
If you don't mind staying in nearby Ellensburg, consider booking a room at Econo Lodge Ellensburg Near University. This Econo Lodge is similar to the one in Cle Elum in that it's located off I-90 and offers free coffee, Wi-Fi, and a continental breakfast. Guests can also enjoy oversized vehicle parking for RVs, buses, and trucks, as well as an on-site business center and guest laundry facilities. Guest rooms feature wooden headboards, flat-screen TVs, refrigerators, microwaves, and available DVD and Blu-Ray players.
Another affordable option within driving distance of Cle Elum is Super 8 by Wyndham Ellensburg. Located near Central Washington University off I-90, this pet- and budget-friendly hotel provides guests with free Wi-Fi, a complimentary breakfast, a business center, and an indoor pool. You can even grab free coffee in the lobby. Guest rooms are straightforward with modern decor, oversized black-and-white wall art, coffee makers, hairdryers, ergonomic work areas, and flat-screen TVs.
