Located about 100 miles east of Seattle, Chelan is a small city in Chelan County. It has a long history that goes back to the late 19th century. Before the arrival of European settlers, the area around the current site of the city was home to the Chelan people. Due to the unrest between the Native Americans and miners seeking riches in the mountains during the 1870s, Lieutenant Colonel Henry Clay Merriam set up Camp Chelan on the shores of Lake Chelan to control the Native American population. However, the fort was abandoned in 1880.
In 1886, William Sanders and Henry Dumpke became the first European settlers in the area. Welcomed by the Native Americans, they paved the way for the arrival of more settlers. The settlement grew quickly over the next decade. By 1893, it had a post office, school, resort hotel, and bank. It was in incorporated in 1902 and gained water service and electric lights in the following year. The community continued to grow as an agricultural hub and tourist destination, which enabled it to thrive until the present day. Currently, Chelan is home to about 4,100 residents.
What is the best time to visit Chelan, WA?
In Chelan, average temperatures vary dramatically throughout the year. The city experiences cold temperatures for about six months in a year and pleasant temperatures for the remaining months. In comparison to other tourist destinations around the world, it's in the 53rd percentile for comfortable weather. For outdoor activities, the best times to visit Chelan are from May 7 to Sept. 30. Generally, the hottest time of the year is in early August, when highs are around 93.4 degrees Fahrenheit and temperatures rarely drop below 64 degrees at night.
In addition to the weather, you should also consider accommodation prices and availability when planning your Chelan trip. The city gets the largest number of tourists from June to August. If you're visiting during these months, you have to deal with higher hotel prices and limited room availability. Nonetheless, you can save on accommodation by booking several months in advance. For a more budget-friendly vacation, consider visiting Chelan in May or September, when hotel prices are closer to normal, crowds are thinner, and the weather is even more pleasant.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Chelan, WA:
Chelan by Star Rating
Below are 3 charts demonstrating mean price trends by star rating class in Chelan, WA. You can use these illustrations to evaluate the best dates to book a room in Chelan throughout the year.
Which luxury hotels are in Chelan, WA?
4 Star Average Prices: £199.19
If you're willing to spend more on accommodation, you can have a truly comfortable stay at Comfort Suites – Wenatchee, Washington. Situated 29.7 miles southwest of Chelan, this hotel is less than a mile to Chateau Faire Le Pont winery, 1.2 miles to Ohme Gardens County Park, and 18 miles from Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. It offers 84 beautifully decorated rooms with complimentary wired and wireless internet connection, flat-screen TVs, cable programming, refrigerators, sofa beds, and premium bedding. As a guest, you can take advantage of amenities such as a spa tub, a fitness center, a newsstand, and a business center.
Springhill Suites Wenatchee is another hotel that attracts many high-end travelers. Located 30.7 miles southwest of Chelan, this hotel is within walking distance to Walla Walla Point Park, 4.6 miles to Wenatchee Valley Mall, and 5.6 miles to Wenatchee Golf & Country Club. Each of its 109 rooms is generously equipped with wired and wireless internet connection, a 32-inch LCD TV, cable programming, a microwave, a refrigerator, and a safe. During your stay, you can relax in the indoor pool and spa tub, work out in the fitness center, grab a bite from the on-site deli, and get things done in the business center.
What options are in Chelan, WA for the most affordable hotels?
3 Star Average Prices: £112.89
If you're looking for a budget hotel, Holiday Lodge is a good option. Situated about 31 miles southwest of Chelan in Wenatchee, it's within a five-minute drive to popular attractions such as the Wenatchee Riverfront Park, Numerica Performing Arts Center, and Pybus Public Market. This hotel offers in-room amenities such as complimentary Wi-Fi, cable programming, microwaves, and refrigerators, as well as an outdoor pool, laundry facilities, and complimentary continental breakfast.
Alternatively, you can book a room at Motel 6 Wenatchee Washington. This hotel is located about 31 miles southwest of Chelan, less than a mile from The Wells House, 1.7 miles from Wenatchee Confluence State Park, and 8.4 miles from Mission Ridge Ski & Board Resort. It has 58 air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and cable programming. Available amenities include an outdoor pool, a vending machine, and laundry facilities.
2 Star Average Prices: £102.11
Which hotels in Chelan, WA offer the best discounts?
If you're working for the government or serving in the military, you can get a discount at Holiday Inn Express Wenatchee. This hotel is situated 30.5 miles southwest of Chelan, 1.3 miles from Balsamroot Trail, 1.4 miles from Chateau Faire Le Pont winery, and 1.7 miles from Ohme Gardens County Park. It has 92 rooms with free Wi-Fi, cable programming, microwaves, and refrigerators, as well as an indoor pool, a spa tub, a fitness center, and a business center. Complimentary buffet breakfast is served daily.
Coast Wenatchee Center Hotel offers special rates to AAA members. Located 31.6 miles southwest of Chelan, this hotel is close to attractions such as Walla Walla Point Park, The Wells House, and Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. All its rooms come with complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, satellite programming, refrigerators, designer toiletries, and hair dryers. While you're staying here, you can make use of amenities such as two spa tubs, a 24-hour fitness center, an on-site restaurant, a business center, and a complimentary airport and area shuttle.
Which hotels in Chelan, WA are budget-friendly?
Super 8 by Wyndham Wenatchee is one of the most sought-after hotels in the area because of its excellent value for the money. This hotel is about 31 miles southwest of Chelan, less than a mile to Wenatchee Confluence State Park, 1.4 miles from Numerica Performing Arts Center, and 5.9 miles from Wenatchee Golf & Country Club. It features 102 rooms with free Wi-Fi, cable programming, LCD TVs, microwaves, refrigerators, and hair dryers. Additionally, it offers amenities such as an outdoor pool, a spa tub, a fireplace in the lobby, and a business center. Complimentary continental breakfast is available daily.
Travelodge by Wyndham Wenatchee is another hotel worth checking out. Situated 31.2 miles southwest of Chelan, it's less than a mile from Wenatchee Riverfront Park, 1.2 miles from Pybus Public Market, and 8.6 miles from Mission Ridge Ski & Board Resort. Each of the 48 rooms in this Travelodge location is equipped with complimentary Wi-Fi, cable programming, a microwave, a refrigerator, a safe, and a hair dryer. To provide a relaxing and convenient stay for its guests, it also has amenities such as a seasonal outdoor pool, a spa tub, a sauna, a business center, and laundry services.
What are the top attractions in Chelan, WA?
Chelan is one of the most popular travel destinations in northwestern Washington, primarily because of its amazing natural beauty and virtually endless outdoor activities. You can start exploring the area's rich natural offerings by spending a day or two at the activity-filled Lake Chelan State Park. Situated about 9 miles west of Chelan on the southwestern shoreline of Lake Chelan, this 139-acre park offers a wide range of activities, including swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing, and camping. It features a long and sandy beach, watercraft launch, picnic areas, 2 miles of hiking trails, campsites, and a children's playground.
For more challenging outdoor activities, plan a trip to Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Located about 12 miles west of Chelan, this national forest encompasses more than 4 million acres on the eastern side of the majestic Cascade Range. It offers hundreds of miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and off-road vehicle riding, as well as great opportunities for camping, mountaineering, fishing, and hunting. Additionally, this park is a popular destination for winter activities such as downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling.
Chelan also attracts many history buffs because of its numerous historical attractions. Chelan Museum is the best place to learn about the rich history of the city. Housed in a historic building that was built in 1907, the museum contains an extensive selection of artifacts from the area's storied past, including furniture, household items, memorabilia of local life, Native American artifacts, old newspapers, and photographs. After touring the museum, you should visit some of the notable historic structures in Chelan, such as St. Andrew's Church (1898), Ruby Theatre (1914), Old Bridge (1927), and the R.W. Little Building (1927).
Despite being a small city, Chelan has a great deal to offer all kinds of tourists. Whether you're an outdoor lover, history enthusiast, or family traveler, you won't run out of things to do in this wonderful city. To make your trip more enjoyable, choose a hotel that offers all the amenities you need and convenient access to the attractions you plan to visit.
FAQs about hotels in Chelan