By Andrea Reay, Executive Director, Discover Burien


With the rise of Airbnb and with our location, mere minutes from SeaTac airport and all of the major chain hotels vying for customer’s attention and dollars on International Boulevard, one might assume that Burien is not a hospitable environment to own and operate a lodging business, but you would be mistaken. There are 6 wonderful bed and breakfasts currently operating in Burien, 3 of them are Discover Burien members and I had the rare opportunity to speak with each of them and tour their beautiful amenities over this last month. It took a while to make it to each member’s bed and breakfast because they are booked solid in the summer, and of course I couldn’t tour their spaces with guests. But I’m happy to report back from spending time with each of them and share with you the best hospitality you could ever find, right here Burien.

The first bed and breakfast I was able to visit was Eagle’s View B&B located 400 feet above Seahurst Public Beach Park. It was awarded one of the best views in the world by bedandbreakfast.com in 2012. It also has over 350 five star ratings throughout the web. Eagle’s View B&B is newly renovated and has a brand new Infrared Light Therapy Sauna, Hot Tub, and 1500 square foot deck overlooking the Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains. Public trails to the newly renovated park are just one block away and there are several miles to explore. They also have a view of the Eagles’ nest on Eagle Landing Park and through their telescope one can see the baby Eaglets in their nest this time of year. This is truly a treat for anyone interested in experiencing a true North West experience. Eagles View B&B offers just two rooms. Each room has a private entry door and bathroom making the guest experience very private. A gourmet breakfast is served at 8:30 each morning and is included in the price. Owners and operators, Brian and Teri Barnes have called this property home since 2001 and have lived in the area for 30 years. Brian is a Captain for Alaska Airlines and Teri loves to run the B&B. “Burien is amazing because it’s so close to everything, has so many great restaurants to offer and we can also offer privacy and a 5 star service to our customers. We’re just so happy to be able to share our slice of life with others and so blessed that we get to call this beautiful place our home and office” Teri said. “I just truly enjoy meeting people from all walks of life and watching them relax and enjoy the experience here” offered Brian.

The next place I was able to visit was The Guest House Bed and Breakfast located in Gregory Heights. Owners and operators Linda and Tom Dike are long time Burien residents and when their children moved out of their family home, they decided to invite more to stay. Not only did Tom and Linda raise their children in Burien, but they grew up here as well. Both equally committed to our community, they love sharing the sights of our beautiful city with others. “Cooking and gardening are our favorite things to do, so come enjoy our garden, a comfy bed, and delicious gourmet breakfast made just for you” Linda invited. The home is spectacular and full of love of family and local history. The thick paving bricks that were used to build the house originally came from the old Des Moines Memorial Highway. The garden is lush and gorgeous and reminds me of the English gardens I spent time in visiting the English countryside. The two bedroom suite is also spectacularly appointed. “Sharing our joy, our home and the beauty of the Pacific Northwest is a dream come true for us.” offered Linda.

My final stop was at Soundview Cottage. Owned and operated by Annie Philips, who never intended or aspired to be an innkeeper. “I was driving around looking for a home to buy, and the view from this spot took my breath away. It turned out the cottage was already a successful bed and breakfast” Annie bought the place and has decided she really does enjoy inn keeping. Cottage guests enjoy jaw dropping views of the sound and three tree point where sunsets linger and life slows down to a more relaxing pace. A recent comment from a guest said that Annie “was the most gracious host. We appreciated the peaceful evenings on the deck with its amazing views. The hot tub, extra comfy bed, fully stocked kitchen…a wonderful place to stay”

Whether you’re thinking of a staycation this summer to relax and unwind for a few days. Or you’re looking for a lovely place for friends and relatives to stay when they are visiting over the summer or for the Holidays, look no further than your friendly neighborhood inn keeper. Burien is an ideal place to discover the true meaning of hospitality.

For more information on how to make the most of your staycation, including shopping local, community events, as well as specials and discounts offered by member businesses please visit www.discoverburien.org.