The San Juan Islands are usually cold, windy, and rainy during the winter months, but the views are spectacular. The hotels are inexpensive compared to the hustle and bustle of the summer months. You can enjoy a warm cozy room on a rainy day while watching the boats in the harbor. I find that my favorite place is Rosario Resort on Orcas Island. Over the years we have found that we enjoy the quiet time and intimacy of the location during the months of January and February. Rosario Resort has a lot of history and the last time we visited we bought music from the local Manager who played the piano/organ. Seattle Mayor and Shipbuilder Robert Moran built the mansion at Rosario Resort after the turn of the century. You can actually visualize the croquet parties that must have taken place out on the lawn that is lined with the old-style lighting. It is a beautiful place in winter and summer. It's also rumored that the wife of a previous Owner (Rheem) still resides there