SCAM!!! For The Love…read moreof God Do Not Do Business With Orcas Island Catering! Buckle up for a wedding horror story. Where to even begin. He did not actually show up to our wedding. Essentially, he made his wife do the entire thing on her own after double-booking our day. Considering the cost of this meal was equivalent to a down payment on a new vehicle and above the average per-plate catering price on the mainland, convince me why I shouldn't take this to small claims! We had engaged with every other catering service on the island but wanted OIC as they promised labor. We were highly impressed by the reviews, photos and other events and weddings that had tagged Orcas Island Catering, which motivated us to book with Steve. The first phone call - he rudely asked why I was calling - and if I was calling to get to his *very high profile clients whose names I will not mention here* (first red flag). After explaining I just needed a caterer for a wedding, negotiations began. Mind you, we planned this wedding remotely, as we are not island residents - so we had no physical interaction with OIC before the wedding (my bad for not doing my due diligence). But - after hearing about his other high profile clients, I thought - well certainly he'd be the BEST caterer to hire!? The rubbery, undercooked, previously frozen mozzarella sticks and naked tomatoes and mozzarella "skewers" toothpicks spoke for themselves. Initially communication was good, and we had solidified a detailed menu and services (screenshot below) and a contract was signed and a deposit was paid. He talked about his experience at pastry school and promised homemade focaccia and garlic breads. (We had store bought breadsticks). He raved about the seafood he could supply for the seafood pasta option. (The itty bitty squid legs in the fettuccine were pathetic). PASSED hours-devours. Bartenders. Bussers. The whole 9 yards. He was the only caterer I talked to that promised labor. Red flag #2. Communication went dark several weeks leading up to the wedding. No responses to emails or calls from myself, my mother, or our wedding planner. We were beginning to worry that we were being ghosted. He eventually called my mom back, apologized and aligned expectations with her. We did not have a confirmation call as promised to review the menu and make final edits to headcount / services needed. Had we done this, they wouldn't have needed to supply a dessert selection because we DIY'd all of our own desserts (thank god, the 1 saving grace). According to our wedding planners and staff, Steve was at another job because he either double or triple booked his catering team for our date based on what they were hearing. He stated they would arrive to the venue as early as 8:30am and be "in and out" all day. Only 2 people first arrived around 2:45pm for a 6 PM planned meal. It was our understanding that catering was bringing/supplying ice, so we were waiting for their arrival to fill the coolers. My wedding planners were forced to buy ice at the last minute. When planners checked in with catering around 3pm, there was one man and one woman food prepping. At 4:40pm when all guests arrived from ceremony, they noticed no one was behind the bar. They went downstairs and saw only the one woman (later find out she's Steve's wife) food prepping. The other man had left?? Asked her to get bartending as was contracted. She looked panicked and said they weren't supposed to start until 5pm. Upstairs, the planners began bartending as guests were trying to start grabbing drinks from behind the bar. Once Steve's wife came to take over, the planners told her they had MAST permits so they jumped in. She looked at us VERY confused. I asked if she knew what a MAST permit is, she said no. There was a female helper with the food. She said she got called in that morning to help. Once guests came inside for dinner, the planners took over the bar again so Steve's wife and the other gal could bring up food. The wife relieved planners from the bar after and told them she had more help on the way (Steve). Planners went downstairs to eat dinner and the female gal was gone. She had to leave to "lead a sunset kayak tour"... So Steve's wife was working catering alone + trying to bartend for at least 2 hours. The planners and her helped each other through the night. Around 10:40pm she left (Steve never came!). Had we known these challenges would have been present, and completed a tasting prior, we would have done business with Matthew's Smoke House (who did not have labor but has AMAZING FOOD).

This review was a long time coming. We hired OIC to cater my son's wedding on 7/2023. The event…read moreand the food provided were excellent! Steve went above and beyond our expectations. He was also very accommodating to our requests.

If you are getting married, or know someone who is, Morgan is the first person you should call. She…read moreis so incredibly organized, makes beautiful spaces, amazing chocolates, and is just an all around Wonder Woman. She will make your life a million times easier and take the stress of planning a major event off your shoulders. I wish I had known her when I got married so that there would have been someone I could trust unconditionally to make sure my special day went off without a hitch. Do yourself a favor and hire this woman to help plan and coordinate your wedding day logistics!

I worked with Morgan via my production company when she lived in Oakland, CA for 3 years and she is…read morean amazing and creative event organizer with great social skills and a keen eye for the details. She can coordinate all logistics, take the photos, give a great massage and make chocolates. A veritable Renaissance woman who also has a great sense of humor. I would recommend her to everyone as her calm and confident skill set put everyone who is stressed out at ease. Her loss to the Bay Area is Bellingham's gain.

The word is quaint. Yes, it's a cliche, but it's accurate. The staff at the front desk is super…read morehelpful, I believe we were helped by someone named Pluto, who was very patient with us . . . We had two little kids that were obsessed with the candy bowls, and my wife's elderly (we are of Indian origin) parents who . . . let's just say, they had a lot of interesting questions. The rooms were really nice...very clean and spacious. This place accommodates dogs. Let me rephrase, they welcome dogs. They had a cot for each of our dogs to sleep in, treats, poop bags, and a coupon for the neighborhood pet shop. I think it says a lot about a place when they welcome dogs with such open arms. Outlook Inn is also situated near the downtown area and is walking distance from some nice shops and restaurants. This doesn't count towards this rating but Orcas island was beautiful. I highly recommend you visit and stay at Outlook Inn, especially if you have a dog.

We enjoyed a little family getaway here! They've got pet-friendly rooms so it was perfect for us…read more Upon arrival, they had a little corner set up for our dog...dog bed, towels, and a treat bag! It was so cute!! It was an easy check in, friendly staff. The bay view suits are a pretty good size and the bed was comfy! The little kitchenette was handy to have, and was stocked with the basics. Great views and so close to everything. There are many stores and restaurants close by that are easy to walk to. The only little complaint we had was that the shower water could've been hotter. But other than that, it was an amazing stay! We will definitely be coming back to stay here!!

Im so impressed with Picnic Party Bellingham, and specifically Krystal. I booked my childs birthday…read morepicnic inside one of the globes and it was beautiful. From planning to execution the process was flawless. Krystal and I discussed the color scheme and what I envisioned. I was given the option to customize the deserts and snacks provided as well as the games and activities (yard sign connect four, polaroid camera, cards with questions, etc). Krystal truly created a beautiful picnic and my daughter and her friends loved it. I was concerned that in the event the weather didnt improve (it was raining and hailing) that the globe would be okay. Krystal ensured me that the rain wouldnt be a problem and that she had a heater in the event it got too cold. The weather ended up shifting to sunny and warm last minute but we were able to unzip flaps on the globe for airflow to adjust. The overall set up and take down was pretty quick and very organized. I would highly recommend Picnic Party Bellingham and would utilize their services again without a doubt.

Why are there no reviews for this dynamic, creative beautiful women who run this florist, is beyond…read moreme. Mimi was remarkable! She created absolutely lovely centerpieces and darling wrist cuff "corsages". Her la crème de la crème, was the "tallit" or "shawl" that the officiant (who happened to be the brother of the bride) wore. It was adorn with flowers and could not have been more dramatically dazzling! The flowers were fresh and gorgeous and Mimi and her staff were on site putting flowers in the bridesmaids hair and making sure everything was just right. The attention to detail was astounding! Thank you Mimi- you were fabulous!

Views are pretty. But if you want a cookie before bed? Nope sorry they're out by 630 pm. We checked…read morein at 4, got settled and went to dinner at 5. After we strolled back to the hotel looking forward to a cookie and nope disappointed my husband and I had to get our toddler to bed and the receptionist at the front said "sorry there will be more tomorrow around 2 pm" haha ok we're are Checking out at 10 but alright. The simple gesture as a cookie is just that simple but a little gesture goes a long way in hospitality. He could've offered something else or gone the extra to make more, I'm sure guests checking in late would appreciate it too and a warm cup of coffee as a welcome.

What a lovely place to stay! My mom and I would always see this spot from restaurants or boats and…read moretalk about how lovey it is, so we finally decided to stay here and had a great time. The hotel is definitely old. They use big brass keys instead of key cards, but some of the old features add to the charm. We had a corner room with a great balcony and a view. The room was spacious and lovely! Comfy bed, amazing view. Free breakfast was pretty standard- we did love that they had gluten free bread and fresh berries and they were could enjoy them from our room. The staff was friendly and helpful! They offer wine service at the counter, but not from 6-9pm. We thought this was kind of funny, but maybe they're encouraging you to go to the wine shop down the street during that time. The hotel has a lovely outdoor area right on the water that we enjoyed. This was a great place to stay, but very pricey. Two nights cost almost $700 but had the same comfort and amenities as a hotel that would cost about half that.

We're big off season travelers and had the magical experience of having this place to ourselves…read moreover Christmas. Our Scandinavia-inspired guesthouse was exactly what we were looking for - thoughtfully designed with huge windows, nestled among towering trees, and every amenity was extremely considered and of the highest quality. The property itself is spectacular with a communal garden, hot tub, and sauna plus plenty of space to wander. There's also a trio of goats and views of the North Bay for days. Core memories made!

I'd like to "Thank You" for the generosity you showed my family during the Tribute to Matthew…read moreMiller on Saturday, April 12, 2025. It was a perfect day of weather after a long winter of rain. The event space and grounds far exceeded any expectations. Both Valeri and Shayne were professional and delightful. I highly recommend Saltwater Farms to anyone who wants to book any event on San Juan Island. Best, Christine Miller and family

We can't say enough about how great this place was to stay. We had the Arbor room, which was a bit…read moremore private than the others, but they all seemed excellent. We loved the hot tub, the breakfasts, the dogs, and the welcoming people. We were celebrating our 10-year anniversary and it was perfect. The view was exceptional and if we had not booked a kayak camping trip we'd have stayed longer. We had to leave early our last day and they gave us breakfast to go! Highly recommend!

This inn was very nice! The couple was attentive and…read morethoughtful - The internet password was given to us but also listed in the room (and it worked well!), the lavender bath products from the lavender farm were wonderful, there were towels for after the jacuzzi, there were much appreciated luggage racks, there was a mini fridge which was nice, - i wish the bed had been more firm but that is only a preference ! The hosts were very nice!