The last time I came to Orcas Island, Deer Harbor Resort was a rundown mess. It appears that the WorldMark renovation has been so complete that the only thing recognizable is the setting. And the setting is wonderful. There are 25 units, most of them cabins spread up a hill above a small marina. These "cabins" are actually little houses - I liked mine so much I took lots of photos in hopes I could build one just like it as a rental at my house.
My cabin layout was done so well that the space lived like separate rooms rather than a large studio. It had a king size bed, with a built-in dresser and three-sided fireplace that provided separation from the living room side. The couch folds out to a queen size bed. The dining table further separates the bed area from the kitchen area. Very well done, if not as well described here.
The view is nice. Very nice. Especially from your own private hot tub. On your own private deck. At any time of the day or night (ideal for those who are tired of limited pool hours).
Word of caution: Deer Harbor is on a peninsula on one end of an island. That means it is a looooooooooooong way (by city standards) to run out and pick up some adult beverages or snacks. There is a great grocery store in Eastsound, which is about 20 minutes away. The trip seemed like an hour the first time, because the speed limits are low and the roads are winding. But for those of you used to popping down to the mini mart for beer? There is a small market at the ferry terminal, and there is a spot east of Eastsound (on the way to Moran State Park/Doe Bay). The marina at Deer Harbor? It closes at 5pm. So plan accordingly!
Likewise, dining options. Healthy eaters will be pleased that there is not a single fast food option on the island. Not even Subway. The aforementioned markets/marinas have premade selections. Those of us who come from "big" cities and don't generally go out before 8 pm? You will be S.O.L. on Orcas Sunday-Thursday, since only a couple of taverns serve food that late. On weekends, most places stop seating at 9. Outside the Deer Harbor Marina, there is only one restaurant near the resort, and it's only open 5-8 pm Friday - Tuesday. PLAN ACCORDINGLY! On the upside, I lost weight because I didn't plan accordingly.
The things that separate a 4-dot rating from a 5-dot rating are the details. And in this case, two very important words: "ice tray". As in "lack thereof". People used to staying at WorldMark are accustomed to a full refrigerator and oven. This place has a small refrigerator with no ice maker; not even an ice tray. They provide an ice bucket and you trek to guest services for fresh ice. Like you do in hotels, but it's not the normal WorldMark experience.
In a similar vein, those used to a having an oven with which to prepare, say, a pizza? You will have to improvise on the BBQs (by guest services) or in a microwave. The tiny kitchen works fine for those who are ok with 2 burners, a toaster, coffee maker and microwave. Go out and enjoy some great Island dining.
There is a TON of room in the bathroom, and perhaps some of that could have gone into making the kitchen just a touch bigger to have a refrigerator that makes ice. Seriously, I could probably fit my car in the bathroom. There is a ginormous walk in shower, a double vanity, and the toilet is in its own room (hello privacy!). My favorite little upgrade at this WorldMark? Real wood doors (most WorldMarks have plastic doors) with lots of hooks - so you can hang up all the towels you are using in the hot tub and pool.
I was here by myself, and getting the cover off the hot tub was really challenging, and putting it back on was nearly impossible (especially without waking everyone up at midnight). Tip: by flipping the cover on the long side, toward the neighboring cabin, you get the thing in a place where you can find leverage to get it back on. AND you have now created a privacy wall! You can thank me, yes you can.
I had to call the service desk several times for things I couldn't figure out, such as the aforementioned ice, how to operate the DVD player - and how to get the cover back on the hot tub. The staff was amazingly patient and kind. Upon seeing me limp down the stairs with my ice bucket, the young maintenance guy ran up to retrieve it and tell me he'd deliver it to my cabin.
I'll be back.