The Charming Cowboy House leads with a 9.2 rating and a perfect 10.0 Wi-Fi score, set on a quiet lane with free pet stays. Best Western Plus Ellensburg counters with an 8.6 rating and a free hot breakfast that guests rave about — the top chain option in town. Both put you within minutes of Kittitas valley adventures.
These five hotels and rentals span a 1.7-mile stretch of Ellensburg, from Canyon Road basics to a full-home villa on Cowboy Lane.
Why Trust This Guide
I analyzed 5 properties across 1,300+ verified guest reviews to compile this list, prioritizing location scores 8.0+ and amenities like free parking and pet policies that matter for Kittitas stays.
🎯 Quick Picks: Skip to What You Need
- Best overall: #3 Best Western Plus→ Rates
#5 The Charming Cowboy House→ Rates - Cleanest: #5 The Charming Cowboy House→ Rates
- Pet-friendly with no fee: #5 The Charming Cowboy House→ Rates
- Best indoor pool: #3 Best Western Plus→ Rates
- Budget-friendly: #2 Econo Lodge→ Rates
#4 Comfort Inn→ Rates - Free breakfast included: #3 Best Western Plus→ Rates
#1 SureStay by BW→ Rates
Editor’s Note on Booking: We use smart routing to find you the best available rates. Clicking our availability buttons checks live pricing across trusted platforms to ensure you secure your stay.
Quick Compare: Top Places To Stay
| Property | Rating | Book |
|---|---|---|
| 1. SureStay Hotel by Best Western Ellensburg | (550+ Reviews) |
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| 2. Econo Lodge Ellensburg Near University | (400+ Reviews) |
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| 3. Best Western Plus Ellensburg Hotel | (150+ Reviews) |
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| 4. Comfort Inn Ellensburg | (50+ Reviews) |
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| 5. The Charming Cowboy House | (20+ Reviews) |
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Detailed Reviews: 5 Hotels in Kittitas Reviewed
1. SureStay Hotel by Best Western Ellensburg
The Vibe
A straightforward 2-star freeway-adjacent hotel with a surprising indoor pool and a free breakfast that includes waffles. Staff scores a solid 8.7, which tells you they care even if the 8.0 cleanliness rating doesn’t blow anyone away. It’s a functional pit stop for Kittitas travelers who need a bed, a swim, and a waffle before hitting the road.
What You Actually Get
Two dogs under 40 lbs each allowed — $20 for the first, $10 for the second, per night. The indoor pool operates 6 AM to midnight with a 12-person cap; you’ll sign up at the front desk. Wi-Fi is the property’s highest-scoring amenity at 9.2, so you can actually work if needed. There’s also free parking and air conditioning. A 30-mile radius restriction means locals can’t book — this one’s strictly for out-of-towners passing through Kittitas County.
Choose this if: You need an I-90 pit stop with a morning waffle and a pool swim — no frills, just the reliable basics.
Check Tonight’s Price for SureStay Hotel by Best Western Ellensburg →
2. Econo Lodge Ellensburg Near University
The Vibe
A 3-star budget motor lodge walking distance from Wild Goose Casino and a short drive to CWU. Scores are middle-of-the-pack across the board, but the staff rating (8.2) and Wi-Fi (8.1) are bright spots. The continental breakfast covers the basics — think cereal, toast, coffee. It’s the cheapest door into Kittitas if you’re flexible on polish.
What You Actually Get
Dogs only — $15 plus tax for the first night, then $5 plus tax per additional night. Add a second dog and it’s another $5 plus tax per dog per night. No jacuzzi tubs or hot tubs, which some older Booking.com Q&As ask about. Room types vary, so confirm your exact setup at check-in. Free parking and free Wi-Fi are included. No age restrictions for booking, which is helpful for younger groups visiting the university.
Choose this if: Your budget is tight and you’re traveling with a dog — the sliding pet fee is the cheapest in this list.
Check Tonight’s Price for Econo Lodge Ellensburg Near University →
3. Best Western Plus Ellensburg Hotel
The Vibe
This is the one. An 8.6 overall with a 9.1 cleanliness and 9.2 staff rating — the highest chain-hotel scores in Kittitas. Guests call the breakfast “amazing” and the beds “very comfortable.” The indoor pool and hot tub are open and draw families. It edges out every other chain property in Ellensburg by a clear 1.3+ points on the rating scale.
What You Actually Get
Dogs under 80 lbs are welcome — cats are not, per hotel policy. An ADA room with a king bed, kitchenette, and walk-in shower is available on request. All rooms have shower/tub combos, so no need to worry about bath access. Free parking, free Wi-Fi scoring 9.5 (the best in the chain category), a fitness center, and a “good breakfast” category that actually delivers — real hot options, not just cereal. Groups booking more than 9 rooms face different policies, so call ahead for reunions or sports teams.
Choose this if: You want the best all-around hotels in Kittitas — this is the highest-rated chain property with the best breakfast.
Check Tonight’s Price for Best Western Plus Ellensburg Hotel →
4. Comfort Inn Ellensburg
The Vibe
A recently remodeled 4-star-rated property that earns a solid 7.0 from guests. Staff (8.4) and Wi-Fi (8.5) lead the scores, while value sits lower at 6.6. Guests specifically mention the clean remodel, friendly employees, and plenty of parking. The free breakfast earns a “very good” tag, a step above the standard continental offering. It’s the only property on Canyon Road that accepts cats.
What You Actually Get
Pets are allowed with charges that apply at check-in — cats are explicitly listed as welcome, which makes this the go-to for feline travelers in Ellensburg. The free private parking is on-site and ample per recent guest feedback. Indoor pool access is included. The value score (6.6) is the lowest in its category, so price-check against the Best Western Plus before booking — for a small premium, #3 offers significantly higher scores across the board.
Choose this if: You’re traveling with a cat — literally the only hotel in this list that confirms feline guests.
5. The Charming Cowboy House
The Vibe
A standalone villa with a perfect 10.0 Wi-Fi score, 9.4 cleanliness, and 9.5 comfort — the top-ranked property in all of Ellensburg by a wide margin. Guests call the front porch “amazing” and note the yard is secure for dogs to run. At 1,300 square feet, it’s a proper house with a full kitchen. The 9.5 location score puts it near CWU but on a quiet lane away from the highway noise.
What You Actually Get
The entire 1,300 sq ft home is yours — no shared walls, no hallways. Full kitchen, BBQ facilities, air conditioning, and free parking. Pets stay free (no extra charges at all), which is a standout among all properties listed. The yard is fenced and secure per guest reviews. Comfort and cleanliness both score 9.4+, so you’re getting a genuinely well-maintained space. The only catch? Check-out is at 10:00 AM, earlier than the hotels. No age restriction on booking — good for families or student groups visiting the university.
Choose this if: You want a whole house with a kitchen and yard for the dog — this is the top-rated property among all hotels in Kittitas.
Final Verdict: Our Top 3 Picks
🏆 Best Overall
#3 Best Western Plus Ellensburg Hotel
Highest chain-hotel score at 8.6, raved-about breakfast, indoor pool, and 9.1 cleanliness — the most reliable room in town.
Check Tonight’s Price for Best Western Plus Ellensburg Hotel →
💰 Best Value
#5 The Charming Cowboy House
9.2 overall at rates often comparable to mid-range hotels, plus free pets, a full kitchen, and a private yard — more for your dollar.
🏠 Best for Long Stays
#5 The Charming Cowboy House
Full kitchen, 1,300 sq ft of space, free pet stays, and a BBQ — designed for extended Kittitas visits.
How We Ranked These Hotels in Kittitas
I evaluated 5 properties using 1,300+ verified guest reviews, focusing on the data points that matter most for Kittitas travelers: location scores, pet policies, and real cleanliness ratings. No marketing claims accepted — only guest-verified scores.
- Guest score thresholds: Only properties with 6.5+ overall and 20+ verified reviews
- Score breakdown analysis: Prioritized cleanliness, location, and Wi-Fi — the categories that drive repeat bookings in Kittitas
- Amenity verification: Cross-referenced advertised amenities (pools, breakfast, pet policies) against guest review patterns
- Location signals: Proximity to I-90, Central Washington University, and key Ellensburg landmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Are pets allowed at these Kittitas hotels?
Yes — all five properties on this list allow pets. The Charming Cowboy House (#5) charges no extra fee and has a fenced yard. Econo Lodge (#2) charges $15 for the first night then $5 per additional night. SureStay (#1) allows two dogs under 40 lbs at $20/$10 per night. Best Western Plus (#3) allows dogs under 80 lbs with charges on request. Comfort Inn (#4) is the only one that explicitly accepts cats.
Which hotels in Kittitas offer free breakfast?
Three properties include a free breakfast: Best Western Plus (#3) serves a hot breakfast that guests regularly call “amazing,” SureStay (#1) offers waffles, cereal, and fruit, and Comfort Inn (#4) provides a “very good” breakfast. Econo Lodge (#2) offers a continental breakfast, and The Charming Cowboy House (#5) has a full kitchen so you can make your own.
What’s the best time to visit Ellensburg?
Late spring through early fall (May–September) offers the best weather for exploring Kittitas Valley — expect 70–85°F days. Summer brings the Ellensburg Rodeo (Labor Day weekend), which drives hotel demand and prices up. Winter visits are quieter and cheaper, though snow is possible on I-90. Fall foliage along the Yakima River Canyon is a photography draw in October.
Which Ellensburg hotel has the best indoor pool?
Best Western Plus (#3) takes this category with both an indoor pool and a hot tub — guests specifically mention the hot tub as a highlight. SureStay (#1) also has an indoor pool but no hot tub, with operating hours from 6 AM to midnight. Comfort Inn (#4) has an indoor pool but fewer reviews mention it. The Charming Cowboy House (#5) and Econo Lodge (#2) do not have pools.
Can I check in late at these properties?
SureStay (#1) has the latest check-in window — you can arrive as late as midnight. The other four properties (Econo Lodge #2, Best Western Plus #3, Comfort Inn #4, The Charming Cowboy House #5) all start check-in at 3:00 PM with no specific late cutoff listed — call ahead if you’re arriving after 10:00 PM to confirm someone will be at the front desk.
How do I get from Seattle-Tacoma Airport to Ellensburg?
SeaTac to Ellensburg is about 110 miles — roughly 2 hours via I-90 East. The drive is straightforward through Snoqualmie Pass. No public transit direct route exists, so a rental car is essential. All five properties on this list offer free parking. Winter travelers should check pass conditions at wsdot.com before heading over the Cascades.