While visitors to Olympia have a variety of lodging options, none are quite as unique as Ground Inn. Find this gem tucked in a mixed-use neighborhood, just a few blocks from downtown. The unassuming vintage home is a bunk and breakfast, which opened on January 1, 2014, and is still going strong more than two years later.
Gail O’Sullivan took over running Ground Inn just a few months ago, but has always been friends with the owners, Gray and Joy Graham. She tells me it was actually their idea to open this hostel style inn. They wanted to provide a low-cost lodging option and thought it would be a great way to anchor the Olympia neighborhood.
For Gail, it was a perfect fit. She and her business partner were already helping to rent the Union Place next door, an entire house available by the night. They also have had a successful bed and breakfast, Fertile Ground Guesthouse, for the past 16 years, just a short distance away. “It’s been really fun to move just two blocks away and have a lot of familiarity with the area and the work, but to have this whole different environment and space. It’s so urban here. It’s like a completely different place.”
What makes Ground Inn so different is the hostel style living for guests. It’s the only one of its kind in the area. The cozy older house has two private rooms available along with dorms separated by gender. Guests share the bathrooms, kitchen, and common space. “I think people come to a place like this because they actually do want to rub shoulders with other guests. And they expect that they’re going to eat breakfast with other people.”
Gail tells me she provides a continental breakfast each morning and enjoys meeting visitors from all over the world. “It’s been surprising to me how many international travelers tune in on this type of opportunity because they’re really looking to stretch their dollars and have this type of experience. They’re more likely to meet other travelers and enjoy the space.”
Gail reports that the most common compliment from guests is how nice the space is. At a rate of just $35 per night for a bunk and $70 for a private room, guests’ expectations are exceeded. For instance, the common room has a variety of musical instruments and games to encourage interaction between one another. There is no big screen television at Ground Inn and Gail says there really isn’t a need for one. “I get a lot of people who say they are just coming into town for a meeting, or just to go fishing, or just for a job interview. In other words, when I hear ‘just,’ it tells me ‘I’m not looking for luxury or romance. I just need a clean bed and a quiet house.’”
Gail says Ground Inn supplies a need for affordable lodging in the Olympia area, especially if you are in transition, whether to a new home, job, or situation. Long-term rates by the week or month are available for specific guests. “I feel like especially right now when there’s so many people moving to the area, it’s really helpful to have this kind of springboard for your next living situation.”
Ground Inn is definitely a one-of-a-kind experience. Children are welcome and Gail says it’s the perfect space to rent for a slumber party. She even has a rate to reserve the entire house, which can accommodate up to 14 people. Service animals are welcome. The Ground Inn has WiFi and an outdoor designated smoking area for their guests. Everyone is provided unscented and fragrances are asked to be applied after leaving the house.
If you catch Gail in the middle of doing laundry she might even be nice enough to throw your clothes in too. “This is where I would stay if I came to Olympia. That’s kind of what I’ve realized when I mix with people at the table, like these are my people. It’s such a great fit for me. I love it.”
For more information or to make a reservation visit Ground Inn’s website or Facebook page.
