Close getaways: Harrison Beach Hotel

Harrison Beach Hotel may get overlooked when the Harrison Hot Springs Resort and Spa is but a five minute walk away but this hotel is worth checking out. With beautiful lake and/or mountain views, many rooms having private balconies, and an indoor pool and outdoor hot tub that get all the afternoon and evening sun, it's hard to go wrong. 

We stayed in a Lakeview Junior Suite on the fourth floor which included a king size bed in the open concept bedroom separated by a wall from the kitchen and living room. 

It also had a queen sofa bed in the living room but since it was just me and my boyfriend we simply sat on it while drinking a bottle of Okanagan wine that we got at the Old Settler Pub Liquor Store just a quick walk away. This extra sofa bed would be useful if staying there with a family as it's only $20 extra per person and the suite is definitely big enough for four. 

The hardwood floors, dining area and electric fireplace made it feel somewhat homey (or like a large Vancouver Condo) expecially since the kitchenette was well stocked and equipped with a stovetop, microwave and fridge.

There were also two TVs, one in the bedroom and one in the living room with a DVD player. We found out movies could be rented for a mere $2 but we weren't in Harrison Springs to relax with a movie, we wanted to explore.

They also have an "exercise room" by the pool but you could hardly call it that as it consisted of a treadmill and a bike. The pool is not great but when you have a lake right in front of you and a ton of walking and hiking trails nearby it seems a shame to be inside swimming or running.