Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
egant 70-room boutique hotel has large rooms, many of which enjoy views onto market
activity and Puget Sound. Parking costs $20.
FAIRMONT OLYMPIC HOTEL
HOTEL
$$$
(
206-621-1700;
www.fairmont.com/seattle
;
411 University St; r from $309;
;
University St)
Built in 1924, the Fairmont Olympic is listed with the National Re-
gister of Historic Places, so it's not too surprising that it feels like a museum of old
money. Over the years, remodels to the bathrooms and the main lobby have kept the
place functional without destroying the period glamour of its architecture.
With 450 rooms and every imaginable service, this place is certainly a splurge, but
it's worth exploring even if you don't stay here - have an oyster at Shuckers, the oak-
paneled hotel bar. The palpable decadence of the place has been balanced out lately by
earth-friendly policies such as free parking for hybrid cars.
SEATTLE RENAISSANCE HOTEL
HOTEL
$$$
( 206-583-0300;
www.marriott.com
; 515 Madison St; r from $289; ; 60)
With a calming green-and-brown color scheme, this gigantic, 553-room tower (part of
the Marriott chain) is one of the city's nicest hotels. Rooms are large, all have views
and windows that open, and pets are welcome (nominal fee). Other features include an
indoor pool, two restaurants, a bar-lounge, a beauty shop and a spa.
HOTEL MONACO
BOUTIQUE HOTEL
$$$
( 206-621-1770;
www.monaco-seattle.com
; 1101 4th Ave; d/ste $339/399; ;
University St)
S
Whimsical, with dashes of European elegance, the downtown Monaco
is worthy of all four of its illustrious stars. Bed down amid the stripy wallpaper and
heavy drapes.
HOTEL VINTAGE PARK
HOTEL
$$$
( 206-624-8000;
www.hotelvintagepark.com
;
1100 5th Ave; r from $310; ;
University St)
The rooms at this wood- paneled, gay-friendly hotel are a little smaller
than at some other downtown hotels and they get a bit of street noise, but it's a pleasant
place to stay, especially if you get a west-facing room. The theme is wine: rooms are
