Four Seasons Hotel Seattle Rating: 5.0 Pearls

Downtown, Seattle, Washington

The view from the pool

The Four Seasons is known for upholding a standard of excellence that rarely disappoints, and Seattle’s property -- tucked into a coveted oceanfront spot right on First Avenue -- is no exception. From the moment two attendants swing open the double doors for your entrance into the art-gallery-like lobby, to your night in what has been referred to by some as “heavenly beds,” the five-pearl status is right there with you. It’s evident in the elaborate display of Pacific Northwest artwork throughout the hotel, in the rooftop infinity pool that overlooks Puget Sound, and in the room service that brings you fresh ice every evening at turndown.

You won't have to wander far to experience some of the best of what the city has to offer. You’ll no doubt end up walking into the lobby entrance of Fran’s -- known among locals as Seattle’s finest chocolatier -- or out the door to catch an exhibition at the Seattle Art Museum, which is about as close as a sightseeing destination can get...directly across the street. And though you might be tempted to check out some of the many well-reviewed restaurants that line up on and around the First Avenue corridor (Wild Ginger is a must), don’t overlook the Four Season’s own Art Restaurant and Lounge. With a staggering view of the water, great wine list, and local art on the walls, this place showcases a Pacific Northwest menu from famed Seattle chef, Kerry Sear. (Can you say Dungeness Crab and Wild Salmon?) It’s just another reason not to leave the hotel.

View on a Larger Map

The Four Seasons Seattle couldn’t place you in a better spot for enjoying all that the Emerald City has to offer. Situated in an alcove right off First Avenue (the street that perches directly above sparkling Puget Sound and in front of the Olympic mountains), the hotel is literally a two-to-five minute walk from many of the city’s most coveted attractions, as well as a buffet of restaurants and shops. First Avenue, which has several stairwells leading down to the city’s bustling waterfront, has long shed its ancient reputation as a seedy part of town, and now features some of the most eclectic boutiques, salons, restaurants, and coffee shops around.

Have a hankering for a dash of culture? Seattle Art Museum is directly across the street; Benaroya Hall – the city’s premiere concert and opera venue – is located only a hop, skip, and a jump further. And since no visit to Seattle is complete without a few hours at the famed Pike Place Market, you’ll be happy to know that this popular “three-F” hot spot -- flying fish, flowers, and fabulous food -- is also just a block away.

• Metro bus service along First Avenue
• Less-than 5-minute walk to Pike Place Market
• 2-minute walk to Seattle Art Museum
• 5-minute walk to waterfront and ferries
• 5-minute walk to Seattle Aquarium
• Less-than-5-minute drive or 10-minute walk to cruise terminals
• 5-minute drive or 20-minute walk to the Space Needle and Seattle Center
• Sea-Tac International Airport is a 20-minute drive south on I-5 (about $45 by taxi)

City View Guest Room

The full-on view of Puget Sound and the Olympic mountains is the big draw here, and every guest room at the Four Seasons takes full advantage of this with enormous floor-to-ceiling windows. Frankly, booking a city-view room -- though equally elegant and decorated with the same modern-Asian aesthetic and Pacific Northwest art -- is almost a waste of this seriously great locale. (Plus, you may hear more street noise in the front rooms; most notably from the nearby Alaskan Way Viaduct.) Either way you go, you’ll find yourself in a well-designed, spacious room -- they start at 450 square feet -- done up in blonde woods and natural colors, including the marble bathrooms, which feature a plasma TV embedded into the mirror. A desk, chaise, and reading lamp are standard, but upgrade to even the smallest suite (almost 800 square feet), and you’ll have a living room and stone fireplace to boot.

All Rooms Include:

• One king-size or two double beds
• Down duvets and pillows
• Orthopedic pillows, hypo-allergenic bedding upon request
• Humidifier and air ionizer upon request
• Chaise
• Desk and dining area
• 42-inch plasma-screen TV with cable and on-demand movies
• iPod docking station
• Free Wi-Fi
• Printer, laptop, and fax machine upon request
• DVD player
• Visually-impaired and hearing-impaired kits
• Connection for MP3 players
• Alarm clock/CD/clock radio
• In-room safe
• Free daily newspaper
• Flashlight, hairdryer, iron, and ironing board
• Refrigerated private bar (plus additional mini-fridge upon request)
• Bathroom with marble soaking tub, glass-enclosed rain shower, L’Occitane spa products, and lighted makeup and shaving mirror
• Thick terry bathrobes and slippers
• Twice-daily housekeeping service with evening ice delivery
• Wheelchair-accessible rooms upon request
• Children’s Welcome Kit, including juice, cookies, diapers, robes, and childproofing items

Room Types:

• City-View Room: 450 square feet
• Superior Room: 463 square feet (city views)
• Partial Bay-View Room: 450 to 475 square feet
• Deluxe Bay-View Room: 469 square feet
• Corner Elliott Bay Suite: 795 square feet
• Deluxe Elliott Bay Suite: 1,190 square feet
• Governor’s Suite: 1,349 square feet
• Presidential Suite: 2,480 square feet

The pool

• Pool with food and beverage service
• Spa
• Free coffee and tea service each morning in the lobby
• 24-hour business center (fees may apply)
• 24-hour room service
• 24-hour laundry services
• 24-hour concierge
• 24-hour fitness room
• Airport transportation
• ATM
• Babysitting services
• Car rental desk
• In-house florist
• Limousine service
• Valet Parking
• Two ballrooms plus four other function rooms

Art Restaurant and Lounge serves excellent, upscale Pacific Northwest fare from famed Seattle chef, Kerry Sear for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Expect dinner dishes like seared Indian Spiced Salmon or Grilled Double Lamb Chop.