Motif Seattle

Motif takes a cue from its a location in the heart of Seattle for a vibe that’s hip, while also exuding a sense of place. Rooms and hallways were completely redone by local interior design firm Degen & Degen in 2017, revamping the hotel with a fresh, urban style that includes Seattle references peppered throughout. As guests step out of the elevator on each floor, they’ll see artwork depicting a different local landmark, while guest room bathrooms feature artsy, mashup photography of famous Seattle grunge artists. The hotel’s Visiting Artist Program shines the spotlight on a rotating roster of Seattle artists. Each year, one artist is invited to create a design motif that is incorporated into various aspects of the hotel, from its logo to in-room stationary. 

The hotel’s forward-thinking approach extends beyond design to its tech features and service. Guests receive a welcome text message after checking in and are free to continue communicating with staff via text, if they prefer. An in-room Amazon Alexa is also available to answer questions (and provide general entertainment), while the parking garage features electric car and Tesla charging stations.

Motif’s extensive meeting facilities, along with its proximity to the Washington State Convention Center make it popular with corporate travelers. The central location makes it an equally solid choice for leisure travelers seeking easy access to the city’s attractions. While families wouldn’t necessarily feel out of place here, the hotel doesn’t have any particularly kid-friendly features. We mostly saw young couples and business travelers during our visit. Note that some past guests have reported long wait times for elevators. 

Motif Seattle offers a top-notch setting for sightseeing, with the Pike Place Market, Seattle Art Museum, and the waterfront all found about a 10-minute walk away. The Link light rail stop is less than five minutes away by foot, providing easy access to more far flung attractions like the Space Needle and Pacific Science Center. Quality restaurants, breweries, and cafes can all be found in the blocks surrounding the hotel.

With shopping at Pacific Place and Westlake Center also five minutes away on foot, Motif is a great base for those looking to shop, while business travelers will appreciate the short walk to the Washington State Convention Center. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport can be reached in about 20 minutes by car or 50 minutes via light rail.  

Guest rooms at Motif are polished and modern, with lots of subtle nods to Seattle’s culture and climate. The muted gray color scheme pays homage to Seattle’s often-rainy weather -- some rooms even have dangling light fixtures that represent rain -- but vivid artwork and pops of bright color keep the aesthetic playful. Beds made up with crisp white linens are backed by cushy navy headboards and accented by pillows decorated with iconic song titles from Seattle artists. The upper-floor rooms, in particular, have nice views of the city or Elliot Bay. Rooms are designed to have a residential feel, a vibe that’s particularly evident as you move up in room category, with Premier Rooms featuring sitting areas separated by a curtain and Suites adding wet bars plus small dining tables.

Tech features such as Bluetooth speaker alarm clocks, LCD flat-screen TVs, and fast Wi-Fi further add to the rooms’ contemporary appeal. Units come with Amazon Alexa devices that guests can use to answer basic questions, like “where’s the ice machine?” or “where’s a good place to get dinner?” Natural hardwood units hold mini-fridges and Keurig machines stocked with coffee, tea and hot chocolate. Matching hardwood desks offer ample space for productivity.

Bathrooms are bright and cheerful thanks to bold yellow accent walls. Large vanities offer magnifying mirrors and NEST bath products. Some bathrooms have glass-walled showers, while others have shower/tub combos, but all come with rainfall showerheads. 

Motif’s restaurant, Frolik Kitchen + Cocktails, draws guests and locals alike with its rooftop patio, which is one of the largest in Seattle. The views are superb -- although it’s located on the fifth floor of the hotel, so don’t expect a bird’s-eye view of the city. Ping-pong and shuffleboard add to the fun factor. 

There are fire pits outside and the restaurant puts on outdoor movie screenings in the warmer months. The indoor sitting area has a club-like vibe, with blue lighting and a dramatic geometric bar backdrop. The Northwest Pacific-influenced menu and colorful cocktails are sufficient for those who don’t feel like venturing out for dinner and drinks. 

The hotel’s extensive meeting spaces are another big draw, with nine rooms offering 22,000 square feet of space. There are two ballrooms, one of which is the fourth largest in Seattle, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city. The meeting rooms are a touch less slick than the rest of the hotel’s spaces, but functional and well-maintained nonetheless.

The sparkling, 24-hour fitness center has the usual range of cardio machines, including ellipticals, treadmills, and stationary bikes, plus free weights, weight machines and yoga balls. Bold pink accent walls add a touch of whimsy and large windows let in plenty of natural light.

An amenities fee is charged in addition to the room rate, which covers in-room coffee and water, Wi-Fi, and a wine tasting on arrival; some guests feel nickel-and-dimed by the extra charge. Parking is available in an underground garage -- which includes electric car and Tesla charging stations -- for a daily fee. The hotel is also pet-friendly, charging guests with pets a one-time cleaning fee and providing pet-friendly extras like dog beds and welcome snacks.