The Maxwell Hotel Rating: 3.0 Pearls

Queen Anne, Seattle, Washington

The Maxwell Hotel

At first glance, it’s not entirely clear how the prominent pineapple floor mosaic fits into this hotel’s theme -- after all, we’re talking downtown Seattle here, not Maui -- but that’s the Maxwell Hotel for you: kind of fun, kind of quirky, and a little off the beaten path. The property, which has 139 guestrooms divided between five floors, sits on Lower Queen Anne, an area just east of the Seattle Center that caters heavily to Seattle's techies and arts community. Visitors (including pets) are greeted by a huge lobby and funky, boutique-y decor (for example: oversized, white, Rococo mirror frames paired with mix-and-match upholstered seating). Though you won’t find yourself in quick walking distance of classic Seattle attractions (i.e., the Pike Place Market or waterfront), at the Maxwell, you’ll have the Space Needle, performance venues, and a good selection of restaurants at your disposal. As for that pineapple? It’s said to have been a gracious welcoming gift back in the time of the American colonies -- and for that reason, the out-of-place logo seems to make sense here.

View on a Larger Map

You don’t choose the Maxwell if you want to hang out at the Seattle waterfront all day, but you do choose the place if business has you heading for Amazon.com or the Gates Foundation; corporate headquarters of both are literally down the street. It’s also an ideal place to stay for those seeing performances at the Opera House, Seattle Repertory Theater, Seattle Center, Experience Music Project, or Northwest Ballet, all of which are located within a few blocks of the hotel. Restaurant choices in the neighborhood are plentiful, and because the area services residents of Queen Anne Hill, you’ll also find plenty of conveniences, like movie theaters, dry cleaners, and nail salons. Those wishing to head to the west side of downtown -- the Pike Place Market, say, or the Seattle Art Museum -- need only hop a cross-town bus or take a quick cab ride.

• 5-minute or less walk to Seattle Center, including Seattle Repertory Theater, Opera House, and Pacific Northwest Ballet
• 10-minute walk to the Space Needle, Science Center, and Experience Music Project (EMP)
• 10-minute or less drive to the Pike Place Market, Seattle Art Museum, and waterfront.
• 10-minute drive to cruise terminal at Pier 66
• 20 to 30-minute drive to Sea-Tac Airport (about $38-$45 taxi fare)

Aria Room

Though “view” rooms are available, do not confuse this offering with anything you’ll get on the waterfront-side of downtown; since the Maxwell Hotel is only five stories high, at best you’ll have a seriously great outlook of the Space Needle, but you'll have to ignore the concrete parking garage across the street while doing so. Rooms, in any case, are spacious and eclectic (dark wood floors stand in for carpeting, and angular furniture mingles with bold fabrics), with bathrooms on the minimalist side -- only a couple of tubs are available in the entire hotel. And though you won’t find a pineapple in your room, you just might be greeted with fresh popcorn, local Tim’s potato chips, and good Seattle coffee.

All Rooms Include:

• Pillow-top mattresses with premium bedding
• 42-inch flat-panel TV and DVD player with premium cable stations
• iPod docking station
• Desk
• Free Wi-Fi
• Keurig pod coffeemaker with Tully’s coffee
• Safe that fits a laptop
• Tommy Bahama toiletries
• Free daily newspaper
• Microwave
• Mini-fridge
• Hairdryer
• Climate control

Room Types:

• Aria Room: King bed
• Duet Room: Two queen beds; Space Needle view available
• Ensemble Suite: Two queen beds; sitting area with sofa sleeper; Space Needle view
• Prima Donna Suite: Two king beds; sitting area with sofa sleeper; spa tub; separate walk-in shower
• Diva’s Dressing Room: Two queen beds; spacious sitting room; chair and ottoman; spa tub; walk-in shower; and balcony

• First-come, first-serve free parking
• Free Wi-Fi
• Free laptop “rental”
• Free loaner bicycle
• Espresso bar
• Small fitness room and indoor pool
• Dry cleaning services
• 1,600 square feet of meeting space
• Free “Kids Cart” of activities on loan

• The Rock, Wood Fired Pizzas & Spirits serves pizzas, pasta, salads, sandiwhes and burgers. Its daily happy hour is popular among young Seattleites and businessmen for its microbrews, cocktails and tasty bar food.
• Room service provided by The Rock.