The Fairmont Olympic Seattle

One of Seattle’s grand dame hotels, The Fairmont Olympic lives up to its reputation for luxury and style, which began in the 1920s when it premiered as the height of extravagance. The U-shaped building is centered around a lovely garden and a brick-paved driveway, where guests pull up under a portico to be greeted by bellhops and valets. Through large revolving doors and an opulent sitting area, escalators deliver guests to the second-floor lobby. Though on the stuffy side, the lobby is definitely impressive with its high ceilings, ornate chandeliers, and crown molding thick with classical ornamentation. Details like brass-plated elevators, a heavy marble front desk, and balustrades lining the open second floor add to the traditional feel. A similar classically high-end design and atmosphere continues into the dining spaces and rooms, attracting both business and leisure travelers. 

In the heart of downtown Seattle, the Fairmont is surrounded by wide range of shopping, restaurants, and businesses, though it lacks a coveted waterfront address. Benaroya Hall -- home of the Seattle Symphony -- is a three-minute walk away, while it is a seven-minute walk to both the Seattle Art Museum and the Washington State Convention Center. The popular Pike Place Market is a farmers' market selling fish and other goods, operating continuously since 1907, and it's a 10-minute walk away. The Seattle Aquarium and Waterfront park, along with restaurants and ferries along the bay, are a 15-minute walk from the hotel. The property is convenient to public transportation, with multiple bus stops and the University Street rail station a two-minute walk away. Boeing Field (officially King County International Airport) is a 12-minute drive from the hotel, and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is a 20-minute drive away. 

Updated in 2016, rooms are modern, sophisticated, and stylish. Color schemes vary, but usually light beige and gray tones create a calming backdrop, with a single-color accent in each room. Modern artwork adorns the walls, and quality furnishings round out the upscale design. King-size beds -- or two doubles -- have signature mattresses, down pillows, and plush bedding for a comfortable sleep. Room options also include spacious corner rooms, suites with separate living areas, and two luxury suites with dining areas and extra bedrooms. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, minibars, coffeemakers, irons, and safes. Nice extras like umbrellas, baby amenities, kids’ robes, and charging ports are free. A DVD player, mini-fridge, or microwave can be added with advance notice, sometimes incurring fees though. Marble bathrooms are swish, but the shower/tub combos are on the small side, and only some have walk-in showers. Hairdryer, scales, and robes are provided, as are a full range of trendy Le Labo toiletries.

A full range of amenities are available here for business and leisure travelers alike. There are two excellent restaurants, and room service is available 24/7. The main restaurant, The Georgian, is an elegant space serving a delicious breakfast, plus lunch and afternoon tea. Shuckers is a fresh seafood and oyster bar with a warm, casual atmosphere. Although on the pricey side, guests generally find the food quality excellent. A quicker bite can be found at the lobby piano bar or the French pastry shop. The fitness center has a full range of modern equipment, plus an indoor pool, whirlpool, sauna, and locker rooms. The small, heated pool in a sunroom on the second floor looks out on an outdoor patio with tables and a few loungers. An oversized whirlpool also shares the space. In warmer weather, the sunroom roof opens to admit fresh air and sunshine. Penelope & the Beauty Bar offers massages, spa services, and beauty treatments, as well. Modern meeting space and beautiful ballrooms host large events, and a private dining room is available for intimate get-togethers. There is also a large business center with computers and printers. The hotel has a range of high-end stores on-site, from clothing and jewelry to stationary and a florist. Self-parking is available at a garage across the street and a valet is available, both for an hourly rate. Wi-Fi and wired internet are also available at an hourly rate, but are free for President’s Club members.