Seattle’s hotel scene has perked up in the past few years. With the city’s new hotels bringing the total to 11,000 rooms in the downtown core, there are plenty of options to fit your style and budget.
All I require is a comfy king size bed, a cozy cocktail lounge and sometimes even a room with a view.
Here is the third in a series featuring five Seattle hotels, ranging from brand new to very old.They include Hotel Max, Pan Pacific Seattle, Hotel Andra, The Fairmont Olympic and The Hotel 1000. So pack your bag, invite your favorite travel buddy and check out the Emerald City sometime!
HOTEL ANDRA
Originally built in 1926, the classic brick and terracotta building was renovated in 2004 and resurfaced as Hotel Andra. Located on the southern seam of Belltown, the sleek interiors combine Pacific Northwest elements: water, wood and stone. Throw in a touch of Scandinavia and you have a warm, hip boutique hotel.
The “living room” of the hotel is the lobby with its granite fireplace, comfy couches and plenty of reading material. It’s more residential than corporate in feel. The hotel has 119 rooms and suites bathed in warm khaki colored walls with minimalist dark wood furniture. The small bathrooms are crisp blue on white and feature Face Stockholm products, fluffy Frette towels and spa robes.
If you have to take work with you, there is an oversized desk and wireless high-speed Itnernet access in all rooms and suites. Other amenities include complimentary overnight shoeshine, Tivoli clock radios and a fitness room.
Just off the lobby is the Greek inspired Lola, one of Tom Douglas’ restaurants, and a fun spot for breakfast. Indulge in made to order doughnuts and jam with vanilla mascarpone. Yum.
While staying at the hotel with my husband, we did a Tom Douglas dine around: lunch at the new Serious Pie (the best pizza in Seattle), dinner at Dahlia Lounge and an early breakfast at Lola. They’re all steps from the hotel, and Etta’s and the Palace Kitchen are also nearby. Another fine dining choice for lunch and dinner is Assaggio Ristorante, located next door to the hotel.
Minor Grumble: I requested a wake-up call on one occasion, and it never happened. It was a mad scramble to the airport (lesson learned, always set the alarm, too).
Special Packages: The Food Lovers Package include overnight for two; $100 food credit to a Tom Douglas restaurant; signed copy of Tom Douglas’ cookbook, Tom’s Big Dinners; and a bottle of Columbia Crest Merlot. Starts at $345.