Three of Seattle’s Historic Hotels
The Fairmont Olympic Hotel
Built in 1924, this classy hotel combines old world charm with every modern convenience. There is a regal lobby for guests, tasteful dÃ?©cor, concierge service, and an indoor pool and health club. The rooms are elegant and comfortable, with king sized beds and maid service. High Speed internet access has been added in the spirit of modernity. An onsite business center provides the working person with office needs. The beautiful dÃ?©cor, spiral staircases, and fabulous service has earned the Fairmont Olympic the honor being the Pacific Northwest’s only AAA five diamond hotel. It’s prime downtown Seattle location put it right in the epicenter of a flurry of urban activates: fantastic shopping at nearby Pacific Place and Rainer Square, Seattle tradition at Pike’s Place Market, and the beautiful Puget Sound Waterfront just blocks away. There are some of Seattle’s most delicious restaurant within a Ã?½ mile radius.
Luxury and elegance come at a price, however: the cheapest package for the Hotel, the “Bed & Breakfast” package, providing overnight accommodations and breakfast the next morning, starts at $305 per night. For additional costs, you can book packages that include city tours, food and wine tasting, and family friendly activities. If you can afford it, and want to lapse in the lap of luxury and history, then you’ll find your money well spent at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel.
The Fairmont Olympic Hotel is located at: 411 University Street, Seattle, WA, 98101. Phone (206) 682-9633. Accommodation Packages start at $305/night.
The Sorrento Hotel
The beautiful Sorrento hotel is a diamond in the rough, in a way. Located in Seattle’s hospital district, First Hill, it’s elegant brick architecture, wool coated attendants, and outdoor fountain are a charming contrast to the neighboring buildings. (Don’t worry about noise, the sirens are turned off near the hospitals.) A beautiful and old brick building, the Sorrento has an elegant lobby and lounge for guests, often with a live pianist, taking you back to olden days. There is a 24 hour concierge to take care of your needs, and rooms are equipped with every modern convenience: high speed internet, direct TC, morning papers, Italian marble bathrooms (with bathrobes,) fax and scanner, and Starbucks tea and French press coffee service. And let’s not forget the 400 thread count Egyptian cotton sheets. Town car service is available, as is a 24 hour health club center. The Hunt Club, the in-house restaurant, serves up unique and innovative meals, as well as some of he best martinis in town. First Hill is directly north of city center, and is often lumped into downtown or nearby capital hill in descriptions. It is a convenient location for business and shopping needs. If you want to venture out of the hotel, there are countless activates in nearby downtown, including tourist stops, theatres, and concert halls.
There are several packages available through the Sorrento, including bed in breakfast, the romance package, shopping and spa package, and the dinner at Hunt Club package. There are corner suites, penthouse suites, and deluxe suites. The cheapest package includes your overnight stay and shopping at upscale Seattle department store Nordstrom’s with a complimentary $50 gift certificate. Breakfast is included, in your room or in the Hunt Club, and downtown town car service is included, all for $325/night. A simple deluxe room starts at $295 per night. The Hunt Club is the perfect way to enjoy all the cosmopolitan perk of a bustling city, in a charming and sophisticated atmosphere.
The Sorrento Hotel is located at 900 Madison Street, Seattle, WA, 98104. Phone (206)622-6400. Rooms start at $295/night; packages start at $325/night.
The College Inn
Unlike the previous two options, the College is more informal and not located in the heart of downtown. However, it is still a historical and charming hotel, and its location in the University District makes it perfect for parents visiting their kids at the UW. (They might want to escape the dorms and stay with you, once they see the inside.) It is also extremely economical for what you are getting, which makes it a quaint place for those interested in in old world charm, but on a budget. The building has been renovated, and rooms come with modern conveniences, full bathrooms, and maid service. A generous continental breakfast is provided in the morning. CafÃ?© Allegra downstairs also offers delicious American cuisine, and some of Seattle’s famed coffee. The College Inn, located in the basement, is a perfect hangout to get grab a beer in a thick mug. College students enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, and the wide variety of beers on tap, which makes the pub feel like one of the cozy speakeasy’s of old. There is no parking lot, and street parking will likely be taken by college students. But the convenient location of the U-District, just off of I-5, makes it very accessible by cab or bus. All major buslines through here, providing an affordable way to tour the city. If you are visiting Seattle on a budget, try to College Inn: you’ll be impressed with the friendly staff, the quaint accommodations, and the affordable prices.
The College Inn is located at 4000 University Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105. Phone (206)633-4441. Rooms run from $45-$80 per night.
