Storied society citadel
Generations of Seattleites have gathered here since 1924, treating the grand Renaissance lobby as the city's communal living room.
“Following a renovation in 2016, the Fairmont Olympic Hotel now features 450 rooms and suites with sophisticated décor, comfortable furnishings, and Le Labo products.”
Where it shines
Remarkable
A 1924 Italian Renaissance landmark with restored terrazzo floors and original staircases.
Remarkable
Generations of Seattle families gather here for milestone banquets and afternoon tea.
What they say
Also in Forbes Travel Guide, Condé Nast Traveler and AFAR.
Black-and-white marble floors, plush velvet settees, dark wood paneling and shiny brass accents offer a stylish reminder of the luxury hotel’s heyday.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
The Seattle Art Museum and Seattle Public Library sit steps away, and Pike Place Market is an easy walk.
The rooms
Rooms have muted tones and crown molding, and the spacious marble bathrooms keep deep soaking tubs.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
Natural light fills the glass solarium, which shelters a 42-foot heated pool and an adjacent hot tub.
The spa
Penelope & The Beauty Bar offers cryo-facials and body wraps beneath ornate plaster ceilings.
The gym
The 24-hour fitness center has Technogym strength machines and Peloton bikes, and locker rooms hold dry saunas.
Dogs stay too.
Restaurant
The George
Concentric chandeliers hang over curved banquettes in this grand brasserie, where menus highlight local Dungeness crab and wild salmon.
This restored 1924 landmark is one of Seattle’s liveliest and most sumptuous hotels, with revamped public spaces… elegant rooms, confident service, and one of the greatest hotel bars on the West Coast.
At the table
Founders Club pours spirits behind a secret bookcase, and the lobby bar serves drinks sweetened with rooftop honey.
How it began
The property opened in 1924, taking over the full downtown block that previously held the University of Washington.
Good to know
Stay here
Fairmont Olympic Hotel, Seattle
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.