Fairmont Olympic Hotel, Seattle
Seattle, Washington
Central Business District
Vibe
Warm lighting and a grand staircase give the historic lobby the feel of Seattle’s communal parlor, drawing locals and travelers alike.
“Maritime society parlor”
The 1924 landmark preserves its grand lobby staircase and Shuckers’ carved oak haberdashery interiors.
Penelope & The Beauty Bar pairs advanced bodywork and facials with a solarium pool and saunas.
Generations of Seattle weddings, proms and banquets give these grand gathering rooms enduring meaning.
Between Seattle Public Library and Seattle Art Museum, with Pike Place Market within walking distance.
“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.”
Rooms
The Cascade Suite pairs two bedrooms with a spacious parlor, a fireplace and a separate dining room.
“The historic lobby glows with warm lighting, inviting guests to linger in what has become Seattle’s communal parlor.”
Wellness
The second-floor solarium houses a 42-foot indoor pool and a hot tub, while both locker rooms have dry saunas.
“Following a renovation in 2016, the Fairmont Olympic Hotel now features 450 rooms and suites with sophisticated décor, comfortable furnishings, and Le Labo products.”
Backstory
The hotel was conceived to wrap around the Metropolitan Theatre on three sides, on the original University of Washington campus.
Eat & drink
Shuckers serves oysters beneath a former haberdashery’s tin ceiling, while Founders Club pours rare spirits behind a hidden bookcase.
The neighborhood
Seattle Public Library and Seattle Art Museum bracket this downtown pocket, with Pike Place Market within walking distance.
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The app
This is one hotel. The app has every one we rate, in your pocket, for the whole trip.
Our shorthand
What makes a hotel special, how well they pull it off, and what it feels like outside the door.
How well they pull it off
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
They did this well. You’ll notice.
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Architecture and interiors lead. There’s a creative vision at work.
The guest is conspicuously well cared for. Requests met before they’re made.
Rooted in place. Local character runs through the whole stay.
Energy and scene. Where the city goes out, whether or not it’s sleeping here.
A building with history. The story of the place is part of the stay.
Built around feeling better. Rest, sweat, soak, spa.
A hotel the city grew up with. Same rituals, same regulars.
A world of its own. No reason to leave the property.
Scene — what’s outside the door
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
A place apart: the property is the destination.