Experiencing new and recently refreshed accommodations in the Emerald City—and beyond
written by Corinne Whiting
Whether you’re seeking a comfortable place to rest your head in the midst of urban action—or tucked into Washington’s more serene, natural fold—hotel options here abound. While some venues prioritize families and furry friends with amenities ranging from spacious pools to plush pet-loaner beds, others offer sleek and elevated experiences for those in search of a truly pampered escape. Although this list only scratches the surface, we’ve started with the newest to grace our hotel landscape, followed by those who have in some way gotten a recent boost.
Hotel Westland
Rendering by Urban Villages
Eco-conscious travelers can feel good about their accommodation choices with this soon-to-arrive Seattle find. In the fall of 2024, the city’s first carbon-positive hotel—and the country’s second—is set to open in historic Pioneer Square thanks to Urban Villages, a real estate developer who’s also a steward for the environment. Located in RailSpur, a sustainable micro-district that consists of three historic warehouse buildings and the alleyways that connect them, the boutique lifestyle hotel will have 120 guest rooms and suites. Modern decor and amenities will mingle amid the 1907 building’s storied character. On property, guests can enjoy the venue’s rooftop bar and an indoor-outdoor restaurant situated in happening RailSpur alley. | www.railspurseattle.com/hotel
Fairmont Olympic Hotel
A downtown staple in the heart of it all since December 6, 1924, this year Fairmont Olympic Hotel Seattle celebrates its 100th anniversary. The grand, 450-room property recently underwent $25 million worth of renovations just in time to celebrate its big milestone in style. The revamp touched the hotel’s social spaces, including a redesign of the lobby, bar, restaurant and meeting rooms under the vision of Spanish design studio Lázaro Rosa-Violán (LRV).
Beneath soaring ceilings, American brasserie The George has become beloved for its lavish design and locally sourced dishes. (Tip: Order a decadent seafood tower for a true PNW treat.) Afterward, head to the dimly lit and seductive Founders Club, a nod to Seattle’s prohibition speakeasy 1920s culture that focuses on rare spirits appearing in well-crafted cocktails. Some standout hotel amenities remain as alluring as ever, like the heated indoor pool, hot tub and sauna. | www.fairmont.com/seattle
citizenM Seattle Pioneer Square
This property’s opening in May 2022 marked an important milestone for a historic lot that had sat empty for years—at the previous location of Seattle’s first sawmill. Today, this newer hotel aims to embody the quirky atmosphere of its neighborhood surroundings. The brand, which focuses on giving modern travelers “affordable luxury” and minimalist design, remains committed to art and local talents at all of its outposts. Because of this, after an open call, the Pioneer Square team commissioned Washington-based artist RYAN! Feddersen, to create the large mosaic installation on the exterior of the hotel (titled Schema).
Photo by citizenM Seattle Pioneer Square
Not far away, citizenM Seattle South Lake Union had opened in 2020. Here, guests will find a large-scale, tech-themed mural on the interior of the ground floor. This unique work was created by Seattle resident and Native American artist Jeffrey Veregge in his distinctive comic book-inspired style. | www.citizenm.com/hotels
Photo by citizenM Seattle South Lake Union
Hotel 1000
Last fall, as part of its multimillion-dollar renovation project, this luxury downtown Seattle venue unveiled Rosebay—a sleek bar with curated cocktails designed by Seattle mixologist Lindsay Matteson. It also debuted The Nineteenth, powered by Topgolf Swing—a suite that can accommodate up to fourteen guests.
Photo by Hotel 1000
The team intends to curate a welcoming yet sophisticated ambience for Rosebay guests with its Northwest-inspired decor that draws upon a warm palette, maritime-influenced elements and iconic Seattle experiences like ferry rides to nearby islands. Guests can grab seats at a spacious bar or near a central fireplace to enjoy top-tier, small-batch craft cocktails, or locally sourced beer and wine.
Photo by Hotel 1000
The food menu offers versatile options, suitable for both groups of friends and solo travelers, that showcase hyper-local ingredients. Highlights include a Washington-designed cheese board, caviar service, halibut crudo and the global trend of conservas, featuring freshly tinned gourmet fish and shellfish alongside fennel salad, crackers, Romesco and black sea salt.
The Nineteenth stands out by having the latest Full Swing Simulator technology for those wanting to work on their game. Its relaxing lounge area proves a prime spot to enjoy snacks and beverages, play interactive games or watch sports (or movies during privately rented family evenings) on large projection TVs. The decor showcases custom art, like the recreation of the famous fifteenth hole at Chambers Bay using thousands of tees by local artist Matthew Olds.
Other transformations include enhancements to the hotel spa, a revamped lobby with NFT displays and modern amenities throughout the property, such as on-demand electric vehicles. | www.hotel1000seattle.com
Kimpton Palladian Hotel
This 97-room venue, located on the edge of Belltown and downtown’s retail core, continues to keep things hip and stylish within its revamped 1910 landmark building spaces. New artists take the spotlight every season in the Sub Pop Suite—an immersive space adorned with band posters, concert photos and a selection of vinyl curated by the Sub Pop Records team. Other perks include: a record player, wine from Walla Walla-based Sleight of Hand Cellars and a “First Listen” menu showcasing a themed cocktail and series of limited-edition items inspired by the tracks at the downstairs cocktail bar, Pennyroyal. Upcoming artists include Iron & Wine in April and La Luz in May.
Photo by Kimpton Palladian Hotel
In another innovative twist, a partnership with Anthropologie now means guests have the ability to “check out” items from a complimentary accessories collection from the front desk—think trendy bags, belts, jewelry and sunglasses ideal for springtime. Once done with the items, guests simply return them. Or, if they fall in love with something, they can make a purchase directly from Anthropologie’s virtual storefront.
Guests will also enjoy the ever-evolving, locally sourced menu by Shaker + Spear executive chef Bella Fiattarone. Recent winter highlights included pozole “chowder” with clams, shrimp, hominy, scallion, jalapeño oil and breakfast radish; parsnip roll cake with its blend of savory and sweet; and the No Way, Yes Way cocktail, sticking to the “new way of umami” trend with its duck fat-washed bourbon. | www.palladianhotel.com
BEYOND SEATTLE
The Marcus Whitman
Foodies and wine lovers flocking to Eastern Washington’s Walla Walla will want to check out this historic property as it’s nearing the end of a significant renovation, projected to wrap up by early spring. The refresh spans from the guest rooms and lobby (which includes the addition of new dining concept The Marc Café) to The Marc, the venue’s more formal eatery. While inside will boast an entirely new feel, the hotel’s exterior will remain untouched—after all, its historic tower is the tallest building in town. The lobby’s historic woodworking, flooring and chandeliers have been maintained, too.
Photo by The Marcus Whitman
Guests will experience a new look at The Vineyard Lounge (renamed The Marc Bar), Chef’s Table and The Marc Restaurant, with an “Inland Northwest” theme that means it’s sustainable, relevant to the region and helps celebrate local farmers, artisans, ranchers, fishermen and tribal purveyors. Executive chef Chris Capps, a Culinary Institute of America graduate, is also a historian with a strong food science background. | www.marcuswhitmanhotel.com
BEYOND SEATTLE
Salish Lodge & Spa
A scenic, thirty-minute drive from Seattle brings you to this charming spot, currently undergoing an exciting renovation, too. Whether you’ve come to cozy up indoors in a prime placement next to Snoqualmie Falls, hike around the mesmerizing cascades or try out activities like fly-fishing and snowshoeing (depending on the season), guests can feel fully immersed in Northwest splendor not far from the city limits.
Photo by Salish Lodge & Spa
The Lounge at Salish Lodge opened in November, welcoming guests into its elegant yet approachable space for morning espressos, evening cocktails and locally sourced culinary creations in between. In the morning, diners can dive into cold-pressed juices (think beet-parsnip-blood orange and orange-papaya-pineapple) plus dishes like overnight oats and jazzed-up avocado toast, both featuring honey from the property’s on-site apiary. Evening brings local delights from oysters on the half shell and duck confit poutine to cedar plank steelhead and a Pacific seafood cobb salad stocked with Dungeness crab and prawns. For dessert? Damn Fine Cherry Pie, inspired by the lodge’s role in Twin Peaks, seems an appropriate choice.
Photo by Salish Lodge & Spa
The Dining Room, under renovation until October 2024, will feature a large outdoor area when it reopens, further connecting guests to the magic of the falls as they savor delicious Northwest fare. | www.salishlodge.com
