Like a scene from a Disney fairytale a smiling valet, in a gleaming uniform, was smiling at my door within moments of pulling into the regal Fairmont Olympic Hotel in beautiful downtown Seattle. "Good afternoon, sir, welcome to the Fairmont Olympic, may I help you with your bags?" "Yes, thank you very much!" And we're off!
The first thing that strikes you as you enter the Fairmont Olympic lobby is the incredible, seemingly 5 mile long, rug that dominates the centre of the opulent lobby. A two story space, resplendent with giant chandeliers and 1920's luxury, that still satisfies modern notions of taste, high end style and comfort. The domed roof gives the space a real sense of vastness and I spent many pit stops between activities enjoying quiet time and taking it all in.
Service. It's the reason a burger at a 5 diamond restaurant costs $50 and at Five Guys, where they make one hell of a good burger, one will set you back $10. That and Grey Poupon, but I digress... The beaming face I was greeted with at the reception desk is the Grey Poupon of the service industry! The booking is in order, credit card info taken, recommendations on activities are given and we're off to the 10th floor and our king executive suite!
I've recently invested in a very expensive California King bed with a NASA-eque, technologically advanced mattress and Fairmont, true to form, boasts comfort that rivals that to which I have become accustomed! Tasteful greys and whites mix with accents of sunshine yellow and the room and its accoutrements are modern, warm and inviting. Everything you would expect in a property dreamed up by the Seattle Chamber of Commerce to bring a world class hotel to Seattle following WWI. The Italian Renaissance structure was completed in 1924 and dubbed "The Olympic" after the Seattle Times held a contest to name it. Its elegant, castle-like design has made it a Seattle landmark and it was designated as such under the National Registry of Historic Places in 1979.
King Suite Living Room
Nespresso & Snacks
King Suite Bedroom
King Suite Bedroom
King Suite Bathroom
The gym is modern and functional, the spa is prestigious yet affordable and the glass domed pool and hot tub is an oasis in the middle of the concrete jungle. If you're visiting Seattle I would highly recommend the Fairmont Olympic for its service, comfort and value!
Fitness Centre
Words: Scott Allan
Photos: Jenn Chan