The Westin Seattle

The two round towers of The Westin Seattle soar 47 floors into the downtown Seattle skies, providing great views of the city and waterfront. The lobby offers beautifully lit seating areas framed by lots of windows and a sophisticated bar area. The muted beiges and creams of the soft couches and chairs contrast nicely with warm wood furnishings, while frosted-glass railings, tall cylindrical vases, and seasonal floral displays lend equal amounts of business-appropriate style and unstuffy coziness. This hotel’s upscale design and central location makes it a popular destination for international dignitaries -- which can in some cases inconvenience guests -- and business travelers. But the close proximity to the attractions also lures tourists (couples and families with children). In 2013 the hotel completed a $35 million renovation, including adding escalators from the lobby to the fourth floor, and refurbishing meeting spaces and rooms. But, as guests complain, the elevator features and some common areas need touch-ups, which management plans to tackle in 2016 and 2017. 

This hotel’s downtown location is conveniently five minutes on foot to the Pacific Place and Westlake Center malls and Washington State Convention Center. Unfortunately this location does get crowded, especially when dignitaries stay in the hotel or nearby. Seattle’s waterfront is also in walking distance with the Pike Place Market, Seattle Art Museum, and Seattle Aquarium all within 20 minutes or less on foot. The ferry to Bainbridge Island can be reached in 20 minutes on foot. It’s a 20-minute walk, or 10-minute monorail ride (from Third Avenue and Pine Street), to the city’s Space Needle, which is near the Chihuly Garden and Glass and Seattle Center. By public transportation Safeco Field is 25 minutes. The Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is a 20-minute car ride.

The style in rooms is simple and elegant with wooden headboards, neutral carpeting, classic furnishings, sitting areas, floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the city or Puget Sound, and (of course) Starbucks coffee. Deluxe Rooms -- compared to Traditional Rooms -- have great views and eight-person dining tables, but one- and two-bedroom Grand View Rooms have even better views. Executive Suites can accommodate 10-person meetings, and active types may prefer the WestinWorkout Rooms, which have cardio and weight equipment. Seven types of stylish Luxury Suites are on the top of the hotel with panoramic views, spacious bathrooms -- with soaking tubs, separate showers, and bidets -- bedroom sitting areas, living rooms, and dining areas with marble wet bars and mini-fridges. The Seattle Suite is the largest with a conference table. Guests can opt out of housekeeping and receive a voucher. All rooms have 37-inch flat-screen TVs, ironing facilities, safes, coffeemakers, hairdryers, minibars, bathrobes, and 24-hour room service. Mini-fridges can be requested. Standard bathrooms have handsome wood vanities with cream tile, shower/tub combos with rainfall showerheads, toiletries, and hairdryers. 

The hotel’s 69,000 square feet of conference space was nicely remodeled in 2013 and includes the new Tangent Room that can be rented on an hourly basis. Also appealing to business travelers is the 24-hour FedEx Office with three PC computers and business services, such as free boarding pass printing. Relish Burger Bistro, opened in 2013, serves breakfast (for a fee), lunch, and dinner, such as gourmet burgers and tater tots in wire baskets. The bar has 21 beers on tap and smoothies are available at Westin Fresh by Juicery. Room service is 24 hours. Westin is focused on fitness and offers active guests three-mile guided runs, a New Balance workout gear lending program (for a fee), and modern cardio equipment in the small, 24-hour gym. Guests note that the gym can become crowded, though the hotel plans to renovate this feature in 2017. A skylight above the indoor pool provides natural light, and lounge chairs are on a small outdoor terrace. Small pets are allowed for free, and dog beds and food bowls are provided. And for kids, including infants, there’s the Westin Kids’ Club, with special amenity bags on check-in. Parking -- valet and self-serve -- is available in an adjacent facility, with fees.