Warwick Seattle

The Warwick Seattle, with its blue-uniformed teddy-bear mascot sitting on the marble-topped reception desk, is a contemporary hotel with a subdued Northwestern ambience. The inviting lobby has an intimate, sunken sitting area with hardwood floors, wood coffered ceilings, modern chandeliers, driftwood tables, and a glass-enclosed fireplace. A large Cubist-inspired painting of the Space Needle and Seattle skyline dominate the main wall. The dark-wood brasserie restaurant has an adjacent lounge that also hosts a daily happy hour. Neither the bar and restaurant are as stylish as the hotel's lobby, and have a slightly generic vibe. Given its handy Belltown location near several sights, shopping, and dining, the Warwick Seattle primarily draws a tourist crowd -- mainly couples plus families and solo travelers too -- but its meeting rooms, business center, proximity to downtown and the Washington State Convention Center make it a handy spot for corporate travelers as well. 

On Lenora Street at Fourth Avenue, the hotel sits between the ever-hip Belltown neighborhood and downtown. Cinerama, Seattle's destination movie theater for first-run blockbusters and cult classics, is directly across the street. The theater also displays original costumes from such movies as "Star Wars" and "Batman." Great restaurants and bars abound in the neighborhood, and plenty of shopping is nearby as well. Nordstrom, the Pacific Place Mall, and Westlake Center Mall are a five-minute walk southeast of the hotel. The monorail to the Seattle Center complex -- home to the Space Needle, EMP Museum, and many other sights -- also departs from Westlake Center. Pike Place Market is a seven-minute walk south, and Pioneer Square is a seven-minute cab ride away. The Washington State Convention Center is a 10-minute walk east of the hotel, while the Seattle Art Museum is a 12-minute walk from the hotel. The Seattle Aquarium and Seattle Great Wheel are 15 minutes away by foot. Sea-Tac International Airport is about a 20-minute drive from the hotel. Guests can also walk to Westlake Center and take the Link Light Rail to Sea-Tac, about a 40-minute trip.

The Warwick's 231 rooms -- all nonsmoking and with Juliet balconies or terraces -- are spread over 19 stories. Deluxe, Premier, and Executive Rooms are 300 square feet (about 28 square meters), while Suites, on the top floor, range from 710 to 1,077 square feet (66 to 100 square meters). Rooms are traditionally styled, and while they are attractive and modern, they aren't as attractive from a design perspective as the hotel's lobby. Color palettes throughout include beige, gray, and blue with splashes of red in the throw pillows, and light-wood furnishings and headboards. Abstract art and colorful or black-and-white photographs of Seattle landmarks adorn the walls. Rooms are clean and quiet, and all get lots of natural light through the floor-to-ceiling glass balcony doors. All rooms have desks with ergonomic chairs, coffeemakers, iPod docks, 37-inch flat-screen TVs with premium cable and HBO, plush beds with Serta mattresses, and cotton sheets. Premier and Executive Rooms come with minibars, robes, and slippers, while Deluxe Rooms have mini-fridges and slippers. Premier Rooms look out on the city skyline. Some Deluxe Rooms, which are on the lower floors, offer city views. Nearby construction may affect these views and guests should check ahead with the hotel in the future. Suites have living areas, and some have skylights. Rooms offer free, basic Wi-Fi. Bathrooms are done in Italian, gray-veined marble, and single vanities have ample counter space alongside shower/tub combos and high-end toiletries. Some Suites have jetted tubs.

The Warwick is one of the few Seattle city center hotels with a swimming pool. A fitness center and hot tub area are also available. Brasserie Margaux, which serves Northwestern cuisine, offers lunch specials, prix fixe dinner menus, children's menus, and a weekend brunch. Breakfast is reasonably priced for a city center hotel -- it's included in certain room packages. Margaux Lounge, adjacent to the restaurant, serves specialty cocktails and tapas, and hosts a daily happy hour. The Warwick also has a 24-hour business center, concierge service, and baggage assistance. Valet and self-parking are available but a bit pricey.