| |
This former mission in the heart of Belltown caters to minimalists who’d love some future shock. A series of red puckered lips welcome you into the lobby, a spare, Zen-like space enveloped in white. Rooms are similarly spare yet striking in their clever architectural details. Each room is different and among the best are 129, where the headboard is a glass partition to the shower, and rooms 113 and 116, where one wall swivels to expose the bath. The palette is red, white and black and a phone and TV are your only perks. Excellent Belltown eateries right outside your door; wi-fi throughout. Utterly unique and a bargain to boot.
|
The Monaco will appeal to people of all stripes and boy, they’d better like stripes. Stylish and modern and offering everything you’ll need, the hotel is a medley of hand- painted spaces and colourful, curving furnishings. Rooms are awash in burgundy with a spot of cream as counterpoint and yes, there are stripes everywhere. Suites are the way to go thanks to a divine Jacuzzi tub and plumped-up seating areas. Fast net connection once you break away to work; the nightly wine reception is where guests check each other out. Chef Jan 'Big Dawg’ Birnbaum holds court at Sazerac, where Southern food rules. It’s all great fun. Meeting rooms hold 400.
|
An ownership change is the best thing to ever happen to this 1920s property. Now owned by the group responsible for the stunning Hotel Lucia in Portland, the Vance is ditching safe and going sleek. Think of yourself as a houseguest in a Manhattan artist’s loft and that’s the new Vance, which will make liberal use of original artwork and lighting to create a mod techno palette. Videos will envelop the lobby bar while the cosy rooms showcase blue and jade lacquer, mismatched nightstands and thin-screen TVs. That mirrored wall behind the sumptuous bed? A nasty delight. Remodel to be completed by February 2005. Wi-fi throughout.
|
Young, moneyed and hip Seattle-ites like to linger in the 'living room’ of the W Hotel and it’s easy to see why – coolly elegant decor caresses the property like silk on skin and the entire effect is sexy indeed. Rooms are linear and favour black, white and brown and are outfitted with a slew of perks (the W Home Office rooms step it up for business travellers). A nod to the hotel’s beds and the CD library is in order; ask for a 'cosy corner’ room for great views and maximal space. A singular experience in somewhat conservative Seattle. Meeting rooms for 800; 'sensory meetings’ (think mood) can be arranged.
|
Cool in a warm sort of way, the Watertown is as soothing as a softly running stream. A fountain gurgles in the lobby and plays against grey and silver shadings that carry up to your room, where sharply angled furniture complements the spare white walls. The bed is plumped-up comfort and a relaxing place to soak up city views. The hotel’s 'a la cart’ programme includes a Games Cart (playing cards, Monopoly), Goodnight Cart (eye mask, neck pillow, aromatherapy diffuser) and Spa Cart (foot spa, bath salts, hand-held massager). The U District location is quiet if not central. Meeting rooms for 120, continental breakfast and evening wine reception, loaner bicycles.
|
| |