Seattle boasts a multitude of hospitality options, but none are as representative of “The Emerald City” as Four Seasons Hotel Seattle. An authentic ambassador for the region, the 147-room downtown hotel is consistently recognized as the place to stay when in town. Maybe it’s the panoramic water and mountain vistas. Perhaps it’s the Ethan Stowell cuisine. It is definitely the coffee—strong and aromatic, and delivered to guests in-room each morning via the dedicated “coffee concierge.” Together, these and other attributes add up to a spectacular Seattle stay.
Perched high above Elliott Bay, Four Seasons Hotel Seattle is centrally located to much of what attracts visitors to the region. Iconic Pike Place Market and its fish, fruit, and flower vendors is blocks away. The Seattle Art Museum, which features global art collections, temporary installations, and special exhibitions from around the world, is across the street. And directly down a flight of 103 stairs, adjacent to the hotel entrance, is the lively waterfront and the Seattle Aquarium, home to diverse marine life and interactive exhibits. Accessed directly from the art-filled hotel lobby (the hotel features the largest collection of Northwest art located outside of a museum) is Fran’s Chocolates, maker of a former US President’s favorite salted caramels. And that delicious Four Seasons coffee? It’s sourced just around the corner, from prized, Seattle-based Fonté Coffee Roasters, of which a 12 oz. bag makes for a super Seattle souvenir.
The hotel’s concierge can help plan additional activities. The city is surrounded by beautiful bodies of water, and exploration by boat (or yacht) is a “must”. Hotel favorites include “Chillin” and “Private Reserve,” each of which can be scheduled four hours or more for a completely customizable experience for parties of up to 12. Embark at Lake Union Park and explore the region to your heart’s content while enjoying an array of food and beverage curated by the hotel’s culinary team. Glide by Mercer Island’s architecturally diverse mansions, wave to the University of Washington students who line the Montlake Cut between Lake Union and Lake Washington, or enjoy the city skyline as only a water view affords.
Inside the hotel, guests are welcomed by a fireplace-warmed lobby. On sunnier days, the fourth floor rooftop infinity pool is the spot to be, especially at dusk, as the setting sun casts a pink glow over the Olympic and Cascade Mountain ranges. During cooler weather, the terrace’s fireplace creates a cozy campfire vibe. The view afforded by this outdoor Eden is one of the best in the city. One floor down, the hotel’s 6,000 sq. ft. spa offers gloriously relaxing treatments within a swank sanctuary. (Try the deeply satisfying hydrafacial, incorporating antioxidants, hyaluronic acid and peptides. The results are immediate.)
Culinary offerings are overseen by Seattle celebrity chef Ethan Stowell, an oft James Beard Award nominee who operates more than a dozen of Seattle’s most popular restaurants. Chef Brian Doherty executes Stowell’s vision throughout the hotel, while Chef Jeffrey Hunter helms the kitchen at marquee Goldfinch Tavern, serving classic Pacific Northwest cuisine, such as oysters, seared jumbo scallops with truffle butter sauce, cioppino, and olive oil poached halibut, among so many other tantalizing dishes. The wine list is Northwest-focused, natch, with a wide variety of Old World Wines. Stowell got his start with the launch of his first Seattle restaurant in 2003, garnering immediate praise for his simple and elegant menu—a hallmark of Goldfinch Tavern, where the added benefit of a Seattle Great Wheel view adds to the relaxed yet elegant ambiance.
The hotel’s rooms and suites are spacious sanctuaries, featuring the always sumptuous Four Seasons bed, a global staple of Four Seasons hospitality. Marble bathrooms feature Grown Alchemist amenities, deep soaking tubs, and mirror-inset televisions. Pour a flute of champagne and enjoy a movie while immersed in bubbles. Don your plush robe, and take cozy pleasure in the knowledge that at Four Seasons Hotel Seattle, you're experiencing the best this beautiful city has to offer.
Photos courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel Seattle, unless otherwise noted
