With our first post out of the way, Di and I thought we'd start with a brief review of the Seattle W Hotel. The W is conveniently located in a great area of downtown (a 5-minute walk to shopping at Nordstrom's or Pacific Place, a 10-minute walk to Pike Place Market, a 15-minute walk to Qwest or Safeco field).
While it has been some time since I stayed at the Seattle W, I can still give a fairly candid assessment. I found the rooms were comfortable, but not luxurious (enough space, comfortable beds, quiet). The hotel itself had a few drawbacks, for one the workout room was tiny (think 100 sq. ft) and not as fully equipped as the two Chicago W hotels or the NYC W properties. The lobby and bar area were also small compared with other W properties -- knowing that some people stay at the W for the "scene", this is certainly sub-par.
The workout room isn't bad, but isn't as lavish as some of the other W properties (the Chicago, San Francisco and New York properties are much better -- most include at least a pool or Spa area).
For a first timer in Seattle, this does put you in a great part of downtown, easy walking distance from all there is to do. If you've rented a car, the Hotel is also in very close proximity to Interstate 5, which is excellent. If it is your first time to Seattle, and you can find a room for under $350, I would recommend the Seattle W Hotel. If not, there are plenty of other excellent options at a lower price including the Hotel Max or the Westin.
If you're looking for nearby restaurant options, be sure to check out Wild Ginger (only 2 blocks away at the corner of 3rd and Union). Excellent atmosphere, outstanding food, and expensive (though not outrageous) prices.
You can get links to current rates for the W Hotel - Seattle at:
Yahoo! Travel
Orbitz
Expedia
Judging from you assesment and having checked out their prices the W will be home on my next visit.
Posted by: Karl | October 09, 2007 at 08:14 PM
Even though it sounds small, it does sound nice, i'll keep it in mind the next time in in town.
Posted by: bob | October 10, 2007 at 08:12 AM
Excellent. I was looking for a recommendation of a good place to stay for my next trip. Thanks!
Posted by: John Donnovan | October 10, 2007 at 08:12 AM
I think it dosen't matter if the rooms are small it's right next to everything you probably won't be in your room that much anyways!
Posted by: Rachael | October 10, 2007 at 11:01 AM
It really doen't matter with all that stuff around there you will probably be only sleeping in there anyways!
Posted by: Rachael | October 10, 2007 at 11:03 AM
Great review. It's nice to be able to find someone who knows the ins and outs. Thanks for the info.
Posted by: Allison Sweeny | October 10, 2007 at 12:41 PM
I agree with Rachael--it's easy to get distracted by all the offerings. But you'll be out on the town most of the time, right? Love the workout room though.
Posted by: Cecil | October 11, 2007 at 09:58 AM
I think it dosen't matter if the rooms are small it's right next to everything you probably won't be in your room that much anyways!
Posted by: sneha | October 12, 2007 at 06:28 AM
I love to travel. I should be heading towards your area soon. For me its important to pay as little as possible for the most I can get. You didn't mention weather or not they give free breakfast or any type of deals they may offer with the local businesses or other tourist attractions. Thats what I would like to know about.
Posted by: wanderer311 | October 14, 2007 at 02:40 PM
As long as there are no bugs on the bed, and you're not 20 miles from your destination (many hotels do this... oh sure we're in san francisco but they're really in Palo Alto) it's a fine place. how much time are you really going to spend in your room?
Posted by: mmghtyred | October 14, 2007 at 03:08 PM
I love to travel too. Every spring, we take a drive from californai to Seattle. This sounds like a great place to stop.
Posted by: Ophelya Smith | October 14, 2007 at 03:57 PM