Arrival/Check In: I arrived in Seattle on a Saturday afternoon and found the W Seattle easily despite light downtown traffic. I pulled up to the hotel’s side entrance where a friendly valet helped with my bags. A glass door led directly to the check-in desk. There was one person ahead of me, giving me a moment to take in the lobby. Down a few steps, the main lobby opened into a bright, airy space with two-story floor-to-ceiling windows that let in natural light. Pink and orange seating added vibrant accents against muted silver tones. Contemporary lighting and a glass-enclosed fireplace created a stylish yet comfortable atmosphere. After checking in, I took the elevator to a mid-level floor; the hallways were intentionally dim with blue mood lighting that highlighted the room numbers.
Guest Quarters: I stayed in a Cool Corner King room. Black-and-white photographs of Seattle and the Pacific Northwest line the entry corridor. Light streamed in from the large corner windows in the main room. A closet sits to the right of the entrance, adjacent to a window seat that’s convenient for luggage or enjoying the city view. The bathroom to the left is bright and functional, with a single sink set into a green glass countertop offering ample space for personal items alongside provided SPG Bliss spa products. The combined tub/shower delivered strong water pressure.
Walking past the bathroom leads into the main living area where the corner placement makes a difference. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide sweeping city views framed by nearby skyscrapers. To the left is the W’s signature king bed dressed in crisp white linens that offered a comfortable night’s sleep. A 32-inch flat-screen television sat opposite the bed on a dark wood console. The work desk faces the wall, which isn’t ideal, but it is large enough to accommodate a laptop and gear and includes a bright desk lamp for early-morning work. In the prime corner spot a chaise lounge invites relaxation and is perfect for reading or working with the city as a backdrop; I used it for much of my laptop work.
Services/Amenities: TRACE, the hotel’s on-site restaurant, has a modern, lively atmosphere. The menu blends contemporary American dishes with a skilled sushi bar featuring Pacific Northwest seafood. Brunch is casual and popular. TRACE is closed on Sunday evenings, which encourages exploring the many nearby dining options.
The W’s fitness center is well-equipped with free weights and cardio machines on wood floors with bright natural light, making for pleasant workouts. The Whatever/Whenever concierge desk provides recommendations and can map out a scenic jogging route through the hilly neighborhood when the weather is good.
The Experience: Staff were friendly and helpful, balancing business needs with a bit of local leisure. The hotel’s central location makes it easy to walk to Pike Place Market, the Seattle Art Museum, and many shops and restaurants. My only significant issue was an overcharge for both nights and billing for snacks I did not purchase; resolving the error and receiving a refund took nearly a week after I returned home.
GT CHECKLIST
Doorman/valet — yes
Check-in under 10 minutes — yes
Separate tub and shower — no
Large vanity — yes
High-quality towels — yes
Powerful, unattached hair dryer — yes
High-quality bed linens — yes
Large flat-screen television — yes
Large desk with convenient outlets — yes
Large complimentary laptop safe — yes
Complimentary in-room WiFi — yes
Complimentary bottled water — yes
Stocked minibar — yes
Ample lighting — yes
In-room coffeemaker — yes
Iron and ironing board — yes
On-site restaurant — yes
24-hour room service — yes
24-hour, state-of-the-art fitness center — yes
Turn-down service — no
W Seattle
1112 Fourth Ave.
Seattle, WA 98101
tel 206 264 6000
wseattle.com