If you are from Seattle, chances are you have been to several (or more) events at what is called, here, simply “The Olympic.” Built nearly nine decades ago,the hotel will celebrate its 100th birthday in 2024. During this time, countless weddings, trade shows, business meetings, balls, parties, and celebratory dinners have been held here.
The hotel stands where the original building of the Territorial University of Washington stood, and the University still benefits from the income of the building. The building itself is listed on the National Register of Historic Buildings. And if you were to have to pinpoint the exact middle of Seattle’s downtown, it would most likely be here or somewhere very close by.
Even with all of the history, though, the hotel has kept up with the times.Fairmont is the most recent manager of the hotel so of course everything is impeccable.
Rooms and suites are at the same time elegant yet cozy, with amenities above and beyond what you would find at most chain hotels. The hotel strikes a balance between how they take care of business and leisure travelers and will please each equally. The suites are large enough to hold small receptions (and the catering department will handle this effortlessly.)
The hotel is family friendly and you can even bring small pets. Babysitting services are available and there are even children’s menus through room service and in the restaurants. The health club even has an indoor pool and pool toys are available, too. And the concierge can point you toward all sorts of Seattle attractions that the kids love.
The spa/salon is open seven days a week and with over 3,000 square feet offers traditional treatments and such things as mink lash extensions.
The Georgian restaurant is legendary in Seattle and many important events have taken place here over the years. Both the setting and the cuisine is spectacular, with Northwest cuisine inspired by French cookery. Shuckers is an oak paneled classic Oyster Bar, open for lunch and dinner, with over a dozen varieties of oysters prepared nine different ways. The Terrace Lounge in the lobby of the hotel is a popular meeting place for drinks and appetizers.
The hotel has its own bee hives and features many products produced on-site. The honey products make great gifts too.
The Fairmont Olympic is at 411 University Street and you can call 206-621-1700 for reservations or more information. Or check www.fairmont.com/seattle
(206) 621-1700