Back in November I made a post mentioning that I was considering staying at a non-chain hotel for the first time in forever. I was specifically referring to Seattle. I’m very loyal to InterContinental, but they don’t have a hotel in Seattle. The other Priority Club options were a Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn. The Holiday Inn didn’t look very good and the Crowne Plaza seemed overpriced to me. So I mentioned a few hotels I was considering, such as Hotel 1000 and the Pan Pacific based on reviews I had read and the rates they offered.
While the trip to Seattle as such never materialized, I did have a mileage run planned there for last weekend, and instead of staying near the airport I decided to venture into the city. I had a morning to do some sightseeing and I figured with the new light rail system that costs just $2.50 from SeaTac to the city there was nothing to lose (as opposed to the public transportation in San Francisco, which costs you more than lunch at Starbucks).
Anyway, in the interest of full disclosure I had made a reservation through Hotel 1000’s Social Media and Promotions Manager and received a special rate of $139. It’s worth noting that this wasn’t that much less than the American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts® rate of $179 (which I qualify for since I have an American Express Platinum card), which would have included breakfast, a welcome gift, 4PM check-out, and a room upgrade. Anyway, let’s fast forward to the actual stay.
I arrived at the hotel at around 10PM and was promptly checked in by the friendly agent. I realized beforehand the hotel was on the small side, but the lobby really made it feel like a boutique hotel. It was modern and dimly lit, basically a smaller version of a “W” hotel minus the bad attitude.
Lobby
Lobby
Seating area to the side of the lobby
Hotel exterior
Hotel entrance
My room was on the fifth floor, and as soon as I got into the elevator I realized that was the lowest floor with rooms. That was a bit disappointing since I was looking forward to the great views the hotel boasts given its location, although the suite I received made up for it.
Hallway
I was assigned suite 507, which was located behind a separate entrance door which housed two suites; the suite was huge. Upon entering was a hallway with the bathroom located right by the entrance. To the left was the bedroom while the living room was to the right.
Entrance
Floor layout (to show the size of the suite compared to standard rooms)
The bedroom was spacious and modern, with a king sized bed, large flat screen TV mounted on the wall, vanity mirror, and big closet.
Bedroom
TV, closet, and vanity mirror
There’s only a glass “window” separating the bedroom and bathroom, although there is a privacy screen which can be put down if desired. The bathroom featured a huge bathtub, nice sink area, huge shower with two shower heads, and separate toilet area. The bathroom amenities were all Molton Brown, and the shampoo, conditioner, and body wash was all in large dispensers in the shower.
Looking into the bathroom from the bedroom
Looking into the bedroom from the bathroom
Sink and shower
Shower to the left and toilet to the right
Molton Brown bath products
Toilet
The living room featured a large dining room table with six chairs, large sofa with two more chairs, and flat screen TV. Both TVs had “Moodz” channels, whereby you can listen to natural environments in 30 minute intervals. Other than the waterfall, which sounded more like static, it was surprisingly relaxing! I wish more hotels would offer something similar.
Unfortunately the views from the room were non-existent. Actually, the room faced another building which was maybe 20 feet away, so it was near impossible to see anything. That was a bit disappointing, and I would have probably preferred a normal room with a view over a suite with no view. My only other gripe would be that lighting was somewhat limited and there weren’t any windows other than the ones on the far end of the living room, meaning the suite stayed pretty dark.
Living room
The hotel has a nice 24 hour gym. The treadmills all have mini-TV screens and were the same machines they have at the InterContinental London. There was also bottled water for free, surprisingly enough the same stuff they charge an arm and a leg for in the in-room minibar. 😉
Gym
Gym
No doubt my stay was far too short. Would I return? If the rate were right, absolutely, even without hotel status perks. It’s worth noting that Hotel 1000 does offer guests 500 Alaska miles, for those of you addicted to miles/points like me.
I loved the interior of the hotel. It was modern without being bare, “hip” without being stuffy or attitude-filled (hello “W” hotels!), and the suite was very well appointed. If I stayed again I’d hope for a room with a view, even if it means a standard room vs. the very nice suite I received.
Either way I’d recommend this hotel if the price is right. They have their stuff together and I wouldn’t hesitate to return.
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