Fairmont Olympic Hotel

If I could give more than five stars, I would… YES to a Hampton Inn!
We were in the Seattle area for a race my friend was running up in the Cascades and we stayed a couple of days prior as well as after his race.
We had two rooms for the four of us and we were upgraded to a suite with a kitchen (2 suites) for the same price… I am a diamond Hilton Honors so this may have been the reason, but regardless, they didn’t have to do it. The front desk personnel are second to none… so friendly, so helpful and so willing to offer suggestions. All the staff are phenomenal. I saw the management cleaning tables in the restaurant when he saw people were waiting for tables… who does that??? I loved the inclusion and friendliness of everyone who works there. I do need to send out special kudos to the fellow that ran the breakfast. It was particularly busy and hectic, yet he managed to create miracles by finding tables for everyone and always managed to have the tastiest choices of items from which to choose. I could not find one thing I would change about the breakfasts — it was a joy to go downstairs each morning for fresh waffles, homemade oatmeal, yogurt, eggs, bacon, sausage, potatoes… and so on!
As we were there during the summer months, the hotel was quite crowded with cruise passengers that were coming and going. As this was their busy season, the rates were high. However the location was centrally located which suited our needs. We walked to most places or used public transportation. As a Diamond member, we were offered free parking which was great and, of course free wi-​fi. I am going to be back in Seattle in a few months and have already booked my room at the Hampton Inn.

I used to work by this hotel and it’s been a financial dream goal to stay here one day and while I did have a nice time, I think I’ll return after the renovations. Make no mistake, the building itself is gorgeous. I’m glad I upgraded to an executive suite because it’s a great amount of space and this bed is the possibly one of the best sleeps I’ve had in a long time. Some of the rooms are still under a bit of renovation and my deal breakers were the $ 15 wifi and a tiny bathtub. A very light breakfast can run you almost $ 20 and I had to play a late night Abbott and Costello routine with the front desk due to a faulty heater and getting the wrong instructions on how to use my telephone. (You need to press line 1 or line 2. Pressing 0 won’t do anything until you turn those on.)
The upholstery and curtains desperately need upgrading. The rooms are beautiful but I don’t want the furniture to make me feel like I’m in a 1980s remodel. I agree with other reviewers who say the building is beautiful, but the décor is dated. If we’re going the vintage route, commit to it! Go with solid jewel tones and turn of the century prints instead of grandma’s toilet seat cushions from Sears. A turn of the century hotel shouldn’t feel like it gave up in mid-​century.
The engineer who fixed my heater was lovely and I’m grateful for his arrival at a late hour. Unfortunately, there were too many people working up front who seemed trained to mumble instead of enunciate. My hearing is only a little bit damaged, but I still shouldn’t have to loudly ask the teenager working concierge to repeat himself twice. I don’t need a paragraph explanation at whisper levels about how someone will be right with you. Just tell me those six words. Others were terrific, like the doorman who sympathized about Seattle shutting down after 2am, and the receptionist who told me where I could get her perfect lipstick. I understand it sucks working a holiday, I’ve absolutely been there before, but it’s aggravating when you have to explain to the concierge you know how to navigate the city, and they still recite directions instead of listening to you. Engage with your guests, amigos.
On a positive note, if and when I tie the knot/​have that belated sweet sixteen/​become Madame Emperor of the World, Fairmont Olympic is at the top of my list for venues to celebrate. The ballrooms were empty due to the holiday and a quick swing around those areas made my jaw drop because the ceilings were sky high and the interior dressing would fit perfectly in the 19^th century. This is why I drop extra coin on a nice hotel. I want that other world experience and the Fairmont Olympic has it. Fairmont’s event rooms are something out of the works of Piranesi and Tissot.
Next time I’m here I’d love to check out the pool and spa. For those looking to protect their hair, I was relieved to see swim caps were available for sale, even nose plugs and suits. The spas and locker rooms were enormous and fortunately designed with women in mind instead of a community pool.
The features that work in the Fairmont are everything I love in a boutique hotel, and the parts that don’t (paid wifi? In this day and age?) are a major drag. I really wish some part of the building was kept open later for us night owls, but the Fairmont is in a terrific location in downtown Seattle. I’m curious to see what else will come of the hotel when the renovations are done. I really would like to return, but I might see what else Seattle has to offer.

I’ve never personally stayed here, I was coming in to be filmed in a rap music video (don’t ask), and holy fucking shit, the Fairmont Olympic Hotel is a beautiful piece of art. It’s the live Barbie dream house that you could walk through, but maybe a vintage Barbie dream house that you admire more of the architecture. It’s a 5 star hotel, so I’m sure there’s a reason why it’s rated 5 star and if I were to actually stay here, I would agree too. It’s a staple of Seattle so even if you don’t stay here, it’s located right in the heart of Seattle for you to visit and walk by/​walk through just like any hotel on the strip in Vegas.
The suite that I was invited to was wonderful, tucked away in a private corner. There’s a Keurig coffee machine, anything necessary and unnecessary such a a fridge full of liquor which if you take any out of it’s place, they know to charge for it, but what do you expect, nobody is going to pay you to get wasted. Hahaha.
Tell me about your experience if you’ve been here or is going to after reading this review:)

I recently visited the Teddy Bear Suite and it was beautiful, as were the holiday decorations in the lobby. I highly recommend visiting. And, don’t forget to check out the gingerbread house outside the Georgian Restaurant.
The hotel itself is absolutely gorgeous. From the golden chandeliers to the sweeping lobby stair cases, this hotel feels like a Victorian era mansion.
My only regret is that I’ve never had the chance to stay there as a guest.

I’ve never stayed at this hotel, I’ve just stopped in twice (this year and last) to check out the Festival of Trees.
The Fairmont always does a great job displaying the trees and handling the influx of guests who are just there to snap a few pictures and leave.
That’s about all I can say, seeing how I’ve never been a guest there… (I don’t ever plan on being one because I don’t like how old/​Victorian this hotel is… I’m more of a modern hotel kind of girl).

12÷01÷15
We went to the Festival of trees and it was remarkable and I was just blown away at the amazing display of trees. Go check out some trees for free. Grand, elegant, gorgeously decorated Christmas trees of all persuasions will be found in the Fairmont Olympic lobby.
**38^th Festival of Trees**
Fairmont Olympic Hotel, Seattle: Since 1978, the talented members of the Dr. Forrest L. Flashman Guild have presented the Festival of Trees, a display of beautifully decorated Christmas trees, each with its own unique theme and style.
The trees are on display now through December 2, 2015 at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel in the lobby and grand motor entrance. Each tree is accompanied by a sign with the photo and story of one of our courageous Seattle Children’s patients.
AND DON’T FORGET TEDDY BEAR SUITE (located at second floor)
**Get Cuddly at the Fairmont’s Teddy Bear Suite**
An annual holiday tradition, the Fairmont’s Teddy Bear Suite is a lavishly decorated set of rooms that overflows with hundreds of teddy bears in every size and color. Kids are welcome to cuddle with the bears and look through the stacks of picture books, and family photos are encouraged.
The Teddy Bear Suite is just what it sounds like, two rooms decorated to the hilt with beautiful teddy bears and Christmas trees and gorgeous fabrics and lighting. There are books to sit and read with your children and perfect photo opportunities everywhere you look.
Admission to the Teddy Bear Suite is free, but donations are accepted and go to benefit Seattle’s Children’s Hospital.
The Teddy Bear Suite is a little hidden– located on the second floor in one of the corner hotel suites, but it’s easy to ask the very friendly concierge or one of the doormen on your way in, and they will happily point you in the right direction.
The best part is.. . It’s totally free to go see it and you can take as many pictures as you want! Definitely worth a visit!

I love this hotel! First class service. Super comfy bed! Delicious food! Prime location!

Nice hotel; has the potential to be a very nice hotel. The service was very good, from the valet to the concierge and reception.
The building is a beautiful Georgian style architectural gem. The décor needs updating. It is on the «old lady» end of the spectrum, right down to its rose scented bath soaps and shampoos. Eeeew!
I think that pets are allowed at this hotel, as I slept last night, I got a faint smell of dog. No me gusta!
It was overall a nice stay, but I may look for something more modern next time.

I have had two opportunities to have extended stays at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel and both where amazing. We just concluded another two week stay while renovating our home.
The interesting thing about «living» here was how consistently amazing the service is. Every employee is articulate and joyful no matter the time of day. Shuckers restaurant always delivers an outstanding meal, Room service, housekeeping and valets are among the best in the country!
If you are in Seattle for a night or a month I couldn’t think of a hotel I would recommend more.

This is an excellent hotel. It is conveniently located within walking distance of a variety of things to do and see. The staff was very friendly and welcoming. We used the concierge services several times and enjoyed talking to the lady there, but felt like the young gentleman was a bit pretentious for us. We were able to use the hotel courtesy car for dinner on our last night instead of a cab which was a nice bonus. The room is set up nicely as a suite with a good size sitting room and plenty of space. We were close to the elevator which proved to be a non-​issue when it came to noise which was wonderful.

This place treats you right. We’re on a girls’ trip and planned four women to a bedroom. Fairmont brought in extra beds, loads of pillows, extra robes and best of all, champagne in each room!
We weren’t happy with one of the rooms, a little too small for 4 people, and they put us in another room.
The concierge, Shira, is fantastic. She knows her city well. She helped us plan our evening and it turned out fantastic.
We’d arrived early and used a different name to store the luggage than our room reservations were under. Our bellman, Vince, was not to be deterred. He found it!
Highly recommend this beautiful hotel.

My husband and I had our wedding here in July and it was nothing short of spectacular thanks to the fabulous Brenna McCown. She was extremely accommodating with respect to our requests and the end result blew us away.
The food was impeccable — chicken satay, artichoke tapenade on crostini, cocktail prawns, Vietnamese spring rolls with Thai basil, truffle gnocchi (the best you will ever have), painted baby romaine leaves, filet of angus beef, grilled sea bass (expertly prepared using my mother’s orange marinade recipe), vegetable risotto.
And don’t get me started on the wedding cake. Triple Orange Grand Marnier Cake layered with the Chocolate Fantasia Cake. Best cake ever and my husband doesn’t even like cake. We went with a marzipan exterior instead of the traditional buttercream and fondant and surprisingly, it worked! The pastry chef even made sugar flowers for the cake per my specifications and it looked stunning.
The Spanish Foyer and Ballroom are the ultimate ceremony and reception venue if you are the type of Bride that is looking for a classic and timeless venue with beautiful architecture. Brenna made sure our wedding day went smoothly and honestly the wedding package was a great value because there were no hidden costs or fees. Guests were able to order entrees table side like you would in a restaurant and our suite awaiting us at the end of the evening was stocked with Champagne on ice and M&M cookies!
Thanks Brenna for making our wedding day so special! Our guests cannot stop raving about how much fun they had. We are so happy we had our wedding at the Fairmont!

Very Downton Abbey. Floral silk furniture, French doors, striped curtains, lots of pastel colors and gold chandeliers. Service and cleanliness are impeccable, as I expect from a 5 star hotel. The style isn’t really my thing, I prefer modern interiors. Kind of felt like I was staying at my rich grandmother’s house, if I had one.
Our suite was freezing cold upon arrival. I guess it’s good to know the AC works but we actually had to turn on the heat to make it tolerable. I heated the bathroom with the blow dryer so I could take a shower without shivering. Come on guys, be green and set the AC on 74.
It’s nice that the old-​school sliding windows actually open up, so we could enjoy a fresh breeze during the day.
The Wifi is painfully slow. Definitely no 5-​star WiFi, more like 2.5.
Breakfast is grossly overpriced. Why pay over $ 10 for a bowl of oatmeal if I can get awesome steel cut oats at Specialty’s for half the price only 2 blocks away? Order an American breakfast combo and we’re talking $ 25 before tax and tip. There better be caviar and shaved truffles on those eggs.
Location is great, close to everything. Walk to Pike Place market, Columbia Tower, the water front, even the International District. Check out the Veggie Grill for a healthy salad while you’re here.

Staying here is always a top notch and luxurious experience. I had a wedding here several weeks ago and from the moment I pulled in to the moment I left, everything was wonderful. The rooms are extremely spacious and beautifully decorated. The beds are super comfortable, which is a huge plus! Every single employee I came in contact with, from the concierge, to the valet to the wait staff at the wedding was professional, accommodating and most importantly nice.
The icing on the cake was that as I was leaving, the valet left milk and cookies in my car.
Amazing!

Back again for biz trip to Seattle. Nice accommodations as usual. Very friendly and efficient front door valet. If you are Fairmont Presidents Club you can have your key available with the doorman when you arrive. A nice touch and it means you can go right to your room.
Ate breakfast in the Georgian dining room. Tasty brunch option but I went straight for classic pancakes and bacon.
Nightly turn down service is friendly and low key. I have once again enjoyed my stay.

When our friends and I were in town for the Rock ‘n Roll races a month ago, we stayed at the Fairmont on my corporate rate and got a pretty good deal for the basic suites. Checking in was simple, and all of the folks I spoke to on the phone or in-​person at the front desk or the bell desk were very friendly — willing to hold our bags for us, check me in early, and so forth. The lobby is really grand as well — not quite to the same level as the Fairmont in San Francisco, but it definitely has an older, majestic feel to it.
That said, some of that wear is evident in the hotel rooms. In particular, you can sort of tell that the bathrooms are probably the part that seem to have been renovated the least, with the tiling and the shower itself having a bit of an older feel to it. The carpeting and the rest of the décor also feels a bit older, although given that the Fairmont’s styling is more in this line, it felt okay to me. I really enjoyed the bed — it was almost a bit too plush, but it was so easy to sink into and be quite lazy about getting up. The suite itself was the basic-​level Executive Suite, which has a cozy living room area, with the bed placed behind the doors.
All in all, the Fairmont is in a pretty convenient location, but if I had to pick, I’d definitely still take the Four Seasons if you are looking at hotels in the higher end in downtown Seattle. That said, the old-​school charm of this place is great, and everyone at the hotel was very pleasant to speak to /​with. I’d recommend staying here — and make sure sign up for the President’s Club ahead of time (it’s free) so you can get Wi-​Fi for free as well!

DONT DO IT, this is a retirement home for the elderly and poor sighted. the internet pics probably all photoshopped, because it was nothing like what I thought I was getting.
Fairmont Olympic Hotel total BS, it smells and feels like an old upper class retirement home.
in my opinion grossly misleading by a marketing team that has infiltrated all levels of the internet and review sites. Five Stars, seriously, when in world war 1 probably…
I have been to holiday inns better then this place.
How I honestly felt, betrayed by orbits and the internet.
when I was a kid I spent the day pulling weeds on a mile long stone wall on the east coast, it took all day and it was a humid 98 degrees. When I was done breaking my back, scratching mosquito bites, spider bites, sweating and sun burned badly not to mention battling a ten foot pissed off giant black snack that lunched at literally was aggressively coming at me instead of hiding. Bad move for the snake I had a shovel. The sweet little old lady says I did a wonderful job, and opens my hand placing my day’s wages in it. feeling she truly has rewarded me well for my labor. I opened my hand and in the center of my palm was a shiny 10 cent coin… WTF???
When I realized I was stuck at the fairmont Olympic hotel that very memory came flooding back to me as a grown man. I worked hard to stay at the best and did I ever get bamboozled!!!
Very dated furniture, curtains, rugs etc. I have pics ill post you will be shocked!
Its really sad because you can tell at one time it was probably a true five star hotel but it was never updated think more VCR tape error, was the last update.
The internet pics are completely misleading on the internet and the five star reviews, with all do respect how much were you paid or had to drink? P. S your positive review is what wasted my time thanks for nothing!
I got very lucky in a quick scramble to get out and for less money I found the Hotel Motif Less money, way nicer room and I have a killer view of Seattle and its awesome harbor.
P.S I’m a real Unilocaler, and my reviews are not for sale. I gave two stars rather than one, because i’m guessing there can be worse places in Seattle lol.

Did you say happy hour? Sold!
There’s some misconception that all hotel bars and restaurants are lame and that is just absolutely not the case. Especially when it comes to the Fairmont Olympic! As a longtime resident of Seattle I don’t have a ton of experience with this hotel because I live nearby and don’t need a place to sleep outside of my own home. But for some reason it hadn’t occurred to me to come here to eat and drink anyway. Duh!
In fact, I was loving my visit so thoroughly that I messaged a friend who works nearby and her response was, «Yeah, I got there for happy hour all the time. It’s awesome!»
Well wow. I’ve been out of the loop!
Just like any other experience here, service for food and drinks in the Terrace Lounge (by the lobby) is exceptional and top notch. They have a complete happy hour menu with great deals on food (most plates are $ 5!) and drinks (most are just $ 8!)
I absolutely loved the candied salmon and the Old Fashioned I had. I felt special and doted on but I was also given privacy to relax, enjoy the music playing and to just sort of hang out and people watch. This is truly a kick ass happy hour and will now become a much more regular spot for me! Ashamed it took me so long to discover and I refuse to let only the tourists have all the fun here.

We were impressed with our first stay at the Fairmont! I was on a work trip and this was one of the hotels where my company had a preferred rate. The check in service was a breeze, however I realized after we got to our room that they hadn’t applied my President’s Club number which allows you free wi-​fi access. I stopped by the desk and they quickly updated my account and we were able to connect without any issues after that. We were pleased with the room and hotel amenities. We were in a standard King room and it was a pretty good size. People have made comments about the climate control in the rooms and those concerns are completely valid — the air conditioning isn’t very good, but they do provide a fan which helped us cool the room down. A few nights it was cool enough outside that we opted to just sleep with the windows open and fan on. I recommend staying on a lower level of the hotel, we were on floor 5, because I imagine the room higher up are harder to cool down.
The hotel offered two restaurants and a lounge. The gym/​pool facilities were nice and we enjoyed the hot tub a few times, it’s huge and can seat up to 16 people!

This is a beautiful, historic building with a lot of history, that is in dire need of a major renovation. The lobby is beautiful, open and elegant, with an air of opulence.
The rooms need some work, the windows are single pane, the heater/​air conditioner is built into the window sill, so when you close the drapes, there goes the air ventilation for the room.
The furniture is sparse and not really about relaxing in the room. My room had two double beds, one arm chair, where shall the other person sit? A small desk that is hardly big enough for work. The arm chair looked very old and in need of a cleaning.
The outlets are lacking, so I had to search for one for my phone and one for the computer, very annoying.
The bathroom has no fan, the shower is old and water pressure seriously lacking, the tub is old and not fit for a bath, it’s very shallow and everything looks kinda dingy.
The door to the room is also not very thick, so you can hear conversations through it and noise.
The room service is quite pricey, on average $ 40 for breakfast, but it was always timely and with a a cart, so at least there was room to eat.
Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think they need to turn this hotel into a W, but it is definitely aging and will have a hard time competing with all the new construction in the area.