The lobby of Fairmont Olympic Hotel Seattle
Whether you’re passing through Seattle or looking for a staycation, a stop at Fairmont Olympic Hotel downtown is a fantastic respite from the city with a charming touch of local history.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the property opened in 1924 and is celebrating its 100 years of hospitality throughout 2024.
And while “old” and “hotel” can sometimes feel at odds, a recent $25 million historic renovation maintained the property’s timeless architecture, improved with a few modern touches.
The resort-style property is a nice home base for a Seattle visit, however long. Just have a day? Soak in all the glitz and glamour of the historic site in 24 hours.
The second floor pool at Fairmont Olympic Hotel in Seattle
3 p.m.: Check into the Fairmont Olympic Seattle
Enter the opulent, 100-year-old lobby and take in the surroundings during a swift process at the front desk, located temptingly close to the vibey bar.
If it’s Friday, Saturday or Sunday treat yourself to an Afternoon Centennial Tea at Olympic Bar, the art deco bar infusing life into the lobby. A limited-edition tea blend made with locally grown Washington Peppermint, vanilla, and spices is harkens back to the bars offerings in the 1920s.
Need to unwind? Head to the spa for a SALT + C Facial at Penelope and The Beauty Ba. The 100-minute treatment starts with a sea-salt exfoliation from La Fervance, followed by Gua Sha techniques and micro-current technology, plus a soothing head and neck massage to release all that travel tension.
6 p.m.: Happy Hour at Olympic Bar
The heart of the hotel, Olympic Bar brings an energy to the entire first floor, with travelers looping around the round bar or groups chatting and snacking on sofas and loungers throughout the jewel toned space. Sip on Washington state wines or the signature Olympic Mule (made with honey vodka) and dip house-made potato chips into dungeness crab and artichoke dip with Beecher’s local cheese curds.
Afternoon tea service at Fairmont Olympic Hotel
7:30 p.m. Dinner at Shuckers
Still hungry? Settle in. This lively downtown oyster bar just below the lobby is one of the oldest seafood spots in the city, housed in a 1930s era haberdashery. Start with West Coast oysters, on the half shell or baked in a variety of decadent styles, and then look to the fish board for the day’s catch, served with decadent whipped potatoes and veggies. A side of rich lobster mac and cheese is encouraged, and you can chase it all down with classic cocktails.
10:30 p.m. Nightcap at Founders Club
Head back through the likely rowdy lobby and don’t get distracted – a speakeasy awaits (make a reservation via OpenTable to ensure you can snag a seat). Hidden behind a bookcase door, Founders Club is a dim lit lounge inspired by the property during the Prohibition era. Find both classic and unique craft cocktails here, along with splurge-worthy reserve drinks, like the $45 Founders Manhattan stirred witj Coalition Rye Whiskey, Vermouth, Luxardo Maraschino Pierre Ferrand Dry Curacao, and Lot 35 Creamy Earl Grey Tincture. Low alc and no alc drinks are available as well, plus an extensive library of spirits and wines.
Inside the Founders Club Bar at Fairmont Olympic in Seattle
9:00 a.m.: Latte at 4th Ave Espresso Bar
Skip the in-room coffee maker and head downstairs to the lobby level espresso bar, where you can grab a hot latte for a quick boost and explore the neighborhood, if you want some fresh air. Nearby sites include the Pike Place Market, the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum, Space Needle and the Great Wheel on the waterfront, and the earlier you visit, the better to avoid crowds.
11: a.m. Breakfast at The George
Fuel up with one more meal at the Fairmont, this time at The George, an elegant 1924-era dining room lush with art deco decor and design details. A weekend brunch offers luxe takes on American classics like lox Benedict wuth Pimenton hollandaise and buttered potatoes or buttermilk fried chicken with waffles and cognac butter. A daily breakfast includes dungeness crab on toast or in an omelette, plus more continental classics.
The George at Fairmont Olympic Seattle
12 p.m. Checkout
Checkout is at noon, but that doesn’t mean you have to pack up immediately. Before heading out, visit the second floor for a swim in the solarium-covered heated indoor pool, a soak in the hot tub and a steam in the sauna. On-site locker rooms offer easy access to shower and change before venturing off to your next destination.
