Suite Sleeps…Sleeping in Seattle

Top Spots for Sleeping in Seattle 

(Four Seasons in Downtown Seattle)

In Seattle and the surrounding areas, there are several inspired four and five star places to stay for the discerning travelers. From chic boutique to old world wonders, you can kick back or kick it up a notch, depending upon your client’s personal preference and pleasure. Whether it’s waterfalls, wineries or an expansive lakeside view, whatever you choose, it’s sure to be suite and dreamy in Seattle.

Four Seasons
The big buzz on the hotel front was the opening of The Four Seasons in downtown Seattle. It’s not the first time the hotel has set up residence in the city as the now Fairmont was the once Four Seasons.

We took a quick spin through the property, a big departure for the brand. They utilize Pacific Northwest elements from the stone wall in the lobby to the elegant tree trunk used for a reception in to the restaurant and bar.

The hotel has an art museum like quality showcasing the talents of Pacific Northwest artist throughout the property. This theme is taken seriously as the restaurant is called Art. In the private dining room of Art is a black and white wall of photos celebrating the artists whose work is displayed throughout.

The Pacific Northwest tone and color continue in the design evoking a sensual and serene sensibility at every turn. Although the property had low numbers in week three, it already had several weddings in the books. It’s no wonder as the view of Lake Washington was incredibly romantic.

The TV in the bathroom mirror allows you to keep up with the news while readying your busy day. If booking, ask for a water view. The expansive blue view and windows are well worth the extra dosh.  www.fourseasons.com/seattle

(The infinity Pool at TheFour Seasons Hotel)

(Hotel 1000 in Downtown Seattle)

Hotel 1000

Hotel 1000 is a part of the MTM Luxury Lodging Group located in Kirkland, just outside of Seattle. MTM’s intimate portfolio boasts one of kind, independent properties with it’s own unique vision and voice and with indigenous design.

This streak of creative independence is immediately apparent upon entering Hotel 1000, located on 1st Avenue in downtown Seattle. It is what you would imagine the chic, geek tech types would need while wheeling, dealing, drinking and thinking in downtown Seattle.
The attention to detail is unparalleled as there are many one of kind high tech elements in the hotel that do not exist in any other hotel anywhere. IdentityMine designed, developed and installed the customized applications for Microsoft Surface specifically for Hotel 1000, which features more than 100 Points of Interest, a Card Reader for guests’ digital cameras, a custom music selection. Also at the drop of your hand you can view any far-flung spot on the globe via satellite. It’s impressive, like an-oversized tabletop IPhone.
 

For the global golfer, The Golf Club, a virtual club on site comes complete with a pro, tee times and every conceivable virtual course around the globe inclusive of St. Andrews and Pinehurst, to name but a few. Your client can tee up with a foursome and schedule tournaments, perfect for the corporate or impassioned golf traveler.

Work and pleasure equally easy to access with free phone calls, wireless and free use of the business center 24/7. The gym too is available around the clock and the spa has long hours and extensive services.

If you can pull yourself away from your sleek suite, with an oversized tub that fills from the ceiling or your personalized Gallery of Art on your own flat screen TV, you are just steps away from BoKa, the on site restaurant. BoKa is known for its seasonal classic cocktail menu, an abundance of Pacific Northwest wines and an inspired, locally sourced cuisine that will slow down the pace as you savor this sweet culinary experience. This hotel is definitely batting a 1000.  www.hotel1000seattle.com

(The Heathman Hotel in Kirkland)

The Heathman Hotel
The Heathman’s five star hotel in Kirkland recently celebrated its one-year anniversary. This stunning property quickly filled a well-needed niche for the savvy business traveler, alongside Woodmark, the other five-star in town.

The Heathman is not all business as Kirkland, an idyllic town on the water (Lake Washington) is a great getaway for Washingtonians and visitors alike as it is a mere fifteen to twenty minutes from Woodinville wineries and twenty to thirty from Seattle.

Book one of their suites with the double-sided fireplace for both the sitting and bedroom. The high ceilings in the bedroom on the top floor (the 4th) will make you feel like you are staying in a palace. Perhaps you are, as the staff will treat you like a king or queen throughout the hotel and in their spa. Best bet; go with one of their signatures services where the treatment is unique and products locally sourced. Ask for Nicole who delivers the decadence with their Moss XYZ, which includes a massage and a scrub, which will have you floating and glowing.

If time allows go for a quick spin around the neighborhood, filled with cafes, some exceptional shops and an array of urban art on benches and by the water. Pop in to their gym before dinner. It is by far the best hotel gym you will ever experience. No need to give the evil eye to the cardio king as there’s plenty to go around.

You can celebrate your gym success with a decadent dinner at the Heathman’s restaurant Trellis, where the chef is well known for locally sourcing, not a trend but a point of practice amongst Seattle chefs. No one does it better than XYZ who has his own farm in nearby Woondinville. Locals frequent Trellis and the spa often, so secure dinner reservations and bookings far in advance.

If hitting Seattle in the summer months, Kirkland’s Uncorked, a Washington wine festival takes place on their waterfront, just steps away from the hotel in mid July.   www.heathmankirkland.com

(The waterfront in Kirkland)

The Woodmark Hotel
The Woodmark in Kirkland, another MTM Luxury Lodging property is a favored place for Washington weddings. It’s no wonder as it sits right on Lake Washington. I suggest requesting the lakeside view. Regardless of your room, you are feet away from the waterfront. So take advantage and go for a stroll, weather permitting. If it rains, fear not as it allows for a cozy drink in, at the library bar. Business travelers too favor the Woodmark due to its close proximity to the tech epicenters in Bellevue and Redmond.

bin vivant the newly opened restaurant on site is a must for foodies and wine lovers alike. The wine driven restaurant sets the wines first, then the food will follow. Chef Lisa, formerly at Napa’s famed French Laundry works closely with XYZ the sommelier to set the menu. As Lisa said, “If you add asparagus to a dish it can throw the whole pairing.” 

Slip in to their award-winning spa or simply enjoy the view. Across the lake is the home of Bill Gate’s. It just doesn’t get better than this. www.thewoodmark.com

(The Bar at The Woodmark Hotel in Kirkland)

(The Sculpture Garden at The Willows Lodge)

Willows Lodge

The Woodinwille wine region is a great place to start your venture outside the city. Although not a grape growing region, it is a very viable place to showcase and taste as it is a mere 45 minutes northeast of Seattle and home to 45 Washington wineries. Notable labels, Chateau St. Michelle & Columbia are two of the wineries in the region and within walking distance of The Willows Lodge. So, if you or your clients are looking for a true Washington wine experience while visiting Seattle, Woodinville is just the place.

Willow Lodge also a member of MTM Luxury Lodging group has long been the great escape for wine lovers, romance seekers and foodies from afar. You can walk to a few local wineries or arrange a car service for others in the area. Most tasting rooms are open seven days a week and Chateau St. Michelle across the street has a summer concert series with big names like Earth Wind and Fire and Stevie Wonder singing under the stars.

Come rain or come shine the romance is all year long at Willows Lodge, a spot to pop the question, a favored place for Washingtonian weddings or simply a window away to rekindle your romance. The high vaulted ceilings, fireplace and rose petals in the tub will set the mood as will the Jacuzzi and intimate day spa, perfect for singles or couples.

If the relaxation and romance is more than you can handle, join the culinary crowd across the lot at their onsite restaurant, The Barking Frog where Pacific Northwest and Washington wines are celebrated. If you miss a winery tour by day, no worries as you’ll hit several wineries in your precisely paired meal. Sit back, relax and absorb the stories of each wine poured. Good news, the ride home is a walk across the lot.

Right next-door to The Barking Frog is the famous Herbfarm Restaurant, the only AAA, 5 Diamond restaurant North of San Francisco and west of Chicago. Foodies from across the country and around the globe pull in to The Willow Lodge just to experience this nine-course extravaganza. If you don’t want the experience to end, The Herbfarm has two suites on site at The Willows Lodge. Plan in advance, as The Willows is the only lodge in the area and books up on weekends. www.willowslodge.com

(Willows Lodge in the Woodinville Wine Region)

Salish Lodge

Whether it’s a wedding or a weekend away, The Salish Lodge is a must if visiting the region. The recent opening of Snoqualmie casino is just another addition to the allure of the area, the Snoqualmie Fall being the big draw along with the surrounding slopes.

As I walked in to the restaurant at The Salish, a woman making a reservation for dinner during her two-day stay said she saved up for a long time to stay there. The Salish has that special occasion feel to it. It’s no wonder as their suites were incredibly impressive. They had the separate oversized tub and shower, not one but two. As you walk out on to you private terrace, not a ledge but a full wrap around terrace you will feel the fuss and Snoqualmie Fall is just for you.

If you slip in to the casual café upstairs, the salmon soup is exceptional, a meal unto itself. But the real show takes place in The Restaurant where the fall feels reachable. Sunday brunch is a must with a full French pressed global coffee menu and a series of decadent dishes from Croques Madame to Eggs Benedict complemented by an Italian champagne.

The Asian inspired Spa was a couples or doubles fest. I’ve never seen so many men in attendance. You can see why. It was an endless series of rooms, dipping pools, sauna and steam and like any great menu it was hard to choose. They helped me with the decision-making process suggesting a bit of a mix. I ended up with a deep tissue and a hot stone combo with some cranial sacral therapy thrown in for good measure. Good it was!

I savored the experience by hitting the steam and sauna and was only sorry I didn’t pack a suit for the huge Jacuzzi. I was told by the staff that they are a laid back place and a wrapped towel would do. Fearing a wardrobe malfunction I passed on the possibility. I guess I’ll have to go back for the full experience. www.salishlodge.com

(The Snoqualmie Fall at Salish Lodge)

PHOTOS AND TEXT BY KAREN LOFTUS