The Fairmont Olympic Hotel which opened its doors in 1924, breathes history. Located smack downtown, this Five Diamond beauty puts you in the middle of one of Seattle's entertainment areas. For one, you're at walking distance from the Seattle Central Public Library. If you think you don't need a library during your stay in Seattle, reconsider. The building designed by world renowned Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas, is more than a library, it's a site to see, it's a learning tool, a meeting place, a smashing hit you can't afford to miss.
Benaroya Hall, home of the Seattle Symphony, is only a few blocks west. Across the street from the recital hall, you'll find a fantastic music venue and Pan-Asian eatery The Triple Door as well as restaurant Wild Ginger.
Closer yet to your home away from home is the 5th Avenue Theatre, where Shrek the Musical was mounted in the spring of 2008.
Another great venue is the Paramount Theatre. If your visit includes a first Saturday of the month, you shouldn't miss a tour, and do check out the rest of their programming. Oh, and when other theaters are "dark" (on Mondays) you can watch a silent movie at this grand location.
Fans of open markets, will enjoy Pike Place Market (where salmon gets to fly). Many of the restaurants in or around the Market present wonderful views of Puget Sound and the Olympic mountains.
The Fairmont Olympic was renovated in the early 1980s and is an elegant building listed on the Register of Historic Places. The Fairmont Olympic is a fine example of Historic Hotels of America.
From the moment you step out of your car and enter the regal lobby of the Fairmont Olympic, you will experience personal attention and service. The Fairmont Olympic takes up a whole city block, and while there are all kind of attractions in the area, you could spend your entire visit in and around the hotel itself.
I'm thinking tea at The Georgian after our arrival, cocktails in the piano bar, dinner at Shuckers, breakfast in bed, or perhaps a "grand crème" with a croissant at the lovely French coffee shop you can get to from the lobby. Reading the newspaper and watching passers by on 4th Ave. will probably make us want to have a baguette at the same place, why not? Then, dinner at The Georgian (or at least a cup of mushroom soup (at the Terrace), it is de-li-cious), and if we feel we need to, we can work it all off at the gym or in the swimming pool.
Luly Yang's Boutique is on my list, as are the other shops inside and around the hotel. Mmmh.
Showing posts with label seattle. Show all posts
Showing posts with label seattle. Show all posts
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Hotel Max
About the Hotel Max
Remember the old Vance Hotel? It's now called Max, and it has had a total make-over. Smack downtown and yet with ample breathing space. The view of the Court House garden is really green. Hotel Max is a mere 6 blocks from Pike Place Market, 7 from Western Ave. (furniture lovers haven), and 8 from Elliott Bay's waterfront. Combine business with pleasure in this startling designer hotel decorated with over 350 works of art by 39 local artists and photographers. You like the sink?, go ahead and buy it (a fresh one that is), same for linen, plasma t.v. etc. Like the art? The concierge will connect you with the artists or their gallery. A catalogue of all works of art and artists is available at the front desk for $20.
Hotel Max is Mod, Hotel Max is Innovative (designed to display real art), Hotel Max is Romantic and it Rocks! Rooms and bathrooms in this stylish brownstone are not large but attractive, with lovely linen, New Millenium features, and great service. The excellent Westlake Specialty Market (Wild Board cold cuts, wine, desserts etc.) is around the corner as is local favorite Uptown Espresso. Close to museums, libraries (Koolhaas and Braille) shops and theaters.
Previously published by hotelsbycity who credited (in this case) seattleblogman9 for my writing.
Remember the old Vance Hotel? It's now called Max, and it has had a total make-over. Smack downtown and yet with ample breathing space. The view of the Court House garden is really green. Hotel Max is a mere 6 blocks from Pike Place Market, 7 from Western Ave. (furniture lovers haven), and 8 from Elliott Bay's waterfront. Combine business with pleasure in this startling designer hotel decorated with over 350 works of art by 39 local artists and photographers. You like the sink?, go ahead and buy it (a fresh one that is), same for linen, plasma t.v. etc. Like the art? The concierge will connect you with the artists or their gallery. A catalogue of all works of art and artists is available at the front desk for $20.
Hotel Max is Mod, Hotel Max is Innovative (designed to display real art), Hotel Max is Romantic and it Rocks! Rooms and bathrooms in this stylish brownstone are not large but attractive, with lovely linen, New Millenium features, and great service. The excellent Westlake Specialty Market (Wild Board cold cuts, wine, desserts etc.) is around the corner as is local favorite Uptown Espresso. Close to museums, libraries (Koolhaas and Braille) shops and theaters.
Previously published by hotelsbycity who credited (in this case) seattleblogman9 for my writing.
Marqueen Hotel
Built in 1918, the half block that now houses The Marqueen Hotelwas an apartment complex when we arrived in Seattle. With Cafe Ladro Espresso and bakery at your doorstep, the in-house Spa and Salon Intermezzo Piccolo, and Mercer Ten all located within the same structure, you don't have to venture far for special treats.
Thespians will find McCaw Hall (Seattle Opera and Pacific Northwest Ballet) Seattle Rep, as well as award-winning Intiman Theater, Rock & Pop Lovers the Experience Music Project (EMP) and the plain curious Pacific Science Center at walking distance. Not to forget the zany Teatro Zinzanni where dinner and entertainment are mixed on the spot.
The Marqueen Hotel, is an excellent starting point to investigate the rest of the city. Although, with a multitude of eclectic restaurant choices for each meal of the day within a 100 yard radius from the hotel, you may be enticed you to stay in one neighborhood. Queen Anne Hill has it all.
Recommended to Wagner buffs, hoofing aficionados and savvy thespians, who keep an eye on innovative Intiman and Seattle Repertory programming.
Previously published in slightly different form by hotelsbycity which (in this case) credited my pal seattleblogman9 for my writing.
Thespians will find McCaw Hall (Seattle Opera and Pacific Northwest Ballet) Seattle Rep, as well as award-winning Intiman Theater, Rock & Pop Lovers the Experience Music Project (EMP) and the plain curious Pacific Science Center at walking distance. Not to forget the zany Teatro Zinzanni where dinner and entertainment are mixed on the spot.
The Marqueen Hotel, is an excellent starting point to investigate the rest of the city. Although, with a multitude of eclectic restaurant choices for each meal of the day within a 100 yard radius from the hotel, you may be enticed you to stay in one neighborhood. Queen Anne Hill has it all.
Recommended to Wagner buffs, hoofing aficionados and savvy thespians, who keep an eye on innovative Intiman and Seattle Repertory programming.
Previously published in slightly different form by hotelsbycity which (in this case) credited my pal seattleblogman9 for my writing.
Inn at Queen Anne
Pretend you live in Seattle. Shop for local delicacies across the street. Treat yourself to a special in-room bite before going to On-the-Boards, the Seattle Repertory or Intiman Theatre. Dress up for the Seattle Opera or the Pacific Northwest Ballet, or casually slip into Uptown movies. Browse the stacks at Easy Street Records for a CD by an old time favorite, or the latest by the up-and-coming. Watch people brave the spray of the International Fountain at Seattle Center on a hot day. Mount the complimentary shuttle to the Olympic Sculpture Garden and afterwards have cocktail at Cafe Mecca, an appetizer at T.S. McHugh's or a coffee at Uptown. Act like you're at home, you are at the Inn on Queen Anne.
Don't forget to check out the specials for a night on the town, or an extra day at the foot of the Hill.
Previously published by hotelbycity which credited an other blogger for my writing.
Don't forget to check out the specials for a night on the town, or an extra day at the foot of the Hill.
Previously published by hotelbycity which credited an other blogger for my writing.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Gluten Free Dining - Seattle Area - Good for You!
Delectable Sensations to be had
Dietary restrictions can really put a damper on traveling. Whether you suffer from Coelic or Celiac Disease (gluten sensitivity) any other allergies, or from food intolerance (immediate adverse reaction to food, no histamines involved) you can have a hell of time finding a restaurant that caters to your needs. Or better yet satisfies your cravings.
In Seattle you'll find a good number of fine eateries that will make you forget you're on a restricted diet —while the memory lapse won't get you into trouble.
Check out Bamboo Garden in the lower Queen Anne Hill neighborhood, a couple of blocks north of the Space Needle. Just tell your server restrictions regarding preparation of the dishes you wish to order.
The Bonefish Grill on west side of Lake Union, provides a menu with with clearly marked GF dishes.
At Cafe Flora in Madison Valley, know for the vegetarian dishes, you'll also discover non-dairy and gluten free options on the menu.
Up the hill from Cafe Flora, in the same hood, you'll find the Impromptu Wine Cafe Bar where chef Dan promises to create a great meal for people: "…who have felt tentative about eating in restaurants".
Visit The Flying Apron Bakery in Fremont for organic, gluten free and wheat free products, often sweetened with alternatives for sugar.
Three times hurray for Lombardi's Neighborhood Italian in Ballard, where you may request a GF menu.
On Sundays Restaurant Zoe waves corkage fees, so feel free to bring your own bottle to enjoy with a meal especially created with your sensitivities in mind.
A great choice on lower Queen Anne Hill for dinner and drinks before or after the theatre is Ten Mercer. Best is if you notify them ahead of time, so they can accomodate your dietary needs. For spur of the moment visits, ask for the GF menu they have on file.
Wild Ginger, a popular Pan Asian Restaurant across the street from the Seattle Symphony on Third Avenue can accomodate most dietary needs. Their kitchen caters to Triple Door one of the hottest music venues in town with eclectic programming.
National chain restaurants such as The Old Spaghetti Factory (although mentioning a pasta joint under the heading "gluten free dining" seems a bit odd), the Outback Steak House (same owners in Seattle as Bonefish Grill), PF Changs and Red Robin offer gluten free options upon request.
Previously published at hotelsbycity 4/16/2007
Dietary restrictions can really put a damper on traveling. Whether you suffer from Coelic or Celiac Disease (gluten sensitivity) any other allergies, or from food intolerance (immediate adverse reaction to food, no histamines involved) you can have a hell of time finding a restaurant that caters to your needs. Or better yet satisfies your cravings.
In Seattle you'll find a good number of fine eateries that will make you forget you're on a restricted diet —while the memory lapse won't get you into trouble.
Check out Bamboo Garden in the lower Queen Anne Hill neighborhood, a couple of blocks north of the Space Needle. Just tell your server restrictions regarding preparation of the dishes you wish to order.
The Bonefish Grill on west side of Lake Union, provides a menu with with clearly marked GF dishes.
At Cafe Flora in Madison Valley, know for the vegetarian dishes, you'll also discover non-dairy and gluten free options on the menu.
Up the hill from Cafe Flora, in the same hood, you'll find the Impromptu Wine Cafe Bar where chef Dan promises to create a great meal for people: "…who have felt tentative about eating in restaurants".
Visit The Flying Apron Bakery in Fremont for organic, gluten free and wheat free products, often sweetened with alternatives for sugar.
Three times hurray for Lombardi's Neighborhood Italian in Ballard, where you may request a GF menu.
On Sundays Restaurant Zoe waves corkage fees, so feel free to bring your own bottle to enjoy with a meal especially created with your sensitivities in mind.
A great choice on lower Queen Anne Hill for dinner and drinks before or after the theatre is Ten Mercer. Best is if you notify them ahead of time, so they can accomodate your dietary needs. For spur of the moment visits, ask for the GF menu they have on file.
Wild Ginger, a popular Pan Asian Restaurant across the street from the Seattle Symphony on Third Avenue can accomodate most dietary needs. Their kitchen caters to Triple Door one of the hottest music venues in town with eclectic programming.
National chain restaurants such as The Old Spaghetti Factory (although mentioning a pasta joint under the heading "gluten free dining" seems a bit odd), the Outback Steak House (same owners in Seattle as Bonefish Grill), PF Changs and Red Robin offer gluten free options upon request.
Previously published at hotelsbycity 4/16/2007
Coffee Shops in Seattle with Wireless Perks
Hot Spots
There are a great number of independent free (or mostly free) wireless coffee shops in Seattle. Places where you can buy your Java, bring your laptop or iBook and get online. The web site WiFi Mug offers an impressive list of hot spots all over town, as well as lists focussed on neighborhoods, from Alki Bakery on Alki (Beach) in West Seattle, to Tea House Kuan Yin in Wallingford and Grateful Bread in Wedgewood.
Check WiFi Mug for individual hot spot policies.
For every chain coffee shop in Seattle, there's usually an independent alternative kitty corner, or right around the bend of the road!
Previously published at hotelsbycity 3/25/2007
There are a great number of independent free (or mostly free) wireless coffee shops in Seattle. Places where you can buy your Java, bring your laptop or iBook and get online. The web site WiFi Mug offers an impressive list of hot spots all over town, as well as lists focussed on neighborhoods, from Alki Bakery on Alki (Beach) in West Seattle, to Tea House Kuan Yin in Wallingford and Grateful Bread in Wedgewood.
Check WiFi Mug for individual hot spot policies.
For every chain coffee shop in Seattle, there's usually an independent alternative kitty corner, or right around the bend of the road!
Previously published at hotelsbycity 3/25/2007
Monday, April 7, 2008
Kosher Restaurants in Seattle
Kashrut Dining
Bamboo Garden Vegetarian Cuisine, certified kosher by Va'ad Harabanim of Greater Seattle is conveniently close to Seattle Center is a great place to dine before or after the Opera, the Ballet, the Theatre, or a Game.
If you really crave kosher Indian cuisine, you don't mind going the extra mile. In this case drive to Renton. From downtown you can take the scenic route, following Lake Washington Boulevard to Seward Park, then Seward Park Avenue to Rainier Boulevard, all the time skirting the lake. When you see no more water, and Renton Airport (with all those cute little airplanes) appears on your left, you're almost there. Pabla Cuisine is located in the mini mall, on the western side of Rainier Ave., straight across from Fred Meyer Shopping Centre. Mr. Harnek Pabla has run his family owned business in this spot since 1998. Pabla is certified kosher by Va'ad Harabanim of Greater Seattle
If now is not the time for a drive "south", you can always wait until the Sonics have moved to Renton…
On the other hand, you don't have to drive to Renton for some exquisite kosher catering, Nosh Away will be happy to come to you, that is, if you have a grand affaire, a business gathering, banquet, or any other event that calls for kosher catering. Nosh Away is Glatt Kosher as well as certified kosher by Va'ad Harabanim of Greater Seattle.
Previously published at hotelsbycity 3/15/2007
Bamboo Garden Vegetarian Cuisine, certified kosher by Va'ad Harabanim of Greater Seattle is conveniently close to Seattle Center is a great place to dine before or after the Opera, the Ballet, the Theatre, or a Game.
If you really crave kosher Indian cuisine, you don't mind going the extra mile. In this case drive to Renton. From downtown you can take the scenic route, following Lake Washington Boulevard to Seward Park, then Seward Park Avenue to Rainier Boulevard, all the time skirting the lake. When you see no more water, and Renton Airport (with all those cute little airplanes) appears on your left, you're almost there. Pabla Cuisine is located in the mini mall, on the western side of Rainier Ave., straight across from Fred Meyer Shopping Centre. Mr. Harnek Pabla has run his family owned business in this spot since 1998. Pabla is certified kosher by Va'ad Harabanim of Greater Seattle
If now is not the time for a drive "south", you can always wait until the Sonics have moved to Renton…
On the other hand, you don't have to drive to Renton for some exquisite kosher catering, Nosh Away will be happy to come to you, that is, if you have a grand affaire, a business gathering, banquet, or any other event that calls for kosher catering. Nosh Away is Glatt Kosher as well as certified kosher by Va'ad Harabanim of Greater Seattle.
Previously published at hotelsbycity 3/15/2007
Croissant Fourré in Seattle
Hotel lounges are among my favorite places to read the paper, watch people and talk to strangers. Some are more welcoming to non-guests than others, or have more of a neighborhood-meeting place feel to them. Such is the case with the cafe and tearoom of the Panama Hotel in the International District. Excellent coffee, a long list of tea choices, good Panini and a choice of sweets make a visit extra attractive. Croissants can be had at any coffee shop, but if you're lucky you may find there's a croissant fourré left on the platter. They're called almond croissants here, but I swear, the first time I bit through flaky pastry in sweet almond paste, my upper lip dusted with powdered sugar, I had visions of early mornings in Paris and Strasbourg.
Previously published by hotelbycity 1/13/2007
Previously published by hotelbycity 1/13/2007
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