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.
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.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Ferry rides on Puget Sound
Seattle City on the Bay
We probably weren't the first nor the last who thought Seattle was situated on the ocean shore. What a surprise when the Pacific proved to be a 3-4 hour drive from town. You don't have to wait that long for a day, or even an hour on the water though. The Washington State Ferries offer a fast fix for those who crave to get in touch with their sea legs.
The official WA Ferry site offers a few ideas for trips all over Puget Sound.
For an instant "fresh nose" I suggest the ferry to Bainbridge Island. On the map you'll find Bainbridge to the left of downtown, only a 35-minute trip from the Seattle Pier 52.
All possible questions about ferry rides you may have are answered on the extensive site.
Pets may come along, but must be on leash or in carrier, but are NOT allowed above the car decks unless they are in a pet carrier. Too bad, that's keeping us from walking on, and that's a real pity cause it was one of our favorite little outings.
Jump on the bus, cross Elliott Bay, get off the ferry and walk to Winslow for breakfast, lunch, some shopping or just a good cup of Joe.
We often save room in our stomachs for the best treat at the Island Ice Cream & Coffee house on 584 Winslow Way. It's close to the ferry; close enough to keep an eye on cars queuing up to get on board. If you happen to have the car with you, park in line, then walk back to indulge on a cone from heaven.
The ferry ride back to Pier 52 offers the best skyline view of Seattle. And if you're lucky you'll get to see the biggest snow cone around, Mount Rainier!
Previously published by HotelByCity April 22, 2007
We probably weren't the first nor the last who thought Seattle was situated on the ocean shore. What a surprise when the Pacific proved to be a 3-4 hour drive from town. You don't have to wait that long for a day, or even an hour on the water though. The Washington State Ferries offer a fast fix for those who crave to get in touch with their sea legs.
The official WA Ferry site offers a few ideas for trips all over Puget Sound.
For an instant "fresh nose" I suggest the ferry to Bainbridge Island. On the map you'll find Bainbridge to the left of downtown, only a 35-minute trip from the Seattle Pier 52.
All possible questions about ferry rides you may have are answered on the extensive site.
Pets may come along, but must be on leash or in carrier, but are NOT allowed above the car decks unless they are in a pet carrier. Too bad, that's keeping us from walking on, and that's a real pity cause it was one of our favorite little outings.
Jump on the bus, cross Elliott Bay, get off the ferry and walk to Winslow for breakfast, lunch, some shopping or just a good cup of Joe.
We often save room in our stomachs for the best treat at the Island Ice Cream & Coffee house on 584 Winslow Way. It's close to the ferry; close enough to keep an eye on cars queuing up to get on board. If you happen to have the car with you, park in line, then walk back to indulge on a cone from heaven.
The ferry ride back to Pier 52 offers the best skyline view of Seattle. And if you're lucky you'll get to see the biggest snow cone around, Mount Rainier!
Previously published by HotelByCity April 22, 2007
Café Campagne - or how French can you get in Seattle
Cafe Campagne, the more casual sibling of Campagne Restaurant in Seattle's Post Alley, near Pike Place Market is definitely one of my Seattle favorites.
I showed up by my self and wasn't hauled off to the back of the cafe, but given a good table in the front. Since I was going to The Moore Theatre and a bit strapped for time, I opted for a creamy carrot & fennel soup, which was —I kid you not— to die for. The first spoonful brought a big smile to my face.
Before the soup arrived, good bread and butter lined my stomach for what the gentle folks at Campagne call a taste of wine. Now this is the most civilized invention since, what? Mmmh., offering a second fork for dessert perhaps. No, it ranks higher on my list of appreciated gestures. A 2 oz serving of this or that (see the winelist) with bread and soup may be followed by another taste to go with the excellent "Bucherondin de chèvre baked on croutons and served on a salad of frisée and arugula in a scallion vinaigrette" (their menu wording). The serving of goat cheese could have been a bit smaller as far as I'm concerned, but hey, who's to complain about that?
Eyeing the plates of the couple at the table next to me, who had arrived in time for dinner (I later saw them at The Moore). I knew I'd be back for a longer visit. One had the special, something with fish that looked and smelled divine, the other the steak frites.
Last week I did return with my Beau. The ambience is great for a intimate tête a tête, but watching a couple pet at the bar made me wish for proper attire rules: No shorts, especially not if wine makes you lose control of your hands. But that as an aside.
While both of us craved steak frites, the foursome at the neighboring table had chosen the menu prix fixe, highly recommendable if I go by their happy countenance, the aroma and look of the plates.
Our choice reinforced my conviction that I prefer top sirloin or entrecôte many times over flank, and that however much I love twice fried fries, extra-extra brown really is over the top. The heap piled high on hour plates resembled a fried bird's nest.
Looks like we'll be going back to try the chef's specials, or just for a coffee & dessert, or another few tastes of the wine list.
Ah, and if we can get our butts in gear early in the morning, Oeufs en Cocotte or Brioche fried in Bourbon egg batter, call it French Toast with an attitude will make my day.
Previously published April 22, 2007 by HotelsByCity
I showed up by my self and wasn't hauled off to the back of the cafe, but given a good table in the front. Since I was going to The Moore Theatre and a bit strapped for time, I opted for a creamy carrot & fennel soup, which was —I kid you not— to die for. The first spoonful brought a big smile to my face.
Before the soup arrived, good bread and butter lined my stomach for what the gentle folks at Campagne call a taste of wine. Now this is the most civilized invention since, what? Mmmh., offering a second fork for dessert perhaps. No, it ranks higher on my list of appreciated gestures. A 2 oz serving of this or that (see the winelist) with bread and soup may be followed by another taste to go with the excellent "Bucherondin de chèvre baked on croutons and served on a salad of frisée and arugula in a scallion vinaigrette" (their menu wording). The serving of goat cheese could have been a bit smaller as far as I'm concerned, but hey, who's to complain about that?
Eyeing the plates of the couple at the table next to me, who had arrived in time for dinner (I later saw them at The Moore). I knew I'd be back for a longer visit. One had the special, something with fish that looked and smelled divine, the other the steak frites.
Last week I did return with my Beau. The ambience is great for a intimate tête a tête, but watching a couple pet at the bar made me wish for proper attire rules: No shorts, especially not if wine makes you lose control of your hands. But that as an aside.
While both of us craved steak frites, the foursome at the neighboring table had chosen the menu prix fixe, highly recommendable if I go by their happy countenance, the aroma and look of the plates.
Our choice reinforced my conviction that I prefer top sirloin or entrecôte many times over flank, and that however much I love twice fried fries, extra-extra brown really is over the top. The heap piled high on hour plates resembled a fried bird's nest.
Looks like we'll be going back to try the chef's specials, or just for a coffee & dessert, or another few tastes of the wine list.
Ah, and if we can get our butts in gear early in the morning, Oeufs en Cocotte or Brioche fried in Bourbon egg batter, call it French Toast with an attitude will make my day.
Previously published April 22, 2007 by HotelsByCity
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
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