Hotel Review: Four Seasons Seattle

We were invited guests of the Four Seasons Seattle on this trip. I received no other compensation beyond the room and a lovely "welcome platter" of cookies and juice. The hotel did not require that I express a particular point of view.

Do you ever see a fancy new hotel open up in town, and wonder to yourself - "what do those rooms look like inside" and "who stays there?" You can see inside the lobby, but that's it!

Four Seasons Seattle Lobby

I've been more intrigued by the new Four Seasons hotel in Seattle than by most hotels. It's Northwesty, modern, and cozy feeling all at once.

E digs into his breakfast at the Four Seasons Seattle

My obsession has only become worse since we tried out the hotel restaurant's brunch last year. The relatively formal restaurant does a nice job of accommodating kids (and kids meals are about $6 depending on what you order). This has become our standby (at our own expense) when my husband and I are in the mood for a nicer meal, but don't have a sitter lined up.

You can imagine that when the hotel offered us a free night, so that the family could experience the hotel room and the pool, we jumped at the chance!

Our one bedroom suite was far nicer room than we would have ever spluged on ourselves. It's absolutely enormous, and there's lots of room for everyone to stretch out. Honestly, I am so gaga over this room, that I've completely lost all sense of reason, but maybe you'll join me for the ride anyway.

Four Seasons Seattle Living Room (one bedroom suite)

Breakfast "nook" at the Four Seasons Seattle (one bedroom suite)

Just look at this bedroom. I don't have to tell you how cozy that bed is.

Master Bedroom at the Four Seasons Seattle (one bedroom suite)

But the kids weren't pining for that bed (afterall, baby Eilan doesn't wake them up every night just to "say hi"). There's only one thing they want. I'll give you a hint... it begins with "P"

Darya wishes she could be transported into the pool

We had a miserable spring in Seattle, one that most people dubbed "Junetober" because there were so many gray days, and yet somehow our day at the pool, scheduled months ahead of time, landed on the first warm day of the year.

Seattle Four Seasons Outdoor Pool

Outdoor public pools are a rarity in Seattle, and on a day like this, the pool and the warm weather are a real luxury. The pool doesn't really have a shallow, splashing area, and would be best for kids who know how to swim. Luckily the Jacuzzi wasn't over-hot and both kids enjoyed splashing in it instead.

E lets go of all his school-week stress at the pool

Doesn't E look like he's ready for someone to deliver him a fruity drink? There's a cabana at the pool where you can order drinks or grab a cool cup of water. Periodically, as part of a special summer promotion, the staff comes around with free treats like smoothies in plastic shot glasses, frozen grapes, popsicles or fruit kabobs. It seems like my kids are constantly snacking, so this was a real treat. Eventually, we ordered up a whole lunch poolside.

Kids meals delivered poolside

And then, when the sun finally got to be too much for our poor, pasty, Seattle skin, the kids cuddled up with a movie.

I can't remember when we've had such a relaxing day. Perhaps it was because our travel time to get here was less than 15 minutes, perhaps it was the unexpected sunshine, or perhaps it was all those luxuries. In any case, it was a great way to kick off the summer.

If you do decide to stay at this hotel, here are a few tips:

• Kids up early? Walk down to Pike Place market and watch the vendors set up
• The concierge has a carefully selected set of children's books about the Pacific Northwest. Even if you've brought your own reading material, it's worth stopping by to see what's there (the concierge also has DVDs and CDs)
• There's a Fran's Chocolate shop in the lobby. Don't pass it up, Fran's is making some of the best chocolate in the city right now (and this is a city with stiff competition)
• Check the hotel website for seasonal promotions. Right now, families can book a second room at half price.
• If you live in town, and that pool looks like a treat, consider booking a spa package. Several packages include access to the pool and gym.

Filed Under: hotel-review

3 comments | Posted on August 3, 2010 | Save to del.icio.us

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