When a 6.8 earthquake struck in February 2001, executives at the
Four Seasons Olympic Hotel saw an opportunity to accelerate
renovations on the landmark 1924 building.
On a recent hosted visit to the 450-room hotel, I got a
firsthand look at the results of a two-year, $18 million makeover,
and I liked what I saw.
The hotel’s mezzanine boasts bright new attractive colors, and
the 5,068-square-foot Spanish ballroom has handsome new carpeting.
The fitness center features upgraded workout equipment, with
individual televisions at many of the machines, and the corridors
show off new upholstery, rugs, drapes and artwork.
In the coming months, the hotel intends to improve the exterior
of the building, which is noteworthy for its high, arched Palladian
windows.
The hotel has long been on the National Register of Historic
Places and the Four Seasons management dutifully preserves the
historic ambience. But its rooms now feature complimentary
high-speed Internet access via new three-line speakerphones,
cordless bedside phone, CD players, 27-inch televisions and
PlayStation controllers, along with games that can be downloaded by
the hour.
When it came to service, Four Seasons Olympic impressed me, my
family and our Welsh corgi, Spice. The hotel welcomes small,
well-behaved pets, and whenever we passed through the lobby, the
staff members greeted all of us by name, including the pooch.
In the guest room, our daughter was welcomed by alphabet-shaped
sugar cookies spelling out her name and little bowls of icing and
sweets to decorate them. For Spice, two dog bowls were set on a
tray, accompanied by a bottle of Evian water and dog biscuits
wrapped with a bow.
When it was time for exercise, we splashed around the skylit
indoor pool and soaked in the Jacuzzi. Spice, meanwhile, took full
advantage of the hotel’s dog-walking services. For $15, the bellman
led her on a 20-minute stroll.
Four Seasons Olympic’s location is perfect for sightseeing
families. A short walk took us down to the waterfront home of boat
tours, restaurants, trolley rides, horse-drawn carriages and
Seattle souvenir shops.
Through April 2003, the Four Seasons’ Fun Family Getaway is $235
per night, including executive suite accommodations, valet parking
and discounts to some of the city’s popular attractions such as the
zoo and aquarium. As part of the deal, kids get a welcome amenity
and one free in-room movie each day.
Hotel Review
Hits: Modern amenities in historic surroundings; impeccable
service; in-room high-tech goodies.
Misses: The main entrance is one floor below the lobby and
registration desk.
Be Aware: Valet parking, no self parking available.
Clientele: 65 percent business travelers, 35 percent leisure
guests.
Rates: From $305 per night, double occupancy, through April 30,
2003.
800-332-3442; www.fourseasons.com/seattle
