During a recent Seattle visit, I stayed at the Homewood Suites by Hilton Seattle Convention Center/Pike Street. The property, which opened last May, continues the brand’s foray into urban markets. Located two blocks away from the Washington State Convention & Trade Center and walking distance from the world-famous Pike Place Market, the hotel underwent a $9 million transformation to become an all-suite property, offering 195 rooms in five categories.
The lobby of Hilton Seattle Convention Center/Pike Street.
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Homewood strives for a home-away-from-home atmosphere, and at the Seattle property at least, they are extremely successful. From the moment I arrived, I felt more like I was staying at a friend’s apartment than in a hotel — that is, if my friend served me meals daily, did my grocery shopping and offered to drive me around. One of the most impressive features of the property is its included amenities.
Every morning, a hot breakfast is served in the lobby, complete with fresh pots of Starbucks coffee and an ever-popular do-it-yourself waffle-making station. Clients can choose from fruit, scrambled eggs, various cereals, muffins and more to start their morning off right. Even to-go cups stand at the ready for convention-goers who just want to grab a cup of joe and go.
Dinnertime offers a similar experience. Monday through Thursday, a delicious, complimentary dinner is served, with homestyle dishes like vegetable lasagna — which was excellent by the way — and free beer and wine.
If guests want to whip up a quick meal in their room, suites are equipped with all the tools with which to do so, including a full-size refrigerator, dishwasher, two-burner stove and a microwave. Guests don’t even have to hunt down a grocery store. They can just drop a list of the goodies they need with the front desk on their way out in the morning, and the groceries will be waiting for them when they return. There’s no charge for this service, and the bill for the groceries is simply added to a client’s hotel account.
For added convenience, the lobby is also home to the Suite Shop convenience store, which offers 24-hour access to everything from Band-Aids to Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, something I couldn’t resist during my visit.
Sometimes one of the most difficult things about being in an unfamiliar city is finding your way around. Homewood has taken care of clients in this respect as well, with a shuttle service that stops at six different convenient locations throughout the city. Visitors can get to Pike Place Market, Westlake Center at 4th and Pine and the Monorail, Uwajimaya (International District/Downtown), King Street Amtrak Station, QFC Grocery, as well as local hospitals and medical facilities. When I stayed there, our shuttle driver also happily took us to a nearby restaurant and picked us up, so that we didn’t have to hassle with a cab. Shuttles leave regularly from the hotel, and clients can call for pickup at their stop.
If your clients are not inclined to be out and about during their stay, they will find comfy, tasteful living spaces. Rooms feature separate living and sleeping areas, a fully equipped kitchen, a work area, complimentary, high-speed Internet access, voicemail, two 32-inch, LCD televisions and granite countertops — just like home.
Packages
Currently, clients can take advantage of two brandwide packages available at all participating Homewood Suites by Hilton hotels through Dec. 30.
The Romance Package includes a spacious suite, two comfortable bath robes and a box of assorted fine chocolates.
Perfect for a girls night out or a family getaway, the Weekend Escape Package includes a movie rental from the Suite Shop, a bag of popcorn, a large pizza and four canned sodas.
Currently, The Homewood Suites by Hilton Seattle Convention Center/Pike Street is offering a unique package in addition to the brand packages, also valid through Dec. 30.
The property’s Java Mist Package includes a spacious suite, overnight valet parking, a Homewood Suites umbrella and a $10 Starbucks gift card.
www.homewoodsuites.com
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