Whether you have one short day in the Emerald City or a whole week to spare, make Lotte Hotel Seattle your home base.
Prominently situated amidst the business district of downtown Seattle, the property boasts a level of luxury all its own. Every element of the hotel was designed with the utmost intention by world-class French designer Philippe Starck––from the dimly-lit hallways laden with custom orange carpeting, to the bright 189 guest rooms filled with an abundance of mirrors and floor-to-ceiling windows. Prior to committing to this project, Starck had never before visited the Pacific Northwest, but he quickly took to the surrounding natural landscape, incorporating tree trunks and wood aspects to make each space feel like a “modern lodge.”
The property itself is made up of two buildings, perfectly converging the city’s storied legacy and its contemporary spirit. On the first floor stands the nation’s oldest Beaux-style architectural building, founded in 1908 and previously America’s first United Methodist Church. Restored and granted landmark status, it now serves as The Sanctuary: the ideal backdrop for once-in-a-lifetime events, with a 62-foot ceiling providing for optimal acoustics and endless natural light that streams in through the painted glass windows.
Upon arrival, guests must venture up to the 16th floor for check in, where they are welcomed by a panoramic perspective of Seattle and its waterfront. The 157 sophisticated guest rooms range from “Superior King” with city or bay views to “Premier Queen Queens,” and all feature light woods, walls of windows, and sleek furnishings with no shortage of in-room amenities. For a longer-term stay or a slightly more elevated experience, opt for one of the 32 suites, complete with distinct living and sleeping areas, a home office, a powder room, and a soaking tub.
The largest and most luxurious of all the abodes is the Presidential Suite, complete with a living room that hosts a baby grand piano and expansive views of the city skyline and Elliott Bay, a separate dining area with seating for up to eight guests, and a bar lounge and kitchenette. The swanky master bedroom offers a king-sized bed, loveseat, and a private bathroom with a rain shower and free-standing soaking tub.
For a date night, business meeting, or even just a moment of solace, take the elevator back up to the 16th floor to dine at Charlotte Restaurant & Lounge. Helmed by Executive Sous Chef Jeffrey Hunter, the menu of Pacific Northwest cuisine features imaginative dishes with a focus on locality and seasonality. Dines are only enhanced by the rotating cocktail program; inspired by Seattle’s Asian influences, many of the ingredients are made in-house using fruits, herbs, and unique spices sourced from the same local farms with whom the culinary team collaborates.
However guests define wellness, they’ll find it on the third floor. Decked out completely in white and wood, Le Spa de l’hôtel LOTTE is a soothing and ethereal space with a variety of treatments and services featuring world-renowned spa brands such as Biologique Recherche. The fitness center is open around the clock and equipped with the latest equipment from Technogym, ARKE Core Centric Training, and Peloton.
Lotte Hotel Seattle is the third property from the upscale South Korean hotel chain in the United States and minor outlying islands. Lotte Hotels & Resorts prides itself on providing innovative and exceptional hospitality; stateside, they plan to expand tenfold over the next few years.
Top Takeaways
Location: Seattle, Washington
Rating: 4 stars
The Vibe: An awe-inspiring elegant yet playful design lovers’ property situated along the business district of downtown Seattle.
Food + Drink: Perched on the top floor of the hotel just steps from check-in is Charlotte Restaurant & Lounge, a contemporary seafood restaurant with a focus on seasonal and provenant ingredients, and a rotating cocktail program to match.
Amenities: 24-hour fitness center; Full-service spa; Sauna; Steam room; Pet-friendly
Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: Tucked away in a tranquil corner of the third floor, guests will find Le Spa de l’hôtel LOTTE. All of the rooms are white with warm wooden accents, so the whole experience truly feels rejuvenating and ethereal from start to finish. Plus, the estheticians use products from some of the leading spa and skincare brands.
5 Nearby Attractions: Pike Place Market; Seattle Central Library; The Seattle Waterfront; Seattle Art Museum; Smith Tower
Neighborhood recs: Whether visiting the Emerald City for business or pleasure, a visit to Diane’s Market Kitchen is a must. Healthcare professional turned cooking teacher, Diane has successfully combined her passions to create a comfortable, inviting environment in which to learn about the importance of eating seasonally and supporting sustainable supply chains. The majority of her ingredients are sourced from local farmers and vendors who set up shop at the nearby Pike Place Market.
Rooms: There are 157 guest rooms and 32 suites.
Starting Nightly Rate: Rooms start at $350/night.
Closest Airport: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
