Fairmont Olympic Hotel Seattle: Superb Food and Service - alas, not accessible

JoanEisenstodt — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 19:42:22 +0100

What I loved: The Georgian Room - I would fly to Seattle just to eat in that room! The ambience alone is elegant without being "stuffy", restful without being boring. The high windows and light, room color, soft music, and food were beyond delight. (Service was mixed - on one day, it was superb; on the second, only so so - as in an iced espresso being served in a short glass - not the tall one of the day before into which I could pour milk.)

Service overall was superb with no excuses being made when a question was asked - only answers and 'can do.' An example: one night for in-room dining, I wanted a salad I'd had in the Georgian Room that day. No problem - it was done. VERY nice. Bell staff, door staff, all were there to help and anticipate needs.

Concerns about taking a meeting there: It is not at all accessible. Realizing that it is no doubt, because of age and historic value, 'grandfathered' re the ADA, I'd be very careful about what groups I'd take there. (This was booked by a client who still was concerned about some of the issues.) For example, the meeting room used (Metropole) was only accessible by multiple steps - from the lobby and into the room.) Worse, the restrooms by that room were being renovated and the closest restrooms were up and down steps and across the lobby. Even the wonderful Georgian Room was only accessible by multiple steps.

My guest room was comfortable but poorly ventilated. If one closed the drapes for darkening, the air from the HVAC system had no way to penetrate the drapes into the room. I was able to get a portable fan to ensure the room was below 75 degrees. (My travel alarm clocks also show temperature.)

No outlet on the desk - I had to pull the desk out and get behind it to plug in my laptop. Few outlets in the room making it difficult to iron.

Oddly (I thought) the cool CD/iPod player was in the little parlor off the bedroom and not bedside where there was only a small alarm clock.

There is no smoking in WA state in restaurants, public spaces and bars. More, Fairmont has a strong "green" policy. Strangely, the night I checked in and awaited an elevator, there was a VERY strong odor of cigar smoke in the lobby. I could not tell from where it was coming but it was awful. And the wait by the elevators - always - was a long one.

Consider carefully what groups you would take there. It is marvelous if you have a group of able-bodied people.

Fairmont Olympic Hotel Seattle: Absolutely Superb!!!

Vicky Betzig, CMP — Thu, 29 May 2008 22:11:12 +0100

While I didn't hold a meeting here, I stayed here while working a meeting at the Seattle Convention Center. This hotel is phenomenal! Old world charm and exceptional service in all areas of guest service. I would eagerly stay here again and based on their guest services, I can imagine their meeting services are equally stellar!

The Edgewater Hotel Seattle: Edgewater, The

jwane — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 16:32:23 +0100

8/6/2007

Seattle - Meetings Collaborative - By and for Meeting Professionals

Fairmont Olympic Hotel Seattle: Superb Food and Service - alas, not accessible

Fairmont Olympic Hotel Seattle: Absolutely Superb!!!

The Edgewater Hotel Seattle: Edgewater, The