Our weekend already had a touch of magic from seeing Elf at The 5th Avenue Theatre, and this stay brought everything together. From the moment I called to make our reservation to the final minutes at checkout, every member of the staff was warm, gracious, and genuinely attentive. They even waived the mini-bar fee when I needed a quick low-blood-sugar fix—something that means more than most people know when you're Type One and life gets hectic. It was one of those small gestures that didn’t feel small at all.
Our journey began with a peaceful ferry ride from Bainbridge Island to Seattle, a Northwest tradition that always feels like the calm before a beautiful adventure. My boys, both gentlemen, helped us make the walk from the water’s edge up through the waterfront elevators to the entrance of Pike Place. One held my arm, steadying us as we climbed through the winding pathways; the other pulled our suitcase over the original brick and cobblestone streets like a seasoned traveler. By the time we stepped into the hotel’s elegant atrium, all decked out for Christmas, it felt like stepping into a real-life snow globe.
Inside, the lobby was warm and inviting, lit by the flicker of a dancing fireplace that immediately made us feel welcomed and at ease. We were given our keys and headed to the fifth floor—my favorite level—because it opens straight onto the terrace. Even in winter, the terrace is stunning: cushioned seating, gas fireplaces, and a quiet covered area where you can watch the Great Wheel turn slowly against the night sky. From there, the view stretches across the Puget Sound, ferries gliding like gentle giants between the peninsula and the city, the market glowing like a secret village below. It was peaceful in the way only Seattle can be during the holidays.
Our room—a two-queen with a north-facing view—looked out toward Bainbridge Island and Suquamish, catching the end of the market and the rising streets toward First Avenue. The décor was soft, pleasing, and thoughtfully designed, and the lighting was perfect for my vision. A large soaking tub sat waiting in the bathroom, and though the hot water issue meant we couldn’t use it this time, the space was still beautiful and spacious. Two cozy robes hung waiting for us, and the hotel quickly brought an extra bed for B without hesitation.
I had forgotten my steamer for our clothes—of course, in true “trying to get three people ready for a night out” fashion—but the hotel had one tucked neatly in the closet, easy to use and exactly what we needed. The beds were incredibly comfortable, loaded with pillows and blankets, and all three of us slept deeply, like the world outside had paused just for us.
The room’s thermostat was simple to control, the bay-window table was perfect for our morning breakfast delivered by room service, and they even left chocolates and water during turn-down service. It was those little touches that made the stay feel personal and cared for.
That night, curled up in our beds, we logged into our Netflix account and finished Stranger Things together—snacking on treats from the minibar that, surprisingly, didn’t come with eye-watering prices. It felt like the best kind of family night away from home.
The next morning, the hotel offered us a late checkout at 1 p.m. without any fuss. Afterward, they held our bags so we could explore the market freely, shop, and enjoy the city without juggling luggage. Every single request, from the big things to the tiniest “oops, I forgot a lint roller,” was handled with ease, grace, and genuine care.
There was one small mishap during our stay, but Ron, the general manager, stepped in immediately. His kindness, calm problem-solving, and personal check-ins made the situation melt away and left us feeling completely cared for.
A true home away from home—right in the heart of the market.
