Prior to our family holiday to Seattle, I knew next to nothing about the city. I now love it…
Of course I recalled Tom Hanks stared in a fun movie about not getting much sleep there, it is where Starbucks & Microsoft began; oh and it is the home of the Boeing factory…a fact my eldest son will NEVER let us forget and frankly the only reason for our visit (I know – over indulgent, middle aged parents make a side trip to fulfil the dreams of their child…cliche). Anyway more about that later.
However I am eternally grateful to the eldest for introducing us to such a fabulous destination. In deciding where to stay we took a stab on a few online reviews and came up trumps. The Hotel Monaco Seattle is the place you want to stay if you are travelling as a family.
LOCATION
Downtown Seattle, easy strolling distance to shops (Banana Republic and J Crew around the corner), Pike Place Market & oodles of landmarks and superb eateries.
Did I mention it SNOWED while we were there, soft pretty flakes that glistened in the streetlights.
Before
Why did you visit this property?
Family holiday visit to Seattle.
Was the property easy to book?
Yes, we found it on the internet and our Travel Agent confirmed the details.
During
Was the Airport transfer seamless?
Yes. We arrived after a LONG day of travel (overnight from Sydney, a hideous five hour connection in LA, followed by a flight to Seattle). To say we were pooped was an understatement. I have mentioned before my love of pre-booking transfers from the airport upon arrival into a new destination, we were met by our driver, whisked through the luggage area and into the biggest SUV we have ever seen (I love how everything in the USA is larger than life…). A mini tour/commentary on our way to the hotel was a bonus.
First impressions?
Not for nothing is the Hotel Monaco Seattle recognised as one of Fodor’s Top 100 worldwide hotels. Housed in a historic building, the charm is evident from arrival – billing themselves as kid and pet friendly.
How was Check-In handled?
Extremely friendly and efficient. Being a CBD hotel, they deal with lots of conference groups and their systems are super efficient.
How may we help you (service and staff)?
Even before our arrival I became well acquainted with the wonderful Concierge, he booked our Boeing Tours and had a list of suggested restaurants waiting for us. All service was genuine and professional, someone has thought hard about staff training.
Rooms
Ta da – how was the room?
We booked a Premier Queen Room, it was vast and brilliantly appointed for our family of four. Mum and Dad got their own queen sized bed (lord was it soft and snuggly). A lounge area separated by a heavy curtain accommodated our boys (one on a pull out sofa bed, the other on a deluxe rollaway bed). Every detail was well planned; from the two TV’s, plenty of seating and storage, to our own GOLDFISH (each room has one of these ‘pets’ to give a home away from home feeling…ours was called Jeffrey, too, too cute).
Welcome – anyone saying this?
We were escorted to the room by a knowledgeable Bell boy who ran us through the electronics, and room details.
Sleep – bliss or blah?
Blissful, the bedlinen is Italian Frette…say no more!
Unpacking – is there room for everything?
Huge space, even allowing for four massive suitcases crammed with ski gear.
WI/FI – techie bright stuff.
Free WI/FI. Sound systems, tv’s – all we needed.
All the usual business amenities available.
Made to feel at home (robes, bottled water, tea/coffee).
Keurig Coffee makers (no I hadn’t heard of them, but apparently they are a big deal..), large ‘mini’ fridge (handy supermarket across the road)…Then there was the Starbucks hot chocolate and coffee self service bar set up in the Lobby, now that was better than home!
Keeping it clean – bliss or blah (amenities, decent hair dryer)?
Well appointed, great hairdryer, separate bath and shower. Nice smelling amenities (the smell is important…).
Restaurants
The restaurant Sazerac, has a fun, buzzy vibe (it is always a good sign when locals frequent the bar…). Regional American.South American cuisine is the description – great steak and chips is what I enjoyed. Every night in the Lobby a wine ‘happy hour’ is hosted – and don’t forget the above coffee station…
Action/Relaxation – what activities were on offer?
Gym, complimentary hotel bikes, complimentary morning papers
Cost…
At the time of stay (January 2014) the AUD was almost at parity with the USA – a super time to visit, our room rate was approx. AUD$200.00 per night for our family of four. Regardless of the exchange rate, this hotel is AMAZING value.
Would I stay at this property again?
Absolutely, as the eldest child has his sights on working at Boeing, in years to come it might just become my ‘home away from home’.
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++ All expenses were paid in full by The Urban Mum
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