A Whole Lotte Seattle Love

Part of the fun of escaping to a nearby city for a few days is discovering a cool new hotel. The Lotte Hotel Seattle, designed by legendary French industrial designer Philippe Starck, is just such a find. This luxury property opened in September 2020 in the heart of the Emerald City as the third U.S. property launched by South Korean luxury hotel leader Lotte.

Occupying the first 16 floors of the sleek 44-floor F5 Tower in Seattle’s business district, Lotte Hotel Seattle connects via a glass bridge to the historic Sanctuary, the oldest Beaux-style architectural building in the U.S. that now serves as the hotel’s elegant ballroom. Original parts of this former Methodist church have been preserved, including its pipe organ, stained-glass windows, and dome ceiling structure, making it an elegant choice for formal banquets and receptions.

The hotel’s 189 spacious rooms and suites range from 400 to 2,000 square feet. Starck’s mid-century modern room design is inspired by Seattle’s natural landscape, with warm color palettes, wood and marble furniture accents, and spacious bathrooms featuring travertine stone surfaces, full-length arch mirrors, rain showers, and twin vanities. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer stunning views of downtown cityscapes or Elliott Bay, including Seattle’s ports, ferries, West Seattle, and the Olympic Mountains. Throughout the property, abstract symbols and playful design motifs nod to Seattle’s origin story as a Pacific Northwest logging town.

Charlotte Restaurant and Lounge, located on the Lotte’s16th floor, is the hotel’s fine-dining venue. It serves contemporary Pacific Northwest cuisine with a French twist. Next door, Le Petit Salon is a cozy lobby lounge that offers afternoon tea, light bites, and an innovative cocktail list using local and Mediterranean ingredients with an Asian influence.

One of the highlights of a stay here is patronizing Le Spa de L’hôtel Lotte, a 3,000-square-foot retreat that offers a range of treatments using organic and natural products from skincare brands Biologique Recherche and MBR Skincare. The spa also features a relaxation lounge, steam room, sauna, and jacuzzi.

The Lotte Hotel’s location is ideal for exploring downtown Seattle. It is within comfortable walking distance of Pike Place Market, the Sky View Observatory, the Seattle Central Library‌ and the Seattle Art Museum. Public transportation options like the light rail and monorail are also nearby, providing easy access to popular attractions such as the Space Needle, the Museum of Pop Culture, the Seattle Aquarium and the Chihuly Garden and Glass. This immersive experience showcases the studio glass of Dale Chihuly, one of the world’s most renowned glass artists. Visitors can admire the vibrant colors and intricate shapes of his pieces in eight indoor galleries, a glass house, and a garden, then dine and sip at the adjacent Bar beneath over 25 of Dale Chihuly’s personal collections, which are on display throughout the space. The Seattle CityPASS is the most economical way to visit the city’s major attractions.

The Lotte Hotel Seattle has received many rave guest reviews praising its location, upscale decor, art, dining, lounge experiences, and spa. It reflects the spirit of Seattle – innovative, artistic, and welcoming – while maintaining a sense of refined elegance that stems from its roots as part of one of Asia’s premier luxury hotel brands. It’s a great choice for Vancouverites looking for a stylish, comfortable, and convenient Seattle getaway. The hotel is also pet-friendly and offers a special package for dog owners that includes a bed, a robe, a menu, and a city guide for their furry friends. In other words, it’s the perfect base for a winter weekend getaway. For more information and to book, visit the Lotte Hotel Seattle website. —Mark Sissons