I Stayed at Seattle’s Fairmont Olympic Hotel — Here’s Why It’s a Must-Visit in the Emerald City
A century of elegance, pet-friendly luxury, and prime access to Seattle’s best sights make the Fairmont Olympic Hotel an unforgettable stay.
Becca Blond and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this story. Pricing and availability subject to change.
The Fairmont Olympic Hotel in downtown Seattle radiates historic charm and elegance, blending old-world grandeur with modern luxury.
Built-in 1924 in the opulent Italian Renaissance style, the Fairmont Olympic feels like a European palace with its lavish detailing, grand marble floors, and gilded chandeliers that sparkle in the lobby’s high ceiling.
Celebrating its 100th anniversary, the hotel remains a quintessential Seattle experience, capturing the spirit of the Pacific Northwest while embracing luxury and innovation. If you are starting a Pacific Northwest adventure in Seattle, this hotel is also a great option to start or end your trip.
A Warm Welcome Fit for Royalty (and Poppy)
The Fairmont Olympic is famed for its pet-friendly accommodations, and my Chiweenie, Poppy, was treated like a princess from the moment we arrived.
Upon check-in, she was gifted a special amenity: homemade biscuits and a peanut butter treat. The staff greeted her with a warm smile and genuine excitement throughout our stay, making her feel truly VIP.
For those traveling with pets, the Fairmont Olympic’s dedicated pet services elevate the stay, ensuring you and your furry friend feel pampered.
The hotel is also famed for hosting American political royalty, namely presidents. President Hoover was the first to stay in the decade after the property opened on December 6, 1924, and nearly every president has checked in since.
The Olympic opened with a 2,000-person gala with all of Seattle talking about the iconic moment. Lights illuminated the exterior walls, and two large spotlights on the hotel roof swept the sky. Fun fact? A one-night stay a century ago would have cost about $3.50.
The Spa at the Fairmont: A European Retreat in the Heart of Seattle
Unwinding at Penelope & The Beauty Bar was a highlight of my stay, and the hotel’s spa offerings go above and beyond with a selection of European-inspired skincare and body treatments.
Known for its anti-aging facials and restorative body therapies, the spa blends top-notch service with expertly formulated products from brands like Biologique Recherche.
For their centennial year, they’ve introduced a unique anniversary facial that uses advanced European techniques to rejuvenate the skin. This unique facial experience left me feeling refreshed and glowing, an ideal treat to mark a special occasion.
Dining Experiences That Capture Seattle’s Culinary Spirit
The Fairmont Olympic’s dining options combine Pacific Northwest flavors with a touch of elegance. The George, the hotel’s contemporary brasserie, offers a creative menu with dishes inspired by Seattle’s local bounty. The standout? The seared black cod is served with seasonal accompaniments, highlighting the region’s finest ingredients.
Shuckers, the cozy oyster bar, is perfect for a casual yet elevated meal, offering fresh oysters, chowders, and seafood in a historic, wood-paneled setting.
A hidden gem of the Fairmont Olympic is Founder’s Club, the hotel’s exclusive speakeasy bar. In this luxurious, dimly lit space, I first tasted Louis XIII cognac.
Its rich, honeyed flavors with notes of jasmine and fig left a lasting impression on me.
A Serene Solarium for Rainy Days
Seattle’s famously rainy weather means finding indoor spaces to unwind is essential, and the Fairmont Olympic’s indoor pool, enclosed in a glass solarium, is perfect for just that.
Set within lush greenery and plenty of natural light, the pool offers a peaceful escape, allowing you to relax and swim while listening to the sound of raindrops against the glass roof. It’s the ideal retreat for any season and an exceptionally cozy option on a gray Seattle day.
Walking Distance to Seattle’s Best Sights
One of the Fairmont Olympic’s greatest advantages is its unbeatable location in downtown Seattle, within walking distance of some of the city’s most iconic sights.
Just a 10-minute walk brings you to Pike Place Market, where the buzz of fishmongers, artisans, and food stalls showcases the soul of Seattle. The Seattle Art Museum is also nearby, housing an impressive collection including Native American art and contemporary works.
A short stroll to the waterfront lets you enjoy views of Puget Sound and visit the Seattle Aquarium, perfect for a family outing.
Pioneer Square, Seattle’s oldest neighborhood, is also nearby. Known for its charming architecture and history, it’s a great place to explore boutiques, art galleries, and some of Seattle’s best coffee shops.
Why the Fairmont Olympic Remains Seattle’s Top Luxury Hotel
Whether you’re drawn by its deep history, prime location, or luxurious amenities, the Fairmont Olympic remains a top choice for travelers seeking a memorable Seattle stay.
Celebrating its 100th anniversary, the hotel encapsulates a century of elegance while adapting to the modern needs of its guests.
For pet owners like myself, the warm hospitality extended to Poppy made our stay truly exceptional. If you’re visiting Seattle and looking for an experience that combines luxury, history, and service, the Fairmont Olympic is a must-stay destination.
Becca Blond is an award-winning travel and lifestyle writer focusing on pet, solo, luxury, and adventure travel. She lives with a psychiatric disability and travels with her service dog, Poppy. Becca is the author of more than 30 Lonely Planet travel guidebooks across five continents. Her byline regularly appears in Travel + Leisure, The Points Guy, Thrillist, Matador Network, Planetware, and others. When not on the road, she calls Denver home.