Scandinavian Sophistication at Hotel Andra, Seattle

Embracing the simplistic sophistication of Scandinavia design, Hotel Andra is locating within an easy walk of most of Seattle’s favorite visitor sights, including the Pike Place Market, Seattle Center, and downtown shopping.

Guests enter the hotel’s Living Room lobby, complete with roaring fireplace and casual seating. It’s a great place to sit on a cold rainy day, whether to read, work, or enjoy some conversation, and also makes a great meeting place for friends and family. Above the Living Room, on the Mezzanine, is the Loft, a casual space for informal meetings or just for meeting up.

The Living Room also serves as a waiting area for the next door restaurant, Tom Douglas’ Lola, so it can be crowded and noisy at busy meal times. Seattle restaurateur Tom Douglas also provides catering for Hotel Andra events.

Hotel Andra’s staff is gracious and helpful, but their popularity means that an early check in is not always available. The Living Room is a great waiting area, and on my stay, there were a two families that had been waiting for a couple of hours to have some special requests met. Maid service was delayed on the second day of our stay, well after we had returned from a late morning walk and breakfast. I don’t know if they were short staffed, or if this is a continuing issue, but we opted to forego maid service.

Hotel Andra has 119 stylish guestrooms,  its Nordic style pays tribute to Seattle’s Nordic heritage, and the desing incorporates traditional Pacifc Northwest elements.The design reflects the contrast of modernism and sustainability – sleek and textured, light and dark, warm and cool, modern and traditional.

I stayed in a Superia Room, which had a king bed, sitting area, wet bar, desk and work space. The room was comfortable for working or lounging, plug-ins were plentiful and conveniently located.  I don’t understand why hotels still insist on mini-bars, but this one didn’t take up too much room, leaving us space to enjoy our own picnic in the room. Room amenities included the expected in an upscale boutique hotel, including in room Starbuck’s coffee, daily newspaper, complimentary shoe shine, and free wi-fi. I became a fan of the FACE Stockholm bathroom products.

Parking is difficult in this downtown location. Valet parking is $39/night, although there are also parking lots with daily rates within a few blocks. If you’re coming from out of town, consider public transportation (light rail goes to and from Sea-Tac International Airport), Metro transit, walking, or your favorite car service.

While next door Lola is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, there are other options that I’d recommend. Take a short walk in the morning to another of Chef Tom Douglas’ restaurants – Assembly Hall Juice & Coffee (2121 Sixth Avenue). I enjoyed a breakfast sandwich with a Tropical Spice, a juice blend of pineapple, orange, lime, and cayenne. I’m told that the the Hangover (beet, orange, and apple juice) will cure what ails you. File that away in case you need it.

Hotel Andra is located at 2000 4th Avenue, Seattle. Room rates start about $159/night. This is a very popular hotel for cruise guests, so if you’re adding on a hotel to your cruise vacation, make reservations early for best rates. You can also compare rates at the many booking sites such as Hotels.com, Booking.com or Expedia.

Disclosure:  I received a complimentary stay at the Hotel Andra for purposes of a review.