In the heart of downtown Seattle, within an easy walking distance of the city’s most popular attractions, the Hyatt at Olive 8 has carved out its niche with discriminating guests who choose sustainable, eco-friendly accommodations.
This LEED-certified hotel is proof that sustainability doesn’t have to compromise luxury. The Hyatt Olive 8 is relentless about reducing its ecological footprint, while still delivering an award-winning luxury experience. And they do it in a seamless way that you won’t notice, unless you’re paying attention.
The lobby and the sitting areas feature floor to ceiling windows creating a warm welcome even in the Seattle rain. We stayed during the busy holiday season, yet never felt crowded or packed in – I think it has something to do with all the light chasing away the gloom and helping everyone feel a little kinder and more patient. At least that’s my thought about it.
Our 4th-floor basic room with two Queen beds was spacious enough for a family stay and featured contemporary decor (very clean, nothing fussy), signature beds, luxury bedding, an over-sized desk and workspace, and a refreshment center with coffee, tea, and refrigerator. The bathroom was ample sized with branded amenities. And an important selling point – wi-fi is free. It offered plenty of light and despite our 4th-floor location, we still had a decent view of the area. I’d recommend an upgrade to a business plan room which offers extra features like newspaper service, complimentary breakfast, and one shirt or blouse pressed daily.
The hotel’s Elaia Spa use locally sourced organic products in all of their spa treatments. While I didn’t have time to enjoy a spa treatment on this stay, on previous stays I have appreciated being able to spend an afternoon relaxing at the spa. My favorite treatment is a body scrub, the scrub made with scents that work best for you skin time and mood. My first scrub at Elaia was made with figs and chocolate from the Pike Place Market and I’ve never forgotten how heavenly the experience was. Make some time in your day to give it a try. Prices for body scrubs start around $125, with several value-added packages available. The spa also features a fitness center and indoor pool.
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Continuing the commitment to locally sourced organic products, Urbane Restaurant, located on the ground floor of the hotel, has always focused on a farm-to-table menu. Like the hotel itself, Urbane has lots of windows, giving it a modern, open ambiance. It’s ground level, and occasionally the street noise can be annoying (there is construction going on in the area), but avoiding peak traffic time can alleviate that issue. We stopped off for a late breakfast about 1 pm and had the place nearly to ourselves. Granted, it was the holiday season which is an atypical traffic pattern, but it was a relaxing way to take a break in the day. (Tip: Try the Migas, they are delicious.) It’s much busier during the after work hours, the craft cocktails are popular with the business crowd, and reservations are strongly recommended for dinner.
If the eco-friendly aspect of the hotel doesn’t convince you to stay at the Hyatt Olive 8, it’s location may be what tips your decisions. Most of the major Seattle attractions are an easy walk from the hotel. We easily spent time shopping at nearby Pacific Place (it’s right across the street), wandered over to the Paramount Theatre to inquire about upcoming tickets, and walked down to the Pike Place Market. The monorail at Westlake Center will take you to the Seattle Center Campus where you’ll find the Space Needle, Pacific Science Center, Chihuly Glass Museum, and more.
The location is great for locals wanting to enjoy a theater getaway or a weekend out on the town.
If you’re arriving by air, take the light rail from the airport into the city to the Westlake Station. The hotel is a few blocks away, an easy walk even with luggage. You won’t need a car if you’re staying in the downtown area, and parking can be prohibitively expensive. If you want to head farther out, just rent a car for a day trip.
The Hyatt Olive 8 is located at 1635 8th Avenue, Seattle, Washington. Room rates start at about $210/night. You can compare rates through Expedia or Booking.com. Valet parking is $55 with in-and-out privileges. Additional self-parking options are nearby, but not all allow overnight parking.
