As one of the most famous cities in America, Seattle sure lives up to its popularity. Not only a thriving business hub, but tourism amenities are also abundant, so where best to enjoy the buzz of this big city? Why, Hotel Theodore of course, perched in the heart of downtown. Among other enticing features, this inviting boudoir boasts a 2,000 square ft penthouse stay, known as The Residence – LLM checked in to uncover what it has to offer.
Hotel
Designed by John Graham Sr., one of the city’s most prominent architects at the time, the Roosevelt Hotel was first unveiled in 1930, and dazzled visitors with plush furnishings and design derived from the Pacific Northwest. Revamped and renamed Hotel Theodore in 2017, today it is part of the renowned Provenance Collection, with 153 rooms plus social spaces crafted in homage to Seattle’s innovators past and present. You’ll find this notably within the inspiring collection of photography, patent drawings and artefacts curated in collaboration with the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI), as well as partnerships with indie record label, Light in the Attic, local outerwear manufacturer, Freeman, and Seattle Made, a community of local artisans and entrepreneurs.
Checking in, guests cannot escape a striking panel mural commissioned from Seattle-based Olivia Knapp in which the artist merges tools used by artisans and inventors with anthropomorphised flowers, roots, and vines. Up on the second-floor mezzanine, the museum-esque experience continues with a series of colour digital prints by Jim Riswold, still life oil paintings by Portland-based Sherrie Wolf; and ‘The Grass is Greener,’ an existentialist acrylic painting by Fay Jones that melds figures, animals and symbols to highlight human experience. For anyone who appreciates art, design and a local touch, Hotel Theodore is a dream.
Rooms/Suites
Hotel Theodore offers rooms and suites across deluxe, premium, superior, studio suite, Seattle made suite, and of course, the penthouse suite; The Residence. Spanning 2,000 square feet, it is the ultimate luxury traveller stay.
As you’re in the penthouse, your exclusive key card brings either of the two elevators directly on to the open floor plan. The space reflects that of the grand lobby, but with cosier décor. Walls are mix of clean whites with exposed brick, playing on hardwood floors and the warm tones of the room’s furnishings. Modern art, of course, can be enjoyed here including works by Roy Lichtenstein and a stunning dining room garment shaped piece by Key-Sook Geum.
Over to the dining room right is a full kitchen which adds an air of private residence rather than hotel (no wonder the name!). There’s a Bosch cooktop, premium red espresso machine with a selection of capsules, fridge and freezer, and bar area. To the left is the spacious living room. Actually, there’s not really one living room per se, as chairs are dotted all over the social space, adjacent to the solarium windows. It makes sense, because The Residence boasts 360 degree floor to ceiling views with sights including the famous Pike Place Market, Elliot Bay and the Space Needle. The best spot for views is at the far corner, where a sleek telescope adds to the viewing experience. Remember, The Residence spans the entire 19th floor of the hotel – so turn on the music (see iPad control on the wall) and soak in every corner.
If staying in for a movie is your means to wind down there are a couple of options. First there’s the media room with a huge 65” television, or you can retreat to the master bedroom and enjoy Hulu from your King bed. Here you have a 55” television that rises out of the cabinet against the city backdrop.
When the weather is nice, outside features include three terraces with fire tables, comfy seating and a private outdoor hot tub. The hot tub feels like you’re hanging off the edge of the building – so be sure to make the most of it (it was still hot and bubbly despite the rain when I was in town). Towel down in the bathroom, featuring a large walk-in shower, double vanity, and it’s where the closet is too. The Residence is easily a private spa experience if you bring along the right supplies (champagne and pamper packs should do the trick).
Food and drink
The hotel’s restaurant is Rider (which at the time of my visit, was closed for pandemic reasons). It celebrates Washington’s forests and ocean; so expect freshly caught seafood alongside dry-aged meats sourced from farms across the state, local artisan cheeses, and seasonal Pacific Northwest vegetables. Menu items change seasonally so check the website closer to booking.
Seattle is arguably the world capital of coffee shops, and MADE is in capital letters for a reason. The ground-floor roaster serves handcrafted coffee brewed in Seattle and beans roasted in a 1949 Balestra wood-fired roaster. Using aromatic alder wood, a few simple gauges and decades of expertise, a cup of MADE coffee is exquisite.
If you’re in town for a few more meals, the good news is that you’re in foodie heaven. There’s Revel, a super stylish spot, owned by renowned chef Rachel Yang, serving Korean dishes with a French twist. The Asian food scene is especially brilliant in Seattle. There wasn’t a district without a variety of Asian cuisine, and every hole-in-the-wall to trendy dining spot I visited was world class. The citizens are wonderfully diverse, so expect quality authentic cuisine whatever your taste.
Amenities
Business travellers can have almost all their needs met here. The hotel has four luxurious meeting rooms and flexible space for events. This includes The Residence itself, which can also be booked as a private events space (it really is that pretty).
There are in-room spa and salon services offered through Tousled and a Provenance Signature Well + Fit Kit available for delivery to guestrooms. Kits include a wrapped Manduka Yoga mat, a set of barre3 bands, weights and signature core ball and an iPad preloaded with fitness videos from Provenance co-conspirators Barre3 and Lab X Burn. If you’re staying in The Residence, the chairs can easily be moved to the side for workout spots. The hotel also provides bikes to borrow, for those wishing to exercise and explore the city at the same time.
Parking is via valet priced at $45 per night. Services are quick, friendly and professional.
To do
I love any city that has a CityPASS, having used it in New York, Dallas and Atlanta before, because it really is the easiest way to explore the key sites for first-timers or those on a time budget. The Seattle CityPASS covers the Space Needle, Seattle Aquarium, Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), Woodland Park Zoo and Chihuly Garden and Glass, all at a grouped rate, with tickets emailed to your smart phone for faster check-in. It’s well worth getting in advance. Outside of the CityPASS, you have to visit the birthplace of Starbucks – it’s in Pike Place Market, but beware of long lines. For more on what to do, and reopening in Seattle, head over to Visit Seattle.
Factbox
Getting there: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is about a 20-minute drive from the hotel. The airport is opening a new international arrivals facility, making international arrivals even smoother.
Address: 1531 7th Ave, Seattle, Washington 98101
Phone: + 1 (877) 239-0882
Website: provenancehotels.com
Images courtesy of Provenance.
