By Kathy Chin Leong
Looking for the robot massage? Floor 3. The suite with the professional sound booth? Floor 20. The infrared sauna? Floor 4. These services are not what you think of when booking a hotel. But here at the W Seattle, elevating the guest experience is what it’s all about.
In the heart of the downtown core, the W Seattle has served the likes of celebrities, change makers, and thought leaders since its opening in 1999. The 424-room icon is definitely on point when it comes to providing comfortable, beautiful rooms and an ideal location near Pike Place Market.
But it goes a step further by providing relevant programming for its guests and the community in the W’s living room, a multi-use space. Learn about bourbon in an upcoming four-part bourbon series, or attend a sustainability fashion show. Every summer, the W Presents concert series promotes local and emerging talent. On weekends, DJs spin vinyl to rev up nightlife.
Meanwhile, contemporary design with nods to Seattle history is everywhere. You’ll find hints of the city’s proud aviation history, for Boeing was headquartered in Seattle for 85 years. The three-story fireplace, assembled with nearly 1,000 shiny steel sheets, looks like a jet engine ready for takeoff. Room accent pillows feature a small jet on the fabric. Throw blankets are printed with images of an old-fashioned airplane craft kit. One suite features a neon sign that blares: Buckle Up!
Each W Hotel reflects the personality of its region. W Seattle tapped local artist Morgan Zion, who painted blockbuster murals featuring Seattle-ites in action. We were on the 14th level, the Faces Floor, where every room is named after a person “representing Seattle’s vibrant culture,” according to the hotel’s website. We saw Zion’s handiwork close up. A black and white hand-drawn portrait of Skylar was painted on the wall, facing our bed. While it was a bit disconcerting to have a giant head turned to us while we were getting ready for bed, we got used to it. At least the eyes did not follow us! For each of these in-room portraits, guests can find out more about their celebrity by scanning the QR code.
Additional room details hearken to Seattle’s heritage. A bold pattern of arrows painted on the length of our suite’s entry spoke of Duwamish Native American roots. The dramatic wall of tiered wood planks points to the timber heyday in the early 1900s.
Do your homework before your stay, and take advantage of new opportunities. For instance, the hotel is the only one I know of that offers a robot massage. In a special room, a pair of articulated robotic arms connected to a massage table will knead your back and legs at the touch of an iPad, no humans involved. No tipping, either. Created by the company Aescape, the high-tech touch is available nationwide, mostly at select gyms.
Now that you are brave enough, you can also reserve the fitness center’s infrared sauna room to relax sore muscles and rejuvenate collagen production. It is the size of a small closet that includes a chair and extra eye masks. Downstairs, you can continue your wellness journey at TRACE coffee bar. Order avocado toast, acai bowls, and any number of heart-healthy items.
For something totally different, channel your inner Jimmy Hendrix. Hang out at the Sound Suite. The ON AIR neon sign above double doors opens up into a living room and a professional sound room cushioned in red foam. There are microphones, mixers, guitars, a keyboard, and all you need to craft your next Number One hit.
W Seattle breaks the mold when it comes to traditional lodging. Vibrant and sassy, the W Seattle will give you chief bragging rights among your posse. Be the first to claim that you had a robot massage and an informal jam session all in one stay. No one will believe you.
