Highlights: The Fairmont Olympic Hotel

•Historic Fairmont Olympic Hotel reflects the grandeur of a bygone era

•Prime location just steps from Seattle’s major attractions, theater, and shopping areas

•Rooms and suites feature classic European elegance and style

•Two distinct dining options including the Mobil Four-Star The Georgian and a traditional afternoon tea

•Hotel’s prime location, ample meeting space, and full-service business center attract corporate wheelers and dealers

•Well-rounded collection of recreation facilities, including fitness center, indoor pool, and whirlpool

Amenities: The Fairmont Olympic Hotel

• 450 rooms, 13 story. Pets accepted, some restrictions; fee. Check-in 3 pm, check-out Noon. High-speed Internet access. Three restaurants. , two bars. Fitness room, spa. Indoor pool, whirlpool. Business center. Credit cards accepted.

General Impressions: The Fairmont Olympic Hotel

The Fairmont Olympic Hotel is the classic choice when staying in Seattle. Its old-world style and white-glove traditions make it a favorite of discerning travelers who enjoy a slice of history with their modern amenities. Situated in the heart of the city, the hotel also enjoys a perfect location--just minutes from the city’s famous Pike Place Market, Seattle Waterfront, and Space Needle. Museums, theater, shops, and restaurants abound, making this hotel an ideal base for leisure travelers.

The hotel’s gracious sophistication appeals to romantics celebrating special occasions as well as single travelers seeking a sophisticated home-away-from-home. Business travelers are pampered at this property, which has more than 26,000 square feet in meeting and function space. While the hotel doesn’t feature any specific child-friendly amenities, its ideal location and welcoming attitude make it a good match for families traveling to Seattle.

The hotel, which first opened in 1924, dazzles guests with an impressive lobby. Located one level up by escalator, the lobby is a magnificent sight with its vaulted ceiling with inlaid hand-carved wood borders, and honey-colored wood-paneled walls flanked by two large columns. Equally stunning is the Mobil Four-Star The Georgian, the hotel’s flagship restaurant, where elegant dining and afternoon tea are available. The hotel also features the Mobil Three-Star popular casual eatery Shuckers, an oyster bar widely considered to be one of Seattle’s favorites. The Fairmont Olympic offers more than just history and fine dining, though. The hotel has a fitness center, spa, and indoor pool.

(+) Grand historic hotel offers elegant accommodations in a prime location, and is a comfortable fit for all travelers

Guest Services: The Fairmont Olympic Hotel

Elegantly attired professionals who anticipate--and execute--your every need staff the Fairmont Olympic Hotel. My first encounter with the hotel was during the reservations process, and I felt confident prior to my arrival that this hotel would be a first-class property. The reservations agent was clear and direct and was able to provide me with a good overview of the hotel’s features, services, and operation schedule.

My arrival process was flawless. Service was friendly and warm, yet efficient and highly professional. Staff members seemed to anticipate my arrival, and there was a smooth flow from curbside to my guest room. All of the communications staff I had the pleasure of dealing with were extremely well spoken and well mannered. The concierge staff was knowledgeable, and their attention to detail was appreciated. Instead of simply offering restaurant suggestions and producing a menu, I was given insight into each venue’s specialties -- a detail I found especially helpful and insightful. Whether I requested a missing toiletry item or called to have an item of clothing pressed, the staff answered my requests in a timely fashion. The excellent service continued throughout my stay, with departure being as smooth and pleasant as the arrival.

(+) Excellent service delivered by talented, sincere professionals

Guest Rooms: The Fairmont Olympic Hotel

The hotel has 450 guest rooms and suites, yet despite its size, each guest feels as if they have the run of the place. The rooms and suites have an elegant European style, complete with textured wallpaper, crown molding, dark cherry woods, and rich, jewel-toned fabrics. The classic design belies the modern conveniences, such as fax and modem hookups, high-speed Internet, multi-line phones with voice mail, found in all of the rooms and suites. Computers and fax machines may be placed in the rooms upon request--a boon for business travelers.

My room was comfortable and in excellent condition. The bed linens were inviting and of high quality, and the homey décor and spacious layout were appealing. Several special touches made the room memorable. One of the most unique and endearing services included the placement of two postcards in my room, with instructions to fill them out and return them to the front desk for mailing (on the hotel). It was a nice, personalized detail that made this hotel stand out from its competition. Since the guest room was so crisp and fresh, the older bathroom seemed worn and tired, and I was a little disappointed with its condition. Still, the bedroom was so comfortable and attractive that I didn’t focus too much attention on this detail.

(+) Lovely room with many comforts, dark woods, and lush fabrics
(-) Bathroom area needs a little updating to be in par with the guest room

Facilities & Activities: The Fairmont Olympic Hotel

Fitness enthusiasts need not leave their regimens behind when staying here. This hotel caters to health-conscious travelers with a wonderful fitness facility, indoor pool, and spa. The fitness facility was staffed by a wonderful group of attendants. Upon arrival to the center, I was greeted with a bottle of water during my quick orientation. The staff was well trained and knowledgeable about the facility’s equipment. While the personal trainers were not visible on site, their services could be arranged with several hours’ notice. While the staff did not circulate throughout the facility, their inviting and approachable attitude was appreciated, and I felt comfortable returning to the desk to ask questions.

The 10,800-square-foot gym is also home to a 42-foot indoor pool and large indoor whirlpool. Guests who prefer to relax rather than work out will find a lounge area in the pool pavilion, as well as two outdoor patios with lounge chairs. A variety of massage therapies are available by appointment and are performed in the fitness center or in the privacy of a guest room or suite.

Seattle’s many charms are within walking distance from the hotel. Pike Place Market, a 9-acre space filled with restaurants and shops, is considered the nerve center of Seattle and is just minutes from the hotel. You can even grab a cup of coffee at the original Starbucks while strolling through Pike Place Market. Shoppers will find plenty to keep them tempted, with upscale shopping near the Financial District, as well as other neighborhoods. Shoppers who prefer the convenience of department stores will find Nordstrom and Macy’s a few blocks away. Museums, theater, and other cultural interests are a short distance from the hotel, while Seattle’s Waterfront Park is only 10 minutes away. It is all within easy reach while staying at the city’s grand dame.

(+) Hotel pool, fitness facility, and spa are nice amenities, and upscale shopping, parks, and other attractions are nearby

Dining & Lounge: The Fairmont Olympic Hotel

Hotel dining is taken up a notch here. The Georgian--a Mobil Four-Star-rated restaurant--with its sparkling chandeliers and Palladian windows, is the picture of elegance. Classical music, crisp white tablecloths set with fine china and silver, and a formal, yet friendly staff make this restaurant exceptional. French-influenced Northwestern cuisine is highlighted at The Georgian, which also hosts a lovely afternoon tea.

Shuckers is the hotel’s casual eatery. Carved oak paneling and a tin ceiling set a clubby tone in this restaurant, once a haberdashery in the 1930s. The restaurant enjoys its own storied history, and continues to be one of Seattle’s favorite seafood spots. In addition to its two restaurants, the hotel also offers 24-hour room service.

Breakfast in The Georgian was an excellent experience. This restaurant takes its good manners quite seriously, and the elegant table set with individual jams, salt and pepper mill, and rose bud was a beautiful beginning to a wonderful dining memory. The food was elegantly presented, and the menu offered a nice selection of choices. The polite, knowledgeable waiter added to the experience as well.

Similarly, I was pleased with the presentation and quality of the food served for in-room dining. Unfortunately, my order took longer than expected, which was somewhat disappointing, but the food was good and the server did remove the tray and dishes in a prompt manner.

(+) The Georgian is a true delight with elegant furnishings and French-influenced cuisine
(-) Room service delivery was somewhat slower than expected

Business Services: The Fairmont Olympic Hotel

The hotel’s 26,000 square feet of meeting space and full-service business center make it a popular choice for both individual business travelers and corporate groups. Its proximity to Seattle’s businesses makes it a terrific base for traveling executives, while the rooms and suites are well equipped to handle the needs of most visitors.

The business center is staffed during normal business hours, but the front desk and/or concierge staff are able to assist when the center is closed. I was easily able to accomplish my tasks after hours. Services offered in the business center include self-service computer, with Internet access included, computer rentals, printing, secretarial and courier services, and fax use.

(+) Hotel is perfectly suited to both individual business travelers and corporate groups