Hotel Check: Sheraton Grand in Seattle
HOW MANY ROOMS? 1,258 rooms and suites
PROPERTY HIGHLIGHTS: Close to the convention center, Pike Place Market, and dozens of great shops and restaurants, these two towers are popular with both groups and visiting tourists.
PRICE: Internet rates for a traditional room on the random dates we checked start at $175.
CONTACT: Sheraton Grand Seattle, 1400 6th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101. Phone +206-621-9000. https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/seasi-sheraton-grand-seattle/
WHERE IS IT? The hotel’s position in the heart of the city means it works well for everyone. Tourists can walk to the best shops and restaurants. Pike Place Market is a few blocks away as is the convention center. Even the Space Needle is walkable if you have 15 minutes.
WHAT’S IT LIKE? Divided between two towers, the polished, marble lobby has a large lounge where guests can relax with coffee or snacks from the nearby Starbucks. This is a vast convention property designed for large groups with plentiful meeting space. Still, the guest list includes many tourists and cruise passengers staying in town before or after a sailing. For such a large hotel, the staff is incredibly personable. Artwork abounds in public areas including beautiful glass pieces by Dale Chiluly (the Chiluly Garden and Glass Museum are a 15-minute walk away).
ROOM FACILITIES: Modern and bright, the rooms feature contemporary décor including soft carpeting, pillowtop king or paired queen beds, and side tables and chairs. Armchairs or chaises longues are positioned by the window to take in the skyline views. Coffeemakers are stocked with Starbucks grounds (this is Seattle after all), and all rooms feature safes and refrigerators. White-tiled bathrooms feature massive mirrors with dimmer switches, makeup mirrors, and hairdryers. On floor 32 is the executive lounge where guests can pay for access to enjoy bonus perks like free breakfast and evening snacks. A cash bar is open in the evenings, and soft drinks are available 24 hours a day. Top Marriott Bonvoy elite members enjoy free access to the lounge. Suites add extra living space, and with the large number of convention groups, there is a good number of suites for upgrades.
RESTAURANTS AND BARS: Daily Grill serves three meals a day from a continental American menu including a popular breakfast buffet. Fountain Wine Bar serves dozens of Pacific Northwest wines along with other cocktails and beer around a decorative fountain in the lobby. Another great option is Loulay Kitchen & Bar serving casual dishes like salads, grilled meat, and sandwiches. The hotel welcomes lots of overseas travelers, and the option to dine in-house on creative fare is appreciated by many guests.
LEISURE FACILITIES: Guests will find an indoor swimming pool and fitness center on the top floor. It has panoramic views of the city center making it a great spot to spend some time on a rainy day.
BUSINESS AND MEETING FACILITIES: Free wireless Internet works throughout the hotel, and a business center provides access to printing needs. A station in the lobby is dedicated to printing boarding passes. Both towers feature plentiful meeting and ballrooms of various sizes, and their location on higher floors helps to separate conferees from other guests in most of the public areas.
VERDICT: This huge hotel packs a big punch with dining, room amenities, and service. With all of that, perhaps its best feature is its location in the center of Seattle’s best attractions.
