Few hotels in Seattle are more stylish and convenient than the Thompson. Located within walking distance of Pike Place, the Seattle Art Museum and other major tourist attractions, Hyatt’s design-oriented boutique brand offers friendly service, 152 spacious rooms and suites (many with floor-to-ceiling waterfront reviews) and a sleek, well-decorated lobby with an excellent on-site restaurant. The modernist building designed by Olson Kundig also makes quite the impression when viewed from outside—the irregular “glass lantern” design features floor-to-ceiling glass windows that jut out slightly, mimicking the local street grid alignment. The only draw or dealbreaker, depending on your disposition, is the Nest, the hotel’s extremely popular rooftop bar, which draws a steady stream of somewhat rowdy locals to the 11th floor for its stunning views of Elliott Bay. If you don’t mind sharing the elevators with mildly inebriated guests on weekend evenings, Thompson Seattle might be one of the best places to lay your head on your next visit to the Emerald City.
Why stay at Thompson Seattle?
Location, location, location. Step outside the Thompson’s front door and you can be browsing the beautiful, freshly cut flowers at Pike Place Market within minutes. The comfortable, sound-insulated rooms, array of seating options in the lobby and on-site gym make it particularly suitable to more discerning business travelers, but even those visiting Seattle on leisure will appreciate the Thompson’s luxurious toiletries, courtesy of Brooklyn-based D.S. & Durga, and the complimentary chocolate chip cookies at the front desk. I particularly appreciated the welcome glass of sparkling wine available at check-in—a nice, boutique touch for the normally business-minded Hyatt brand.
What are the rooms like at Thompson Seattle?
The 152 mid-century inspired rooms and suites were designed by Toronto-based international design firm Studio Munge in collaboration with Redmond architecture and design firm Jensen Fey. Each hotel room offers floor-to-ceiling windows with either city views or sweeping views of Elliott Bay. (I recommend splurging for the ocean views; it’s the perfect way to greet the morning.) Rooms offer navy accents and dark wood accents, plus cozy, pristine 400-threadcount linens by Sferra, a luxury Italian home goods brand. The mini fridge offers local brands like Beecher’s—a cheesemonger within Pike Place Market—and the bath also offers the aforementioned D.S. & Durga toiletries available at all Thompson properties. The hotel also pays attention to minor details, like proper blackout curtains and adequate reading lights. The comfortable bathrobes are also a major plus.
What are the restaurants and bars like at Thompson Seattle?
In terms of hotel food and drink options, guests can grab breakfast, lunch and dinner at the Thompson’s New American lobby restaurant, Conversation Kitchen & Bar. During my stay, I enjoyed a light breakfast, including a side of Dungeness crab (a local catch!). For straightforward sunset drinks and Asian-inspired bar bites, there’s the Nest, a high-volume rooftop bar and lounge that gets incredibly crowded on weekends and in the summer. The drinks were watered down and generally poorly executed (my Japanese whisky highball wasn’t served in an actual highball glass), but I still appreciated the views of Elliot Bay and the tasty skewers served.
The real appeal of staying at the Thompson is staying mere minutes away from some of Seattle’s finest restaurants. Two doors down from the hotel is Ludi’s Restaurant, a Filipino daytime café that serves a decadent stack of ube pancakes, one of the city’s most iconic dishes, alongside other homestyle breakfast fare and baked goods. Within Pike Place Market, you’ll find some of the city’s best fish and chips (Jack’s Fish Spot), a standout salmon sinigang and other Filipino lunch fare (Oriental Mart) and a killer omakase option (Sushi Kashiba), plus countless other touristy delights, including the original Starbucks.
What is the service like at Thompson Seattle?
Friendly and prompt. Feel free to text the front desk for reservations at the Nest, recommendations or anything else you might need. Interestingly enough, the hotel changes out the rugs in the elevator, which say “Good Morning,” “Good Afternoon” or “Good Evening” depending on the time of day. It’s a thoughtful gesture, even if most guests aren’t likely to notice the swap beneath their feet.
What is the fitness center like at Thompson Seattle?
Note that the Thompson Seattle shares a small gym with the neighboring apartment building. The small but spacious gym includes complimentary fruit and a filtered water station, plenty of cardio equipment (including a rowing machine), plus free weights, a weight bench and a single set of TRX suspension straps. The well-appointed third floor space also offers a pleasant view of the bustling streets below.
What’s the area like around Thompson Seattle?
The immediate area (Downtown) around the Thompson is fairly tourist-oriented—it’s across the street from Pike Place Market, after all. Beyond the market, you’ll also find the Seattle Art Museum, the Seattle Aqarium and the Seattle Great Wheel, plus its surrounding Old West-themed arcade and amusement park. Within 10 minutes’ walk of the Thompson, you’ll also find plenty of interesting shops and name brand retailers to peruse—think Patagonia, Sur La Table, Nordstrom, Sephora and Anthropologie. I particularly liked the locally run small shops, including MochiThings (stationary and other small home goods) and JUTO (Japanese home goods).
Generally, I’d recommend staying here if you want to be close to most major tourist attractions. The Space Needle, as well as the nearby Chihuly Garden and Glass, are also only a short 20 minute walk away. After dark, the surrounding area can feel a a tad sketchy due to Downtowns’s large population of homeless people, but the blocks are well-lit with plenty of foot traffic.
Why should you book a stay at Thompson Seattle?
With luxurious touches and an ultra-convenient location, Thompson Seattle is an excellent place to stay whether you’re in town for business or pleasure. The suites are comfortable and the oceanfront views are breathtaking. What’s not to love?
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