Alexis or the Fairmont Olympic
 

Will be visiting Seattle for a couple of days in Dec. Options are the Alexis or Fairmont Olympic. Both get really mixed reviews so I'd appreciate any current info.

I live in Seattle and can't imagine either one getting "mixed reviews", but then I've never stayed there. Most of our friends would consider a night at the Olympic to be a special and luxurious romantic getaway. I don't know if the Fairmont will consider the tradition, but when it was a Four Seasons the lobby area was always beautifully decorated during December, making a stop in for a drink in the lobby bar a very festive occasion.

Hopefully someone will give you more specific iformation n the rooms and service.

I can't comment on the Fairmont, but we did stay at the Alexis last year over Thanksgiving. Absolutely loved it! Our room was HUGE, and there was a separate room for dressing with a large closet, and a big, wall size mirror. The room was well appointed and we didn't see any signs of wear and tear. The room next to ours was having a party, and the only way we knew that was when we were coming and going we ran into them. But from inside our room we could not hear a peep...nothing. Very nice! Also did not hear any street noise. The hotel does have a wine tasting hour in the late afternoons, and they set out watercolors and blank postcards. We enjoyed it, and it seemed like a lot of other people there did as well. The hotel has a nice, cozy bar with over 64 scotches, and a very good breakfast restaurant. The location of the hotel is just a short walk to Pike Place Market...about 5 minutes, if that. So in case you can't tell, I highly recommend the Alexis, lol!

The Alexis is a boutique hotel in the Kimpton chain, whereas the Olympic is a classic hotel built in the 1920s and was previously a Four Season's Hotel.

If I were given a choice, I would pick the Olympic for reasons previously stated and because it is more conveniently located to the retail core, theaters, etc.

Another vote for the Alexis. We were there in August 2005 and had a lovely room with a giant sized bathroom. The pub is set up like a library and was cozy and a fun place for afternoon cheer. It is in a great location, we did not have a car and were able to walk or take bus everywhere we wanted to go.

The wine, watercolors were a nice touch and we had massages at Aveeda spa that were relaxing and convenient.

Hope this helps...
Debi

Also being local, have not stayed at either, but have eaten at the restaurants both places over the years. They are both lovely hotels. I'd pick the Olympic because it an historic old grand dame of a building. But the Alexis is more boutique-y with a slightly better location (by a few blocks only) for tourist things.