I will be traveling to Seattle in late October. I would appreciate an opinion on the Hotel Monaco or W Hotel. Which would you choose? Really appreciate an opinion.
Thank's.

Can't offer firsthand, but can compare to Monaco in Chicago and several W Hotels. I've found the W Hotels consistently good at what is important to me. This includes comfortable, modern room, good (not great) service and a fun bar to have a drink after dinner. The Monaco in Chicago doesn't compare in service and luxury in my opinion. In addition, the W Seattle was new when built (not sure if the Monaco was refurbished).

That being said, I haven't heard great things about the W's in Chicago. The ones we do like are Los Angeles, San Fran and NY Union Square.

i just stayed there and you should read my review...it was excellent if you stay in the whirlpool suite...which i booked through quikbooks....they had the best rate and then i confirmed my room choice directly with cliff, the concierge.

if you go to seattle, having the black squid ink risotto and the suckling pig entree at Brasa is a must...clearly the best meal in town.

if you're into sterile everything, snobby feeling everything, then stay at the trendy W. if you want a hotel that is clearly boutique in atmosphere, great personal service, stay at the hotel monaco across the street.

I'm with Aaron - I found the W to be very sterile, stark, and a bit snobby. The Monaco is none of those things. However, I am not crazy about the location of these hotels and the view from your room at the Monaco is likely to be of a brick wall. Personally, next time I will stay at Inn at the Market.

I've stayed at the Monaco and the comment about the brick wall view is so true. I read recently that a movie star (name forgotten)who was staying at the Four Seasons Olympic moved to the W, across the street. Check out The Elliott, our newest hotel which has the same level of service as the Four Seasons and has been having trouble filling up.

Linda- I LOVED the Hotel Monaco-

It is awesomely decorated-very hip boutique hotel--

Ask for the pet goldfish to be delivered to your room during your stay-it's a hoot--

They have wine and cheer hour every nite in the lobby-

The rooms are decorated so beautifully and DIFFERENT from anywhere else you will ever stay- the Interior Designer who did it is to be commended!!

The check-in area looks like a piece of Louis Vuitton Luggage--it will blow your mind-0

The restaurant in the hotel ( I forgot the name ) is very good and gorgeous...

It is a slight hike up the hill from Union Sq- About 2 blocks-but definitely a terrific place to stay-

I prefer small boutique elegant hotels to the BIG CHAINs- and THIS FITS THE BILL!

You will LOVE IT!