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Fodor's Expert Review Hyatt at Olive 8

Name: Hyatt at Olive 8
Address: 1635 8th Ave., Seattle, Washington, 98101, USA
Telephone: 206-695–1234;800-233–1234
Price range: $$$$

1635 8th Ave., Seattle, Washington 98101, USA See on Map Fodor's Choice

AnnaMaria Stephens

From the reliable Hyatt brand, this modern Downtown hotel is just steps from the Convention Center and a 10-minute walk to Pike Place Market. The immaculately kept property, which features 346 spacious guestrooms and 13 luxury suites, some with views, is known for its excellent customer service and amenities such as an indoor pool and Elaia, one of the city’s best spas. The Hyatt at Olive 8, the first hotel in Seattle to be LEED-certified, also wins props for its eco-friendly practices.

room

Featuring contemporary furniture and a calming color palette of neutrals with pops of muted color, the hotel’s large guestrooms offer plenty of plush touches, including the hotel's signature Hyatt Grand Bed with a pillow-top mattress. Rooms have an oversized desk and a mini fridge for added convenience. Also noteworthy are the energy-efficient fixtures and the hotel’s green housekeeping program, which leaves rooms impressively spotless. Some rooms have views of Lake Union, the Cascade Mountains, or Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains. A hypo-allergenic option is available.

YOU SHOULD KNOW The hotel has an upscale business vibe, which may disappoint guests who prefer a more boutique experience.

bathroom

Clean-lined bathrooms feature a polished granite sink and stone tiles, with eco-savvy touches that include a dual-flush Toto toilet and water-saving showerheads that never feel like you’re skimping on pressure. Rooms feature a tub-shower combo or a walk-in shower. Bath products are by Portico--plus, you’ll also find a travel-size tube of toothpaste in case you forgot yours. How thoughtful!

lobby

Floors and walls clad in polished limestone complement a striking marble reception desk and its backdrop of vertical paneling in warm wood; the woodwork continues along the soaring ceiling, accented by a contemporary chandelier. The sophisticated space features several comfortable seating areas.

pool

Surrounded by a heated wood deck lined with chaise lounges, the serene indoor pool and heated whirlpool spa look out on city views framed by a bank of floor-to-ceiling windows.

YOU SHOULD KNOW The pool area is often overrun with loud kids; try visiting in the early morning or late evening if you're hoping for a more relaxing experience.

spa

Eco-friendly meets elegance at the hotel's Elaia Spa, a retreat offering a long list of relaxing treatments such as body scrubs and wraps, massages, facials, and salon services, many inspired by Seattle's natural surroundings. The spa's Market Fresh options even feature products incorporating seasonal ingredients grown in the Pacific Northwest. The spacious and attractive spa, clad in gleaming sustainable wood, has a large relaxation/waiting room with sink-in chaise lounges topped with soft blankets. Guests receive complimentary use of the well-stocked locker rooms and saunas--as well as the hotel's lovely pool--with a minimum 60-minute treatment.

Valet parking is $8 (with validation) for spa guests who are not staying at the hotel.

gym

The hotel's large 24/7 gym is stocked with Life Fitness cardio equipment, weight machines, and free weights, as well as a yoga studio.

dining

On-site restaurant and bar Urbane serves eclectic farm-to-table dishes in a sleek setting. Think upscale riffs on comfort food like poutine and fish and chips, with an extensive wine and micro-brew menu and well-made cocktails. Brunch seems to be the restaurant's busiest time. As part of the Hyatt, it’s on the spendy side.

drinking

The hotel's wine bar/coffee lounge includes comfy seating areas. Urbane also features a bar section.

LOCATION

Getting Around

Hyatt at Olive 8 is a short 5-minute walk to Westlake Center, Downtown's hub for public transit. Here you'll find the Link light rail, which services Capitol Hill, the University of Washington, and Sea-Tac airport; the Monorail, which connects to Seattle Center; buses that reach every corner of the city; and the terminus for the South Lake Union Streetcar.

Restaurants

Start the day with fresh brew and baked goods from the hip Anchorhead Coffee, right by the hotel. A 10-minute walk from the Hyatt at Olive 8, Pike Place Market offers a number of food options, from casual to upscale, including Pike Place Chowder, which has lines out the door but quick turnover. Seafood lovers should also try Blueacre, which serves fresh local catches alongside popular fish from further afar.

Bars

A five-minute walk from the hotel is Oliver’s Lounge, a Seattle icon for more than 40 years that’s famous for its martinis. Contemporary jazz is a fitting backdrop to the classic space, and floor-to-ceiling windows look out on the bustling city sidewalk. Cinerama, a 10-minute walk, is a grown-up movie theater with drinks and reserved seats. Down by Pike Place Market, also a 10-minute walk, you’ll find a number of happening bars, including the Alibi Room, the Zig Zag Café, and Radiator Whiskey.

WHY WE LIKE IT

Comfortable and clean with great customer service, the eco-minded Hyatt at Olive 8 couldn't be more dependable for a pleasant hotel stay. The pool is a real perk, as is the on-site spa. And the hotel is located just minutes from multiple public transit options, which makes getting around the city without a car convenient.