Fodor's Expert Review Pan Pacific Hotel Seattle

Featuring views of the Space Needle and Seattle’s sleek South Lake Union neighborhood--home to tech behemoth Amazon’s HQ, among many other companies--the sustainability-minded Pan Pacific is a stylish contemporary option not far from the Downtown core. The 153-room property, the only U.S. outpost of the Singapore-based Pan Pacific boutique brand, offers upscale comfort and an urban location that's convenient--but not touristy.

room

Understated and luxurious, guestrooms feature a soft palette of natural hues and warm wood tones. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame views of the city or Lake Union, including deluxe rooms overlooking the iconic Space Needle. Plush bedding, designer fixtures, and an ergonomic workspace with a Herman Miller chair add to the Pan Pacific’s allure, as does the hotel’s award-winning commitment to environmental sustainability.

YOU SHOULD KNOW With its glittering office high-rises, South Lake Union lacks the historic charm of Downtown.

bathroom

Large and modern, with a striped wood vanity and granite counters, all bathrooms come with a separate rain shower and oversized tub. Toiletries are from YU’I; the Asian line only available at the hotel stateside nods to the Pan Pacific’s roots.

lobby

With a contemporary floating staircase, walls clad in warm striped wood, and a huge Calder-esque chandelier, the lobby makes a striking impression. Modern-organic accents like carved wood tables complement tufted gray sofas, molded plywood lounge chairs, and Asian art and furnishings. A fireplace keeps the place cozy in winter.

The hotel’s seasonal patio is one of the best places to hang out al fresco in South Lake Union.

gym

A fitness center includes various cardio equipment, as well as dry saunas and a jetted whirlpool.

dining

The chic Lobby Bar at Pan Pacific, an intimate space with a small bar and several booths, features Pacific Northwest cuisine and a nice selection of premium wines, craft ales, and creative cocktails. Open for all meals, the bar also serves food and drinks on a large patio when the weather is welcoming.

drinking

Happy hour in SLU is often booming, thanks to the countless techies who head out for drinks after toiling on the latest app or product. Try Bravehorse Tavern, which serves dozens of craft brews and signature house-made pretzels, or re:Public, a stylish brick-walled bar and restaurant with excellent drinks and a small gastro-pub menu. But the nightlife scene is a lot better in Capitol Hill, which is a five-minute drive from the hotel.