24 HOURS in Seattle
SEATTLE Seattle is a vibrant embodiment of modernity and bohemian multi-culturalism with an incredibly unique offering. It’s undulating city landscape has breath-taking views out to majestic snow-capped mountains, deep blue waters and a quilt of sprawling parkland. The beat of this city has inspired many great musicians, jazz legends Quincy Jones and Ray Charles, home-grown rocker Jimi Hendrix and the band Nirvana, as well as current chart-topper Macklemore. Local produce from this burgeoning creative hub include extensive craft beers, delicious coffee, the freshest of seafood and art, like the famously quirky glasswork of Dale Chihuly. Explore a magic blend of urban progression and rural splendour with our guide on things to do and see, and the top places to rest your head.
24 H
OURS in Seattle
Gateway to the boundless Evergreen state of Washington, Seattle itself has so much on offer. We understand that time is sometimes simply not on your side, so with this in mind we’ve designed a bespoke guide on how to maximise your time in this eclectic metropolis. Planned well, you can get under the skin of this creative city in just 24 hours.
Start the clock...
MORNING When in Seattle, drink coffee – after all, this is a world centre for roasting and coffee is a prominent part of daily life. Fuel yourself with a fresh brew from the very first Starbucks, which can be found at Pike Place Market. This famous farmers market has been running since 1907 and is a great place to start your day’s adventure; we recommend trying the smoked salmon at Pure Food Fish Market. No visit to Seattle is complete without a trip up the Space Needle, an iconic landmark that pierces the urban landscape at 400 Broad Street. 520 feet above the hustle of the city, you get breath-taking 360 degree views of Seattle and the beautifully varied landscape beyond; it’s a great way to get your bearings before your venture further afield. Back on ground level, immerse yourself in the culture of the city with a visit to Chihuly Garden & Glass and Experience Music Project, which is dedicated to the musical heritage of the city and offers unique experiences such as jamming to a crowd of screaming virtual fans.
AFTERNOON After a morning in the buzz of Downtown venture up towards Ballard, a quaint area with lots of lovely eateries and boutiques. Café Besalu on 5909 24th Ave NW is a family owned bakery where you can get delicious homemade breads and quiche – it’s away from the tourist trail and perfect for a light lunch. Afterwards, visit the Fish Ladder where glass panels allow you to watch salmon passing between the salt water of Puget Sound and the fresh waters of Lake Washington, both connected by the Ballard Locks where sailboats, tugs, yachts and barges seamlessly pass through. Nearby Fremont is a more offbeat, bohemian neighbourhood; check out the Fremont Troll, a magnificent sculpture that first took residence under the Aurora Bridge on Halloween in 1990 and has become a fixture ever since. Then, for a pick-me-up at tea time, make a trip to the Theo Chocolate Factory, the first and only organic, Fairtrade chocolate factory in the country.
NIGHT Take an early evening cruise around Lake Union and Lake Washington, then head to Daniel’s Broiler for a sumptuous waterside dinner afterwards. Toast the day with a local beer or Washington State wine and take in Seattle as the sun sets, watching the beautiful view turn to a sea of twinkling lights reflected in the lake.
Seattle IN P
PICTURES
our 6 night ITINERARY A culturally rich metropolis and gateway to Washington State, Seattle is the largest, most vibrant city in the USA’s Pacific Northwest. It offers the ultimate lifestyle break, and this exciting itinerary will give you just that. We’ll have you dining on gourmet cuisine, sipping some of the finest coffee, enjoying boat charters around the lakes and discovering the rolling vineyards and parklands. Sounds exciting, right? Well, here’s a little taster of what you can expect on our all-encompassing trip to this US gem…
DOWNTOWN DISCOVERIES What better way to begin your exploration of this eclectic city than by taking a stroll Downtown for a coffee; one of Seattle’s biggest exports. Once you’re feeling refreshed, it’s time to wander through the nearby Pike Place Market where you’ll find everything from antiques to fresh produce and the famed fish market. Take time to browse the endless stalls and taste some of the tastiest treats on offer, then it’s time to hop on your private boat for a whistle stop sailing trip around Lake Washington and Lake Union. Relax on deck and take in the astounding views as you gaze out to the city skyline and rolling emerald hills beyond. When you’ve had your fill of seafaring, step ashore and make your way over to Aqua by El Gaucho, a fantastic seafood restaurant boasting some incredible views across the water and up to the Olympic Mountains.
CITY vs NATURE Over the next few days we’ll have you making the most of the city and its surrounding areas. How about driving out to Woodinville wine country for an ultimate wine tasting experience? We recommend Chateau St Michelle, but there are lots of places to discover while you take a leisurely drive through the fecund countryside. When there’s no more to be drunk, we’ll arrange an excursion to the San Juan Islands, leaving Seattle by seaplane and venturing to one of the remote islands near the Canadian border, where you can whale-watch and sail, exploring beaches and coves.
Back in the city; be sure to go up the iconic Space Needle for panoramic views over Seattle, then absorb some of the eclectic culture with a trip to Experience Music Project or Chihuly Garden & Glass. Head for lunch in Ballard, to fuel yourself with more delicious food (try Volterra, a great little place and one of our firm favourites) and wander the charming streets of the neighbourhood before catching the Emerald City Trolley down to Fremont. Here, take a visit to the Theo Chocolate Factory or jump in a kayak for another adventure on Lake Union.
There are so many facets to this intriguing destination – don’t just take our word for it, experience it yourself on the ultimate lifestyle break.
PRICES FROM £3,595 PP FROM UK FROM $4,925 PP FROM NYC
FAIRMONT OLYMPIC HOTEL With a whopping 450 rooms and suites there is plenty of choice when it comes to resting your head at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel – and the level of service matches this grandeur. The hotel has become somewhat of a landmark in Seattle since its inception in 1924 and its status as a social centre during the roaring twenties lives on almost a century later, with dining options such as The Georgian and Shuckers – one of our favourite oyster bars in the US – attracting more than just the hotel guests. L O CA TI ON A short walk from the waterfront, the Fairmont Olympic Hotel has a prime spot in downtown Seattle. Outside the sophisticated serenity of the hotel doors you’ll find yourself in the centre of a bustling part of town, host to Pike Place, the city’s famous farmers market, and the iconic Space Needle.
YO U R R OOM
W HY W E LI K E I T
Fully restored in recent years, the rooms have all the modcons but still capture the essence of the hotel’s heritage, with traditional elegance and classic furnishings. The bathrooms are spacious and each room has its very own dressing room, for that added feeling of luxury.
The little touches really stood out for us; the grand piano at the top of the spiral staircase, the hotels signature martinis and that sense of arriving home when stepping back into the lobby after a day exploring Seattle.
the BEST Classic pacific style is offset with extravagant modern details in this hotel, which manages to effortlessly keep up with the unusual beat and effervescence of the area around it. The hotel has fantastic dining options, with a steak house and a sushi counter in-house, as well as a restaurant dedicated to serving up delicacies typical of the North West.
GRAND HYATT SEATTLE
ALEXIS SEATTLE - A KIMPTON HOTEL -
The Alexis epitomises urban cool; a boutique hotel that is as stylish and contemporary as the city it dwells in. Each of the 121 rooms and suites has elegant décor that combines a feeling of comfortable homeliness with chic living. LO CA TI ON Located on 1st Avenue in Pioneer Square, the Alexis Hotel is moments from Seattle’s iconic waterfront. One of the great things about this city is its walkability and this area is the ideal place to start, with some top sights on the doorstep to inspire you to wander further afield.
YO U R R OOM In true boutique hotel style, rooms are individually designed so each guest can experience a unique stay. You’ll find state-of-the-art features and modern art housed within a traditional brick building, creating an inimitable atmosphere in a hotel that never loses sight of luxury.
WH Y W E LI K E I T It effortlessly captures the essence of the innovative city around it. Furthermore the hotel genuinely encourages you to get out and explore your surroundings, lending guests bicycles free of charge to zip around the city and find your own secret spot in Seattle. Back on site we loved the exposed brick wall in many of the suites, as well as the bespoke furnishings and spacious living rooms.
boltholes L O CA TI ON Right in the heart of Downtown Seattle, the Grand Hyatt is an easy starting point for discovering the eclectic scenery and culture of this city. Just moments from the Space Needle, the eminent cultural hub of Pike Place Market and the deep blue Pacific waters, you also have a cacophony of culinary experiences.
YO U R R OOM Each room reflects the creative Downtown vibe with original artworks, luxurious onyx detailing and rich wooden furniture that nods to the Evergreen state’s fecund forested landscape. You’ll find your room provides a plush and tranquil escape from the frenetic streets below.
WH Y W E LI K E I T A mantra that we hold strong to at Black Tomato is that a hotel should always be at one with its surroundings; here this is achieved through stunning views of the city and ocean from many of the suites and rooms. Be sure to make time for a visit to the Elaia spa where utter pampering is de rigeur and relaxation is guaranteed.
DID YOU KNOW? Seattle’s name is derived from the name of Chief Sealth, a leader of the Duwamish Native American tribe, who worked closely with settlers. Seattle was the first place in the US to play a Beatles song on the radio. Harbor Island is the largest man-made island in the nation. In 1962 the revolving restaurant Sky City in the Space Needle became the world’s first ever eatery, 500 feet above ground level. The Space Needle foundation weighs 5,850 tons, with 250 tons of reinforcing steel alone. The Needle structure weighs 3,700 tons, and on a hot day it expands about 1 inch. Seattle has been the birthplace of a number of Fortune 500 companies, including Starbucks Coffee, and Amazon.com. The original Starbucks was opened in Pike Place in 1971. Kim Basinger, Michelle Pfeiffer and Julia Roberts were all offered the role of Annie in Sleepless in Seattle, but turned it down. Washington is the only state to ever be named after a US president.
before YOU GO
WHEN TO G O
G ET T I NG T H E R E
G E T T I NG A R OU N D
The city is buzzing with activities year round, but weatherwise, the best time to visit Seattle is mid-June through to mid-September
Seattle is a 10 hour flight from London. It is a 5 hour flight from New York City. You fly to SeattleTacoma (Sea-Tac) airport, which is about 25 minutes from Downtown Seattle.
Lots of the city is very walkable but there’s a great bus system, light rail, water taxis and a monorail. If you adventure out to the vineyards of Woodinville or parklands, we recommend hiring a car – it gives you more freedom to explore at your leisure. To get to the San Juan islands, you can hop on a little Kenmore Air seaplane.