Renaissance Seattle Hotel

The hotel is highly regarded for its exceptional staff service and central downtown location, making it a popular choice for various travelers. Its club lounge on the top floor, offering spectacular city and water views, stands out as a memorable feature. Guests frequently commend the comfortable and clean rooms, though some note the presence of highway noise. The hotel is ideal for sightseers and business travelers due to its proximity to key attractions and the business district, and is also well-suited for conference attendees and cruise passengers seeking a convenient pre or post-stay. Couples and families appreciate the spacious accommodations and easy access to city exploration. To enhance your stay, consider requesting a room on a higher floor and away from the highway for a quieter experience, and be prepared for uphill walks when returning from the waterfront.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of facilities, though some aspects receive mixed feedback. The elevators are a frequent point of discussion, with many guests reporting them to be slow, often requiring long waits, and sometimes experiencing mechanical issues, though staff are occasionally present to manage their flow. A well-equipped fitness center is available, featuring a good mix of cardio machines, weights, and space for stretching, which guests find adequate and clean. The club lounge on the top floor is a significant draw, praised for its amazing views and decent spread of snacks and drinks, though some note it can be busy or occasionally found in disarray, and it may not always be open on weekends. An on-site Starbucks provides convenience, but some guests experienced it being closed or having slow service. The lobby bar is generally described as nice and lively, offering food and drinks, though some find the service slow and the prices high. Ice machines are available, but not on every floor, which can be inconvenient.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room cleanliness and comfort is generally positive, though some areas could see improvement. Rooms are widely described as clean, spacious, and comfortable, with many appreciating the cozy beds and high-quality linens that ensure a restful sleep. However, some guests found the mattresses to be too firm or squeaky, with a few noting signs of wear. The bathrooms are a mixed bag; while some are spacious with good amenities, others are described as small, dated, or lacking counter space, with issues like broken fixtures, poor ventilation, or slippery floors. Noise levels are a significant concern for many, particularly from the adjacent highway, which can be very loud, even on higher floors, impacting sleep. Some also reported loud air conditioning units and plumbing noise from neighboring rooms. In-room amenities vary, with some appreciating the provided toiletries and coffee makers, while others noted the absence of slippers, irons, or microwaves. Many rooms offer city views, which are a highlight for guests.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining options receive varied reviews, with some aspects standing out positively while others fall short. The breakfast is frequently praised for its deliciousness, freshness, and plentiful variety, with many guests enjoying the buffet spread and quality of food, especially in the club lounge. However, some found the breakfast to be expensive if not included in their rate, and service in the main restaurant could be slow. The hotel's restaurants and bar offer food options, with the clam chowder and chicken quesadilla receiving specific mentions for their quality. The lobby bar is noted for its lively atmosphere and decent food, though some guests experienced slow service and found drinks to be overpriced. A recurring point of contention is the mandatory 20% service charge added to bills at the bar and restaurants, which some guests felt was unwarranted given the service received and discouraged further dining at the hotel. Room service is available, but some found the options limited and delivery disappointing, suggesting guests use external delivery services instead.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is a major advantage, placing guests within easy walking distance of many popular Seattle attractions. Guests appreciate its proximity to Pike Place Market, the waterfront, Lumen Field, T-Mobile Park, and various shopping and dining areas. Public transportation, including the light rail station, is also conveniently accessible, providing easy connections to the airport and other parts of the city. However, a significant aspect of the location is the presence of steep hills leading to and from the hotel, which can be challenging for walking, especially with luggage or for those with mobility issues. The hotel is situated right next to a major highway, resulting in considerable traffic noise that impacts many rooms. Parking is available on-site, but it is consistently described as expensive, with daily rates ranging from $50 to $68, and some guests reported difficulties finding available spots or navigating the tight garage with larger vehicles.

Staff & Service
The hotel's staff consistently receives high praise, being highlighted as one of the most positive aspects of a stay. Guests frequently commend their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness, noting that staff members often go above and beyond to assist with requests and provide a welcoming experience. The check-in process is generally described as quick and smooth, though some guests reported issues with early check-in fees or billing discrepancies upon checkout. Specific mentions include efficient valet service, responsive housekeeping (though some noted inconsistencies in room cleaning), and knowledgeable concierge and front desk teams who offer directions and local recommendations. Many guests felt valued, especially those with loyalty status, who often received upgrades or special recognition. Despite occasional reports of understaffing or miscommunication, the overall sentiment is that the staff's commitment to providing excellent service significantly enhances the guest experience.

Additional Information
Guests frequently note the hotel's policy of adding a mandatory 20% service charge to dining and bar bills, which can be a point of frustration for some. For rewards program members, the hotel often provides benefits such as room upgrades, lounge access, and complimentary breakfast, which are highly appreciated. The hotel offers thoughtful amenities in the lobby, including free bottled water upon check-in, hot apple cider in the evenings, and complimentary cookies or granola bars near the elevators, adding a welcoming touch. While the hotel is generally well-maintained, some guests observed that certain areas or room furnishings appear dated, suggesting a need for updates.