Hotel Spotlight

Amazing Views Are Only the Beginning at This Seattle Hotel

by Daniel Schwartz
The The Nest rooftop bar. All photos courtesy of Thompson Seattle.

Thompson Seattle
Seattle, Washington
Trendy, $$ (from $179)

Some hotels deliver on design; others on location, attention to detail, or lively social scene. Thompson Seattle, the style-forward hotel group’s first foray into the Pacific Northwest, makes no compromises. The design, in typical Thompson form, is luxurious yet decidedly local, a reflection of Seattle’s urban-meets-nature charm. The location is unrivaled, perched above Pike Place Market in the heart of the city. Great attention has been paid to the details in the lobby, two restaurants, and 150 rooms and suites. The scene, particularly at the picturesque rooftop lounge, is a healthy mix of sophisticated travelers and locals with good taste, most of whom are lured upstairs by breathtaking views over the Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains. Luckily for them, the delights don’t stop once the sun sets. Well, at least for those staying the night.

Thompson Seattle.

Thompson Seattle eatery Conversation
All-day dining at Conversation.
Thompson Seattle's Conversation
Seating by the fireplace.
Comfort Food at Conversation
Conversation serves sophisticated takes on comfort food.
Thompson Seattle Dessert Conversation
Fancy fudge pops.

At a Glance

Style: Seattle’s award-winning Olson Kundig Architects drew inspiration from the city and its majestic hinterlands when designing the hotel, which, housed in a cantilevered glass building, feels hip, happening, and high-end without coming off as cold. 

Standout Detail: The awe-inspiring view is one of the city's best. Snag an water-view room for the best seat in the house.

This Place Is Perfect For: Sophisticated culture vultures in search of Seattle’s greatest hits, business travelers in need of a luxury residence, nature-loving urbanites, and sightseers who want more out of a hotel than mere convenience.

Rooms: 150 rooms and suites are outfitted with modern dark wood furnishings, navy accents, 400-thread-count SFERRA linens, custom Sealy Tempur-Pedic mattresses, a chef-curated honor bar, rain showers, and D.S. & Durga products in the bathroom. The art is inspired by the city and its aeronautic history. Floor-to-ceiling windows let in tons of natural light and look out over the courtyard, street, or water. 

On Site: There’s no pool or spa, just a warm, welcoming lobby, complimentary WiFi, morning coffee service, and 24-hour fitness center. Just what most travelers need before, after, or during a busy day on the town.

Food + Drink: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served at Conversation, a new and sophisticated-looking eatery inspired by chef Derek Simcik’s global travels as a child (menu: culinary diversity meets nostalgia). An ambitious pastry program, run by Kate Sigel, riffs playfully on crowd-pleasing sweets (a fudge pop with black truffle; an ice cream sandwich with corn-flavored macaron).

Book It

Rates change seasonally and start at $230/night. Click here for reservations, or get in touch with the Fathom Travel Concierge and we’ll plan the trip for you. 

The Nest.
A city view deluxe guest room.
A water view deluxe guest room.
The living room at the Thompson Suite.

What to Do Nearby

Bring a good pair of walking shoes because Thompson Seattle is as central as it gets. Pike Place Market is just next door. Get there early (before the tourists arrive) to see the farmers, fish hawkers, and butchers set up and enjoy a coffee at Storyville and a poppy seed cinnamon roll at Piroschky. Or visit in the early evening for house-aged cocktails and custom distills at Radiator Whiskey before heading to Mbar for Middle Eastern eats, tempting cocktails, and more rooftop views of the city. On another day, beat the crowds at Seattle Art Museum (get there just as it opens) to browse excellent contemporary and Native American art, stroll along the waterfront, and end your day with a bespoke cocktail at speakeasy Bathtub Gin in nearby Belltown. 

Keep Exploring Seattle

A Quick List for a Good Taste of Seattle
Where Locals Eat, Shop, and Buy Weed in Seattle
A Chef's Tour of Seattle's 10 Best Restaurants

We make every effort to ensure the information in our articles is accurate at the time of publication. But the world moves fast, and even we double-check important details before hitting the road.