Fairmont Olympic Hotel

The Fairmont Olympic Hotel in Seattle, Washington, stands as a testament to the city’s rich history and its evolution into a bustling metropolis. This grand establishment, originally known as The Olympic Hotel, has been a cornerstone of Seattle's hospitality scene since it opened its doors in 1924. Nestled in the heart of downtown Seattle, it occupies the original site of the first campus of the University of Washington, adding an extra layer of historical significance to its already storied past.

A Glimpse into History

In the aftermath of World War I, the Seattle Chamber of Commerce embarked on a mission to bring a world-class hotel to the city. They identified a prime piece of real estate in the Metropolitan Tract, an area that was once home to the University of Washington’s first campus. This location, known as Denny’s Knoll, was named after Arthur A. Denny, one of Seattle’s founders who had donated the land for the university.

The university had relocated to its current location north of Portage Bay in 1895, but it still owned the original downtown property. In 1904, the university’s Board of Regents leased the land to the Metropolitan Building Company with the understanding that it would be developed in trust for the university over the next 50 years.

The Birth of The Olympic Hotel

The Seattle Times held a contest to name the new hotel, and from 3,906 entries, the name The Olympic was chosen. In 1922, the Community Hotel Corporation selected the New York architectural firm George B. Post & Son to design the building, with local supervision by the Seattle-based firm Bebb and Gould. The design, an Italian Renaissance style, was a popular architectural choice of the era and remains one of the building’s defining features.

Construction began on April 1, 1923, and the steel framework was completed by January 1924. By November of the same year, the building was finished, having cost a total of $5.5 million, including $800,000 for furnishings alone. The grand opening on December 6, 1924, was a lavish affair attended by over 2,000 Seattle residents and their guests, with hundreds more lining the streets to catch a glimpse of the new hotel.

Transformations and Modernization

In 1953, the University of Washington extended the hotel’s lease and approved a plan to demolish the Metropolitan Theatre, which had been a Seattle institution since its opening in 1911. The theatre’s last performance was on December 4, 1954, and it was subsequently demolished to make way for a new entrance to the hotel.

Western Hotels took over management of The Olympic Hotel on August 1, 1955. The company, which rebranded as Western International in 1963, managed the hotel until September 1980, when Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts took over. The hotel was renamed the Four Seasons Olympic Hotel and underwent a grand reopening celebration on July 10, 1982.

In the mid-1990s, the University of Washington sold a 64 percent stake in the hotel to Chicago-based real estate investment firm JMB Realty. In 2003, both the university and JMB sold the hotel to Legacy Hotels, which transferred management to Fairmont Hotels & Resorts. The hotel was subsequently renamed The Fairmont Olympic Hotel on July 31, 2003.

Exploring The Fairmont Olympic Hotel

Today, The Fairmont Olympic Hotel continues to enchant visitors with its blend of historical charm and modern luxury. The Italian Renaissance architecture, with its grand lobby and opulent interiors, offers a glimpse into the elegance of a bygone era. The hotel’s central location in downtown Seattle makes it an ideal base for exploring the city’s many attractions, from the iconic Pike Place Market to the Seattle Art Museum and the bustling waterfront.

The hotel boasts a range of luxurious accommodations, from elegantly appointed guest rooms to spacious suites with stunning views of the city. Guests can indulge in a variety of dining experiences, from the refined cuisine at The Georgian, the hotel’s signature restaurant, to the casual yet sophisticated atmosphere of Shuckers Oyster Bar.

Unforgettable Experiences

Beyond its accommodations and dining options, The Fairmont Olympic Hotel offers a wealth of amenities and services to ensure a memorable stay. The hotel’s health club and spa provide a sanctuary of relaxation and rejuvenation, while the indoor swimming pool and fitness center cater to those looking to stay active during their visit.

For business travelers, the hotel offers state-of-the-art meeting and event spaces, making it a premier destination for conferences, weddings, and other special occasions. The hotel’s experienced event planning team ensures that every detail is meticulously attended to, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable experience for all guests.

In conclusion, The Fairmont Olympic Hotel is not just a place to stay; it’s a destination in itself. Its rich history, stunning architecture, and luxurious amenities make it a must-visit for anyone traveling to Seattle. Whether you’re in town for business or pleasure, a stay at The Fairmont Olympic Hotel promises to be an experience you’ll cherish for years to come.