I recently completed a 4-night stay at the Embassy Suites Seattle Tacoma International Airport. My last stay at this hotel was something like 10 years ago, when the lobby bar was equipped with a juke box! The stay was basic Embassy Suites, with the typical manager’s reception and morning breakfast.
Check In
The lone desk clerk was not attending to anyone when I arrived, so I walked right up to the desk. She was pleasant enough, but did not acknowledge my Hilton HHonors status or use my name during the check in conversation. Trivial, I know, but I appreciate it when I’m thanked for my loyalty, and I definitely appreciate usage of my name. Oh well, it is what it is, and soon enough I was on my way to my 7th floor corner suite.
The Room
Room 701 was adjacent to the elevator, but I never experienced any noticeable noise due to the location. Frankly, it was a great corner room. The living area was huge, certainly as large as any I’ve seen at any Embassy Suites. Other than being obviously larger than most, the room was standard Embassy Suites with flat screen TV, refrigerator, microwave, and wet bar. Most importantly, the large desk and work area were very well lit.
The separate bedroom was also standard Embassy Suites, with comfortable bed, functional closet, and its own flat screen TV. The hotel earned extra points with me for providing lamps on each side of the bed equipped with an electrical outlet making it easy to charge my iPhone (which I use as an alarm clock) right by my bed.
Around the Hotel
The hotel was equipped with a smallish gym on the first floor which was adjacent to the indoor pool and jacuzzi. While small, I never had to wait for equipment in the gym, and it was equipped with modern Precor equipment which included cable TV at each station, so bring your earbuds!
In addition to the usual breakfast and nightly manager’s reception, the hotel restaurant/lounge, Basil’s Kitchen, turned out pretty good bar food, and offered a good selection of bottled and draught beer as well as wine and other mixed drinks.
Venturing out in the evenings was usually limited to one of several restaurants surrounding the nearby Southcenter Mall and shopping area, although we did make it downtown for one dinner. You’ll find your standard options here such as Cheesecake Factory and Olive Garden. But I also visited Duke’s Chowderhouse, which was excellent. Try the Lobster Pernod Chowder, and let me know what you think! Another favorite during the week was Joey’s.
The Bottom Line
The hotel grew on me with each passing day. It certainly wasn’t the W Seattle, but it wasn’t supposed to be. I’d certainly stay here again, especially if I could get one of those corner rooms again!
