From our room in the Olympic, I can see up and down Seneca Street. We stay in the same room every time we come to Seattle, so I’m getting to know the views. I’ve decided that I like the austere skyscraper I can see up the street. It’s the Crowne Plaza Hotel, I discovered later.
The side of the Crowne Plaza that faces Seneca is slightly pleated, like an accordion. Depending on the angle and time of day, its alternating glass and stone components look like striped ribbons of varying shades. The building’s distressed concrete has a slightly pink cast during the day. It forms a nice contrast with the neighboring YWCA building, which is probably nearly a century old.
harley says
I’ve heard of the Olympic Hotel in Seattle. It is a very, very nice place. If I recall correctly, there is a restaurant called Shuckers on the main floor, which is known city wide for its gloriously fresh sea-food.
Celia says
The food at the Olympic is absolutely swell. Shuckers is good, the Georgian room is yummy. The bar in the lobby also has some talented mixologists! I worry about the Olympic getting run down–it is an old hotel, now owned by the Fairmont–I’m afraid it’s beastly expensive to maintain. But it has some lovely amenities–like a wonderful pool complex with sauna and what looks to be a pretty decent spa. And then of course in one corner of the basement is that heavenly French bakery. . . . the Belle Epicurean. . . . tasty!