Seattle's grandest historic hotel, built in 1924 and restored to its original Italian Renaissance splendor. The Fairmont Olympic offers 450 rooms and suites in the heart of downtown, with world-class service, a heated indoor pool, and two acclaimed restaurants.
The Fairmont Olympic Hotel stands as Seattle's grandest and most storied lodging, occupying a prime block in the heart of downtown at 411 University Street in Washington's largest city. Built in 1924 and designed in the Italian Renaissance Revival style, the hotel was meticulously restored in 1982 and has since maintained its status as a National Historic Landmark. The building's soaring ceilings, ornate chandeliers, and hand-carved woodwork evoke the grandeur of a European palace, while its location keeps guests within walking distance of Pike Place Market, the Seattle Art Museum, and the waterfront.
The hotel offers 450 rooms and suites across multiple categories, from Superior Rooms with city views to lavish suites featuring separate living areas and panoramic perspectives of downtown. Furnishings blend classic elegance with modern amenities, including high-speed Wi-Fi, plush bedding, and marble bathrooms with deep soaking tubs in select configurations.
Dining at the Fairmont Olympic centers on two acclaimed venues. The Georgian, the hotel's flagship restaurant, has been a Seattle institution since the hotel's opening, serving refined American cuisine beneath gold-leaf detailing and crystal chandeliers. Shuckers, the more casual oyster bar, specializes in fresh Pacific Northwest seafood. A lobby lounge hosts afternoon tea service, maintaining a tradition that has welcomed Seattle society for a century.
Wellness facilities include a heated indoor lap pool, a well-appointed fitness center, and a spa offering a full range of treatments. The concierge team is renowned for securing reservations at the city's most sought-after restaurants. Business travelers benefit from dedicated meeting rooms and a full-service business center capable of accommodating events from intimate board meetings to grand ballroom gatherings. The hotel is also family-friendly, with cribs, rollaway beds, and connecting rooms available on request.
Service standards reflect the Fairmont brand's signature approach: attentive staff, valet parking, and same-day dry cleaning. The location — steps from the Seattle Art Museum and a short walk from Pioneer Square and the Link Light Rail at University Street Station — places guests at the cultural and commercial core of downtown Seattle.
Amenities
- pool
- spa
- fitness center
- concierge
- valet parking
- restaurants
- wifi
- bar
Location
411 University St, Seattle, WA 98101
47.6079, -122.3356 View on map
Highlights
- National Historic Landmark built in 1924 in Italian Renaissance Revival style
- The Georgian restaurant — Seattle's most storied fine-dining room with gold-leaf ceilings
- Heated indoor lap pool and full spa in the heart of downtown Seattle
- Steps from Pike Place Market, Seattle Art Museum, and the waterfront
- 450 rooms and suites with marble bathrooms and signature Fairmont concierge service
Tips for visiting
- Reserve The Georgian restaurant well in advance — it books out weeks ahead on weekends and for Sunday brunch.
- Request a high-floor room on the west side for partial views toward Elliott Bay.
- Afternoon tea in the Georgian room is available most days and should be booked online to guarantee seating.
- Valet parking is available but expensive; public parking garages within two blocks offer savings.
- The University Street Link Light Rail station is steps away for direct connections to Sea-Tac Airport.
Accessibility
The Fairmont Olympic Hotel is ADA-compliant with accessible rooms featuring roll-in showers, lowered closet rods, and visual alarms. The main entrance on University Street has automatic doors and a ramp, and elevators serve all floors. Staff assistance is available for guests with specific mobility needs.
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Frequently asked questions
How far is the Fairmont Olympic from Pike Place Market?
The hotel is approximately a 10-minute walk from Pike Place Market, heading west on University Street toward the waterfront.
Does the Fairmont Olympic Hotel have a pool?
Yes. The hotel features a heated indoor lap pool along with a fitness center and full spa services available to all guests.
Is the Fairmont Olympic Hotel pet-friendly?
The Fairmont Olympic welcomes pets under 25 lbs with advance notice. A per-night fee applies. Contact the hotel directly to confirm current pet policies and size restrictions.
Is there parking at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel?
Yes, valet parking is available. The fee varies by season. Several self-park garages within two blocks offer a lower-cost alternative for guests who prefer self-parking.
Can visitors dine at The Georgian without staying at the hotel?
The Georgian restaurant is open to non-guests. Reservations are strongly advised, particularly for weekend dinners and special events such as Sunday brunch or holiday sittings.