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Welcome toFairmont Olympic Hotel, Seattle

Name: Fairmont Olympic Hotel
Address: 411 University Street, Seattle, 98101, US
Telephone: 1 2066211700
Rating: 4.5

Opened in 1924 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Fairmont Olympic Hotel, Seattle features breathtaking architecture, innovative culinary experiences, and unparalleled service. The iconic grande dame, which ranks among the best hotels in downtown Seattle, has been restored to full splendor following an award-winning, multimillion-dollar renovation that introduced sophisticated new design elements. Boasting an ideal location, our luxury hotel is near Pike Place Market and Seattle landmarks like the Seattle Art Museum and the Great Wheel on the waterfront.

Elegant and spacious, our guest rooms and suites encourage relaxation with features such as marble bathrooms, dressing areas, and Keurig coffee machines. Boost your well-being with a tranquil swim in the 42-foot pool before repairing to the lobby bar to indulge in our sumptuous weekend afternoon tea or a signature cocktail made with honey from our rooftop beehives. The George, a contemporary twist on the classic brasserie concept, is a glamorous spot to discover the flavors of the Pacific Northwest.

411 University Street, Seattle - Washington 98101, United States

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Accommodation

The 450 luxurious rooms and suites at our pet-friendly hotel in Seattle have been designed for the modern traveler. Elegantly furnished with nods to our early 20th-century heritage, accommodations feature spacious living and work areas with oversized marble bathrooms. Whether you’re traveling for business, vacation or a special event, you’ll appreciate thoughtful touches like Keurig coffee machines, high-speed WiFi and access to Sonicast, where you can stream in-room with your favorite apps and programs.

Accessible Rooms

This hotel has accessible rooms and assistive devices.

Deluxe 2 Double Tub With Grab Bars

Accessible Room

450 sq.ft. / 42 sq.m

Relax in a spacious 2 bedroom featuring elegant mid-century modern décor.

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Fairmont Room 1 King

Guest Room

350 sq.ft. to 420 sq.ft. / 33 sq.m to 39 sq.m

Intimate and elegant with one king bed, travel in comfort and check in to luxury with your stay.

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Deluxe Room 1 King

Guest Room

430 sq.ft. / 40 sq.m

This guestroom with mid-century modern décor offers a comfortable stay with city views and marble en-suite bathrooms.

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2 Double Room

Guest Room

430 sq.ft. / 40 sq.m

These double-bedded rooms offer additional sleeping options with an intimate sitting area and marble bathroom.

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Deluxe Corner Room 1 King

Guest Room

430 sq.ft. / 40 sq.m

Deluxe Corner King rooms are not only rich in space, but rich in natural light and windows.

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Signature 2 Double Room

Guest Room

430 sq.ft. / 40 sq.m

Top-floor double-bedded rooms offering enhanced signature amenities, spacious en-suite marble bathrooms and work desks.

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Signature Room 1 King

Guest Room

430 sq.ft. / 40 sq.m

A top-floor king with enhanced signature amenities. Luxurious and elegant, enjoy this unparalleled level of comfort.

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Signature Corner Room 1 King

Guest Room

430 sq.ft. / 40 sq.m

Luxury awaits with signature amenities and top floor views in this spacious, one kind bed signature corner room.

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Signature View Room 1 King

Guest Room

430 sq.ft. / 40 sq.m

A top-floor Signature View Room 1 King with enhanced signature amenities. Luxurious and elegant, enjoy this unparalleled level of comfort.

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Signature One Bedroom Suite 1 King

Suites

490 sq.ft. / 46 sq.m

Luxury awaits with signature amenities and top floor views in this spacious, Signature View Deluxe Executive Suite.

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Signature View Corner Room 1 King

Guest Room

430 sq.ft. / 40 sq.m

Luxury awaits with signature amenities and top floor views in this spacious, one king bed signature corner room.

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See all Accommodations

Contact & Location

Check-in 4:00 PM -
Check-out 11:00 AM.

Contact

Phone +1 2066211700

Fax +1 2066829633

Email olympic@fairmont.com

Toll Free room reservations only

Phone +1 888 363 5022

411 University Street, Seattle, Washington, United States 98101

Located in the heart of downtown, the hotel is close to the waterfront pier, cruise ship terminal and many local attractions including the famous Pike Place Market, Space Needle and Seattle Art Museum.
AIRPORT INFORMATION
The nearest airports to the Fairmont Olympic are Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), Paine Field (PAE) and Boeing Field / King County International Airport (BFI).
CAR RENTAL
The Concierge will gladly make all of your car rental arrangements. The following is a list of rental locations near the hotel.
Avis: 1(800) 331-1212
Budget: 1(800) 268-8900
Hertz: 1(800) 654-3131
Thrifty: 1(800) 367-2277
LIMOUSINE
Please contact the Concierge at (206) 621-1700 or via email at sea.concierge@fairmont.com for information.
Navigate the city with ease by catching a ride on the Link Light Rail or via the King County Metro Transit Bus services.
Meetings, presentations, and special occasions are all about communication. From amplifying the human voice to providing a romantic soundtrack to underscore precious moments, Fairmont Olympic has partnered with Encore, the certified leader in the conference service field, to offer the finest technology, creative expertise and quality assurance necessary to take your meetings and events to the next level.

Guest Services

Accessibility
Babysitting
Bell Staff
Check-In / Check-Out
Children's Amenities
Concierge
Housekeeping
Laundry Services
Parking

Offers

Fairmont Olympic offers a variety of special offers or Seattle visitor packages created with your comfort and enjoyment in mind. Whether you are in town for business or leisure, we have a Seattle package just for you.

Promotion

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Spa at Fairmont Olympic

Evoking a glamorous living room with plush sofas and eclectic artwork, Penelope & The Beauty Bar offers an extensive menu of relaxing and results-driven treatments. Facials employ European and Japanese brands and high-tech methods, and medi-spa procedures like fillers and microneedling are available.

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Feel tension melt away during an expert massage in our luxury spa in downtown Seattle, or relax side-by-side in a couple's massage room for a shared retreat.

Find your perfect activities

Pets Canine Club

Holiday Festive Season

Pool Indoor Pool & Health Club

Spa Penelope & The Beauty Bar

Activity 100 Years

Shopping Shopping at Fairmont Olympic

Activity New Year's Eve

1860

An Educational Start

The land where The Fairmont Olympic Hotel now stands was initially deeded by Arthur Denny in 1861, when it was the original site of the University of Washington. After the University outgrew its home and moved to its present location, a theater known as the Metropolitan Theater was built on part of the site and opened in 1911. In 1921, further plans were initiated for a proposal to build a grand hotel that would wrap around the theater on three sides and take up the entire city block.

1920 Seattle's Hotel.

In 1922, plans for financing the hotel were formulated by a group of about 400 prominent citizens known as the “Community Hotel Corporation.” A bond drive was organized so that anyone could take part by investing in the venture. Public response to the proposal was tremendous and Seattleites purchased $100 bonds and raised $2.7 million dollars for the hotel. The Seattle Times held a contest with a $50 prize to whoever submitted the best name for the hotel, chosen by the board of the Community Hotel Corporation. 3,906 entries were submitted and one name, submitted in several variations, pleased the committee the most. They settled on The Olympic, for which 11 entries had been submitted and the first submitted won the prize. The hotel officially opened its doors on December 6, 1924 with a grand opening gala that had all of Seattle talking. Lights illuminated the exterior walls and two large spotlights on the hotel roof swept the sky. A one night stay with bath would have cost about $3.50.

With the stock market crashing in October 1929, The Olympic, like many hotels nationwide, suffered for business. Still, people on the go always needed places to stay, including politicians hot on the campaign trail. On September 20, 1932, a train pulled into town bearing Governor Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the Democratic nominee for president. Roosevelt was driven to the Olympic as thousands cheered in the streets and threw confetti from the windows above. The crowd outside the hotel’s main entrance was so large that the Governor was slipped in through the staff entrance on 5th Avenue, where he surprised soup cooks, busboys and chambermaids coming off the freight elevator before making it to his suite. Meeting the next day with civil leaders and delivering a speech to a packed house at the Seattle Civic Center where he outlined his New Deal plan to provide relief and stimulate economic recovery, he would later return in September 1937 as a Presidential tourist with his wife Eleanor, the Olympic Hotel becoming the command central for the President’s staff and headquarters to the number of press reporters that followed the President on his travels.

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1940 Hope in Victory Square

By the end of the 30s, The Olympic Hotel was making its way out of economic recovery when in 1941, the nation went to war. On May 2, 1942, dedication ceremonies were held in Victory Square, which became a civic focal point for Seattle’s World War II home front. Located on University Street, between 4th and 5th avenues in front of The Olympic Hotel, Victory Square replaced the old gas station and became home to rallies, bond drives and a war memorial. A speaker’s stand, in the shape of Thomas Jefferson’s home, Monticello, was constructed at the west end of the block, and a 75-foot high replica of the Washington Monument was built on the east end. Throughout the war, Hollywood’s most famous stars going from city to city nationwide to stir up support for the war effort stopped at Victory Square, such as Bob Hope, Bing Crosby and silver screen heartthrobs like Betty Grable and Lana Turner. Even with the war ending in 1945, the monument stayed up until 1949.

When we recall the past, we usually find that it is the simplest things - not the great occasions - that in retrospect give off the greatest glow of happiness.

Bob Hope

The year 1960 saw another Presidential campaign, along with visits to the hotel by both Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy. But neither vice president nor the senator from Massachusetts could compare to Crown Prince Akihito and Crown Princess Michiko of Japan, who toured the United States to commemorate the centennial of the first trade and friendship treaty between the two countries. The Imperial Highnesses arrived in Seattle on October 4, 1960 and thousands turned out to witness a rare visit by Japanese royalty. Throughout 1961, most people were preoccupied with construction going on just north of downtown, especially the Space Needle towering above it all. Businesses throughout the city started getting ready for the millions of visitors expected for the upcoming World’s Fair. The Seattle’s World’s Fair—known as Century 21—opened on April 21, 1962. Only a few weeks after the fair opened, The Olympic Hotel was bursting with celebrities, such as a visit from President John F. Kennedy celebrating the Senator Warren Magnuson’s 25th year in Congress. In 1968, one of the largest campaign crowds gathered in University Plaza to see Presidential nominee Richard Nixon. More than 5,000 people jammed the street to hear the candidate talk from a speaker’s platform set up in front of the entrance.

As the 1970s began, The Olympic continued to host royalty and was officially placed on the National Register of Historic Places and preparations soon began for the closure of the hotel for a major restoration project.

Before The Olympic was closed for remodeling, the front desk was inundated with calls from people who wanted old room keys. Charity groups were given keys for fundraising purposes, but those who wanted to own part of the hotel’s past had plenty of opportunity. On October 16, 1980, quite possibly the largest estate sale in Seattle history opened for business as the hotel sold off just about everything. Even the doors to the guest rooms were up for grabs. Within weeks, the building was picked clean, except for the original 1920s chandeliers in the lobby. After a $62.5 million entire restoration, The Olympic re-opened for business on Sunday, May 23, 1982 and continues to define the epicenter of the city.

1980

A Historic Landmark Renovated

Dining

From seasonally inspired menus to dining experiences that will satisfy any craving, see what our chefs are preparing just for you.

Restaurants The George

Restaurants Olympic Bar

Restaurants Shuckers

Restaurants 4th Ave Espresso Bar

Restaurants In-Room Dining

Restaurants Afternoon Centennial Tea

Bar Founders Club

Restaurants Olympic Bar

Events

The city’s best address for extraordinary events since 1924, our iconic Seattle hotel with parking provides an unrivaled stage for weddings, galas and conferences. Encompassing 28,000 square feet, our versatile facilities are imbued with an atmosphere of elegance and comfort. Give your meeting gravitas in our refined boardrooms or host a sparkling Seattle wedding reception for up to 650 guests under the chandeliers of our opulent ballroom. Let our dedicated team guide you through the preparations and create a customized Pacific Northwest feast that will delight your guests.

Meetings

Event

Since 1924, Fairmont Olympic has hosted some of the most important meetings and events in Seattle.

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Special Occasions

Event

From extravagant galas to intimate gatherings, let our team create memorable experiences that will last a lifetime.

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Weddings

Event

As a landmark of distinction, our Seattle wedding venues offer classic character, elegant style and impeccable service. We hope to have the pleasure of hosting yours.

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Hotel Reviews

You are seeing the most recent 10 verified reviews.

4.5/5

4120 reviews

Sharon H.

Reviewed 2024-11-24

It was a lovely hotel in a good location

I think it may be in need of an upgrade soon, particularly the bathrooms but it was a lovely stay.

Unknown

Reviewed 2024-11-23

Great family experience

Mark

Reviewed 2024-11-21

Great hospitality

Weekend get away. As expected, we were spoiled from the moment we arrived until the very last detail of our departure was complete. We will be back for more of the same !

Tori C.

Reviewed 2024-11-20

We came up to Seattle for the weekend for my son's 16th birthday. I have always wanted to stay at the Olympic and it was a wonderful experience.

D C.

Reviewed 2024-11-20

Exceptional Stay with Wonderful Service

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay, especially the lovely upgrade to a suite, which was beautifully laid out and thoughtfully appointed. The service throughout the hotel—from the lobby to the bar, high tea, and the Georgian—was consistently outstanding. The valets were incredibly helpful and attentive, ensuring everything with our vehicle went smoothly. Overall, it was a fantastic experience, and we’re already looking forward to returning.

Dan B.

Reviewed 2024-11-20

Consistent Great Service

Mark

Reviewed 2024-11-20

Perfect Seattle Stay

Loved the hotel, the service, the location, and certainly look forward to coming back!

D

Reviewed 2024-11-20

great stay

We wanted to travel out of town but had to shorten our weekend. This was the perfect staycation and we even had a chance to play in the pool and enjoy brunch at the George. Such lovely spaces.

Unknown

Reviewed 2024-11-15

Dated and badly maintained

Having 4/5 elevators broken for two days of our stay is unacceptable. We lost over an hour to waiting on and in elevators and having to cram in when one finally arrived. It took us 11 minutes to get to lobby for trip to airport. Staff did nothing different to assist - seems this is something they’re used to! The rooms are cramped with awkward old furniture that takes up way too much space (junior suite is just a regular room - albeit smaller than most) with an extra wall blocking access) The ridiculous minibar and junk food taking up even more space. The service at the bar was wretched, the bar in the George was filthy and food very subpar. This hotel is resting on its laurels of being 100 years old. Which isn’t that old! There are gorgeous hotels all over the world much older that have made subtle modernizations and are a joy to stay in. I never even got a bill emailed to me - clearly modern technology is beyond their abilities, so no idea what I was charged for!

Unknown

Reviewed 2024-11-15

Love the hotel - some issues

We love this hotel and usually stay at least once a year to enjoy a downtown weekend or special event. We were very concerned that only one elevator was working during our stay - felt very unsafe and made for long waits. We were taken to the service elevator by a staff member, which is fine but not very pleasant. No one wants to see the back of the hotel where the dirty laundry and garbage are left. Maybe in an emergency. We felt like there should have been a service team there working on the elevators or shut the hotel down and send us elsewhere.

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Welcome toFairmont Olympic Hotel, Seattle

Accommodation

Accessible Rooms

Deluxe 2 Double Tub With Grab Bars

Fairmont Room 1 King

Deluxe Room 1 King

2 Double Room

Deluxe Corner Room 1 King

Signature 2 Double Room

Signature Room 1 King

Signature Corner Room 1 King

Signature View Room 1 King

Signature One Bedroom Suite 1 King

Signature View Corner Room 1 King

Contact & Location

Guest Services

Offers

Fairmont Family Offer - 50% off Second Room

Seattle Staycation Getaway

Suite Emerald Escape

Create Endless Memories

Black Friday - The Fairmont Way

Bed & Breakfast

Washington, Oregon, BC & Alberta Residents

Spa at Fairmont Olympic

Find your perfect activities

Hotel Activities

Around the Hotel

1860

1920 Seattle's Hotel.

1940 Hope in Victory Square

1980

Dining

Restaurants

Bar

Events

Meetings

Special Occasions

Weddings

Hotel Reviews

Sharon H.

It was a lovely hotel in a good location

Unknown

Great family experience

Mark

Great hospitality

Tori C.

D C.

Exceptional Stay with Wonderful Service

Dan B.

Consistent Great Service

Mark

Perfect Seattle Stay

D

great stay

Unknown

Dated and badly maintained

Unknown

Love the hotel - some issues

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