Hotel Theodore
1531 7th Ave., Seattle, Washington, 98101, USA
Why We Like It
Hotel Theodore is one of Seattle’s most stylish and chic accommodation options. You won’t find artwork or decor like this anywhere else. It also has a fantastic restaurant and bar, Rider as well as complimentary bike rentals and a free wine hour.
Fodor's Expert Review
Originally called The Roosevelt, this historic Seattle hotel has continuously been in operation since 1929. It maintains that roaring twenties flair despite numerous renovations, most recently in 2016, when it underwent a complete rebranding. Now called Hotel Theodore, visitors enjoy old-school charm along with an updated, contemporary arthouse atmosphere in a central location. Each of the 150 guest rooms features unique artwork, as does the Roosevelt Penthouse suite, previously the owner’s private residence. There are also pet-friendly options.
PROS
- Cozy multi-level lobby with numerous meeting areas
- Delightfully designed, pet-friendly rooms
- Complimentary bike rentals
CONS
- No spa or pool facilities
- Small fitness center
- Room views aren’t the most interesting
Recommended Fodor’s Video
Room
Guest rooms continue the 20/70s mashup theme with black and white tiled floors, dark accents, striped carpet, and paisley curtains. A mix of interesting lamps brightens the spacious room and fun accents like (just for looks) vintage radios give the space a homey feel. Large flatscreen televisions, Nespresso machines, and a mini fridge provide all the modern comforts for a fabulous stay.
Bathroom
One of the hotel’s major selling points is the separation of the bathroom. Unlike many modern boutique properties, which often favor aesthetics in the form of glass walls and doors over privacy. This, fortunately, cannot be said for Hotel Theodore. The toilet and sink live in one room and the shower and massive soaker tub in another, and the design is all tasteful with clean lines.
Lobby
When you first walk in, the lobby doesn’t feel like much more than a simple check-in area. However, continue past the front desk and you’ll feel like you’ve arrived at a modern-day Gatsby party. The geometric carpet mirrors the ceiling design, behind which colored lights switch depending on the season. The color scheme is consistent with a 1920s meets 70s vibe that somehow all works together. Pale brown, tans, teals, and house plants galore create an opulent meeting or chill area.
Piano and tree lamps dot the area, from the couch-filled floor, up to the stand-alone meeting table overlooking the entry and to the second floor of the lobby which has cushy brown leather chairs, perfect for stowing away with a book or glass of wine. The gym and multiple private meeting rooms are also located on the second floor.
You Should Know The elevators can be a bit slow. While that’s not a big deal as there are stairs, if you’re on the 15th floor, you probably don’t want to hike that for your entire vacation!
Gym
The gym is small, but has all the standard equipment, treadmills, free weights, yoga balls, an elliptical, and a bench press all from Technogym. Fancy add-ons like Pelotons and a Lululemon-branded workout mirror are available. The gym faces out to 7th Avenue for a bit of people-watching with your sweat session and the low mood lighting recreates the feel of a trendy SPIN or Pilates class.
Tip It can get busy in the mornings with business travelers, so either work out early or brave the rain for a run down to the waterfront. Additionally, the property’s Well+Fit in-room workout program delivers Manduka yoga mats, small weights, a core ball, and an iPad with preloaded workout videos, right to guests—no need to go anywhere to get those reps in.
Dining
Rider Seattle is a Pacific Northwest institution headed by Michelin-star Chef Bilotta. Hotel Theodore guests can enjoy local fares like salmon, mussels, clam chowder, foraged mushrooms, and more, all served in a comfy, upscale pub atmosphere.
Meal preparation is a part of the experience with the option to watch chefs at work at tables that overlook the open kitchen. Alternatively, booths allow for more privacy while the bar and the long, communal-style table encourage patrons to chat. Both have views of the television too in case you’re trying to catch the big game.
If you’re lucky enough to visit during the summer, patio seating is available to enjoy that rare Seattle sunshine. Not feeling social? Don’t worry: Room service is provided by Rider to all hotel guests.
Drinking
Free wine service daily for guests from 5 p.m.-6 p.m. in the lobby. Sample a local white or red while you admire the diverse art displays in the multi-leveled lobby. Compare notes with other guests looking to be social over a glass of wine and then head over to Rider for dinner where you can try other Washington wines.
Art
Hotel Theodore’s most interesting aspect is all the art displayed throughout the hotel. Each of the 150 guest rooms features pieces about various Seattle industries in collaboration with the Museum of History and Industry. In the common spaces and penthouse suite, eclectic pieces from the owners’ personal collections are displayed.
What's Nearby
Getting Around
The Westlake light rail station is just a 5-minute walk away and numerous bus lines depart from Stewart and 7th, the hotel cross-streets. Rental car companies such as Hertz (4 minute walk) and Thrifty (3 minute walk) are also nearby. The Monorail which runs directly to the Seattle Center and Space Needle is a 5-minute walk from the hotel. Hotel Theodore is also a quick 10-minute stroll to Pike Place and the waterfront.
Restaurants
Located in the heart of downtown Seattle, you’re only minutes from top restaurants such as delicious hot pot at Qiao Lin Hotpot (1 minute walk), Alder & Ash (5 minute walk), and delicious wood-fired pizza at Andare Kitchen & Bar (5 minute walk). Additionally, Seattle dim sum favorite, Dough Zone Dumpling House, and The Carlile Room (cocktails and American fares) are both just 3 minutes on foot away.
Bars
The central location is fantastic for trying out different bars. Wander over to Fountain Wine Bar and Lounge (2 minute walk), and The Fonte Bar, home to amazing espresso martinis (7 minute walk), the popular sportsbar, Yard House (6 minute walk), and Purple Cafe and Wine Bar (10 minute walk).
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