After collecting our bags from our trip on the Amtrak Cascades, we caught an Uber to the Alamo Car Rental in downtown Seattle, and then headed over to our hotel for our stay in SEAtown, the Seattle Marriott Waterfront.
The Seattle Marriott Waterfront is a valet-only property, and isn’t cheap at nearly $60/night! Like our experience at the Portland Marriott City Center, you do need to call down a bit ahead of time to have your car brought around. This wasn’t too big an issue, but the porte-cochere can get incredibly busy. In fact, the entire property can get pretty busy, as we found out it’s a very popular conference venue.
Anyway, after getting our car check-in, we went to check-in. The front desk rep assisting us was, ironically, originally from Hawaii, as was the front desk manager at the time. Both were incredibly friendly and helpful and got us check-in and on our way quickly. I was informed that I had also been upgraded, so I couldn’t wait to see what room we were actually assigned.
We were assigned room 707 (707 is SEA, coincidence for the AvGeek??) which is an Elliott Bay view SUITE. Here’s the entryway to our room.
The entryway connected into a connecting room (closed door) and the bathroom (open door). At the other end of the entryway, it opens up into the living area.
Looking back towards the entry, the living area had a closet with a safe, iron, and ironing board, as well as a work desk with phone, coffee maker, and lamp. Looking the other direction towards Elliott Bay, the rest of the living area had a sofa bed, sitting chair, a coffee table, cabinet with the fridge, and a TV.
The living area then connects into the bedroom via a set of double doors.
The bedroom contained a plush king bed with nightstand on each side, an iHome radio/alarm clock, a lounging chair, a dresser, and a TV. Off to the left was also another, larger closet, which led into the bathroom.
The bathroom had an interesting layout, with a long dual vanity on one side, and an enclosed toilet and the shower/tub combo on the other.
Overall the room was nice and was in good condition, but despite this, in my opinion, it is beginning to look a little tired and could probably use a renovation soon.
Perhaps one of the greatest perks of the room, and staying at the Seattle Marriott Waterfront with a view room in general, are the great views of Elliott Bay and the Puget Sound.
And if you’re lucky enough to be in room 707, you’ll have a couple of options for taking in the view. The bedroom areas has its own small balcony, while the living room area has a large balcony that wraps around the building.
That being said, you definitely want to be assigned a room closer to the water when staying at the Seattle Marriott Waterfront. The hotel is actually located right next to the BNSF mainline through Seattle, which runs directly behind the hotel. And while there’s a wall separating the hotel and the rail line, it is still loud. With our sliding doors open, you could very clearly and loudly hear the trains thundering by, but with them closed it was just a faint rumble. I can’t imagine how loud this must be at all times for the poor rooms facing the rail line, though.
In terms of location, the property is in a pretty great location. Pike Place Market is just a short death climb elevator ride/stair climb, and walk up a steep hill away. The Seattle Aquarium is just a few blocks away along Elliott Bay as well. In-fact, if you aren’t venturing out of Seattle, you really don’t need a car. Even if you don’t want to walk, Ubering around Seattle would cost much less than renting a car, plus the valet parking at the property, and even the parking throughout Seattle.
The biggest downside to this property, however, is the cost. Prices are usually well over $300/night, and often hover around $400/night, though there are times you can find rates for mid-$200s. The property is a Marriott Rewards Category 8, so award nights start at 40,000 pts/night or 160,000 pts for 5 nights (5th night free).
Our PNW Adventure
- Flight Review: Hawaiian Airlines HNL-PDX
- Hotel Review: Portland Marriott City Center
- Dining Review: Isabels Cantina
- Oregon Rail Heritage Center + Bridges
- Salt & Straw + Portland City Grill
- Tillamook Cheese Factory + Cannon Beach
- Council Crest Park
- Dining Review: Nicholas Restaurant SE Grand
- Dining Review: Blue Star Donuts
- Columbia River Gorge
- Draper Girls Country Farm
- Dining Review: Tasty n Alder
- Dining Review: Olympia Provisions
- Dining Review: Le Bistro Montage and Pix Patisserie
- Review: Amtrak Cascades, Portland to Seattle
- Hotel Review: Seattle Marriott Waterfront