Seattle's BEST Kept Secret: Lake Union Luxury at Residence Inn!
Seattle's BEST Kept Secret? Well, Maybe Not Anymore: My Unfiltered Take on Residence Inn Lake Union Luxury!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I've just emerged from a whirlwind stay at the Residence Inn by Marriott Lake Union, and I'm here to spill the tea… and maybe a little bit of the coffee I spilled on myself this morning. This place, touted as Seattle's "best kept secret"… well, it might not be a secret anymore after this review. But hey, secrets are overrated, right? Let’s dive in, shall we?
First Impressions & Accessibility (or, Where's the Elevator?!)
Right off the bat, the location is chef's kiss. Smack dab on Lake Union, with those iconic Seattle houseboats bobbing in the distance? Gorgeous. The view itself is practically therapy. But… and there's always a "but"… getting to the gorgeous view can be a bit of a hike.
Accessibility: Okay, so full disclosure, I'm thankfully not in need of super-specific accessibility features. But I always look for how they’re handling things, because it tells you a lot. Wheelchair accessibility seems pretty good, with elevators strategically placed (thank the heavens!), and what looked like ramp access throughout the main areas. I spotted some ramps and good signage. I'm giving it a thumbs up, but always call ahead to confirm if you have specific needs. They seemed genuinely helpful on the phone.
The arrival was smooth. Check-in/out [express] was a cinch, and the staff were friendly, not just "customer service friendly," but genuinely pleasant (which in Seattle, is practically a superpower). The doorman was super polite and helpful, pointing me in the right direction for… well, everything.
The Room: My Personal Oasis (Mostly)
My room? Oh, the room. Let’s talk about this. I opted for a "luxury" suite, because, you know, I'm a fancy schmancy reviewer. First impressions? Clean. Ridiculously clean. Like, hospital clean. Which, considering the… you know… current state of the world, is a major plus. The rooms sanitized between stays is a reassuring touch, and I'd also give gold stars for the individually-wrapped food options and the abundant hand sanitizer stations.
Now for the nitty gritty. Air conditioning worked like a dream, a necessity in those rare Seattle heat waves. And the blackout curtains? Oh, sweet, sweet darkness! I slept like a log, which is unusual for me (I'm basically a light sleeper who thinks every creak is a serial killer).
The bed? Heavenly. Seriously. The extra long bed was a godsend for my lanky frame. The linens were crisp and fresh. And the bathrobes? Yes, please! I basically lived in that robe for the duration of my stay, which is just the kind of self-care I need. I'm pretty sure I spent a solid hour just staring at the ceiling and pretending to be a sleep. Then I got back up and drank more coffee.
I had the usual amenities: coffee/tea maker, refrigerator (essential for my midnight snack stash), in-room safe box, hair dryer (a must-have for this mane), ironing facilities (even though my clothes wrinkled the moment I looked at them), and ample storage space. They even had a mirror that made me look halfway decent, which is a feat in itself. Oh, and free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Woohoo!!!
Internet Abyss & Tech Troubles:
Ah, yes. The Internet. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! – a godsend… until it wasn't. The Internet access – wireless was mostly fine, but there were a few moments of sheer frustration when the connection decided to take a vacation. I blame the elusive Seattle cloud gods. I did get a little confused about the Internet access – LAN, not quite sure if the hotel offered it, which is probably my fault. I didn't try it which is probably a good thing.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Fury (and the Fun!)
Okay, the food. This is where things got… interesting. The Residence Inn offers your standard breakfast [buffet]. They did a decent job of covering the basics. Standard fare, but with some decent options. The western breakfast was generally well prepared. They also had an Asian breakfast. I did not partake.
They did offer coffee/tea in restaurant which was a life-saver in the mornings. Thankfully the coffee shop was open early.
The A la carte in restaurant options were good. The salad in restaurant was a nice selection, and the desserts in restaurant were delicious.
And the poolside bar was an absolute win for cocktails and lakeside vibes. I spent a glorious afternoon sipping a margarita, watching the boats, and pretending I was on a permanent vacation. Per-fect.
Things to Do and Ways to Relax: Chasing Zen (and Maybe a Sauna?)
The fitness center was surprisingly well equipped. They have a decent gym/fitness area, and the swimming pool [outdoor] was heated, with that killer view. Perfect for a morning swim or a relaxing dip later in the day. They also had a sauna but sadly, I didn't try it. Next time, I swear!
The hotel doesn't have a full-blown spa, which is a slight bummer. I probably should have done something like, the body scrub or the body wrap. I'll get around to it one of these days!
Cleanliness and Safety: The COVID Factor
This is where Residence Inn earned some serious brownie points. Considering we're still (hopefully) emerging from a pandemic, their commitment to cleanliness and safety was, well, impressive.
Anti-viral cleaning products were clearly in use. They even offered room sanitization opt-out available, should you prefer.
Daily disinfection in common areas was evident, and staff appeared to be adhering to staff trained in safety protocol rules. The safe dining setup also felt well-thought-out, and I appreciated the thoughtful physical distancing of at least 1 meter between tables. Really, they've clearly gone above and beyond to make guests feel safe.
Services and Conveniences: Little Touches, Big Impact
The concierge was helpful and knowledgeable, especially when I needed some recommendations. The luggage storage was a lifesaver when I arrived early. The elevator made getting around the hotel, a breeze. And the daily housekeeping? My room was always spotless.
They had facilities for disabled guests, which again, is something I appreciate.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly Fun?
This is where I can't speak from personal experience (I'm sadly kid-free for now!), but the hotel does have family/child friendly options, and I saw a few families around, so I imagine it's a good spot.
My Gut Reaction (The Good, the Bad, and the Slightly Messy):
So, is Residence Inn Lake Union truly "Seattle's Best Kept Secret?" It's definitely a strong contender. The location is fantastic, the rooms are comfortable and clean, and the staff are genuinely friendly. The safety protocols are top-notch, which is a huge relief.
However, it's not perfect. The internet can be a bit spotty, and the dining options, while good, aren't exactly groundbreaking. And I’m also a little let down that there was no spa. But overall, if you're looking for a comfortable, well-located hotel with fantastic views, clean rooms, and a commitment to safety, Residence Inn Lake Union is a solid choice. I had a great stay, and I'd absolutely go back. I give it a strong… 4 out of 5 stars… with a bonus star for those epic views!
SEO and Metadata Stuff (because, you know, the internet):
- Keywords: Seattle Hotels, Lake Union Hotels, Residence Inn Seattle, Luxury Hotels Seattle, Lake Union Lodging, Washington Hotels, Accessible Hotels Seattle, Pet-Friendly Hotels Seattle (unconfirmed), Seattle Views, Hotels with Views, Hotel Reviews Seattle, Seattle Travel, Staycation Seattle
- Meta Description: Unfiltered review of Residence Inn Lake Union – Seattle's hidden gem? Read about rooms, accessibility, dining, safety, and more. Honest opinions, real experiences.
- H1: Review: Is Residence Inn Lake Union REALLY Seattle's Best Kept Secret?
- Tags: #SeattleHotels #LakeUnion #HotelReview #SeattleTravel #LuxuryHotel #AccessibleHotel #COVIDsafe #HotelWithAView #WashingtonState
Final Thoughts:
Go. Enjoy the view. Order the margarita. Take a deep breath. And try to resist the urge to buy a houseboat. (I almost didn’t.)
Dallas Allen Event Center Luxury Getaway: Courtyard Marriott Review
Okay, buckle up buttercups. This isn't your polished brochure itinerary. This is the real Seattle, warts and all, from someone who just needs a damn vacation and found themselves booked at the Residence Inn Lake Union. Let chaos reign!
Seattle Shakedown - A Messy Itinerary (or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Rain… Maybe)
Hotel Basecamp: Residence Inn Seattle Downtown/Lake Union (God, I hope the breakfast is decent. I need carbs.)
Arrival Day: Discombobulation and Coffee
- 1:00 PM - Arrival & Hotel Check-in (Ugh, the bureaucracy!): Finally. Travel is the worst part of traveling, right? Flight delayed, baggage fees that made me want to scream, and a distinct lack of sleep. Praying for swift check-in. Praying for not a single, tiny, cramped room. Praying the coffee in the lobby is salvageable. (First impression… it’s… functional. Carpet is… well, it's there.)
- 1:30 PM - Room Reconnaissance: Unpack (sort of). Locate the bathroom (essential). Assess the view (Lake Union, fingers crossed!). Mentally calculate how many hours of sleep I can realistically get before the incessant need for travel overcomes me.
- 2:00 PM - Coffee Quest & Pike Place Panic: Okay, coffee. Essential. Yelp led me to a place called "Portage Bay Goods & Bakery" but oh God, the crowds. Pike Place Market is a sensory overload from the jump - fishmongers yelling, flowers exploding with color, tourists… lots and lots of tourists. Grabbed a pastry that looked amazing but tasted like sadness. Lesson learned: crowds make me grumpy, and pre-made pastries rarely live up to the hype.
- 4:00 PM - Almost Getting Lost & Lake Union Stroll (sort of): Attempted to stroll around Lake Union. Got sidetracked after about 15 minutes by a gorgeous, dilapidated houseboat that screamed "I've seen some things." Followed it. Then lost track of which way I was going. Found a decent little taco stand and considered this a victory. The lake is undeniably pretty, though. Still cold, though. Still not going in.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner Disaster… or, maybe not? Yelp suggested a rooftop bar with city views. Sounds perfect! Except, the place was booked solid and overflowing with the preppy, rich-kid vibe I loathe. Found a scrappy little Italian place around the corner called "Spinasse," and ordered the Tajarin. The pasta was the best damn pasta I've ever tasted. Almost cried. Redeemed the evening.
Day 2: Rain, Reinvention, and Revelations About Coffee
- 8:00 AM - Breakfast Tango at the Residence Inn: The breakfast buffet! Praying for the waffle maker to be working. It was. Victory! Fueling up because today I feel like the kind of person who can do things.
- 9:00 AM - Museum Madness (or, how I accidentally became a Monet expert): Decided to be cultured. Went to the Seattle Art Museum (SAM). Impressionist paintings always get me. Saw Monet and went into a deep existential spiral about light, life, and how utterly incapable I am of painting anything beyond a stick figure.
- 12:00 PM - Market Mayhem: Part 2! (Or, the fish-throwing experience): Pike Place again. This time, I wanted to feel the energy. Watched the fishmongers do their thing. Got splashed. Loved it. Bought some weird, dried seaweed snack. Still not sure what it is, but it’s strangely addictive.
- 2:00 PM - Coffee, Coffee, Coffee (And Maybe a Little Self-Loathing): Okay, I need a better coffee strategy. The hotel coffee is a betrayal. Walked all over the city. Found a little coffee shop with the most amazing dark roast. The kind that makes you feel like you can solve all the world's problems. I might actually move here.
- 4:00 PM - Underground Tour… or, the weirdest history lesson ever: Okay, this was so Seattle. Walked through the dark, the narrow, the stinky, the underground. They talk about the "old" buildings, the "dirty" stuff. It was kind of dark, kind of spooky, and kind of fascinating. The guide's commentary was chef's kiss.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner & Drama (of the Dinner-Choosing Variety): Tonight, I'm just going to listen for the loudest place. The one everyone's at. The one that has a long line. Because maybe, just maybe, that means it's actually good. I'm ready to embrace the chaotic nature of choosing a restaurant and hope for the best.
Day 3: Scenic Overload & the Search For Meaning (and Better Souvenirs)
- 9:00 AM - Space Needle Ascent & Regret (Kidding!): Okay, the Space Needle is touristy. But I had to. The view is…wow. Stunning. Makes you truly appreciate the beauty of the city. Briefly considered moving into the Needle. (I’d need a bigger suitcase for that.)
- 11:00 AM - Discovery Park Dash & Nature's Therapy: Needed to escape the concrete and the noise. Discovery Park is huge. Just walked. Looked at trees. Breath in some (slightly damp) air. Felt a flicker of inner peace.
- 1:00 PM - Souvenir Search & Disappointment (and a Really Cool Book): Found some truly awful souvenirs. Like, I wouldn't give them to my ex. But found a cool local bookstore, where I bought a book of local authors.
- 3:00 PM - Return to Lake Union (for one last look): One last walk around the lake. Felt a little bit more connected to the city, a little bit less like a lost traveler. The rain had stopped, and the clouds were doing their misty, swirling dance. Beautiful.
- 5:00 PM - Final Dinner & Departure Prep: Still looking for that perfect meal. Planning. Packing. This is the worst part.
Departure Day:
- Sorrowful Goodbyes & Airport Antics: Goodbye, Seattle. I will miss you. The food. The views. The coffee. The people. (Okay, most of the people.) Goodbye, Residence Inn. Thanks for the breakfast.
- Airport Drama: Okay, the airport is chaos. The security line is a disaster. But hey, at least I have photos.
Final Thoughts:
Seattle, you unpredictable, beautiful mess. I came here expecting something… I'm not sure what. But I found something more. Now it's time to go home and dream about your coffee, and your weirdness. I'll be back. Eventually.
Escape to Comfort: Stadium Blvd. Extended Stay Columbia, MO
Residence Inn Lake Union: The "Secret" Nobody Knows About – Until Now (Maybe?)
Okay, spill the tea. What's *really* so special about the Residence Inn on Lake Union, beyond the usual boring hotel stuff?
Alright, alright, I'll fess up. For years, it's been *my* secret weapon. You know, that spot you recommend to visiting friends and then immediately regret because suddenly EVERYONE knows about it. It's not just the view, oh no. It's the *vibes*. Picture this: you wake up, peek out your window, and BAM! You're staring straight at those gorgeous seaplanes, sleek and shiny, preparing for their morning commute (or, you know, a romantic island hop). Makes your coffee taste ten times better. Seriously. I almost *died* the first time I watched a seaplane take off. Dramatic, I know, but the combination of the water, the sun, the engines... pure cinematic gold.
Is the location *really* that good? Sounds... well, a little hyped.
Okay, let's be real: Seattle can be a pain to navigate. Traffic is a monster. But Lake Union? It's got this magic location going on. You're right on the water, so you can grab a kayak or paddleboard (they rent them right there!), cruise around and look up. You can even see the iconic Space Needle from a variety of places around the lake. The hotel is close enough to the action – South Lake Union, with all those fancy tech offices - that you're not *completely* isolated, but far enough away that you can escape the hustle. I'm speaking of the general area. It isn't too far away from public transit. You can easily catch a bus and explore the city more broadly. And if you're a walker like me, you can lose yourself for a few hours just wandering around the lake. It’s the perfect basecamp.
The rooms? Are they actually nice, or just another cookie-cutter hotel experience?
Alright, the rooms are... *good*. Okay, yes, they're technically "Residence Inn" rooms, so don't go expecting a Four Seasons experience. But they *are* spacious. Which, in Seattle, is a HUGE win. You get a little kitchenette which is fantastic if you're trying to save money on food (hello, coffee and avocado toast in your pajamas!). The views really make a difference. Ask for a view of the water – trust me. My first time, I accidentally ended up in a room facing the parking lot, and honestly, I almost cried. Lesson learned: always call ahead and be *super* specific about your needs. And don't be afraid to be a little high-maintenance. Sometimes, it pays off.
My budget is tight. Is this place totally out of reach?
Look, let's be honest. Seattle ain't cheap. (Darn those tech salaries!) The Residence Inn isn't *cheap*, but it's usually a decent deal compared to some of the other hotels in the area. Look out for deals! Midweek stays are *usually* better. Also, factor in the free breakfast. That alone saves you a ton of money. The breakfast? Standard hotel fare, but it does the job and it is hard not to be happy eating while looking at the view. Plus, a little grocery shopping in the kitchenette is a lifesaver. The free breakfast is a MAJOR perk. Seriously, I would pay extra just for that.
What are the "hidden gems" or things the brochure won't tell me about?
Okay, here's where I get all insider-y. First: Take the free hotel bikes for a spin. Cruising along the Burke-Gilman Trail is a total Seattle experience. Second: The marina next door has some cool boat tours, and if you're feeling adventurous, you might be able to convince someone to let you on their yacht for a closer look. Third: There's a fantastic little coffee shop a short walk away. (Because, Seattle). It's called... well, I'm not going to tell you. Fine, it’s a secret, right? You’ll have to find it yourself. Oh, and the hotel has a fire pit. Perfect for a cozy evening with a drink (or three). Bring your own marshmallows, though – don't count on the hotel to provide them! They did get a good selection of coffee in the lobby, though. *That* is one thing that’s consistent.
Okay, so the *worst* thing about the Residence Inn Lake Union. Lay it on me. Be honest!
Ugh, fine. There are a few tiny drawbacks. The parking can be a little... *challenging*. Especially during peak season. Valet is an option, but it comes at a price. And the gym is small. Okay, tiny. Basically, don’t count on it for a serious workout. The elevators can be a tad slow, especially when you're running late for a seaplane tour (hypothetically speaking, of course). Honestly, it’s a bit frustrating. But hey, even paradise has its quirks, right? Honestly? These are nitpicks. The view and the location more than make up for it.
Is it dog-friendly? Because my little furry friend is practically a family member. And I'm a bit of a diva.
YES! This is a HUGE plus for me (and your furry friend, of course!). I also have a dog. The hotel is VERY dog-friendly. They'll even provide bowls and sometimes treats. Heaven! Note that there might be fees, so double-check. It is very dog-friendly. The area around the hotel is great for walks, too. Just make sure you clean up after your little prince or princess, of course. And, maybe bring some fancy dog food. Because, diva, you know?
Alright, you've convinced me. How much does it *really* cost?
Look, go to the actual Residence Inn website. Prices fluctuate wildly! But, in general, expect to pay a little more on weekends or during peak season. Mid-week is your friend! Keep checking, and be flexible with your dates. Play around with different search engines. You might find a hidden gem. It’s also worth it to call the hotel directly and ask what deals they're running. Sometimes, the best deals are the ones you find by picking up the phone! I would not go during the holiday season if I could avoid it.
Anything else? Any final words of wisdom from the secret Lake Union guru?
Okay, final words. Go. Book it. Enjoy. Seriously. Hotel Finder Reviews
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