Ordinarily I would not review a Hyatt Place. Their virtue is that they are pretty much the same everywhere you go, and Hyatt Place happens to be a market leader in the budget category as far as I’m concerned.
But I feel this particular property deserves a review because of my Northwest focus. I try to make an effort to get to know the local properties so I can offer recommendations when asked. The stay was worth it because this happens to be one of the best Hyatt Place properties I’ve visited.
Most hotels in the Seattle area are clustered into four zones:
- Hotels near the airport and in Bellevue are affordable but far away from everything.
- Downtown hotels can be nice but are very expensive during the summer tourist season.
- Seattle Center hotels are cheaper than downtown but usually much lower in quality.
So according to this list, there are really few good choices in Seattle if you just want a clean place to stay without breaking the bank. That is, unless you’re willing to visit in January. And even then, I wouldn’t call the Puget Sound a good place for mattress runs.
Seattle Center used to be a bit of a tourist trap in an otherwise dismal neighborhood, but gentrification is progressing rapidly in the area. The Hyatt Place is one of these new buildings and has prices often equal too or somewhat less than the Olive8. If you have Diamond status, pick the Olive8 for free breakfast in Urbane. If you don’t, or if you have a family, pick the Hyatt Place for more space and cheaper parking.
When I checked in, I was greeted warmly by the front desk and told I had been assigned a room on a top floor with a view of the Space Needle. Just be aware that almost any view of Seattle these days involves some cranes in the background.
Otherwise the room was pretty standard for a king bed at a Hyatt Place. There’s the L-shaped couch, ottoman, and blanket. Megan loves these features so she can curl up and read the paper while I go back to work. The desk and a wet bar are on the other side. And it’s nice to have some separation between the sitting area and the bed.
Overall it is much like any other Hyatt Place. Clean but basic rooms with good design (in my opinion). WiFi was good, and there’s free breakfast in the morning for all guests with some hot options. This one does have an indoor pool if that amenity interests you. It’s also close to Seattle Center, with new attractions like the Chihuly Garden and Glass, or you can walk downtown or take a bus to any number of other Seattle destinations.
What really stood out, however, were the staff. I already mentioned the warm check-in, which was slightly more than perfunctory. But the clerk’s manager was right next door, and I watched as he called various guests’ rooms to check in on them and thank them for staying at the hotel. I got one of these phone calls myself. Efforts like this are signs of a well-run property rather than one that just rents out the name.
So I have no hesitation recommending the Hyatt Place Seattle if you’re looking for a place to stay in Seattle. It ranks up there with the Hyatt Place Las Vegas (a refurbished Amerisuites) as one of my two favorite locations for this brand.
