For business travelers and the aesthetically inclined, the Lotte Hotel Seattle hits almost every mark. Run by one of South Korea’s most recognizable hospitality brands, the Lotte (pronounced “loh-té”) offers an aura of sophistication, thoughtful guest service and slightly unconventional interior design by the world-renowned Philippe Starck. The luxury hotel occupies the first 16 stories of the 44-floor F5 Tower in the heart of Downtown Seattle, with the on-site restaurant, bar and check-in desk occupying the topmost floor. Mirrored surfaces and white marble result in an overall contemporary look, though a recurring arboreal motif—a nod to Seattle’s origins as a logging town—manifests in the trunk-inspired hallway carpets, wooden stools in the bathrooms and the carved sequoia log that makes up the front desk.
Why stay at Lotte Hotel Seattle?
As of writing, it’s the first and only Lotte property on the West Coast. Standard rooms and suites have sweeping floor-to-ceiling views of downtown or, for a slight premium, Elliott Bay. The hotel, which opened in 2020, is conveniently located close to major attractions like the Seattle Art Museum and the architectural marvel that is the Seattle Central Library. The Chinatown-International District (one of the city’s best dining neighborhoods) and Pike Place Market are only a short 15 to 20-minute walk away. It’s also close to major highways for those traveling further afield within the Seattle-Tacoma metropolitan area. More recently, the Lotte Hotel added the Lexus Drive Experience, which allows hotel guests to check out one of two courtesy Lexus vehicles on the property and drive it around town for the day.
A stay here is also full of elegant South Korean touches, from the seasonal welcome drink—maesil-cha, or sweet plum tea, during my stay—available after check-in to the wavy-edged white mirror above the toilet in every room. The hotel also encompasses the historic, decommissioned 1907 church next door, which is visible from the ground floor. Now known as the Sanctuary, it functions primarily as a venue for conferences, weddings and other private events (and thus remains closed to both the public and regular hotel guests).
What are the rooms like at Lotte Hotel Seattle?
Among the 189 guest rooms, there are 33 suites, including the Presidential Suite. Each of them offers strikingly stylish interior design, including unique works of art atop the mirrors behind each bed or couch and all-marble bathrooms with mirrored doors. For all the design details, however, the two suites I stayed in over three nights each possessed a handful of functional flaws that were inconsistent, in my eyes, with a luxury hotel. The original Junior Suite King City View I stayed in had a leaky, slightly weak rain shower head, a sitting area lamp whose lightbulb needed replacement and a jerryrigged power strip solution to a broken power outlet by the bed.
When I informed the front desk the next morning, I was eventually offered a complimentary upgrade to a Premier Suite King Bay View, which routinely goes for $1,000 a night. The suite was significantly larger and quieter (the background noise in my original room was much louder). It also featured a bathtub and a second bathroom, but the bedroom had one major drawback: The blackout curtains didn’t properly close, leaving a wide band of light from the neighbouring office building to shine across my face while I tried to sleep.
On a guided tour of the property, I was also able to see a Superior King City View (the standard room type) and the Presidential Suite, which includes a baby grand piano. Apart from the obvious differences in size and more premium amenities like a bathtub or sitting area, Starck’s design throughline is evident in each type of room and suite.
What are the best places to eat and drink nearby?
The stunning 16th-floor views might compel you to enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner at Charlotte, the Lotte’s lobby eatery, which also provides 24-hour room service. While I’m sure breakfast or lunch are serviceable for conference attendees or a quick meal, I would steer you away from visiting for the dinner menu, which offers seasonal New American cuisine with Pacific Northwest and South Korean influences. With drinks and dessert, plus the mandatory service charge, a meal here regularly averages $125 per person, but the quality doesn’t necessarily justify the price—especially when there are other worthwhile spots within walking distance. Each dish I tried as a party of four was solid, but not particularly memorable. Even the playful Stone dessert, despite its obvious visual appeal, was merely okay. Most entrées, particularly the chicken ballotine, only tasted good if you managed to combine every single component on the plate in each bite.
If you’re in town for sightseeing and general leisure, I’d rather recommend walking to restaurants in Chinatown International District, located about a 15-minute walk away, or the various eateries in and around nearby Pike Place Market.
What is the service like at Lotte Hotel Seattle?
In general, guest service was impeccable. As I mentioned previously, the front desk staff offered a complimentary upgrade when my first night at the Lotte was less than excellent, and were more than happy to offer recommendations for dining. The staff member in charge of the Lexus Drive Experience was equally knowledgeable, and the valets and security guards were always quick to offer a friendly welcome or farewell greeting.
My only slightly less-than-stellar service experience was during my dinner at Charlotte, partially due to a clear misunderstanding over an appetizer. Our server also tried to push wine pairings on the two guests who ordered the cheapest entrées—a not exactly subtle upsell. Mind you, the restaurant charges an auto-gratuity, so you’re stuck tipping either way.
What are the spa and gym like?
While I didn’t experience any of the treatments at the Le Spa de l’hôtel Lotte firsthand, the third-floor spa offers customized facials, massage and other body treatments, including a microcurrent facial. All facial treatments use Biologique Recherche products. However, I did explore the on-site gym and locker rooms, which include a steam room and a sauna. The fitness center is small, with minimal area for stretching, complimentary granola bars, bottled water and chilled towels. You’ll find all the standard cardio equipment, including harder-to-find rowing machines, a handful of weight machines, a variety of free weights and a few other items like balance trainers.
What’s the area like around Lotte Hotel Seattle?
The immediate area is mostly business-oriented, including several government buildings, and the streets around the Lotte Hotel lack the kind of bustle you’ll find closer to the waterfront. However, the Seattle Art Museum and Seattle Central Library are only a short walk away, and the area is also conveniently located near the freeway and several types of public transit. Family-friendly activities like the Great Wheel, the Seattle Aquarium and Pike Place Market are also nearby. I’d recommend staying here if you’re not keen on being right in the thick of all the major tourist attractions, but still want them to be fairly accessible.
Why you should you book a stay at Lotte Hotel Seattle
Despite a few functional flaws during my visit, Lotte Hotel Seattle is still an excellent place to stay for luxury travelers in search of something different or someone who’s in town on business. The suites are nice (and expensive) enough that you might not want to leave, but given the convenient location, it’s a great home base for exploring Seattle’s major tourist attractions and visiting neighborhoods beyond downtown. I recommend opting for a room or suite with a bay view. If you’re in the market for a suite, book one of the Premier Suites, which features a separate living room and a bathtub overlooking the city.