The Arctic Club Seattle - a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel {US-WA}
Oct 19, 2013, 2:43 pm
#46
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Jan 4, 2014, 7:48 am
#47
Moderator Hilton Honors, Travel News, West, The Suggestion Box, Smoking Lounge & DiningBuzz
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Finished a three night stay there last week.
Incredibly amazing hotel.
This is one of the odd-duck Doubletrees that could easily be a much "higher" branded property.
Had two rooms on a sort-of complex reservation: one room three nights P&M rate; one room on a two-night P&M rate conjoined with the final night on points. Check-in clerk got everything adjusted seamlessly.
We got there at 3pm and our rooms were not quite ready. The lobby is a lovely place to hang out in front of the fireplace. After awhile, the front desk clerk came and brought us our keys which also included a $50 dining credit certificate for the restaurant, plus certificates for two free in-room movies.
Both rooms were upgraded to top-floor balcony rooms with oversize tubs. Very, very nicely appointed and so much more interesting than the generic Hilton would have been!
Breakfast vouchers were good for $12 credit toward any menu items. Props to the management for giving breakfast vouchers for not only spouse and I but for the family member staying in the second room. Breakfast was very, very good. Did room service one night and it was quick and elegantly presented. The seafood paella was simply excellent and worth coming back to the restaurant just for that. Ate one night (to use the credit) in the restaurant; again, everything was delicious and artfully presented.
All in all, a wonderful experience for a needed post-Christmas special trip, and I hope to stay there again.
Incredibly amazing hotel.
This is one of the odd-duck Doubletrees that could easily be a much "higher" branded property.
Had two rooms on a sort-of complex reservation: one room three nights P&M rate; one room on a two-night P&M rate conjoined with the final night on points. Check-in clerk got everything adjusted seamlessly.
We got there at 3pm and our rooms were not quite ready. The lobby is a lovely place to hang out in front of the fireplace. After awhile, the front desk clerk came and brought us our keys which also included a $50 dining credit certificate for the restaurant, plus certificates for two free in-room movies.
Both rooms were upgraded to top-floor balcony rooms with oversize tubs. Very, very nicely appointed and so much more interesting than the generic Hilton would have been!
Breakfast vouchers were good for $12 credit toward any menu items. Props to the management for giving breakfast vouchers for not only spouse and I but for the family member staying in the second room. Breakfast was very, very good. Did room service one night and it was quick and elegantly presented. The seafood paella was simply excellent and worth coming back to the restaurant just for that. Ate one night (to use the credit) in the restaurant; again, everything was delicious and artfully presented.
All in all, a wonderful experience for a needed post-Christmas special trip, and I hope to stay there again.
Jun 18, 2014, 9:40 pm
#48
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: BOS
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This one of the real gems of the DT brand. I've made it a home away from home in Seattle. Exceptional service and lots of old world charm . I insisted our company make it a preferred hotel for us and we have a negotiated rate which is reasonable for the overall quality. On the last return, I met some other "regulars" who rave about it.
Do book in advance, as it gets full during certain seasons.
It is not as convenient to some restaurants, but in walking distance there is the Purple Cafe which is a great wine bar with a full menu. Only nit about it is it gets loud at times.
Enjoy!
Do book in advance, as it gets full during certain seasons.
It is not as convenient to some restaurants, but in walking distance there is the Purple Cafe which is a great wine bar with a full menu. Only nit about it is it gets loud at times.
Enjoy!
Jun 19, 2014, 12:46 pm
#49
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 32
This one of the real gems of the DT brand. I've made it a home away from home in Seattle. Exceptional service and lots of old world charm . I insisted our company make it a preferred hotel for us and we have a negotiated rate which is reasonable for the overall quality. On the last return, I met some other "regulars" who rave about it.
Do book in advance, as it gets full during certain seasons.
It is not as convenient to some restaurants, but in walking distance there is the Purple Cafe which is a great wine bar with a full menu. Only nit about it is it gets loud at times.
Enjoy!
Do book in advance, as it gets full during certain seasons.
It is not as convenient to some restaurants, but in walking distance there is the Purple Cafe which is a great wine bar with a full menu. Only nit about it is it gets loud at times.
Enjoy!
Sep 21, 2014, 10:11 pm
#50
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: BOS
Programs: B6/Mosaic/AF/VX/AS Gold Hertz PC HH Dia. AMEX Plat SPG/Marr Gold Nat. EE FPC Plat
Posts: 833
The Arctic Club Seattle — a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Trip Reports and Reviews
No one has to my knowledge done a decent review of this hotel, so I thought I my splash some words this way, my first full review, so flyertalkers have a better sense of this very distinct property.
First, I am partial to old school hotels with an old world feel. Second, this review is based on several stays over the past couple of years. Third, unlike most hotel websites, the pictures actually do not do a lot of justice to the property. There are some good pictures on Yelp and Google. It is easy to spot with the walurus's motif and is on the architectural tours of Seattle.
The Arctic Club has a bit of history, as it started out as a private club/hotel. It was top to bottom restored in 2007 by local owners, who took on the DT flag after several months of the opening.
It is located on 3rd and Cherry, right near a metro stop. One block from Columbia Center, itself worth a visit to the observatory.
The large grand entrance leads to the lobby and the Polar Bar. Lots of wood, leather, brass and fine fabrics everywhere. The Polar Bar itself, is a local hangout and happy hour is often quite busy with local office workers. You can order the full menu from the restaurant downstairs and for a hotel quite decent resto. The Filet is also a good choice. (The clam chowder is sublime.) Viktor, the main bar tender is an old school mixologist and knows his stuff. Great martinis and scotches.
One the second floor is the Dome Room, a really lovely ballroom with stained glass in the ceiling. It is very popular for weddings and when you see it you will understand why.
The rooms themselves are a mixture of King/Queens and some will have pull out sofa, some are equipped with a Jacuzzi. All have high ceilings and are very well equipped. Because it is an old building, some rooms have their quirks in bathroom and sink placement.
Worth noting is all of the furniture in the hotel is custom made to fit the theme. The night stands look like old fashioned steamer trunks. Some sofas and armchairs have the logo embossed on them. What looks like a commode actually has a French press coffee maker, tea kettle to one side and a mini-stereo with pull out speakers and MP3. In the bottom is the honor bar mini fridge. The details are impeccable.
The desk is old style, but large, all the right things in the right place including plenty of plugs. The wifi has been consistently good no matter room I have had and it works great in the lobby too.
What I like in the rooms are : super comfortable beds, adding the modern bits like a laptop safe and modern AC without spoiling the character. The bath fixtures gleam like new and the quality of the fixtures is first class. One other thing unique is the aroma. It is a pleasant mixture of some sort of wood, leather and such. Quite pleasant. Old World without the mustiness ^
Now a great building without good service would be a disappointment. I remember suffering the snotty attitude of the Ian Schrager properties in New York..
On this count, it is the staff who make this place special. I am almost always greeted by staff who know my name after just a few visits. You can order something not on the menu and it is never a fuss. An example, I needed some emergency laundry done after the morning deadline. I explained my situation to the front desk and they said, 'Let me make a call" Upon returning at 3:30 in the afternoon. All done and hung up in the closet. No extra charge. ^ ^
Caveats:
3rd is quite a busy street, so if noise bothers you, ask for a room in the back. The windows are double paned and the room to room insulation is solid. It is hard to block out sirens and garbage trucks who are particularly noisy.
Valet parking is expensive, but the hotel has no garage being an old building. That said, it is efficient and I've never been kept waiting when calling ahead. There are other options within the block, but it is hilly.
Certain periods the rates are high because of cruises and special events. I recommend booking as far in advance as possible.
Summing up: A great character property with friendly, unstuffy service. I like it so much I insisted our corporate travel make it a contracted preferred hotel
First, I am partial to old school hotels with an old world feel. Second, this review is based on several stays over the past couple of years. Third, unlike most hotel websites, the pictures actually do not do a lot of justice to the property. There are some good pictures on Yelp and Google. It is easy to spot with the walurus's motif and is on the architectural tours of Seattle.
The Arctic Club has a bit of history, as it started out as a private club/hotel. It was top to bottom restored in 2007 by local owners, who took on the DT flag after several months of the opening.
It is located on 3rd and Cherry, right near a metro stop. One block from Columbia Center, itself worth a visit to the observatory.
The large grand entrance leads to the lobby and the Polar Bar. Lots of wood, leather, brass and fine fabrics everywhere. The Polar Bar itself, is a local hangout and happy hour is often quite busy with local office workers. You can order the full menu from the restaurant downstairs and for a hotel quite decent resto. The Filet is also a good choice. (The clam chowder is sublime.) Viktor, the main bar tender is an old school mixologist and knows his stuff. Great martinis and scotches.
One the second floor is the Dome Room, a really lovely ballroom with stained glass in the ceiling. It is very popular for weddings and when you see it you will understand why.
The rooms themselves are a mixture of King/Queens and some will have pull out sofa, some are equipped with a Jacuzzi. All have high ceilings and are very well equipped. Because it is an old building, some rooms have their quirks in bathroom and sink placement.
Worth noting is all of the furniture in the hotel is custom made to fit the theme. The night stands look like old fashioned steamer trunks. Some sofas and armchairs have the logo embossed on them. What looks like a commode actually has a French press coffee maker, tea kettle to one side and a mini-stereo with pull out speakers and MP3. In the bottom is the honor bar mini fridge. The details are impeccable.
The desk is old style, but large, all the right things in the right place including plenty of plugs. The wifi has been consistently good no matter room I have had and it works great in the lobby too.
What I like in the rooms are : super comfortable beds, adding the modern bits like a laptop safe and modern AC without spoiling the character. The bath fixtures gleam like new and the quality of the fixtures is first class. One other thing unique is the aroma. It is a pleasant mixture of some sort of wood, leather and such. Quite pleasant. Old World without the mustiness ^
Now a great building without good service would be a disappointment. I remember suffering the snotty attitude of the Ian Schrager properties in New York..
On this count, it is the staff who make this place special. I am almost always greeted by staff who know my name after just a few visits. You can order something not on the menu and it is never a fuss. An example, I needed some emergency laundry done after the morning deadline. I explained my situation to the front desk and they said, 'Let me make a call" Upon returning at 3:30 in the afternoon. All done and hung up in the closet. No extra charge. ^ ^
Caveats:
3rd is quite a busy street, so if noise bothers you, ask for a room in the back. The windows are double paned and the room to room insulation is solid. It is hard to block out sirens and garbage trucks who are particularly noisy.
Valet parking is expensive, but the hotel has no garage being an old building. That said, it is efficient and I've never been kept waiting when calling ahead. There are other options within the block, but it is hilly.
Certain periods the rates are high because of cruises and special events. I recommend booking as far in advance as possible.
Summing up: A great character property with friendly, unstuffy service. I like it so much I insisted our corporate travel make it a contracted preferred hotel
Mar 5, 2015, 8:10 am
#51
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 275
Almost every Hhonors member I know stays here when they visit Seattle. Easy access to most things downtown and really reasonable rates especially with corporate rates. One thing I wonder though is who makes those brown blankets in the rooms. I know they're imported from New Zealand but I can't seem to get the manufacturer name from the manager. Anyone have any ideas?
Mar 5, 2015, 8:16 am
#52
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: SFO/SMF
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Posts: 1,914
Everything's for sale at this place; I have one of their coffee mugs. 
Just ask them and they will tell you, and may even sell you one.
Just ask them and they will tell you, and may even sell you one.
Almost every Hhonors member I know stays here when they visit Seattle. Easy access to most things downtown and really reasonable rates especially with corporate rates. One thing I wonder though is who makes those brown blankets in the rooms. I know they're imported from New Zealand but I can't seem to get the manufacturer name from the manager. Anyone have any ideas?
Besides I know someone coming over fairly often from NZ who is willing to bring it if I can find out who makes them.
Mar 6, 2015, 12:49 am
#54
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Brown blankets are sort of a turnoff. Wish this was closer to the main downtown drag of hotels, but as always a better property than the Hilton which remains small and outdated.
Sep 22, 2015, 11:45 am
#55
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Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Denmark
Programs: TK Elite
Posts: 11,846
I agree to the postive reviews of this property. It is really an exceptional building and I like the way they have keept the "arctic/seafarer" themes in the rooms.
The location on 3rd Ave is less convenient. Yes, it is close to Pioneer Sq. (actually right next to a Pioneer Sq. Station entrance for the light rail to/from the airport) but a 10-15 min walk to Pine St. and Pike Place Market and I have never seen so many homeless people as on this part of 3rd Ave/near Pioneer Sq. I could easily understand if some wouldn't feel safe in this area.
Additional note: As HH Gold or Diamond you will get a $12 voucher for breakfast at JUNO Restaurant on the first floor but there is no breakfast buffet - you will get a menu to choose from
http://thearcticclubseattle.com/wp-c...AST-1-3-15.pdf
As you will note $12 will not get you far at this property!
Anyway, I had a lovely stay.
The location on 3rd Ave is less convenient. Yes, it is close to Pioneer Sq. (actually right next to a Pioneer Sq. Station entrance for the light rail to/from the airport) but a 10-15 min walk to Pine St. and Pike Place Market and I have never seen so many homeless people as on this part of 3rd Ave/near Pioneer Sq. I could easily understand if some wouldn't feel safe in this area.
Additional note: As HH Gold or Diamond you will get a $12 voucher for breakfast at JUNO Restaurant on the first floor but there is no breakfast buffet - you will get a menu to choose from
http://thearcticclubseattle.com/wp-c...AST-1-3-15.pdf
As you will note $12 will not get you far at this property!
Anyway, I had a lovely stay.
Dec 1, 2015, 5:49 pm
#57
Join Date: May 2009
Location: EUG
Programs: AS MVP, AA MM, HH Diamond, MR Gold
Posts: 8,220
Will be going there in January!
I'm not one to usually jump on Cyber Monday sales, but Alaska Airlines had $59 fares from my city (Eugene) to Seattle (well worth not having to drive 5+ hours, plus pay for parking), the Seattle Art Museum has an Impressionist exhibit from the National Gallery in DC (through Jan. 10), and the Arctic Club was $159 on a Friday night (which didn't seem too bad for a DT Seattle Hotel), plus triple HH points in January on a weekend night...the perfect storm.
We plan on eating at Juno in the hotel just to cocoon - any reason why not?
I'm not one to usually jump on Cyber Monday sales, but Alaska Airlines had $59 fares from my city (Eugene) to Seattle (well worth not having to drive 5+ hours, plus pay for parking), the Seattle Art Museum has an Impressionist exhibit from the National Gallery in DC (through Jan. 10), and the Arctic Club was $159 on a Friday night (which didn't seem too bad for a DT Seattle Hotel), plus triple HH points in January on a weekend night...the perfect storm.
We plan on eating at Juno in the hotel just to cocoon - any reason why not?
Dec 1, 2015, 5:57 pm
#58
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Norway, Maine
Programs: United Silver and HH Diamond
Posts: 1,474
Just so you aren't disappointed, the triple HH points on weekends ends on December 31, 2015. Hilton has not announced a new promotion for stays beginning January 1, 2016.
Dec 1, 2015, 6:01 pm
#59
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Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: RSW
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Posts: 14,185
Will be going there in January!
I'm not one to usually jump on Cyber Monday sales, but Alaska Airlines had $59 fares from my city (Eugene) to Seattle (well worth not having to drive 5+ hours, plus pay for parking), the Seattle Art Museum has an Impressionist exhibit from the National Gallery in DC (through Jan. 10), and the Arctic Club was $159 on a Friday night (which didn't seem too bad for a DT Seattle Hotel), plus triple HH points in January on a weekend night...the perfect storm.
We plan on eating at Juno in the hotel just to cocoon - any reason why not?
I'm not one to usually jump on Cyber Monday sales, but Alaska Airlines had $59 fares from my city (Eugene) to Seattle (well worth not having to drive 5+ hours, plus pay for parking), the Seattle Art Museum has an Impressionist exhibit from the National Gallery in DC (through Jan. 10), and the Arctic Club was $159 on a Friday night (which didn't seem too bad for a DT Seattle Hotel), plus triple HH points in January on a weekend night...the perfect storm.
We plan on eating at Juno in the hotel just to cocoon - any reason why not?
Dec 1, 2015, 6:10 pm
#60
Join Date: May 2009
Location: EUG
Programs: AS MVP, AA MM, HH Diamond, MR Gold
Posts: 8,220
Boo, I thought it was until the end of January!
Have to go back and check my e-mails, I could have sworn I saw something about DT's in January! even if not, $159 is not a bad price to me for a city hotel.
Have to go back and check my e-mails, I could have sworn I saw something about DT's in January! even if not, $159 is not a bad price to me for a city hotel.