SEATTLE - Grand or Olive 8 ??
Nov 22, 2014, 2:40 pm
#46
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Stockholm, Sweden + Austin, Tx
Programs: "But, I'm a GLOBALIST guest...."
Posts: 2,848
I lived between both of them for many months this year. I would choose the Olive 8 each time. The rooms are nicer, the pool and spa are lovely, the breakfast at Urbane is really good (you can order from the menu), and upgrades are easier imo.
Both have a great location. Everything is within walking distance; if you stay at Olive 8 ask for Britney at the front desk - she is lovely! Molly as your server at Urbane
Feel free to PM me if you need further information.
Both have a great location. Everything is within walking distance; if you stay at Olive 8 ask for Britney at the front desk - she is lovely! Molly as your server at Urbane
Feel free to PM me if you need further information.
Nov 22, 2014, 5:59 pm
#47
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Seattle, WA
Programs: AS MVPG, Hyatt Discoverist, Hilton Gold
Posts: 3,399
I have stayed at both and would choose the Grand Hyatt. I suppose it's personal preference. The Urbane restaurant breakfast at the Olive 8 was odd. The place was very dimly lit. When we walked in we thought they weren't open. When we got our meal they gave us one piece of toast each. The Grand Hyatt rooms seem nicer and if you can score a corner room they are very sweet.
Nov 24, 2014, 3:29 pm
#49
In memoriam
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Seattle WA
Programs: Kimpton IC, Hyatt Diamond, Gold Marriott, Lifetime Platinum Starwood
Posts: 8,665
I have stayed at both and would choose the Grand Hyatt. I suppose it's personal preference. The Urbane restaurant breakfast at the Olive 8 was odd. The place was very dimly lit. When we walked in we thought they weren't open. When we got our meal they gave us one piece of toast each. The Grand Hyatt rooms seem nicer and if you can score a corner room they are very sweet.
As far as Urbane - are you sure you are talking about the same restaurant? It's not dimly lit and they would only give you one piece of toast if that is what you ordered. Matt and Cathy run the restaurant so ask for them the next time you have an issue. Some of the best servers and bartenders are found at this restaurant imo. Plus the two chefs Christian and Nick will be happy to accommodate whatever you want (talk about NICE!)
This is what I mean by personal preference
Jan 30, 2015, 8:56 pm
#51
FlyerTalk Evangelist & Ambassador: China
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: DEN
Programs: DL DM/MM, UA 1K, AA Exp, HH Dia, WOH Glob, IHG Plat, Marriott Gold, NA EE, Hertz PC
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Both are nice. The grand feels a bit more like and old fashioned hotel with a modern touch. The olive feels more botiqueish, but both are great. I'd give an edge to the olive.
Jan 31, 2015, 1:41 pm
#52
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: AGP/GIB
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, AA EXP
Posts: 358
I really liked the room at Olive 8 once I got settled. I did not really care for their room service options- the Grand had better selection and less weirdness- like Olives on the burger.. gross
Feb 3, 2015, 4:13 pm
#53
Join Date: Jul 2009
Programs: Hyatt Diamond, A3*G, HHonors Gold, SPG Gold, Lufthansa Frequent Traveller
Posts: 118
Stayed at both properties during thanksgiving weekend.
First night at O8, second at GH, and third at O8 for the late year mattress run.
All three nights we were upgraded to a suite with early check-in and late check-out.
On the third day, I occupied suites in both properties for a couple of hours
Our first morning we had breakfast at Urbane and the crab benedict was delicious!
I remember reading a blog (lucky or gary?) hyping it up and it certainly lived up to the hype.
We moved over to GH for Thanksgiving day and had some sushi at the lounge before heading to Ruth's Chris for Thanksgiving steak (You can room charge Ruth's Chris but you don't earn GP points, FYI)
We then headed back to O8 for our third night and the following morning they let us have brunch for our breakfast benefit at the Urbane.
I highly suggest diamond members to hotel hop if in Seattle!
First night at O8, second at GH, and third at O8 for the late year mattress run.
All three nights we were upgraded to a suite with early check-in and late check-out.
On the third day, I occupied suites in both properties for a couple of hours
Our first morning we had breakfast at Urbane and the crab benedict was delicious!
I remember reading a blog (lucky or gary?) hyping it up and it certainly lived up to the hype.
We moved over to GH for Thanksgiving day and had some sushi at the lounge before heading to Ruth's Chris for Thanksgiving steak (You can room charge Ruth's Chris but you don't earn GP points, FYI)
We then headed back to O8 for our third night and the following morning they let us have brunch for our breakfast benefit at the Urbane.
I highly suggest diamond members to hotel hop if in Seattle!
Last edited by qmiles321; Feb 3, 2015 at 4:55 pm
Mar 13, 2015, 8:40 am
#54
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: CMH, West Coast
Programs: AA Executive Platinum, oneworld emerald
Posts: 2,741
Just stayed at both on consecutive nights, so I feel pretty well-qualified to answer.
Facilities: GH by a mile. The location is better (closer to Westlake station and slightly downhill from the O8). The lobby and building of the GH are both much classier in my opinion and they have a more relaxed, "zen" feeling than the O8. The O8 is more sterile and kind of felt like an Element or new-build Hyatt Place to me.
Pool/Spa: GH again by a decent margin. Everyone raves about the O8 spa and pool. While the pool was ok at the O8 (nice saltwater lap pool), the jacuzzi was shallow, tepid, and had the weakest jets I've ever seen. It was like sitting in a lukewarm baby pool. The jacuzzi at the GH is the best I've encountered at a Hyatt, and I loved hanging out there at the steam room (also quite lovely) and sauna as well.
Room: GH again wins. Was not upgraded as a Diamond at either the GH or the O8, contrary to a lot of reports here. The basic room at the GH was a nice, standard room with a lovely view, quiet, very nice shower (dual shower nozzles, awesome!). The basic room at the O8 was considerably inferior. Connecting, loud room, could hear everything going on next door. The shower was terrible in comparison to the GH. Standard bathtub/shower combo, which I detest, and low-pressure nozzle.
Service: GH wins here so forcefully that it's like the 1927 Yankees beating up on the 2013 Astros. I never felt welcome in the least at the O8. Almost everyone from start to finish (except the lovely woman at the front desk when I checked out) was brusque, unwelcoming, and generally just weird. I've never felt like I've been completely unwanted at a Hyatt before until now. Service at Urbane was absolutely atrocious. Everyone at the Grand was welcoming, warm, and friendly, which is quite important to me as a Diamond, and especially because I don't "look" like a typical Diamond (not a business traveler, younger, tend to dress down, look like a backpacking hipster, which I basically am).
Obviously, the Grand is where I'm staying the next time I'm in Seattle.
Facilities: GH by a mile. The location is better (closer to Westlake station and slightly downhill from the O8). The lobby and building of the GH are both much classier in my opinion and they have a more relaxed, "zen" feeling than the O8. The O8 is more sterile and kind of felt like an Element or new-build Hyatt Place to me.
Pool/Spa: GH again by a decent margin. Everyone raves about the O8 spa and pool. While the pool was ok at the O8 (nice saltwater lap pool), the jacuzzi was shallow, tepid, and had the weakest jets I've ever seen. It was like sitting in a lukewarm baby pool. The jacuzzi at the GH is the best I've encountered at a Hyatt, and I loved hanging out there at the steam room (also quite lovely) and sauna as well.
Room: GH again wins. Was not upgraded as a Diamond at either the GH or the O8, contrary to a lot of reports here. The basic room at the GH was a nice, standard room with a lovely view, quiet, very nice shower (dual shower nozzles, awesome!). The basic room at the O8 was considerably inferior. Connecting, loud room, could hear everything going on next door. The shower was terrible in comparison to the GH. Standard bathtub/shower combo, which I detest, and low-pressure nozzle.
Service: GH wins here so forcefully that it's like the 1927 Yankees beating up on the 2013 Astros. I never felt welcome in the least at the O8. Almost everyone from start to finish (except the lovely woman at the front desk when I checked out) was brusque, unwelcoming, and generally just weird. I've never felt like I've been completely unwanted at a Hyatt before until now. Service at Urbane was absolutely atrocious. Everyone at the Grand was welcoming, warm, and friendly, which is quite important to me as a Diamond, and especially because I don't "look" like a typical Diamond (not a business traveler, younger, tend to dress down, look like a backpacking hipster, which I basically am).
Obviously, the Grand is where I'm staying the next time I'm in Seattle.
Mar 14, 2015, 2:13 am
#55
FlyerTalk Evangelist & Ambassador: China
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: DEN
Programs: DL DM/MM, UA 1K, AA Exp, HH Dia, WOH Glob, IHG Plat, Marriott Gold, NA EE, Hertz PC
Posts: 17,419
Just stayed at both on consecutive nights, so I feel pretty well-qualified to answer.
Facilities: GH by a mile. The location is better (closer to Westlake station and slightly downhill from the O8). The lobby and building of the GH are both much classier in my opinion and they have a more relaxed, "zen" feeling than the O8. The O8 is more sterile and kind of felt like an Element or new-build Hyatt Place to me.
Pool/Spa: GH again by a decent margin. Everyone raves about the O8 spa and pool. While the pool was ok at the O8 (nice saltwater lap pool), the jacuzzi was shallow, tepid, and had the weakest jets I've ever seen. It was like sitting in a lukewarm baby pool. The jacuzzi at the GH is the best I've encountered at a Hyatt, and I loved hanging out there at the steam room (also quite lovely) and sauna as well.
Room: GH again wins. Was not upgraded as a Diamond at either the GH or the O8, contrary to a lot of reports here. The basic room at the GH was a nice, standard room with a lovely view, quiet, very nice shower (dual shower nozzles, awesome!). The basic room at the O8 was considerably inferior. Connecting, loud room, could hear everything going on next door. The shower was terrible in comparison to the GH. Standard bathtub/shower combo, which I detest, and low-pressure nozzle.
Service: GH wins here so forcefully that it's like the 1927 Yankees beating up on the 2013 Astros. I never felt welcome in the least at the O8. Almost everyone from start to finish (except the lovely woman at the front desk when I checked out) was brusque, unwelcoming, and generally just weird. I've never felt like I've been completely unwanted at a Hyatt before until now. Service at Urbane was absolutely atrocious. Everyone at the Grand was welcoming, warm, and friendly, which is quite important to me as a Diamond, and especially because I don't "look" like a typical Diamond (not a business traveler, younger, tend to dress down, look like a backpacking hipster, which I basically am).
Obviously, the Grand is where I'm staying the next time I'm in Seattle.
Facilities: GH by a mile. The location is better (closer to Westlake station and slightly downhill from the O8). The lobby and building of the GH are both much classier in my opinion and they have a more relaxed, "zen" feeling than the O8. The O8 is more sterile and kind of felt like an Element or new-build Hyatt Place to me.
Pool/Spa: GH again by a decent margin. Everyone raves about the O8 spa and pool. While the pool was ok at the O8 (nice saltwater lap pool), the jacuzzi was shallow, tepid, and had the weakest jets I've ever seen. It was like sitting in a lukewarm baby pool. The jacuzzi at the GH is the best I've encountered at a Hyatt, and I loved hanging out there at the steam room (also quite lovely) and sauna as well.
Room: GH again wins. Was not upgraded as a Diamond at either the GH or the O8, contrary to a lot of reports here. The basic room at the GH was a nice, standard room with a lovely view, quiet, very nice shower (dual shower nozzles, awesome!). The basic room at the O8 was considerably inferior. Connecting, loud room, could hear everything going on next door. The shower was terrible in comparison to the GH. Standard bathtub/shower combo, which I detest, and low-pressure nozzle.
Service: GH wins here so forcefully that it's like the 1927 Yankees beating up on the 2013 Astros. I never felt welcome in the least at the O8. Almost everyone from start to finish (except the lovely woman at the front desk when I checked out) was brusque, unwelcoming, and generally just weird. I've never felt like I've been completely unwanted at a Hyatt before until now. Service at Urbane was absolutely atrocious. Everyone at the Grand was welcoming, warm, and friendly, which is quite important to me as a Diamond, and especially because I don't "look" like a typical Diamond (not a business traveler, younger, tend to dress down, look like a backpacking hipster, which I basically am).
Obviously, the Grand is where I'm staying the next time I'm in Seattle.
I always give the O8 and edge, but the GH is very nice too. Has an older more mature feel vs trendy - but both are good.
Mar 15, 2015, 7:05 pm
#56
Join Date: May 2010
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, HH Diamond, Bonvoy Gold...
Posts: 56
Can't go wrong with either. Both are nice properties with great customer service and varying views from the rooms. For me, it just depends on my mood. Because of my Diamond status, sometimes the free breakfast (up to 4people) is nice at Olive 8. Or sometimes I'll take advantage of the possibility of a complimentary corner suite upgrade (like this last weekend) from the GH. Always weigh out the daily rates between the two properties. This last weekend I stayed at GH for $139 a night and received a complimentary Top Floor Corner Suite. So, in this case forgoing the free breakfast at Olive 8 made more sense.
Mar 15, 2015, 9:47 pm
#57
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Charleston, SC, USA
Programs: Avis Pref+, Hyatt Explorist, Marriott Life Gold, Honors Silver, IHG Plat via MC.
Posts: 6,786
What's the deal on breakfast at both? I love smoked salmon lox. I rarely eat what Americans & Brits are taught to call 'breakfast food.' I often plan to eat at 11 AM when most lunch/ dinner/ ethnic restaurants open. I don't eat eggs, but I can enjoy berry pancakes &or bacon/ real ham (not 'parts is parts') a few times a year
Mar 15, 2015, 10:24 pm
#58
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: SEA
Posts: 2,021
O8 only has an entrance on 8th (hence the "Olive 8" name), while GH has an entrance on both Pine and 7th. I suppose GH might be closer to Westlake if you went out the exit on 7th, but we are talking a difference of 500' or so.
I have never stayed at either so I can't comment on any other observations about the properties besides the location (which for all intents and purposes is the same). From the outside, O8 is a more interesting building (all glass).
Mar 16, 2015, 4:28 pm
#59
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Stockholm, Sweden + Austin, Tx
Programs: "But, I'm a GLOBALIST guest...."
Posts: 2,848
What's the deal on breakfast at both? I love smoked salmon lox. I rarely eat what Americans & Brits are taught to call 'breakfast food.' I often plan to eat at 11 AM when most lunch/ dinner/ ethnic restaurants open. I don't eat eggs, but I can enjoy berry pancakes &or bacon/ real ham (not 'parts is parts') a few times a year
Mar 16, 2015, 11:45 pm
#60
In memoriam
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Seattle WA
Programs: Kimpton IC, Hyatt Diamond, Gold Marriott, Lifetime Platinum Starwood
Posts: 8,665
Service: . . Everyone at the Grand was welcoming, warm, and friendly, which is quite important to me as a Diamond, and especially because I don't "look" like a typical Diamond (not a business traveler, younger, tend to dress down, look like a backpacking hipster, which I basically am).
defines about 65% of the people in this city. It's nothing special and the attitude in Seattle is one of "I don't care what you do as long as you're not hurting anybody else." As far as weird; again, it's part of the way in which you see things and how you act towards others. After living here for 25 years I don't find people weird but perhaps if you go in with that type of attitude it is returned by others?