(Apologies in advance as I'd wanted the photos embedded within the review as I went along. but that didn't work out)
Greeted as a Diamond by clerk, with mention of my preferences having been noted. However, I had been contacted in a voice call the previous day regarding anything I might need in advance, and was assured by the rep that although he saw points as the My Way choice, he would change to breakfast for me. Upon arrival, clerk saw points, but assured me he had changed my preference so that breakfast would show for the staff in the morning. Otherwise, standard check-in experience.
Start with the bathroom as it's the first thing one sees to the left upon entering ... I liked that the shower controls were easy to use, selecting desired temperature without a blast of very cold or hot water! Otherwise, it's a shower, with decent water pressure.Only bathroom-related "issue" was that it wasn't easy for me to locate the clean bathmat. Took a picture of toiletries as I could swear last time at an HGI they used bland Neutrogena (?) brand, not these more upscale-seeming Pharmacopia ones. Bathroom door was sliding "barn door" style with heavy opaque glass. Along the wall opposite the bed are the "kitchenette" (microwave, coffee maker and fridge) and desk area. Drawers located under the TV area, as well as shallow ones in the closet. To the left of the TV are four electric outlets. Bed was comfortable, although the sheets were a bit shorter than I'd like. Clock-radio had both line-out cables and Bluetooth capability, though I used neither. I believe there were three electrical outlets and two USB ports on the wall; the other nightstand has two outlets just under the night table also. Heating and cooling worked well. I did sit in the chair with some tea for a while, which was nuce. Sheets aside, I was quite pleased with the room.
Not wanting to go out, I decided to have dinner at the bar. Definitely NOT your standard HGI experience, which in my case has ranged from fair to poor. Chose the chicken, after the bartender assured me I could substitute mashed potatoes for the cauliflower, in addition to the brown rice-grain mix (Fareekah?) which seems to be a specialty. That last was interesting, and the chicken tasty (although a small portion), but the mashed potatoes were about the best I ever tasted - absolute 5 Star quality! Had a local beer as well, which was pretty good.One of my best Hilton dining experiences.
Then there was breakfast ... unfortunately, rather a mixed bag. Hostess recognized my status, confirming complimentary unlimited buffet. No sign of any server, though the hostess had mentioned one, so I got my own coffee (small, demi-tasse-like cups rather than mugs) and juice. Ordered an omlet from the cook, but unlike other HGI's I was expected to pick it up myself, rather than a table# assigned for the server to bring it. The cook was a nice guy doing a good job, and the hostess brought out a clean bottle when she noticed me struggling with one stuck shut from congealed syrup. The server, however, was little in evidence except to clean a couple of tables, and later ask me if I wanted anything in a rather desultory manner after I had obtained my own coffee and omlet. She did, however, make a point of presenting a check, with the $17 charge crossed out, for me to sign. I did so entering ZERO in the tip and total lines. I was thinking of leaving a dollar in cash, but decided against it. The food was fine, and as mentioned the hostess and cook did a good job. So, perhaps it was an "off" day, but that was my experience. Location really convenient to the express bus to downtown Seattle (two blocks away from the Transit Center), as well as anything else in downtown Bellevue. Overall, this is a great location, very nice new rooms, and good food.
Recommended, although prices can be a bit steep given its location for corporate clients; I snagged a fairly low prepaid rate.
Design made me think at first something nasty had spilled, or exploded!
Outlets behind my bag
Check-in desk with front door to the right
Bar and restaurant area with breakfast to the right side beyond
View of interior courtyard which I did not visit