The Sound Hotel Seattle Belltown, Tapestry Collection by Hilton {US-WA}
Feb 25, 2019, 6:31 pm
#1
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Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: RSW
Programs: Delta - Silver; UA - Silver; HHonors - Diamond; IHG - Spire Ambassador; Marriott Bonvoy - Titanium
Posts: 14,185
The Sound Hotel Seattle Belltown, Tapestry Collection by Hilton {US-WA}
Stayed here last night on a mattress run, really nice experience, including a surprise at checkout!
Greeted as a Diamond at check-in, explained that I would receive 1000 elite points, as well as access to the 7th Floor lounge for breakfast in the morning. As lounge hours were reported online as weekday mornings only, I asked about weekend breakfast for elites, given a reply that it was "provided in the restaurant Currant" instead; implied that charges would be removed from the bill, but no dollar amount specified. Took my keys, with the remark "I think you'll be the first guest ever in that room!" I did not take any corridor pics, but the place has a gray-and-black scheme throughout. No lobby shots either, as there were lots of managers around, so would have felt self-conscious. There's a pantry by reception, as well as the restaurant adjacent to the lobby.
Keep an eye out for the signage! King County Public Health next door on corner is easier to spot.
The room … not your average Hilton. Was reminded of the Duniway in Portland, OR in terms of (boutique) style. I'll let the pics speak for themselves pretty much here …
Refrigerator below, Keurig above, supplies in drawer, ice bucket and glasses, and that thing on top that looked at first like some sort of wierd dispenser? It's a lamp, a really funky retro number!
Here's your storage space: three deep drawers on the right, with the left for full-length clothes hanging (including guest robes).
Here's your desk area, with AC and usb easily accessible. Couch more comfortable than it perhaps appears.
Behold: the bed! AC and usb on each side. In addition to bedside lamps, there are overhead (ceiling) lights, switches on each side controlling its half.
View from the bed, not remarkable, but there it is.
The couch seemed more comfortable for reading, etc. However, as additional seating it's pretty classy!
Bedroom was very quiet, with solid heating on a cold night. Otherwise, not much else to say. On to the bathroom ...
Yes, it's done in black tile. I was a bit concerned about the low pressure from the tap, but the shower worked okay using the handheld wand. I don't bring a ton of stuff with me, but honestly, the counter was a bit cluttered. Two folks who need space would find things "challenging" I think.
I'm certain you wanted to see the shower itself. Now you know.
Flyertalkers LOVE their toiletry discussions, so made an effort to "pose" these guys in best lighting possible. Shampoo-and-conditioner was decent - then again, I don't have a lot of hair! Float color scheme works perfectly if nothing else.
Okay, so much for the room. As the lounge wasn't going to be opening until the next day's breakfast, I headed down to the restaurant for a drink (OK, two glasses of wine) and some food. Staff were very professional, prices were decent for a hotel in a major city; asked the chef an obscure question about a menu item when he made an appearance, receiving an enthusiastic helpful response. I'd consider going there sometime even if not a guest.
That brings me to the "surprise" mentioned at the outset. I covered the lounge breakfast in the Hilton elite lounge thread, but am mentioning here that it was full of managers on its first day of operation. Based on something I'd overheard, I brought up that I didn't feel I'd been "upgraded" as a Diamond, inferring that they'd have been willing to move me had I been staying a second night. (I also learned that the building is part hotel, and part condos.) My final folio showed an f&b charge of $5 rather than $45. It could have been my manager conversation at breakfast, but I'm assuming that the front desk removed my menu charges, including tax, leaving only the tip on the bill, since the lounge wasn't open on Sunday evenings yet. Either way, there's a class act!
I've noticed some FT'ers have a "thing" for key cards, so took a shot. Makes a nice way to end the review if nothing else!
Greeted as a Diamond at check-in, explained that I would receive 1000 elite points, as well as access to the 7th Floor lounge for breakfast in the morning. As lounge hours were reported online as weekday mornings only, I asked about weekend breakfast for elites, given a reply that it was "provided in the restaurant Currant" instead; implied that charges would be removed from the bill, but no dollar amount specified. Took my keys, with the remark "I think you'll be the first guest ever in that room!" I did not take any corridor pics, but the place has a gray-and-black scheme throughout. No lobby shots either, as there were lots of managers around, so would have felt self-conscious. There's a pantry by reception, as well as the restaurant adjacent to the lobby.
Keep an eye out for the signage! King County Public Health next door on corner is easier to spot.
The room … not your average Hilton. Was reminded of the Duniway in Portland, OR in terms of (boutique) style. I'll let the pics speak for themselves pretty much here …
Refrigerator below, Keurig above, supplies in drawer, ice bucket and glasses, and that thing on top that looked at first like some sort of wierd dispenser? It's a lamp, a really funky retro number!
Here's your storage space: three deep drawers on the right, with the left for full-length clothes hanging (including guest robes).
Here's your desk area, with AC and usb easily accessible. Couch more comfortable than it perhaps appears.
Behold: the bed! AC and usb on each side. In addition to bedside lamps, there are overhead (ceiling) lights, switches on each side controlling its half.
View from the bed, not remarkable, but there it is.
The couch seemed more comfortable for reading, etc. However, as additional seating it's pretty classy!
Bedroom was very quiet, with solid heating on a cold night. Otherwise, not much else to say. On to the bathroom ...
Yes, it's done in black tile. I was a bit concerned about the low pressure from the tap, but the shower worked okay using the handheld wand. I don't bring a ton of stuff with me, but honestly, the counter was a bit cluttered. Two folks who need space would find things "challenging" I think.
I'm certain you wanted to see the shower itself. Now you know.
Flyertalkers LOVE their toiletry discussions, so made an effort to "pose" these guys in best lighting possible. Shampoo-and-conditioner was decent - then again, I don't have a lot of hair! Float color scheme works perfectly if nothing else.
Okay, so much for the room. As the lounge wasn't going to be opening until the next day's breakfast, I headed down to the restaurant for a drink (OK, two glasses of wine) and some food. Staff were very professional, prices were decent for a hotel in a major city; asked the chef an obscure question about a menu item when he made an appearance, receiving an enthusiastic helpful response. I'd consider going there sometime even if not a guest.
That brings me to the "surprise" mentioned at the outset. I covered the lounge breakfast in the Hilton elite lounge thread, but am mentioning here that it was full of managers on its first day of operation. Based on something I'd overheard, I brought up that I didn't feel I'd been "upgraded" as a Diamond, inferring that they'd have been willing to move me had I been staying a second night. (I also learned that the building is part hotel, and part condos.) My final folio showed an f&b charge of $5 rather than $45. It could have been my manager conversation at breakfast, but I'm assuming that the front desk removed my menu charges, including tax, leaving only the tip on the bill, since the lounge wasn't open on Sunday evenings yet. Either way, there's a class act!
I've noticed some FT'ers have a "thing" for key cards, so took a shot. Makes a nice way to end the review if nothing else!
Mar 20, 2019, 9:59 am
#2
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Chicago, IL
Programs: AA Platinum, HHonors Diamond
Posts: 51
Just finished a 2-night stay at this hotel for a business trip. Boutique hotel, very new, quiet, stylish rooms, nice staff. Executive lounge on 7th floor has a great view of downtown Seattle skyline and was not crowded at all both days I went for breakfast. No key required to enter the lounge, at least in the mornings. They check your name on a list and bring you a check (w/ full price) which the server said is credited upon checkout if that's your Honors benefit. Good but limited selection of hot items (egg patties with and without meat, potatoes, bacon), bread/pastries, and cold items (yogurt, hard-boiled eggs). Could use some fresh fruit. Location is convenient to Amazon buildings in Belltown and walking distance from all of the main attractions in downtown Seattle. Price was good for the area, $165/night which was slightly under area HGI and HI properties.
One of the better Hilton property experiences in recent memory - would definitely stay here again!
One of the better Hilton property experiences in recent memory - would definitely stay here again!
Apr 13, 2019, 10:19 am
#4
Join Date: Jan 2017
Posts: 61
Yes, valet is the only option.
I stayed here several weeks ago and was somewhat underwhelmed. Friendly staff, spotlessly clean property, but the breakfast was mediocre and there were a few issues with the design of the rooms. And they weren’t able to send me a digital key before my arrival. The location was convenient to where I wanted to be and I had not been to a Tapestry property before so it was at least worth a try. I might be biasing my opinion on being unaware of what the standards actually are for Tapestry, but as nice as the rooms were, I expected a better breakfast (which was a continental buffet with items reminiscent of Hampton Inn, but presented artfully).
I stayed here several weeks ago and was somewhat underwhelmed. Friendly staff, spotlessly clean property, but the breakfast was mediocre and there were a few issues with the design of the rooms. And they weren’t able to send me a digital key before my arrival. The location was convenient to where I wanted to be and I had not been to a Tapestry property before so it was at least worth a try. I might be biasing my opinion on being unaware of what the standards actually are for Tapestry, but as nice as the rooms were, I expected a better breakfast (which was a continental buffet with items reminiscent of Hampton Inn, but presented artfully).
Apr 13, 2019, 12:29 pm
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
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Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: RSW
Programs: Delta - Silver; UA - Silver; HHonors - Diamond; IHG - Spire Ambassador; Marriott Bonvoy - Titanium
Posts: 14,185
Yes, valet is the only option.
I stayed here several weeks ago and was somewhat underwhelmed. Friendly staff, spotlessly clean property, but the breakfast was mediocre and there were a few issues with the design of the rooms. And they weren’t able to send me a digital key before my arrival. The location was convenient to where I wanted to be and I had not been to a Tapestry property before so it was at least worth a try. I might be biasing my opinion on being unaware of what the standards actually are for Tapestry, but as nice as the rooms were, I expected a better breakfast (which was a continental buffet with items reminiscent of Hampton Inn, but presented artfully).
I stayed here several weeks ago and was somewhat underwhelmed. Friendly staff, spotlessly clean property, but the breakfast was mediocre and there were a few issues with the design of the rooms. And they weren’t able to send me a digital key before my arrival. The location was convenient to where I wanted to be and I had not been to a Tapestry property before so it was at least worth a try. I might be biasing my opinion on being unaware of what the standards actually are for Tapestry, but as nice as the rooms were, I expected a better breakfast (which was a continental buffet with items reminiscent of Hampton Inn, but presented artfully).
Apr 17, 2019, 2:11 am
#6
Join Date: May 2009
Location: EUG
Programs: AS MVP, AA MM, HH Diamond, MR Gold
Posts: 8,220
We'll be there on a weekend as a Diamond, still unclear as to what breakfast would be on a Sunday morning.
We're going to Jazz Alley, really nice to have a Hilton within walking distance now.
We're going to Jazz Alley, really nice to have a Hilton within walking distance now.
Apr 17, 2019, 1:53 pm
#7
Join Date: Jun 2018
Programs: HIlton Diamond, Delta , Southwest, Amex Corp Plat, AA
Posts: 184
We are staying there before a cruise in May. I did think the price was a lot better than some of the other Hilton properties in the area. On the return we are trying out the newish Embassy Suites - which I am using 70K points (a lot I think) but the cheapest rate I could find was $300 plus before taxes.
Apr 18, 2019, 10:36 am
#8
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Join Date: Aug 2001
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Programs: Delta - Silver; UA - Silver; HHonors - Diamond; IHG - Spire Ambassador; Marriott Bonvoy - Titanium
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Sorry I can't recall whether the lounge is open for breakfast on Sundays, but I don't think so. Be prepared for credit at the a la carte restaurant instead.
Not to go too OT, but the ES charges a lot because of location. On the plus side, their dedicated evening reception area, and (separate) breakfast room, are a nicer experience than the scrum experience at typical ES atriums.
Not to go too OT, but the ES charges a lot because of location. On the plus side, their dedicated evening reception area, and (separate) breakfast room, are a nicer experience than the scrum experience at typical ES atriums.
Jul 15, 2019, 1:06 am
#9
Join Date: May 2009
Location: EUG
Programs: AS MVP, AA MM, HH Diamond, MR Gold
Posts: 8,220
We stayed there this past Saturday night for one night, and had breakfast on Sunday so want to report that the lounge IS open on Sunday mornings. I also thought it was limited but good and the view was nice. Attendant was almost too helpful - she kept scooping away our utensils and napkins so we had to keep stealing more from other tables (only spoons are on the buffet, strange).
We really liked the hotel, and could see both the positives and negatives listed above. We didn't find the chairs all that comfortable (especially not the orange leather one with the footrest), but were thrilled to have so many choices to sit - how often do you get a hotel room with just one chair and you have to call dibs?
If you look at the toiletries you'll notice it is conditioning shampoo - there was also separate conditioner (not shown) so we had very well conditioned hair!
The staff was great. Thrilled to get a room Saturday morning before noon. We just got a standard room (no upgrade) but even that was very spacious - no Spaceneedle or Sound views, just the buildings across the way (far enough for lots of privacy). Speaking of "Sound", I was a little surprised by all the music décor both in the rooms and lobby (besides the music mural in the first post, our hotel also had a picture of stacks of old vinyls where you could read all the titles). I asked since the lobby had much music décor, also, and was told that the location (Belltown) was the old music center of Seattle, and the "Sound" name was also a reference to Puget Sound.
And we also ate lunch in the restaurant - real food, not just drinks
Everything we had was very tasty - I especially liked that cauliflower and feta salad (you can look at the menu), I added steak and it was a very filling, delicious lunch. My husband had the soup and sandwich combo and really liked everything. Only complaint is the steak did not need to be salted on top of such a savory salad. For dessert we walked a block and got cupcakes at the Yellow Leaf - they were just ok, and outrageously priced at $4.50 each.
We come up to see one of our favorite singers at Jazz Alley when he's in town, and this hotel is a short 2 blocks away (even closer than the Westin where we have stayed before). Jazz Alley is a great venue with reasonable prices for some nice entertainment. Check it out.
All in all a great stay and we'd definitely stay here again.
We really liked the hotel, and could see both the positives and negatives listed above. We didn't find the chairs all that comfortable (especially not the orange leather one with the footrest), but were thrilled to have so many choices to sit - how often do you get a hotel room with just one chair and you have to call dibs?
If you look at the toiletries you'll notice it is conditioning shampoo - there was also separate conditioner (not shown) so we had very well conditioned hair!
The staff was great. Thrilled to get a room Saturday morning before noon. We just got a standard room (no upgrade) but even that was very spacious - no Spaceneedle or Sound views, just the buildings across the way (far enough for lots of privacy). Speaking of "Sound", I was a little surprised by all the music décor both in the rooms and lobby (besides the music mural in the first post, our hotel also had a picture of stacks of old vinyls where you could read all the titles). I asked since the lobby had much music décor, also, and was told that the location (Belltown) was the old music center of Seattle, and the "Sound" name was also a reference to Puget Sound.
And we also ate lunch in the restaurant - real food, not just drinks
Everything we had was very tasty - I especially liked that cauliflower and feta salad (you can look at the menu), I added steak and it was a very filling, delicious lunch. My husband had the soup and sandwich combo and really liked everything. Only complaint is the steak did not need to be salted on top of such a savory salad. For dessert we walked a block and got cupcakes at the Yellow Leaf - they were just ok, and outrageously priced at $4.50 each.We come up to see one of our favorite singers at Jazz Alley when he's in town, and this hotel is a short 2 blocks away (even closer than the Westin where we have stayed before). Jazz Alley is a great venue with reasonable prices for some nice entertainment. Check it out.
All in all a great stay and we'd definitely stay here again.
Feb 2, 2020, 1:20 pm
#10
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Join Date: Aug 2001
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Stayed here recently, with a major breakfast update: the buffet now features avocado toast!
Had the $12 happy hour duck flatbread for dinner which I found quite filling.
Had the $12 happy hour duck flatbread for dinner which I found quite filling.
Feb 2, 2020, 1:36 pm
#11
Join Date: May 2009
Location: EUG
Programs: AS MVP, AA MM, HH Diamond, MR Gold
Posts: 8,220
Was this in the upstairs lounge or is there a buffet downstairs for Diamonds that we missed? (I still don't "get" avocado toast)
Feb 2, 2020, 1:50 pm
#12
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Join Date: Aug 2001
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Posts: 14,185
Feb 2, 2020, 1:54 pm
#13
Join Date: May 2009
Location: EUG
Programs: AS MVP, AA MM, HH Diamond, MR Gold
Posts: 8,220
The duck flatbread sounds good, too.
Nov 5, 2021, 8:52 am
#15
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Programs: Honors Diamond; AA Ex Plat; AS MVP 75K
Posts: 225
I'll follow up on my own request. Stayed here two nights this week. The hotel is still quite new and modern. I think it is deservedly the top rated hotel in Seattle on both Google Maps and TA. I don't have any photos of the room but they are no different than the photos at the beginning of the thread. The only change was the toiletries are both a different brand and not quite so large, but they otherwise seemed fine.
There is no breakfast service but a $12 credit in the lobby bistro/cafe. While I typically dislike these in hotel dining options they have excellent coffee and pastry options and a decent bar. The lounge on the 7th floor looks nice but probably better in the summer - unfortunately you have to go to the lobby for food and drink service and then bring it up the elevator.
Housekeeping still on demand. Staff are very friendly and helpful. Many thanks to Gustav. Valet a total ripoff at $50+ but we didn't use the service, personally this hotel is easy enough from light rail on foot to make it worth the savings if you don't need a car.
Location is rather quiet for downtown. Not much in the immediate surroundings but very close on foot to major attractions. Happy to answer any questions.
There is no breakfast service but a $12 credit in the lobby bistro/cafe. While I typically dislike these in hotel dining options they have excellent coffee and pastry options and a decent bar. The lounge on the 7th floor looks nice but probably better in the summer - unfortunately you have to go to the lobby for food and drink service and then bring it up the elevator.
Housekeeping still on demand. Staff are very friendly and helpful. Many thanks to Gustav. Valet a total ripoff at $50+ but we didn't use the service, personally this hotel is easy enough from light rail on foot to make it worth the savings if you don't need a car.
Location is rather quiet for downtown. Not much in the immediate surroundings but very close on foot to major attractions. Happy to answer any questions.