Hotel Review of the Red Lion Downtown Seattle
Sep 23, 2009
This was the first time we booked a hotel in downtown Seattle and we weren't
sure what to expect. Well, the Red Lion on 5th Avenue in Seattle put all our
worries to rest and then some! The hotel has recently been remodelled, so
everything was brand new with modern, yet classic decor. However, the best thing
about the hotel BY FAR is it’s location: literally, right in the heart of the
best downtown Seattle shopping (Anthropology, Banana Republic, GAP, Betsey
Johnson, H&M, Nordstrom, Macy’s, etc.) and just a few blocks away from Pike
Place Market, easily within walking distance.
If you are ever there on a week day morning, head down to Pike Place before the
crowds arrive and observe the vendors set up while you walk through an almost
empty market; it will be a completely different experience than you’ve ever had
there before! On your way back to the hotel, make sure you stop by Piroshky
Piroshky, directly across the street from the Market; you won’t be disappointed.
The only downside we found to the hotel is the lack of a pool/sauna/hot tub;
however, you will be so busy shopping or exploring downtown Seattle, you may not
miss it at all!
We’ve already been spreading the word about this place, and even decided while
we were there that when we return to Seattle, there is no other place we want to
stay but the Red Lion on 5th Ave!
Hotel Review of the Red Lion Downtown Seattle
Sep 15, 2009
I stayed at the Red Lion Sept 2-9th during the Penny Arcade Expo, and as gamers,
we don't expect the best reception because of the stereotypes. I've had horrible
and okay hotel experiences for gaming events before, and the hotel could be rude
or just turn a blind eye to any simple request. However, the Red Lion was the
most welcoming hotel and vacation experience I've ever had.
I stayed with my S/O and my best friend, and the room was more then big enough
for the three of us, even after we collected bags full of swag from the
convention center so conveniently located less then 2 blocks away. Everything
was near by, eating, entertainment, shopping. It never got to be 'too far' to
walk to your destination, because it was likely just a few blocks away.
The hotel staff blew us all away, always eager to help and accommodating with
whatever questions or concerns we had. One in particular, Alex (who works the
front desk), went above and beyond with how engaging and friendly he was. When
we asked if the hotel supplied DVD players, he went the extra mile and brought
in his own DVD player from home for us to use!
When deciding that we were going to stay again next year for the event, they
gave us tours of the suites and the bigger rooms and helped us build a plan as
to what kind of connecting rooms we could get and what the cost differences
would be. Talking to both the active manager one of the days, and the general
manager the next day, we had nothing but compliments for the hotel. You could
tell she was proud of her hotel, and her staff, and she had every right to be.
There isn't a person I wouldn't recommend this hotel to. She (I believe her name
was Shannon Sharon) was extremely friendly and gave us all of her contact
information for planning in the future.
The only very very petty grumbles I had, were that the elevators move so fast,
that your ears actually pop, which took a few days to get used to, and that the
bathroom doors were kind of an opaque glass pattern that wasn't very hard to see
through, right in front of the toilet, which was very unnerving staying in a
room with two males.
I look forward to next year when I can plan going back to the Red Lion again, it
was definitely worth it!Hotel Review of the Red Lion Downtown Seattle
Sep 9, 2009
Regarding The Red Lion's Elephant and Castle Pub. We stumbled upon this little
gem when desperate for something to quench our thirst. How lucky we were!
Excellent beer, clean and nice bar (HUGE) inside and a nice little street side
terrace out to the side (where we sat). They were not really serving outside but
the very kind and attentive bartender accommodated us. Never once were we
without cool mugs of beer and lots of good appetizers. We stayed for a couple
hours. They have a couple happy hours. One starting at three. If we did not have
to get somewhere, we would have stayed. In fact, the next time we are in town,
we are going to check the rates on the Red Lion. It looked very nice, it's
location was good and central and it looked clean, safe and I bet it is a good
value. Plus you could walk easily to the symphony. In heels!
In any case, we will go back to the pub. If you are staying there, don't skip
it. Good value, friendly good service and a huge selection of beer on tap.
Hotel Review of the Red Lion Downtown Seattle
Jun 16, 2009
We stayed at the Red Lion for two nights before our cruise. Everything was
wonderful about the hotel, the location, the service and the decor. It looked
like it was recently remodelled and very clean. It was very convenient to walk
everywhere. We ate breakfast twice at the restaurant and it was very good. We
were very pleased with our choice to stay here and it was the start of a
wonderful trip.
Hotel Review of the Red Lion Downtown Seattle
Jun 8, 2009
This was a great place to stay for our conference in Seattle. The service was
very good from check-in to check-out. I found the location to be very convenient
to many restaurants and attractions. We walked two blocks to catch the monorail
to the Space Needle. It was great to be in the heart of Seattle (with a view of
the water from my room). Free wireless internet was a plus. Meeting rooms for
the conference were cool, but most conferences I have attended are like this,
and it was quite warm outside.
Hotel Review of the Red Lion Downtown Seattle
May 14, 2009
We very much enjoyed our 7 day stay at the Red Lion. Very nice bed and towels.
Small refrigerator in room. Nice fitness room. Hardly ever had to wait for an
elevator. Concierge was very helpful - she booked our trip to Victoria and also
dinner at Salty's - a bus picked us up and drove us over - great view of the
city from across the water. Because of the location I know we would stay there
again. We liked the Pub Happy Hour - did not try the restaurant on 5th floor.
Hotel Review of the Red Lion Downtown Seattle
May 6, 2009
This is really a lovely older hotel - right in the city centre. Our room was
beautifully decorated and very clean. The hotel staff seemed pleasant. This is
really a great hotel for the money.
Just a couple of drawbacks:
We had a problem with our heating. They sent someone up right away, but it still
seemed cool. I see others have complained about heating in their reviews
There's no pool
The $35 parking fee is exorbitant. If its workable for you, parking on the
street is free after 6pm and on Sundays. |