Exploring Seattle from Hyatt at Olive 8

Hyatt at Olive 8 in Seattle

One of my all-time bucket list vacations was to cruise to Alaska. We had put it off for years but we finally decided this was the year to do it. When cruising to Alaska, the first big decision you have to make is where to begin your cruise. The Alaska cruise season is typically from late May to early October and the most popular originating ports for a round-trip cruise are from Seattle and Vancouver. Well, I knew right away that Seattle was in my future. This is a city I've always wanted to see. And why? It's the beginning of ALL my favorite things. From the very first Starbucks Coffee to the original Nordstrom (shoes!) and where Amazon.com started, this city intrigued me.   

We excitedly booked our 7-night cruise with Celebrity Cruises to explore the Inner Passage of Alaska on the Celebrity Solstice departing from Seattle, Washington. That's when the fun began! I started researching where to stay, where to eat, and what we were going to do. As I always recommend, we planned to arrive to the cruise port early, I wanted to give ourselves two nights before the cruise and as it worked out, we stayed one night afterwards.   

Through my research, I decided to explore Seattle from Hyatt at Olive 8 for a pre-cruise stay. I've been truly impressed with Hyatt Hotels over the past few years. From their decor to amenities and dining, I've never met one I didn't love. This hotel was no exception. I'm a planner, so I started looking at rooms right away. About 9 months before (that's the beauty of a cruise since you know the dates when you book a year ahead) I reserved a 2 Queen Deluxe room. This room is a spacious 740-square feet with corner windows. It's perfect for a family. But only a few weeks before we were set to leave, I received an email from Hyatt asking if we wanted to upgrade for a nominal price to a Governor Suite. 1,300 square feet plus a full AND half bath...with two teenage boys? Yes, please! 

Quick Tip: Before booking at a Hyatt Hotel, make sure to sign up for the World of Hyatt program. It's free and you'll be eligible for discounted rates and the opportunities to upgrade to the next room level for yourself! Plus, earn points towards additional benefits and stays.

When visiting a new city, I always contact the hotel ahead of time to speak with their concierge for local recommendations on transportation, dining, and activities. ​A big shout out to Russell, one of the fantastic concierges at Hyatt at Olive 8, who truly made my life SO much easier. He arranged for transportation service from Sea-Tac Airport to the hotel and then from the hotel to Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 91 on cruise embarkation day. He emailed me Seattle dining suggestions close to the hotel, along with a map of the airport (trust me, this is key. The airport is HUGE!) He also offered to help purchase ticket packages for the many attractions around Seattle during our stay.

But let's check in already. Wait until you see this gorgeous room! 

Our Governor Suite was on the 17th floor with unbelievable views of the city. 

In the summer, sunset in Seattle may not be until about 9:30 PM.

​We loved lounging in this spacious living room. With lots of comfortable seating and a gorgeous fireplace, it can be a great spot for entertaining. But we loved having the space just for ourselves to spread out. I couldn't stop looking out of these expansive windows at the people and cars bustling about the city below and the towering architecture high in the sky. 

Picture perfect living room to stretch out after traveling across country.

Seattle can get chilly so a fireplace is very nice to have.

So much room!

You can definitely get down to business in this office with its own Apple iMac computer. Yes, WiFi is complimentary.

Step into my kitchen! With a microwave to warm up leftovers from their delicious restaurant Urbane (so delicious, you won't want to leave them) and a Nespresso machine complete with loads of Starbucks Coffee, and a toaster oven, it's a great set-up for a family. 

Behind the cabinet, you'll also find a mini-fridge.

A spacious open floor plan for any length of stay.

We enjoyed a late night milk and cookies from Urbane To-Go here. They also have a phenomenal rich chocolate cake with coconut sorbet.

A huge separate bedroom with an amazingly comfortable bed and even a seating area. You might be wondering where my teenagers slept? The living room sofa bed pulls out into a queen bed and we requested a roll-away in the room as well. Both boys said they slept great, so definitely teenager approved. 

Every room has comfortable seating with beautifully soft decor.

A frosted glass sliding door separates the bedroom. This is perfect if your kids are younger and you want to keep an eye on them.

And did I mention the one and half baths?! ​The full bathroom is incredible. Even on the 17th floor, the water pressure was terrific and of course. I adore the yummy smelling soap and shampoo Hyatt provides. Step inside the bathroom and you'll also find a full walk in closet with shelving, plenty of hanging room and of course, my favorite soft Hyatt slippers (one with toes and one without...keep scrolling to find out what I mean!) and two luxurious bathrobes.

I always enjoy a large soaking tub while the rest of my family loves a roomy shower.

Plenty of counter space in the bathroom.

A Governor Suite includes the following, as listed from their website:

• 37” flat screen TV with Bose speakers
• Glass shower/tub combo
• Gilchrist & Soames – Bee Kind bath amenities
• Private parlor and office
• Floor-to-ceiling windows
• Mini-refrigerator
• iHome stereo with iPod® docking station
• Iron and ironing board
• Hair dryer
• Oversized work desk
• Coffee/tea maker
• Complimentary newspaper upon request

We couldn't stop looking at this Seattle view. With full walls of windows stretching around the corners, you practically have a panoramic view over the entire area. This is absolutely the way to see a new city.

When you get hungry, their restaurant Urbane is right off of the lobby and features a sit down breakfast, lunch and dinner. You can also stop in Urbane To Go for delicious pastries, coffee, salads, sandwiches, and a variety of beverages, including wine and beer. If you stop in for breakfast, I highly suggest the cinnamon scone - WOW! 

Beecher's Cheddar Cheese Curds

Chicken Wings

Grass-fed Beef Burger on a Pretzel Bun

Bring your swimsuit..this pool is gorgeous! They also have a fitness room with up-to-date equipment to work out.

It really is this spotless and beautiful. Very impressive - and that city view!

This is definitely the location you want to stay in to explore. Where exactly is Hyatt at Olive 8? It's all in the name: Olive Way at 8th Avenue. It's an brisk but easy walk to a variety of attractions that Seattle is famous for. We went to Pike Place Market to see fish throwing in action, took a ride 520 feet up to the top of the Space Needle, then visited the beautiful Chihuly Garden and Glass, a unique colorful glass art experience. These three activities are easily doable in one full day.

Pike Place Fish Company is in Public Market Center.

The Space Needle overlooking the Chihuly gardens.

The iconic Seattle Space Needle.

Walk inside and outside to be amazed!

After a busy day exploring, we came back to our peaceful retreat at Hyatt at Olive 8 and relaxed a bit before repacking to begin the cruise portion of our luxury vacation. Alaska, here we come! 

The next time we visit Seattle, Washington, I know right where to stay. Although, it may be a tough decision since there are other fabulous Hyatt Hotels right around the corner, Grand Hyatt and a brand new Hyatt Regency that recently opened in December 2018. Have you stayed at a Hyatt Hotel in Seattle?