Fairmont Olympic Hotel, Historic high-rise hotel in Seattle, Washington, United States
The Fairmont Olympic Hotel is a Renaissance-style building of buff-colored brick with decorative terra cotta trim located in downtown Seattle. The structure features tall windows, a granite and marble base, and inside reveals a grand lobby with polished woodwork and shining chandeliers.
The hotel opened in 1924 on land formerly belonging to the University of Washington and was designed to showcase Seattle's growing prosperity. Over more than a century, it hosted presidents, famous guests, and local leaders whose visits reflected the city's evolution from a port town to a modern metropolis.
The hotel's name reflects the wealth and ambition of early Seattle businesspeople who shaped the city's growth. Visitors can observe today how the grand lobby and dining spaces served as gathering places where local society and travelers mingled across generations.
The hotel sits in the heart of downtown, surrounded by shops, theaters, and restaurants, making it convenient for exploring the city. Public transportation access is nearby and the neighborhood remains lively throughout the day, though the building itself maintains a calm interior atmosphere.
When President Kennedy stayed at the hotel, he tested a specially firm mattress that local manufacturers quickly crafted after his arrival. This unusual episode shows how the building adapted to the needs of its most prominent guests.
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