What service can you provide to groups that they normally might not receive?
I occasionally will set up private wine tastings for groups-a local wine maker will come in and pour some bottles, let the group taste and discuss the wine and the wine making process with them. I also make sure each member of a group has a personalized welcome note and a personalized amenity.
What are your bar or nightclub recommendations?
I usually recommend some spots in Pike Place Market, including the Alibi Room and the Pink Door-for music I send people to Jazz Alley and Highway 99 (a blues club).
Can you recommend a good place to take a stroll?
The Olympic Sculpture Park is a great walk (even run)-right along Puget Sound. And the BEST view in the entire city is along Alki Beach in West Seattle-which guests can get to via water taxi (near the ferry terminal down a few blocks from the hotel).
Are there any quirky places we should check out?
The Fremont Troll is very quirky, the Ballard Locks is pretty cool (where Lake Union turns into Lake Washington and the water levels lower so the boats can go through), the Underground Seattle Tour, and for the not-so-faint-stomachs, gum wall in Post Alley (near Pike Place Market).
What is an unusual request from a group you’ve had?
I once had a group who wanted to take a tour of Mt. Rainier but also wanted to take wine- so I sent them off with several bottles from our local winery partners-they had a great day! I also get requests from people who want to go to Forks, WA (the site of the Twilight novels) and we have a tour set up with a local eco-adventure company that takes people out there and shows them all the ‘sites’-it’s a great trip-a long full day, but everyone really seems to love it.
A party of 12 wants to have dinner right away. What restaurant can accommodate last-minute requests of this size?
Sazerac Restaurant, the Brooklyn (great oyster bar).
What’s a unique event that has taken place at your property?
All of our guest rooms are dedicated to local wineries, so occasionally we have a new winery come on board and we have a little dedication for them-they pour during the wine hour and then we invite our guests to see the room, dedicated with their own artwork, and enjoy more wine and small bites from our restaurant Tulio-this is a way for guests to have a greater understanding/appreciation for our partnerships with the local wineries and wine makers.
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