BELLEVUE, Wash.
W Hotels Worldwide announced the opening of W Bellevue, marking a new era of design for W Hotels in North America that celebrates the local as never before. Playing off Bellevue's tech-forward neighbors and centuries-old traditions, the design of the hotel embraces the region's juxtaposed affinity for both its natural surroundings and groundbreaking innovation. The hotel pays homage to lakeside culture with cabin-like architecture, reimagined traditional decor and locally-inspired cocktails and cuisine. Built as a W from the ground up, W Bellevue offers a modern yet invitingly familiar setting to welcome locals and travelers alike.
W Bellevue offers 220 guest rooms and 25 suites in the newest Lincoln Square expansion.
"Our design process has evolved to center around each destination's respective history, environment and culture ... we are thrilled to unveil W Bellevue, the first new-build W Hotel in North America in seven years with more on the way!" said Anthony Ingham, global brand leader, W Hotels Worldwide.
Neighbor to some of the world's most well-known technology companies such as Microsoft and Amazon, Bellevue has become best known as the Pacific Northwest's tech playground. Locally known as the “Eastside,” Bellevue is a magnet for the rugged individualist who is attracted to natural beauty.
Designed by HKS Inc. lead by Mary Alice Palmer and HKS architect Tom Sprinkle, W Bellevue transports guests to a modern lodge oasis, inspired by the region's iconic setting beside Lake Washington. Upon entering, guests are immediately greeted by a striking, reclaimed wood staircase surrounded by rich, colorful street art from featured artist Gaia, with additional contributions from Lady Aiko and Zio Ziegler.
Each of the 220 guest rooms and 25 suites at W Bellevue bring guests closer to the communal history of the city, dating back to the first settlers who gathered around the docks and ferries and served as the center of community and commerce. Rooms feature design elements like side-table lights which mimic traditional dock lamps and inflatable tufted headboards, a nod to historic dockside decor.
"As a city known for its lake houses, W Bellevue embraces this tradition while reinterpreting the design in a fresh and innovative way," said Matt Van Der Peet, general manager, W Bellevue. "From being welcomed by bold street art, surprised by a library of pulp fiction, and quenched by craft cocktails at the Living Room bar, W Bellevue is sure to become a destination in its own right for guests and locals alike."
Guests at W Bellevue don't have to wander far for interesting cuisine. The hotel houses The Lakehouse, showcasing a Northwest farmhouse concept, and Civility & Unrest, a speakeasy-inspired cocktail lounge, both from James Beard Award-winning chef, Jason Wilson. Inspired by Bellevue's sense of place and evolution, Chef Wilson showcases farm-inspired craft cooking, spotlighting his local relationships.
Hidden within Gaia's showpiece is a discreet entrance to Civility & Unrest, a modern speakeasy-inspired lounge offering a craft cocktail insider experience by Chef Wilson. Steeped in discovery, the whiskey bar and cocktail lounge offers rare scotch, vintage whiskey, flowing champagne and craft cocktails.
The 4,400-square-foot Great Room shows off vibrant decor and stylish finishes underneath deconstructed docks that float just below the ceiling. The carpet contains layers of tribal tattoos with archetypal house shapes referencing the native cultures of the Pacific Northwest overlaid on a stylized lake background, making the Great Room an ideal location for an inspired event. Both Strategy rooms and six Studios continue the theme of lakeside living with window-like mirrors and dock light sconces.
W Bellevue contains 10,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space.
