Review: Hyatt at Olive 8 in Seattle

Combine Seattle’s cultural heritage with some of the most gorgeous natural scenes on the west coast and it’s no wonder that it has become a vacation haven for young families. When shopping around for somewhere to lay your head in the downtown area, consider Hyatt at Olive 8, a luxury hotel positioned in the middle of the action.

Crisp, Clean Luxury

As is typical with Hyatt, Olive 8 is the epitome of comfort and class. As soon as I arrived, the valet parking staff and front desk agent Christie went out of their way to make sure I had answers to all of my questions and suggestions on where to play in the city. Although I could’ve kept myself entertained without their advice, the extra input is always appreciated—and in this case, it definitely paid off.

Aesthetically, the hotel is fresh and modern: blue windows and design elements give the building a little pop so it stands out against surrounding structures. The highly reflective glass provides an exciting way to view the surrounding area.

Guests can choose from a variety of rooms, including some with great views of nearby skyscrapers. I’ve always loved Hyatt hotel rooms for the clean-cut style: although the rooms have simple white sheets, neutral carpeting and solid drapes, there is an air of sophistication that many hotels can’t match. On top of that, Hyatt at Olive 8 offers special hypoallergenic rooms that are specially cleaned to eliminate airborne particles that can be a problem for allergy sufferers. This is also good news for families traveling with babies—the purification process makes the room extra clean for little ones susceptible to germs and irritants, something that can be a major plus when traveling.

The Perks

Hyatt at Olive 8 is definitely a family-friendly spot, with special services available to those traveling with babies and toddlers. Partnering with Babies Travel Lite, you can order baby products online ahead of time—diapers, formula, bottles and much more—and have them delivered to your room when you arrive. With a selection of 1,500 available products (including some organic ones!) you can pack lighter and still have everything you need to care for your little one during your trip.

When traveling with little ones, it’s nice to have a hotel with food options. Right off the lobby, you have two options—the hip, sit-down restaurant Urbane and the coffee bar Urbane Market. There is also, of course, room service, which offers a wide selection of healthy choices, like a fruit and cheese plate, as well as a kid’s menu including options like the ever popular macaroni and cheese.

With a green certification, Hyatt at Olive 8 embodies Seattle’s inclination for sustainability. In addition to advanced energy and water saving innovations, the hotel’s roof is covered with a plant garden that is home to native bees, butterflies and birds. The garden retains up to 75% of the city’s rainwater, which also reduces runoff.

Pets are also welcome at the hotel—so bring the furry members of your family along. They will provide your pooch with a plush pet bed and a water bowl.

Central Location

Located on the corner of 8^th Avenue and Olive Way (hence the name), this downtown Hyatt lies in the perfect location for those that want to explore the downtown area. As mentioned, it’s perfect for families with babies and toddlers so grab your stroller and head toward the waterfront. On the way, you will pass a mall and plenty of restaurants—but keep going and you’ll reach Pike Place Market, the Seattle Aquarium, the Great Wheel and more. Try some new foods, visit the animals in the aquarium or take a relaxing ride on the famous ferry.