Unveiling Seattle's Sleepiest Relic: A Dive into the City's Oldest Hotel
Seattle, the city of grunge, coffee, and oh-so-many shades of grey... but what about sleep? If you're looking to catch some Zzzs in a place steeped in history, then buckle up, history buffs and sleepyheads, because we're about to embark on a quest to find Seattle's oldest hotel!
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| What is The Oldest Hotel In Seattle |
The Frontrunners: A Battle of the Ages
There are two main contenders for the title of Seattle's sleepiest oldie. First up, we have the Alexis Royal Sonesta Hotel. Now, this grand dame might not look that old from the outside (thanks to a few nips and tucks over the years), but here's the twist: the building itself, originally called the Globe Building, actually dates back to 1901. Talk about a phoenix rising from the ashes, because this beauty survived the Great Seattle Fire!
Then there's the Hotel Seattle, which sadly met its demise in 1970 to make way for... you guessed it, more parking! This Victorian-era charmer opened its doors in 1890 and even hosted a memorial service for President James Garfield. Fun fact: it had a giant "1890" inscription to show off its newness, which must have felt pretty swanky back then.
So, Who Wins? It Depends How You Slice the (Sleep) Cake
Here's the thing: while the Alexis Royal Sonesta Hotel technically occupies the older building, the Hotel Seattle was purpose-built as a hotel. So, if you're looking for the OG spot specifically designed for catching some rays (or should we say Zzzs) then the Hotel Seattle takes the crown (even if it is no longer around to wear it).
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But wait! There's another wrinkle in this timey-wimey hotel history. Some folks argue that the Occidental Hotel, which popped up in 1861 (a wooden structure, sadly no longer gracing the Seattle skyline), should be in the running. However, it got replaced by a grander version in 1883, which some consider a different hotel altogether.
So, the answer? It depends on what your definition of "oldest" is!
Regardless, all these hotels deserve a shoutout for being a part of Seattle's rich history.
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FAQs for the Sleepyheads and the Curious
How to impress your friends with your newfound Seattle hotel knowledge?
Drop the Alexis Royal Sonesta Hotel trivia bomb. That beautiful building has been around since 1901!
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How to channel your inner history buff?
Tip: Reread slowly for better memory.
Mourn the loss of the grand Hotel Seattle and its impressive 1890 inscription.
How to avoid an existential crisis about impermanence?
Don't worry, even the oldest hotels eventually move on. What matters are the memories made within their walls (or lack thereof, in the case of the bygone Occidental Hotel).
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How to find a good night's sleep in Seattle (without getting caught up in hotel history)?
There are plenty of fantastic hotels in Seattle, both historic and modern. Do your research and pick the one that best suits your budget and sleep style!
How to learn more about Seattle's fascinating history?
Hit the Seattle Museum of History or dive down the rabbit hole of online resources. There's always something new to discover in the Emerald City!
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