10 Shocking Secrets And Stunning Facts About The Fairmont Olympic Hotel As It Turns 100

The Fairmont Olympic Hotel in Seattle, Washington, stands today, December 15, 2025, not just as a five-star accommodation, but as a glittering, fully-restored landmark celebrating its centennial era. The hotel, a cornerstone of Seattle society since its grand opening, recently emerged from the largest and most transformative renovation in four decades, cementing its status as the Pacific Northwest’s premier luxury destination. This meticulous, multi-million-dollar project has seamlessly blended its 1920s Italian Renaissance-style grandeur with cutting-edge modern luxury, offering guests and locals a truly unique and updated experience.

The convergence of its deep history and its spectacularly fresh amenities—from the debut of the sophisticated Olympic Bar to the reinvention of its flagship dining concept—makes the Fairmont Olympic a must-visit. As the hotel moves into its second century, it is not resting on its laurels but is instead setting a new, elevated standard for hospitality in the city, complete with a full-service luxury spa and a massive, state-of-the-art health club that few other properties can match.

The Storied Biography of a Seattle Landmark

The Fairmont Olympic Hotel is more than just a place to sleep; it is a living piece of Seattle’s history, having witnessed nearly a century of the city’s evolution. Its origins are deeply intertwined with the development of downtown Seattle, and its architecture is a testament to the grand hotel era.

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• Original Name: The Olympic Hotel
• Opening Date: December 6, 1924
• Location: Bounded by 4th and 5th Avenues, and University and Seneca Streets in downtown Seattle, Washington.
• Original Site: The hotel was built on the original site of the University of Washington campus.
• Architecture: Designed in the Italian Renaissance style, it remains one of the oldest and most historic buildings in Seattle.
• Naming Contest: The hotel's original name, The Olympic Hotel, was chosen via a contest held by The Seattle Times.
• Historic Status: It has been a member of Historic Hotels Worldwide since 2018.
• Management: It is currently managed by Fairmont Hotels and Resorts.
• Centennial Milestone: The hotel celebrated its 100th anniversary in December 2024, offering exclusive packages and events to mark the occasion.

The hotel's construction was a monumental effort, and its immediate success established it as the premier gathering place for Seattle's elite. Over the decades, it has hosted countless dignitaries, celebrities, and major social events, solidifying its role as a cultural and social hub in the Pacific Northwest.

The $25 Million Grand Restoration: A New Era of Luxury

In a bold move to honor its past while embracing the future, the Fairmont Olympic Hotel recently completed a massive capital renovation project, often cited as a $22 million to $25 million investment. This extensive restoration, the largest the hotel had seen in 40 years, was a meticulous effort to transform the public areas and guest experience.

The project was executed in collaboration with the Spanish design studio Lázaro Rosa-Violán (LRV), known for blending historic elements with contemporary flair. The goal was not to erase the hotel's history but to restore its historic details while infusing the spaces with a fresh, modern energy. The result is a stunning blend of old-world glamour and new-world sophistication.

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Key Highlights of the Renovation:

• Lobby Transformation: The main lobby space was refreshed, restoring its historic grandeur and acting as a vibrant central hub.
• The Olympic Bar Debut: The stylish new Olympic Bar was unveiled in the lobby, quickly becoming a popular gathering spot for both hotel guests and downtown Seattle locals. It features a bold, classic design and serves refined cocktails and modern American cuisine.
• Restaurant Reinvention: The former flagship restaurant, The Georgian, was completely remodeled and reinvented as The George, a modern American brasserie focusing on Pacific Northwest cuisine. This major culinary update marked the end of the hotel's extensive capital project.
• Enhanced Meeting Spaces: The hotel's extensive meeting and event facilities were also updated, ensuring the landmark remains a top choice for weddings, galas, and corporate events in the region.

This grand restoration project has been hailed as a preservation win, demonstrating how a century-old building can be modernized to meet the demands of contemporary luxury travelers without losing its soul. The attention to detail, from the kinetic art installation to the selection of fine materials, has set a new benchmark for luxury hotel renovations in the Pacific Northwest.

A Deep Dive into World-Class Amenities and Culinary Excellence

The Fairmont Olympic Hotel’s commitment to a holistic luxury experience is evident in its comprehensive array of amenities. The hotel offers everything a discerning traveler could desire, all within walking distance of Seattle’s key attractions, including the Pike Place Market and the Seattle Art Museum.

The Five Pillars of Fairmont Olympic Dining:

The hotel boasts five unique food and beverage outlets, each offering a distinct atmosphere and culinary focus.

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1. The George: The hotel's premier dining experience. This American brasserie offers seasonal, family-style fare with a focus on ingredients from the Pacific Northwest, served in an elegant, historic setting.
2. Olympic Bar: Located in the heart of the lobby, it is the perfect spot for handcrafted cocktails, regional wines, and a selection of modern American small plates.
3. Shucker's Oyster Bar: A long-standing favorite, this outlet is renowned for its fresh seafood and outstanding oysters, embodying the Pacific Northwest's maritime culinary traditions.
4. The Georgian: While the main restaurant was transformed, the historic Georgian space is still utilized for its timeless, beloved tradition: afternoon tea.
5. Fourth Ave & The Terrace: These outlets provide guests with convenient options, from a quick coffee or pastry pick-me-up at Fourth Ave to a relaxing spot for light refreshments at The Terrace.

The Ultimate Wellness Sanctuary: Spa and Health Club

Beyond the culinary scene, the hotel offers a complete wellness sanctuary, ensuring guests can maintain their routine or indulge in complete relaxation.

• Penelope & The Beauty Bar: This is the hotel's premier day spa, offering a full-service European-style treatment menu. Guests can pamper themselves with a variety of services, including massages, advanced body treatments, and custom facials.
• State-of-the-Art Health Club: Spanning an impressive 10,800 square feet, the fitness center is equipped with the latest gear, catering to both cardio and weight training.
• Heated Indoor Pool and Solarium: A serene, heated indoor swimming pool is available for laps or relaxation, complemented by a hot tub and a bright solarium.
• Sauna Facilities: The locker rooms are equipped with showers and a dry sauna, providing a perfect way to unwind after a workout or a day of exploring downtown Seattle.

The Fairmont Olympic Hotel’s recent restoration and centennial celebration confirm its place not just as a historic relic, but as a vibrant, modern luxury experience. The thoughtful blend of its Italian Renaissance heritage with fresh, contemporary design and world-class amenities makes it a compelling destination for anyone seeking the best of Seattle hospitality today.