The Sorrento Hotel

A striking combination of beauty and history is found in Seattle's notable Sorrento Hotel. Located in downtown on First Hill, the hotel is a central point for exploring Seattle icons such as the Space Needle and Pike Place Market. The Sorrento provides sophisticated accommodations within a historic city landmark-and excellent service to match.

An Icon of Seattle

The Sorrento was built in 1909 and showcases the talents of architect Harlan Thomas, whose design was inspired by a visit to Sorrento, Italy. Reflecting this classic style today is the hotel's Fireside Room, with its dark wooden paneling and comfortable furniture. Guests may appreciate this décor during afternoon tea, served every day with a full selection of teas, finger sandwiches, sweets and the requisite scones with Devonshire cream. If you're too late for tea, it's also a fine spot to have a drink before dinner.

The original owner of the Sorrento Hotel, Samuel Rosenberg, was a pioneer and Seattle clothing merchant who decided to try his hand at running a luxury hotel. The hotel's opening coincided with the Alaska Yukon Pacific Exposition, during which the Sorrento was visited by some of the most celebrated members of early twentieth century society. In fact, the hotel's first registered guest was none other than President William Taft.

In December 1981, new owner and music industry executive Michael Malone reopened the seven-story hotel after an extensive restoration. The new design included more space for guests by converting the original 150 guest rooms into just 76 rooms, many of which are now suites with separate seating areas.

Meeting High Expectations

The Sorrento's rooms have a timeless and elegant decor, including embroidered decorative pillows, but with all the modern essentials. Deluxe rooms have king or queen beds (a few have two queens) with well-appointed Italian marble bathrooms. Rooms also include a French press coffee service that goes well with the morning newspaper.

The Sorrento's most impressive accommodation-one fit for a celebratory occasion-is the 1,850 square foot Penthouse Suite. Its elegant master bedroom features a king bed covered in 400 thread-count Egyptian cotton linens and the pillow of your choice, selected from the pillow menu. The highlight of the Italian marble bathroom is the two-person "fill from the ceiling" jetted tub. After a relaxing and dramatic bath, there's no better place to appreciate the Seattle skyline than the suite's outdoor terrace. Or if it happens to be raining, tickle the ivories on the suite's baby grand piano while your significant other basks in the light of the wood-burning fireplace.

Full of Taste

Sorrento's established fine restaurant is The Hunt Club, which serves a full repertoire of Northwest foods created with a Mediterranean touch. Ingredients are selected from in-season, local and artisan-farmed products, including many organic ingredients. The menu changes seasonally, and we particularly enjoy the rack of lamb with minted pea ravioli and a heady rosemary jus. With arched windows and mahogany walls, the dining room is one of the most romantic areas of the hotel. It provides exceptional service, as one might have expected during the turn of the previous century.

There have been lots of new hotels in Seattle, but none of them quite have the sophistication and touch of class that exists at the Sorrento. When we come west, this is the only place we stay.