Support Us Button Widget

Seattle is on the Michelin Guide map for the first time

Michelin recently released its Key Awards for US hotels with a first-of-its-kind nationwide list — and three Seattle hotels were up to snuff.

Three glass high rise buildings stretch into the blue sky from the center of downtown Seattle. Two seagulls fly past the buildings to the left. Wires cross the bottom of the image, the cables for public street transportation.

The Lotte Hotel Seattle’s (center left) modern glass skyscraper is one of Seattle’s skyline gems.

Photo by SEAtoday Staff

Michelin’s rating system may be best known in the culinary world for its restaurant stars, but its newly released Michelin Key awards tackle a different tourism + hospitality industry giant — hotels.

Three hotels in the Seattle area have finally put the Emerald City on the Michelin map (we have yet to earn a Michelin Star of our own). Each of the hotels earn one out of three possible keys.

Here’s what the French tire company had to say about the crème de la crème of Seattle’s local lodgings.

🔑 Hotel 1000

This hotel is recognized for its woodsy, natural decor — something that distinguishes it from the usual modern and industrialist vibe expected in a downtown hotel. Features include a rainfall faucet for the bath, Molton Brown’s luxury bath products, and a spa.

Hotel 1000’s cozy and clean interior design is underpinned by high-tech embellishments. From infrared sensors alerting housekeepers for turn-down to home-theater sound systems, the behind-the-scenes enhancements ensure a cushy visitor experience.

🔑 Lotte Hotel Seattle

A relatively new name in the US, the Korean brand’s downtown Seattle location seamlessly blends modern luxury with historic charm. The 1908 Beaux-Arts Sanctuary — a former Methodist church — now serves as an elegant wedding venue.

Extending 16 floors above the original historic structure, the rest of the hotel is made of glass and offers views of the surrounding city and Elliott Bay. Maximalist designer Philippe Starck tailored his signature whimsical style to the PNW stay by using organic materials, like the reception desk constructed from a 3,000-year-old sequoia.

The Lodge's structure is comprised of sand-colored stone and brick, boxy windows, and archways framing the entryway and lower floor windows. Large trees surround the expansive green lawn the building is situated on.

In 1977, the St. Edward Seminary building and the majority of the land were sold to the State of Washington to become St. Edward State Park.

Photo by Joe Mabel

🔑 The Lodge at St. Edward State Park

Embedded in the 300 acres of lakeside forest that is St. Edward State Park, The Lodge offers a getaway from busy city life with easy access the greater Seattle area.

A historic landmark, the hotel was designed by notable local architect John Graham Sr. in 1931 — once serving as a seminary for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Seattle. Since then, it has been renovated into the existing luxury boutique hotel with nods to the structure’s historical significance.

Rooms are decorated with architectural blueprint-inspired murals, nature photography, and views of the surrounding park’s green space. Miles of trails in the area make for the perfect escape for bikers, hikers, or just nature enthusiasts.

More from SEAtoday
Slated for West Seattle and Othello, the new sites are part of Seattle Parks and Rec’s Off-Leash Area expansion project — and it wants your feedback.
Titled “Middle Fork,” the tree sculpture has been suspended above visitors’ heads in the Seattle Art Museum’s main entrance lobby for almost a decade.
This decade brought Seattle the nickname “The Emerald City,” the first-ever Costco, and Nirvana.
We want to know — which Emerald City restaurant or meal sparks nostalgia in your belly, and why?
The Grand Illusion Cinema, Seattle’s “longest continuously running movie theater”, just launched a campaign to help fund its move to a new location.
In a partnered effort between FEMA and the NFL, designated stadiums or venues are identified for their ability to be used for response and recovery activities during declared emergencies or disasters.
Catch the Amtrak train at Seattle’s King Street Station to get to places like Glacier National Park, San Diego, and even Miami.
Make the most of the cozy weather with this list of the best local events and activities happening this fall.
From Cape Disappointment to Point No Point, Washington’s got some funny names for its geographical features. But where did these silly — and somewhat depressing — names come from?
The $9 million grant hopes to energize the cultural vitality of Seattle’s downtown neighborhood through local organizations.