If you’re considering a trip to Seattle this spring, the newly revamped Fairmont Olympic Hotel, an iconic destination in the Emerald City’s downtown since its opening in 1924, definitely warrants a visit.
The April 4 debut of its new signature restaurant, The George, will mark the completion of the hotel’s latest, $25 million restoration—which began in January 2020 and introduced a transformed main lobby, elevated event spaces, and the buzzy Olympic Bar in April 2021, followed by the unveiling of a hidden bar-behind-a-bookcase, Founders Club, last November. Coupled with the 2016 renovation of its guestrooms and corridors, the complete overhaul totals $50 million, making it the historic hotel’s largest renovation project in 40 years.
Celebrating the bounty of the Pacific Northwest under the helm of Chef Thomas Cullen, the 4,500-square-foot eatery will serve up just-caught seafood straight from local waters, as well as dry-aged meats and artisan cheeses sourced from farms and dairies across the state. Standout dishes on the brasserie-inspired menu include a traditional French bouillabaisse and a seafood tower featuring Dungeness and king crab, oysters, and prawns, among other delicacies.
Wholly reimagined by Spanish design studio Lázaro Rosa-Violán (LRV), the stunning space—which melds striking modern elements with the restaurant’s soaring classical framework including seven original chandeliers, American oak woodwork, and newly restored original terrazzo and marble flooring—will seat 100, with bar and lounge seating for 20, and a 12-person private dining room.
To complement the new, artfully crafted bar, an inspired bar program will feature singular handcrafted cocktails created by Jesse Cyr, the hotel’s award-winning beverage curator, as well as spirits from local distilleries and a robust wine list that spotlights Pacific Northwest winemakers.
“As we unveil and welcome guests to The George, we finally see the entirety of our extended restoration project perfectly coming together to create Seattle’s ultimate social destination—an exquisitely designed stage to gather, connect, and make new memories,” said Sunny Joseph, Fairmont Olympic general manager, in a press release.
The George is located at 411 University Street at the Fairmont Olympic, with a dedicated street entrance at 5th Avenue and Seneca.
Discover the fascinating history of Fairmont Olympic Hotel and book your stay!
Read the full article form Forbes here.
About Historic Hotels of America®
Historic Hotels of America is the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation for recognizing and celebrating the finest Historic Hotels. Historic Hotels of America has more than 300 historic hotels. These historic hotels have all faithfully maintained their authenticity, sense of place, and architectural integrity in the United States of America, including 44 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. Historic Hotels of America is comprised of mostly independently owned and operated historic hotels. More than 30 of the world’s finest hospitality brands, chains, and collections are represented in Historic Hotels of America. To be nominated and selected for membership into this prestigious program, a hotel must be at least 50 years old; has been designated by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior as a National Historic Landmark or listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places; and recognized as having historic significance.
