When the Sorrento (Seattle's oldest, continuously running hotel) first entered the hospitality scene in 1909, few tourists had even heard of Seattle. But the Alaskan-Yukon-Pacific Exhibition of that year (Washington's first World's Fair) changed things, bringing nearly 4 million visitors to Seattle, and thereby putting the city (and the Pacific Northwest) more firmly on the map. (Side note: The fairgrounds became the U of W campus.) In addition to A-Y-P attendees, Klondike Gold Rush millionaires of 1897 also congregated in the Sorrento, making it a social gathering place for the city's entrepreneurial elite--not unlike the Arctic Club.
At the time the Sorrento was built, it's top of the hill location afforded unobstructed views of Puget Sound and Mount Rainier. (Boy, it must have been something.) And while I've not stayed there, I would imagine room views are still pretty spectacular the higher you get.
The Sorrento recently underwent a multi-million dollar overhaul, restoring the hotel to its former glory, but thankfully, without losing its old world charm. Of particular note are the three designer suites which put to test the talents of Seattle's April Pride, Nicole Murillo (Brian Paquette Interiors) and Sterling Voss (Codor Design) who brought their own trademark style to each of these special rooms.
I've been told that The Fireside Room, is a special place to enjoy afternoon tea (and by tea, we mean champagne). Particularly special as Seattle trends into the cooler days of Fall.
At the time the Sorrento was built, it's top of the hill location afforded unobstructed views of Puget Sound and Mount Rainier. (Boy, it must have been something.) And while I've not stayed there, I would imagine room views are still pretty spectacular the higher you get.
The Sorrento recently underwent a multi-million dollar overhaul, restoring the hotel to its former glory, but thankfully, without losing its old world charm. Of particular note are the three designer suites which put to test the talents of Seattle's April Pride, Nicole Murillo (Brian Paquette Interiors) and Sterling Voss (Codor Design) who brought their own trademark style to each of these special rooms.
I've been told that The Fireside Room, is a special place to enjoy afternoon tea (and by tea, we mean champagne). Particularly special as Seattle trends into the cooler days of Fall.
Fireside Room, The Sorrento Hotel, Seattle
If you want to dig a bit deeper into the hotel's architectural and social significance, here's an excerpt from the Sorrento's website..
"The hotel was commissioned by clothing merchant Samuel Rosenberg and built by architect Harlan Thomas who later became the first dean at the School of Architecture at the University of Washington. The seven-story building features Italian Renaissance style architecture, inspired by the architect’s muse, The Vittoria in Sorrento, Italy. The famous circular porte-cochére was originally a square Italianate garden. The tiled pottery surrounding the large open fireplace in the Fireside Room is a beautiful example from the famed Rookwood Pottery Company, Cincinnati, Ohio, and was their first commercial installation. The hearth is irreplaceable and designed with sea green matte textured glazed tiles, a mosaic of an Italian landscape and traditional della Robia pattern that border the fireplace opening.
A Place to Meet At the time of its opening, the Fireside Room was the Seattle gathering place for locals to engage in conversation, listen to music and poetry readings or discuss new artists and their work. The original registry has an impressive line-up: President Taft was rumored to have signed the book, plus the Vanderbilts and Guggenheims stayed here.
From the 1930s to the 1950s diners flocked to the very popular “Top O’ the Town” restaurant on the 7th floor for prime rib and entertainment from Betty Hall Jones (who performed again at the hotel’s 75th anniversary in 1984)."
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