
1 Hotel Seattle
Best for eco-minded travelers who want nature-forward design, living greenery in rooms, and a South Lake Union base with Space Needle views.
Prices in other currencies are estimates. You’re charged in USD.
1 Hotel Seattle is a plant-forward, sustainability-focused five-star in South Lake Union; this guide is for travelers who care about modern, nature-minded design and easy access to the Space Needle. Fairmont Olympic Hotel is a historic five-star landmark in downtown Seattle; this guide is for travelers who prefer classic grand hotel architecture, full-service spa facilities, and traditional downtown luxury.
Updated · about 1.2 km apart

Best for eco-minded travelers who want nature-forward design, living greenery in rooms, and a South Lake Union base with Space Needle views.

Best for travelers who want a landmark, traditional luxury hotel with a full-service spa, larger room inventory, and established downtown presence.
When 1 Hotel Seattle wins: choose 1 Hotel if you value modern, sustainable design, living plants throughout the property, a compact 153-room building, and proximity to Amazon's campus and South Lake Union attractions.
When Fairmont Olympic Hotel wins: choose the Fairmont when you want landmark architecture, more rooms and suite variety (including large penthouse suites), an on-site full-service spa, indoor pool and expanded event facilities right in the downtown theater/shopping district.
Bottom line: both are five-star options for upscale Seattle visits; pick 1 Hotel for a contemporary, nature-forward stay in South Lake Union and the Fairmont Olympic for classic downtown luxury, more meeting space, and on-site spa/pool amenities.
| Category | 1 Hotel Seattle | Fairmont Olympic Hotel |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Contemporary, sustainability-led, plant-filled interiors | Historic, classic grand-hotel luxury and formal public spaces |
| Location | South Lake Union — near Amazon Spheres, short walks to Space Needle | Downtown / Seattle Central Business District — very close to theaters, shopping, Pike Place Market |
| Distance between properties | about 1.2 km to Fairmont Olympic Hotel | |
| Size (rooms) | 153 rooms | 450 rooms |
| Ages / policy | All ages welcomed; primary booker must be 21+ | All ages welcomed (not adults-only) |
| Pools | No on-site pool | Indoor pool and hot tub on site |
| Restaurants & bars | 2 venues — La Loba (signature), Drift (café/bar) + in‑room dining | 2 restaurants/cafes and 1 bar/lounge plus room service |
| Spa / wellness | No traditional on-site spa; in-room wellness items and partner spa bookings | Full-service spa with massages, body treatments, facials, sauna |
| Known for | Sustainability features, living plants, nature-led design | Landmark hotel history, grand architecture, five-star service |
| Meeting & event space | 4,000+ sq ft of flexible indoor/outdoor event space (multiple rooms, ballroom and terrace) | Conference center and 12 meeting rooms; 320 sq ft conference space listed plus larger meeting facilities |
1 Hotel Seattle sits in South Lake Union, a short walk to the Space Needle and Amazon Spheres.
Best if you want a nature-forward hotel near South Lake Union and easy pedestrian access to several city attractions.
Fairmont Olympic Hotel is in the heart of downtown Seattle near theaters, shopping, and Pike Place Market.
Best if you want to stay in the downtown core with quick access to cultural venues, business addresses, and the waterfront.
1 Hotel Seattle has 153 rooms and suites that emphasize living greenery and natural materials.
Choose 1 Hotel for contemporary, design-forward rooms and a compact, boutique feel.
Fairmont Olympic offers a large inventory of guest rooms and suites across a historic property.
Choose Fairmont when you want a broad selection of room types, larger suites, and classic luxury room finishes.
1 Hotel Seattle has two signature venues: La Loba and Drift plus in-room dining.
Pick 1 Hotel for modern Mediterranean-leaning dinner and a Pacific Northwest–flavored café/bar in a sustainability-minded setting.
Fairmont Olympic has multiple dining outlets including a coffee shop/café, two restaurants, and a lobby bar/lounge.
Pick Fairmont for traditional hotel dining options and a formal lobby bar in a downtown setting.
1 Hotel Seattle does not have an on-site swimming pool.
If an on-site pool is a must, 1 Hotel is not the right choice; it focuses more on fitness and in-room wellness.
Fairmont Olympic includes an indoor pool and hot tub as part of its on-site recreational offerings.
Choose Fairmont if on-site pool and full spa services are important to your stay.
1 Hotel Seattle focuses on in-room wellness items and a full fitness center rather than a full spa.
Good for active travelers who prioritize gym facilities and quiet evening drinks in a design-led bar.
Fairmont Olympic provides a traditional hotel spa, salon services, and a formal bar/lounge for evening drinks.
Better if you want on-site spa treatments, salon services, and a formal evening bar in the downtown theater district.

1 Hotel Seattle — living plants in rooms, reusable tableware, and a nature-led design approach.

Fairmont Olympic Hotel — full-service spa, indoor pool, sauna, and hot tub on property.

1 Hotel Seattle — over 4,000 sq ft of flexible indoor/outdoor event space including a ballroom and terrace options.

Fairmont Olympic Hotel — landmark status, grand public rooms, and a wide variety of room and suite sizes.
Fairmont Olympic is in downtown and slightly closer by location to Pike Place Market, though both hotels are walkable to the market.
Fairmont Olympic has an indoor pool, hot tub, and a full-service spa. 1 Hotel Seattle does not have an on-site pool or a traditional spa.
Yes. Both properties welcome children; 1 Hotel requires the primary booking guest to be at least 21 years old.
For larger, traditional downtown conferences, Fairmont Olympic offers multiple meeting rooms plus a conference center; 1 Hotel Seattle also provides extensive flexible event space (over 4,000 sq ft) and contemporary meeting rooms.
Explore how 1 Hotel Seattle stacks up against other hotels nearby:
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