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Seattle's Edgewater Hotel

Location, location, location. It’s the first of many good things to say about Pier 67’s Edgewater, the only hotel on the Seattle waterfront. Water laps against pilings, seagulls wheel overhead and breezy salt-scented air invigorates the senses.

It had been decades since I’d first visited the now classic Edgewater, and I’m happy to report all changes have been pleasing and graceful.

The décor of the living room-style reception
area could be called “modern rustica.”

The hotel’s architectural lines are simple, with an eclectic blend of metal and wood that emphasizes modern comfort without forgetting where we are—in the Pacific Northwest. Think woodsy cabin with an Asian influence. The décor of the living room-style reception area could be called “modern rustica”: overstuffed chairs, floor-to-ceiling river rock fireplace, and a massive antler chandelier hanging from the A-framed ceiling. All this against a panoramic picture window wall beyond which can be seen, across the bay, the spectacular Olympic Mountain Range. Dotting the landscape of water are sailboats, passing cruise ships, container ships with their cargos from China and Japan, and the occasional fishing rowboat.

My waterfront premium room
contained delightful surprises.

My waterfront premium room contained several delightful surprises. Standing at the window, I had the impression I was floating in space above the waters of Elliott Bay.

On the king-size lodge pole bed is a stuffed bear wearing a red wool sweater with “The Edgewater” in white letters. Underneath the plump comforter are 100% Egyptian-cotton sheets. Two comfy overstuffed chairs cozy up to the gas river rock fireplace with bark log mantle. The lambskin covered ottoman is shaped like a friendly baby grizzly bear. (Yes, you can take one home; both the red-sweatered bed bear and the bear ottoman can be purchased in the lobby gift shop.)

A flat screen high-definition television sits atop a credenza of little bark logs. The credenza hides a refrigerated mini-bar. In the closet are all the conveniences of home: plush terry bathrobes, hair dryers, iron and ironing board, even complimentary umbrellas. Next to the writing desk I found both cordless phone and high-speed wireless Internet access.

Garnet-colored walls above white beadboard wainscoting frame
a claw-foot bathtub.

Then there’s the Bath: The white vessel-style sink sits on a slab of black onyx marble set on a stainless steel and glass base. Hand-cut quartz slate covers the floor, extending into the oversized glass-enclosed European-style shower and up two walls. Dominating the room is a deep, free-standing claw-footed tub, complete with elaborate chrome fixtures and a fitted tray for your personal bathing accoutrements. Japanese style screens with frosted glass panels slide away like pocket doors, opening the bath to the room so you can watch TV or take in the waterside view while you bathe.

A bedside snack and souvenir basket contains a yellow rubber ducky for your bathing entertainment. Now, how fun is that!

I discover you can slide open the window and hear the calls of crows and seagulls, the hoot of a passing train, and the quiet mumble of waterfront life. Close the window and there’s complete quiet for sleeping, a fireside chat, or getting that work done on your laptop. My view includes Mount Rainier, Seattle’s waterfront, and the birthplace of Seattle, Alki Point. When the sun shines on the water outside, the ceiling of natural wood wainscoting dances with reflection.

The Penthouse Suite has wall-to-wall
picture windows, river rock fireplace,
and a split-level design.

Elliott Bay view rooms.
(Photo courtesy The Edgewater.)

It’s the little things that count

Half of The Edgewater’s rooms face the water and half face what the hotel calls “the base of the city.” If you prefer a more urban feel, the City Lodge, City Deluxe and City Junior Suite rooms offer views of nearby Belltown, one of Seattle’s original historic neighborhoods. These city-side accommodations also feature gas-burning fireplaces, the hotel’s signature plaid and hand-crafted knotty-pine décor, complimentary Starbuck’s coffee, the use of two plush terry cloth robes and signature Edgewater umbrellas.

There are ten suites; the largest—the Penthouse Suite —has wall-to-wall picture windows and split-level design, making you feel you’re in your own waterfront condominium. There’s a microwave and dishwasher; the dining room seats 6. The outdoor balcony with its Adirondack chairs and chaise lounges is expansive enough to host a few more for cocktails and a stunning sunset over the Olympics. The bathroom features a huge Whirlpool jetted tub. But it’s the separate shower enclosure that has the magical element: its broad skylight makes you almost feel like you’re showering outdoors; if you look up, there’s the big red Edgewater E.

The suite where the Beatles stayed
during their 1964 American tour.
(Photo courtesy The Edgewater.)

Most famous is the Beatles’ Suite, with three big bay windows, a leather couch and a breakfast table with a bay view. In remembrance of its namesakes, showcased is a funky collection of Beatles memorabilia. It’s said that in the summer of 1964 when the Beatles stayed at The Edgewater during their first American tour, they fished the bay from their open window, but nobody seems to know if they caught anything.

The Terrace meeting room has
high French doors that open
onto sweeping Seattle views.
(Photo courtesy The Edgewater.)

The Edgewater’s largest meeting facility is the Olympic Ballroom; it was designed to take in a 180-degree view of Elliott Bay. Nine Lorraine Versailles crystal chandeliers and four huge mirrors reflecting the floor-to-ceiling window views make it especially popular for weddings. Next to the Olympic Ballroom, the smaller Terrace Room has high French doors that open onto an outdoor terrace with sweeping Seattle skyline views. The four bay windows of the Alki Room open so that fresh saltwater breezes can enhance your special function. This room also has a built-in slate-topped buffet. Other smaller boardrooms or breakout rooms offer more intimate settings, with classic features of Northwest décor: gas fireplaces and rough-hewn wood tables and chairs. All of the meeting rooms at The Edgewater have high-speed wireless Internet access and in-house audiovisual capability with on-site technical assistants.

The Edgewater is the only hotel
right on the Seattle waterfront.

Go outside of The Edgewater and turn right for the flavor of Seattle’s waterfront. There are seafood and ice cream stands, harbor Cruises and sailing charters, cruise ship ports and Washington State Ferries, and shopping experiences like Seattle’s landmark Ye Old Curiousity Shop. Turn left and walk along the shoreline to Myrtle Edwards Park. Or climb the stairs to an overpass that takes you to the head of the Pike Place Market. Minutes away are the Seattle Center (where the Space Needle and Experience Music Project are located) and Belltown boutiques and restaurants. The Waterfront Trolley, across the street from The Edgewater, runs from Pier 70 to the historic district of Pioneer Square. The Edgewater, with its great location, is also the hotel of choice for people attending a function at the nearby Bell Harbor International Conference Center.

In Six Seven, an eclectic blend of metal
and natural wood shapes presents a
contemporary setting for dining.

Relax before or after dinner
by the comforting fireplace.
(Photo courtesy The Edgewater.)

SIX SEVEN

Impressive sunsets add to an incredible dining experience at The Edgewater’s Six Seven, the restaurant named for pier 67. Executive Chef Hans Reisinger has taken Pacific Northwest seafood cuisine and updated it with Pan-Asian influences. The result is an exquisite selection of local, healthy ingredients tastily combined and presented in an artful style.

Breakfast begins with a vase of fresh white orchids, a view of the Olympic Mountain Range to the west, and a menu of omelets, traditional dishes and Spa Cuisine. Chef Hans has elevated the Continental Breakfast to a lavish buffet of French country quiche, artisan pastries, seasonal clafoutis, coffee cake, fruits and juices, granolas, yogurts and Snoqualmie Falls oatmeal. Knowing I should be eating from healthy buffet selections, I instead opted for the Dungeness Crab Cake and Spinach Benedict. It was as decadently satisfying as it sounds, and I didn’t have a single regret.

Seabreezes and salt air
accompany fine dining.
(Photo courtesy The Edgewater.

A delectable Dungeness Crab
Cake and Spinach Benedict.

Besides sandwiches, pastas, salads, and a yummy rosemary flatbread, the lunch menu offers “Lunch Bento Boxes.” These are Asian-themed lunches artfully arranged and presented in Japanese-style lacquered boxes instead of on plates. My Bento Box lunch contained a Sesame Glazed Salmon, Calamari Salad, Today’s Soup (yellow lentil dotted with parsley) and Jasmine Rice.

Six Seven is known for Chef Hans’ clam chowder, a dish that almost consistently wins “clam-offs.”

“We’ve taken Peoples’ Choice the last three years in a row,” says Don Westman, Six Seven’s restaurant manager. Peoples Choice is a clam-off judged by the public. “The last two years in a row we’ve also taken Critic’s Choice.” This is sponsored by the Washington State Restaurant Association. Hans’ chowder recipe has also taken the Maritime Festival Chowder Cookoff awards for both 2004 and 2005.

I had to have a bowl. What I loved best about it, besides its creamy, light clam taste, were the big hunks of tender clam pieces generously included in the serving.

Chef Hans opened Six Seven as its resident chef seven years ago. “He’s incredibly creative,” says Westman. “And he’s free with his recipes.” That’s good news for home-kitchen cooks who wonder, how does he make that?

THE EDGEWATER
2411 Alaskan Way
Pier 67
Seattle, WA 98121
206-728-7000
206-441-4119
www.edgewaterhotel.com

Six Seven clam chowder recipe:

¼ oz. Olive oil
10 oz. Bacon, ¼ inch diced
10 oz. Yellow onion, ¼ inch diced
10 oz. Celery, ¼ inch diced
1 oz. Garlic, finely minced
20 oz. Potatoes, ½ inch diced
1 quart Clam juice
Pinch of Cayenne
1 tsp. Cracked White Pepper
2 tsp. Salt
1 pint of Heavy Cream
4 oz. Flour
4 oz. Butter
Pinch of old Bay
1 T. Worcestershire
3 lbs, 3 oz. clam stock pot

Method:

In a heavy rondeau, preheat with ¼ oz. of oil until first signs of smoke. Add bacon and render until most of the grease has dissolved. Add onion, celery, and garlic and sweat until vegetables become translucent. Add clams and liquid and clam juice and let come up to a simmer.

Add potatoes and let cook for approximately 5-8 minutes until the potatoes just start to become soft. Add heavy cream and bring up to a simmer.

On the side make roux. When soup is at a boil add roux to thicken. Add cayenne, salt, white pepper, Worcestershire, and clam base. Retaste soup until perfectly seasoned.

Six Seven’s dinner menu features classic entrees like Seared Black Cod with Fingerling Potatoes, Mustard Greens and Kalamata Olives; Crab Crusted Halibut with Curried Sweet Potato Fries and Wilted Greens; Alder Planked Wild Salmon with Sweet Corn Sauce, Seared Mushrooms and Truffle Oil; and Wood Roasted Chicken with Goat Cheese Dumplings, and Ivory Forest Mushroom Sauté. Appetizers, salads and sides are equally imaginative. What might give Six Seven its reputation for outstanding seafood is the variety of iced seafoods available daily: Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail; Chilled Whole Maine Lobster, and Dungeness Crab.

For dessert, Chef Hans has created a Chocolate Lava Cake (look out Mount St. Helen’s!) of “molten” chocolate cake and a berry flambé. Crème brulée fans will love the Crème Brulée Sampler of vanilla, Grand Marnier and espresso flavors. My personal favorite is the Granny Smith Apple Tart, baked in a puff pastry crust and served with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce. Mmmmmmm…

Six Seven has garnered its own share of awards. A consistent winner of Seattle’s Best of Citysearch, it’s also been named by Yahoo! Seattle as Best (for) Brunch, and received annual dining awards from Where Magazine.

Like the famous Seattle Space Needle, The Edgewater hotel was built for the 1962 World’s Fair. Yes, lots of famous people stay here—I just missed President Carter—but today’s visitors are also families, traveling businessmen, and even local Seattleites who want to just “get away for the week-end without leaving town.”

Since 1988 Noble House Hotels and Resorts has owned The Edgewater, spending millions refining this classic Seattle landmark. Noble House, based in Bellevue, Washington “specializes in properties that are in harmony with local culture and environment with emphasis on location, distinction and soul”, according to the company. This is the result of principle owner Patrick Colee’s predilection for the flavors of different cultures. His intention is to give travelers “comfort and a true sense of the community.” A longtime real estate developer, Colee’s hotels reflect his personal taste and style.

The Edgewater, where its big red E is rumored to be used by tugboats as a guide into port, is much more than just the “hotel where the Beatles stayed.”

The Edgewater is an award-winning hotel at the end of a waterfront pier. The Edgewater rates “Excellent” with Zagat, calling it a “gorgeous property” with “outstanding views.” Frommers has given it “Best Location” among Seattle hotels, and HSMAI (Hotel Sales and Marketing International) has awarded The Edgewater three Silver Adrian Awards.

“You can’t get more Seattle than this,” says Nancy Helms, The Edgewater Sales Manager.

A Noble House Hotels & Resorts. For other Noble House hotels visit www.noblehousehotels.com

— By Carolyn Proctor, Jetsetters Magazine Features Editor. Unless otherwise credited, all photos by Carolyn Proctor.