CitizenM Seattle South Lake Union

"Why should I book here?The rooms here are minimalist but modern and comfortable, designed for someone planning to spend their time exploring the city, co-working on the living room–like main floor, or meeting friends in the lively lobby of this central hotel, which feels cool and interesting even in the middle of the day. Set the scene.The hotel faces South Lake Union, both physically and in its clear draw to the young tech crowds that work at and around the nearby Amazon offices. But its perch at the edge of the neighborhood gives it easy access to Seattle Center and surrounding museums, walking distance from the heart of Downtown and either the Belltown or Capitol Hill bar scenes. The hotel's own bar forms the center of the lobby, giving the colorful room a vibrant feel and making it an equally good place for a business meeting or to gather with friends before going out. The target audience here is the kind of people who will be doing both: young, cool entrepreneurs coming to connect for work and play in their Warby Parker glasses and Bonobos button downs. Give me the backstory.This Dutch company started with a single hotel in 2008 and expanded rapidly as it found a welcoming audience for its "affordable luxury for the people." Opening in 2020, the Seattle property became its first West Coast location. With options for completely contactless service and total control of room amenities (lights, heat, blinds) via the app, it risks a soulless feel, but the company's focus on low-budget rooms with high-end touches still includes the service and the building. The Seattle one features a bright, innovative work of art on the façade and a cartoon-style mural in the lobby, both by local artists, the latter from a member of the nearby Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe. How are the rooms?The tiny rooms at the CitizenM pack in a surprising amount of features: enormous beds, strong showers, and blackout blinds. The minimalism of the decor fits the audience that prefers comfort over space or trinkets. Guests come for the super fast wi-fi and easy access to the city, not to spread out. All rooms have just a single large bed, so it's not a good option for families. What's the food and drink situation?More function than foodie, the offerings at the "canteen" are designed to let you keep working or gabbing without having to venture out, but the bar in the center of the lobby also makes for an easy transition from workday to happy hour. The food and drink here get the job done, but are more starting off point than destination. What's the neighborhood like?South Lake Union's main draw comes from the Amazon offices that dominate the area, so the bustling daytime scene dies down at night and feels pretty empty. Thankfully, the hotel's spot at the edge of the neighborhood gives it easy access to the nightlife of Belltown. Does the service add up?Even though guests can choose a completely app-based experience, including ordering at the restaurant, the service is friendly, collegial, low-key, and welcoming. Is everything accessible?All ADA standards appeared to be met, and they offer wheelchair access rooms to those who need it." - Naomi Tomky