Vancouverscape, a Vancouver based blog covering travel, tech, and lifestyle

Seattle’s skyline tells a story of contrasts — glass towers rising beside century-old landmarks — and nowhere is that story more striking than at Lotte Hotel Seattle.

Anchored to the city’s cherished Sanctuary building and soaring upward in sleek modern form, the property captures the creative tension that defines the Pacific Northwest: reverence for heritage paired with a restless drive toward innovation.

During my stay, I found the bold design by French architect Philippe Starck alive in every corner, from mirrored arches and timber motifs to floor-to-ceiling windows framing Elliott Bay. It’s an experience that feels both grounded and elevated, much like Seattle itself.

At first glance, the Lotte Hotel Seattle feels like a conversation between centuries. Step through the modern glass entry and look to the right, where a preserved section of the historic Sanctuary rises above a sculptural pair of escalators leading to the ballroom.

A single stained-glass window catches the light, casting a warm glow that nods to the building’s former life as a 1908-built church. To the left, the chic lobby leads toward the elevators that take guests up to the hotel’s guest rooms and suites above, a reminder of the property’s contemporary side.

Standing here, you sense the hotel’s central theme: a seamless dialogue between old soul and present-day design.

The grand lobby unfolds like a gallery devoted to Seattle’s natural and industrial heritage. A bold carpet, patterned with tree rings and flowing grain lines, stretches across the floor like a river of wood, echoing the city’s early timber story. Sleek metal columns rise beside warm panels of honey-toned wood, while modern lounge chairs invite you to pause and take it all in.

The effect is both grounding and forward-looking, a deliberate blend of craftsmanship and creativity that sets the tone for what’s to come upstairs.

Looking upward, the grandeur of Lotte Hotel Seattle reveals itself in layers. The original stone and stained glass of the Sanctuary rise beside sleek steel beams and modern glass, forming a breathtaking vertical dialogue between eras.

Warm amber light spills across the brickwork, illuminating intricate details that feel both sacred and contemporary. It’s the kind of architectural moment that stops you mid-stride and remind you that here, history isn’t hidden away but rather celebrated, framed, and lifted toward the sky.

The elevator corridor feels like stepping into an abstract painting with a wash of deep amber and burnt orange pulsing with warmth and energy. Bold patterns underfoot echo the organic lines of Pacific Northwest tree bark while a mirrored panel, stamped with whimsical heart-shaped motifs, reflects the light and creates a cinematic sense of motion. The elevators appear almost staged within the reflection, turning a simple wait into a splendid visual moment. It’s a playful touch that fits the hotel’s blend of creativity and polish.

Walking down the guestroom hallway feels like following a glowing forest path. The vibrant orange walls and wood-grain carpet pulse with warmth, carrying that same nature-driven motif through a surreal and modern lens. Light spills from the elevator alcoves in sculptural pools, adding a sense of rhythm and movement to the corridor. 

Inside the guest room, the design shifts from bold to serene. Two plush beds dressed in crisp white linens sit beneath oversized mirrors framed in warm amber wood, catching soft daylight and opening up the space. A curated row of art prints rests along the ledge above the headboards, adding personality without overwhelming the room.

Rounded arches and whimsical orange-shaded lamps introduce a fun, retro influence while a marble-topped table paired with a clean-lined wooden chair brings a practical, contemporary touch. The result is stylish yet unpretentious, a space that feels thoughtfully assembled rather than overly staged.

By the window, a cozy sitting nook invites quiet moments above the city. A curved armchair and sculptural sofa face a smooth marble table, perfectly sized for morning coffee or late-night room service.

Floor-to-ceiling glass floods the room with daylight, framing downtown’s architectural mosaic like a living artwork. The textures, from polished wood to soft fabric to cool stone, balance refinement with comfort, creating a calm rhythm that mirrors the beat of Seattle just beyond the glass.

Everything in the guest room seems intentionally arranged to slow you down and encourage you to relax. Natural light filters through sheer curtains, stretching the space and softening the edges of the day. Sightlines are intentionally open, creating a sense of calm as you settle in with a book, catch up on emails, or just let the city views take over. It’s a room designed for unwinding and for inspiration.

Tucked neatly behind a ribbed glass door, the wardrobe reveals a soft invitation to unwind. A plush terry robe hangs crisply against polished wood with matching slippers waiting below — small luxuries that signal the hotel’s attention to detail. Diffused light through the textured panel gives the space a gentle glow that turns a simple closet into something more elegant. 

For all the visual flourish in the room, the beds are what truly won me over. They’re exceptionally comfortable — plush enough to sink into but supportive enough that I slept straight through the night without so much as shifting. The linens stay cool, the pillows have just the right give, and the whole setup feels engineered for deep, uncomplicated rest. 

Walking into the bathroom is like entering an architectural study in light and reflection. A tall arched mirror greets you straight ahead, pulling your eye upward while reflections from the shower and toilet-room doors — both full-length mirrored panels — bounce through the space. The result is a kind of optical corridor, a play of repeated lines and angles that shift as you move. To the right, a spacious walk-in shower sits behind frosted glass for privacy with a rainfall head and marble tile.

The bathroom’s mirrored doors read as clean, modern panels from this view — one opening to the walk-in shower, the other to the toilet. Stand between them, though, and the design reveals its secret: a chain of reflections that seems to stretch on endlessly, turning a simple layout into an optical illusion. It’s a quiet but clever bit of spatial play that makes the room feel larger and more dynamic than its footprint suggests.

At the vanity, an arched interior window looks directly back into the bedroom. The half-moon shape frames the sleeping area like a vignette with built-in blinds that let you choose between privacy and open flow. When the blinds are up, daylight from the bedroom washes into the bathroom, softening the marble and giving the whole space an invigorating glow. 

At Charlotte Restaurant & Lounge, the energy shifts from restful to refined. Bathed in natural light, the space unfolds in rich, vibrant tones and organic textures — sculpted armchairs, woven tables, expressive floral arrangements, and soft cream seating that feels effortlessly elevated. Panoramic city views stretch across a skyline of glass and steel yet the room itself exudes calm, like a high-design living room suspended above downtown.

Every detail, from the layered lighting to the warm, earthy palette underfoot, feels curated to both draw you in and slow down time.

The Lotte Seattle is located at 809 5th Avenue in Seattle.

Top image courtesy of Lotte Hotel Seattle. All others by Rachel Cavanaugh.

About Our Contributor Rachel Cavanaugh

Rachel Cavanaugh is a journalist, storyteller, and adventurer driven by curiosity and a passion for unpacking complex topics. From science and the outdoors to travel, culture, and tech, she strives to tell stories that foster connection and inspire meaningful dialogue. Follow Rachel on Instagram.