The Maxwell Hotel

The Maxwell Hotel
Seattle, WA

i booked this hotel for two reasons: a) it was ranked as one of tripadvisor’s top 10 trendiest hotels in the US for 2011 and b) it was priced right — $111/night + taxes.

the reviews are true: it’s definitely a four-star hotel at three-star prices. large slick rooms with hardwood floors, free parking, free (speedy, especially for free and hotel) wi-fi, and a flat-panel TV (albeit with very limited HD channels) with DVD player. you also get an in-room microwave, fridge, and keurig single-serving coffee machine. to go with these: a selection of k-cups, a pack of microwave popcorn, and two bottles of water to wash it all down. the beds are comfortable, towels plush.

a couple of minor quibbles:

• i had to wait to be checked in because there was only one person at reception and he had to juggle three phone calls before getting to me. still, i wasn’t in a rush, so not a big deal.
• there was (raw) sugar, splenda, and equal, but no creamer, so i couldn’t enjoy any coffee (not worth calling for).
• the lotion, shampoo, conditioner, and soap are tommy bahama, which doesn’t fit with the hotel’s vibe. yes, it does have a tropical scent (to go with their pineapple theme), but tommy bahama is a bit too jimmy buffet when the hotel is trying to be jimi hendrix.

given the hotel’s great pricing, amenities, and location (just blocks away from seattle center), i’m definitely staying here again the next time i visit seattle! i wouldn’t call it trendy, though, just modern and well-themed.