Travel

Iconic Seattle Hotel Gets a Splashy Makeover

Roosevelt Hotel is reborn as Hotel Theodore with local touches and amenities.

By Nia Martin November 27, 2017

hotel-theodore-crop

This article originally appeared in the November 2017 issue of Seattle magazine.

The 88-year-old Roosevelt Hotel has had some work done—and it’s looking a little younger and hipper these days, even as it gives a bow to the past.

Originally built by famed local architect John Graham Sr., the property was purchased by Provenance Hotels in 2015, and the company began a floor-by-floor renovation. Now called Hotel Theodore, its 153 rooms, designed by Seattle-based Susan Marinello Interiors, feature refined yet industrial furnishings, along with photos and patent drawings (curated in collaboration with the Museum of History & Industry) that highlight Seattle’s history of innovation; elevator landings also showcase historic items, such as the first Amazon Kindle and an early Eddie Bauer jacket. 

In select rooms, guests will find locally made Freeman rain jackets; record players and vinyl from local label Light in the Attic; and a room service menu that includes Portland cult favorite Salt and Straw ice cream (slated to open a Seattle outpost this winter).

The hotel also offers a new restaurant, Rider, which opens today; a penthouse suite with wraparound city views; and an aperitivo hour in the hotel’s restored atrium, now part of the lobby. All in all, it’s a welcome revival of an iconic property that’s not too old to change with the times.

Hotel Theodore
downtown, 1531 Seventh Ave.; 206.621.1200

 

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