Outside
Four Exciting New Hotel Openings for 2025
Urban luxury, European inspiration, and a wine-themed resort
By Natalie Compagno and Greg Freitas March 25, 2025
Unlike other options, hotels offer more than just a bed for the night. They turn lobbies into social hubs, become neighborhood anchors, and raise the bar on food and drink. These new hotel openings for 2025 should be just as exciting for Seattleites as they are for visitors.
Hotel Westland: A New Era for Pioneer Square
Pioneer Square is Seattle’s oldest neighborhood, and as such, most in need of some refurbishing. Enter the RailSpur micro-district, a slowly growing urban zhuzh on the site of the former FX McCrory’s. In 2025, three new Renee Erickson (Sea Creatures) will open: Un Po Tipsy Pizzeria, a “London-inspired” restaurant; Lowlander Brewery, which will serve Prague-style tank beer; and legendary cocktail lounge Death & Co.
Sometime in spring 2025, Hotel Westland joins the Pioneer Square party, blending historic character with a modern edge. Housed in the same 1907 Westland Building, it keeps the industrial charm — exposed brick, steel accents, raw textures — while adding warm woods, deep tones, and a refined, contemporary feel. The site will feature Pioneer Square’s first rooftop bar, where cocktails come with skyline views, and a restaurant serving Pacific Northwest flavors. Art is everywhere, too, with 328 original pieces from ARTXIV on display.
Whether you’re exploring the cobblestone streets or kicking back with a drink in hand, it’s a 21st century take on a 19th century neighborhood.
1 Hotel Seattle: Green, Stylish, and Right in the Action
Opening in South Lake Union for Earth Day April 22, 1 Hotel Seattle takes a different approach to luxury. Think more nature, less waste. It’s a city hotel that actually feels connected to the outdoors.
Inside, there’s plenty of greenery, reclaimed wood, and natural light. The vibe is calm and earthy, with moss-inspired art, a cozy fireplace, and interiors designed to bring the Pacific Northwest indoors. The 153 rooms follow suit — warm, minimalist, and packed with thoughtful, sustainable touches. If you’re looking for a stay that’s stylish, comfortable, and eco-friendly without making a big deal about it, this is it.
For food, Seattle’s dining scene levels up with the arrival of Barcelona-born James Beard-nominated chef Oscar Amador. This spring, Amador will open La Loba on the ground floor of the new hotel. He spent a decade at top restaurants in Spain, cooked at Michelin-starred icons like El Bulli, and was a James Beard finalist at Le Cirque in Las Vegas. At La Loba, he’ll blend Spanish traditions with Pacific Northwest ingredients.
Seattle’s mountains and sea reportedly remind Amador of his Barcelona childhood, where he foraged, made wine, and pressed olive oil. Now, he’s bringing that heritage to South Lake Union.
European flair at a SeaTac hotel
We adore the hidden oasis that is Cedarbrook, but SeaTac is still a world-class airport in need of more top hotels. Big changes are on the way. The old Crowne Plaza is in the middle of a full makeover and will reopen in late 2025 as the AC Hotel by Marriott Seattle Airport. In the meantime, it’s operating as Skybridge Seattle Airport Hotel, giving travelers a peek at what’s ahead.
AC Hotels, a Spanish-founded brand with nearly 200 locations, is elevating the SeaTac scene. Ideal for travelers, it blends European-inspired design with clean lines, warm woods, and a lobby that feels like a modern art space. There’s a library and media lounge for work or play.
The Somm Hotel & Spa Arrives in Woodinville
Woodinville is getting a serious upgrade. Woodinville Hotel Partners LLC has officially broken ground on The Somm Hotel & Spa, a high-end retreat set to debut this summer as part of the Marriott Autograph Collection.
The Somm, named after the wine expert certification, brings indulgence and discovery to Woodinville wine country. Expect 164 stylish rooms, top-tier service, and a blend of luxury and natural charm. Highlights include Bin 47, a Northwest-inspired restaurant and bar; Vin de Spa, a rooftop sanctuary with treatment tents and hot tubs (open to non-guests, a Woodinville first); and The Shed, a rooftop bar with Mount Rainier views. Luxury uncorks this year.
Follow Us
Paddle Camping on a One-Acre Island
Posey Island in the San Juans is Washington State Parks’ smallest marine park, where seals, tide pools, and even orcas make appearances.
Stroke after stroke, we paddled further and further away from safety. Should we be here with our two precious kids, I thought as we headed out toward open water. As we rounded the corner it became clear and I let out a sigh of relief—yes, we can do this. Over Labor Day weekend, my wife…
Kayaking the Bioluminescent Waters of San Juan Island
Sea sparkles and glowing jellyfish turn a nighttime paddle into an unforgettable adventure.
Under the cover of darkness, our small pod of explorers expanded into the waters of Griffin Bay in search of glow-in-the-dark marine life. Home to noctiluca scintillans, or “sea sparkles,” the waters of the Salish Sea around San Juan Island were named in Lonely Planet’s 2024 list of best places for bioluminescent viewing in the…
Dispatches from Greenland, Part One
United Airlines offers the first new commercial flight from the U.S. to Greenland in nearly 20 years
Icebergs drift past in improbable forms: a crouching sphinx, a Viking ship, a chess game abandoned by giants. Fog and midnight sun blur together until hours lose their meaning. From the deck of the MS Fridtjof Nansen, time hangs suspended—a mesmerizing, shifting stage set for whatever happens next. Suddenly, the voice of our expedition leader…
All Aboard the Price Hike
Two rounds of fare hikes, a bigger summer surcharge, and new credit card fees are on the way for Washington State Ferries riders
A trip on a Washington state ferry will get more expensive this fall. The Washington State Transportation Commission recently approved fare hikes of 3% on Oct. 1 and another 3% on May 1, 2026. It’s also raising the summer season surcharge to 35% on all routes next year and, on a trial basis, extending the…