Rennovation is in progress in this hotel, currently on floors 2 and 3. During the day, jackhammers can be heard, but not as loud as you might imagine when I mention that word. If you are staying here, you might consider asking in advance where the rennovation is occurring, and requesting a room away from that area.
This hotel has a convenient location near the airport and the Southcenter Mall with restaurants and shops. It's near the intersection of two freeways that lead to Seattle and the suburbs. Several other Hilton and Marriott properties are nearby.
Parking is a weak spot. Both on their website, and on a printed placard at the reception desk, "Park at your own risk" is clearly stated. This is not true for any of the other ES hotels in suburban Seattle, nor at any other ES in the US where I have stayed. It makes me assume that they have had security problems. And the parking lot layout makes me understand why. Parking is only available along one side of the hotel in a smallish lot, and another larger lot 1/2 block farther in back. This area is not under the observation of the front desk personnel, although it is reasonably well lit.
Behind the hotel parking lot is a train track with 24hr freight trains, some of which are blowing their horns. If you request a room in the front of the hotel, this will not be very noticeable.
This is one of the larger ES properties in Seattle. My room was one of the corner units which I would consider a deluxe room, so the living room is an odd, large space (dining table with six chairs!), and a smaller bedroom. Both living and bedrooms have windows compared to the standard room where only the bedroom has a window (windows do not open).
This room smelled fresh and was nicely decorated. Like all ES, it is a true suite with a bedroom door that closes. This masks out any atrium noise. The layout is also well suited to having kids sleep in the living room on the pullout sofa bed.
The pool/workout area also has a curious security sign for "no cameras or cellphones". What are they concerned about?
Front desk check-in also had more security with asking me for my picture ID, certainly OK, but I just don't normally encounter that.
The breakfast bar was good, with cook-to-order omelettes, and steam table eggs available if you are in a hurry. Funny, there was also more security at this breakfast bar than what I normally encounter at ES. They actually did check for and collect the little breakfast card that is provided at checkin for all ES. I guess people come in off the streets and try to get a free breakfast?
The area is pretty safe in my opinion, but not well layed out if you like a walk after dinner. There is a jogging/biking path that connects with a nearby river route and park. Speaking of dinner, I did not eat in the restaurant, but I was surprised that this hotel has quite an active night life at the hotel restaurant/bar on the weekend, with dancing and some live entertainment. Normally, the ES restaurants are pretty much vacant. Of course, the sound does echo throughout the atrium building.
Internet access costs $10/day (should be free in a hotel of this class), and is wireless only. Bring your own PC wireless card, or you may be able to borrow one on a first-come, first-served basis from the front desk.
Gas station, mini mart, and a couple of fast food joints are within walking distance which is convenient.
Overall, I think this is a very acceptable place to stay for the business traveler during the week, and a good value for families on the weekend. (for kids, there is a nearby fun park in front of another hotel just on the other side of the highway).
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