When I traveled with my boys while they were growing up, I always looked for the best deals, staying at hotels where I could take advantage of my AAA discount.  Those properties were clean, but basic, and provided for our needs.  Once the boys flew the coop, I continued to search out those type of properties because that’s what I was used to.

When the opportunity arose to stay at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel in Seattle, a AAA Five Diamond property, I jumped at the chance.  But, truthfully, I really didn’t think the experience would be much different than those I’ve experienced before.  Boy was I wrong!  Built on what was the first site of the University of Washington, the story of the Fairmont Olympic Hotel began as the Metropolitan Theater, which opened in 1911.  Early reviews mentioned plans to build a hotel around the theater and in 1924, that prediction finally became a reality when the Olympic Hotel opened its doors to guests as the “grandest inn west of Chicago.” 

By the mid-70s, the building was showing its age and had endured numerous additions and remodels.  A debate raged about what to do with the tired property.  Fortunately for us, the decision was made to do a complete restoration and return the grand hotel to its original splendor.  Now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Fairmont Olympic Hotel has earned the coveted AAA Five Diamond Award for more than 25 years in a row. 

How different my experience was going to be was evident as soon as I walked up to the front door.  I was greeted with a very cheerful “Good afternoon, welcome to Seattle, can we help you with you bags?” and the door swung open.   Organization isn’t one of my strong points when I travel, so I wasn’t sure which bag (ironically for easy access) I had squirreled away my credit card and reservation information, so I smiled, declined assistance and wandered up to the front desk.   Front desk staff effciently checked me in while greeting other guests, but continued to make me feel like I was a very important person.  She asked if I needed help with my bags and then walked me to the elevator, punched the button to my floor and invited to me to call should I have any questions or concerns.  I was still shaking my head in disbelief as I found my room.

As I opened the door, my first thought “It’s a shame I don’t have a significant other to share this with.”  It was beautiful. The suite had a large bathroom with terrycloth robes hanging on the hook; slippers were placed in the closet.  As I entered the living area, I noticed a dish of chocolates which I immediately enjoyed.  (All eight pieces . . . shhhhh, don’t tell anyone.)  The truffles were prepared by the Fairmont’s in-house pastry chef, Artis Kalsons. The Fairmont staff makes an effort to know as much about the guest as possible prior to their arrival so that they can add a personal touch to the room.  Health conscious guests may receive a piece of fruit or house-made granola with a bottle of water; young guests may find freshly baked chocolate chip cookies with tall glasses of milk waiting for them upon arrival.  Word had apparently gotten out about my love of chocolate.

During my travels to get to Seattle, I ended up wearing part of my lunch on my favorite sweater.  So with a little soap and water, I attempted to remove the stain in the bathroom sink. (In retrospect, I should have asked the hotel staff for some detergent – I suspect they probably had some handy – or would have offered to wash the sweater for me.)  I tossed the sweater over the shower curtain rod to dry and left to meet friends for dinner.  When I returned, my sweater was neatly laid on a towel to finish drying.  My initial thought was that was something my mother would have done for me.  (The next day when I returned after a day out and about, I found my sweater neatly hung on a hanger – another nice touch.)

As I walked into the sleeping area, which can only be defined as luxurious, I found the bed was turned down with the terry robe lying on the bed; slippers at bedside.   Had I needed privacy, I could have closed the French doors separating the sleeping area from the living room.  I settled in for a peaceful rest on one of the most comfortable beds I’ve ever experienced. 

While none of these things may seem too special, there was one fact that put this experience above and beyond any I have to date.  Each interaction I had with staff at the Fairmont was what was extraordinary.   They greeted me by name and when they offered to help or said thank you, I felt like they really meant it.  That impression crossed all levels of service from the doormen, to the front desk staff, housekeeping and valets.  And it is an impression I’m sharing with everyone I talk to when they ask about my recent trip to the West Coast.

Many would believe that AAA Five Diamond luxury service would be reserved for the well-to-do, but special rates are often available, making the experience affordable for the more budget-conscious.  And nothing can replace how positive it makes you feel to receive such a sincere and warm welcome.  

Have you had an extraordinary lodging or service experience?  Share with us what made it so special.

Read more about the 2010 Five Diamond Award winners.