Seattle's BEST Kept Secret: Bothell's Luxurious Residence Inn!
Seattle's Seriously Underrated Gem: My Bothell Residence Inn Revelation! (A Messy, Honest Review)
Okay, listen up, fellow travel nerds and anyone who's ever Googled "Best Seattle hotel near things but NOT IN Seattle," because I'm about to spill the tea on Bothell's Luxury Residence Inn – and trust me, it’s a secret for a reason (we're gonna keep it that way, right?). Prepare for a rollercoaster of opinions, because this review… ain't gonna be pretty, but it’ll be real.
(SEO & Metadata Blast! Gotta appease the Google Gods)
- Keywords: Residence Inn Bothell, Seattle hotels near, Bothell accommodation, Luxury hotel Bothell, Accessible hotel Seattle, Free Wi-Fi, Pool with a view, Fitness center, Breakfast buffet, Pet-friendly hotel, Bothell Washington, Hotels near University of Washington Bothell, Washington state hotels.
- Meta Description: Discover the hidden gem of Bothell's Residence Inn! A brutally honest review reveals all, from the accessible features and luxurious amenities like the pool with a view and free Wi-Fi, to the breakfast buffet and overall charm. Is it REALLY worth it? Read on and find out!
First Impressions: Finding My Way to Paradise (and Almost Missing It)
Getting to this place was… an adventure. You know, the kind where you're relying on Google Maps, praying the GPS doesn't decide to hate the Pacific Northwest and send you to a ravine. But hey, a little detour makes for a better story, right? The exterior? Clean-cut, modern, nothing too flashy. It’s understated luxury. That’s the vibe.
Accessibility: A+ for Effort, Room for Improvement for Perfection
Okay, HUGE shoutout to Residence Inn Bothell for accessibility. I'm not mobility-challenged, but I appreciate a hotel that gets it. Wheelchair accessible features seemed well-thought-out, from the ramps to the elevator access. However, I didn't personally test everything. I noticed they offer rooms designed for different accessibility requirements, and a bunch of the public spaces like the restaurants and lounges were open and easy to get around. No glaring faux pas, which is a victory in my book!
The Room: My Cozy Cave (and the Wi-Fi Gods Smile)
The room? Spacious. Bright. The air conditioning worked like a champ (essential in the PNW, believe it or not). And the best part? Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Glorious, reliable, high-speed internet. I'm a digital nomad at heart (mostly, my cat is the boss), so this is EVERYTHING. I could binge-watch all the old movies and documentaries available via on-demand without buffering. I could even get some work done using the laptop workspace. The desk? Solid, comfy chair. A blessing. There was even a scale, which, you know, is both a helpful and a potentially depressing feature. But hey, I’m nothing if not realistic about my life.
Cleanliness and Safety: Sanitized Bliss (Maybe a Little Overzealous?)
Okay, I'm a germaphobe, so this was critical. The hotel has clearly taken COVID seriously, which I appreciate. Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, staff trained in safety protocols… It felt slightly over-the-top, but hey, I'd rather feel too protected than not protected enough. Room sanitization opt-out available, which is fantastic! Hand sanitizer stations everywhere. Just… a lot. I felt safe. Very, very safe. Maybe a little too safe?
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: Breakfast Bliss (with a Side of… Something Else)
The breakfast buffet was the highlight. Seriously. Western breakfast, Asian breakfast, coffee/tea in restaurant, breakfast [buffet] – all there. The scrambled eggs? Fluffy. The bacon? Crispy. The little pancake machine? Pure, unadulterated joy. (Remember that scene in “Elf”? I felt like that.) But here's the "something else": The buffet was really busy on the weekend. I'd have to navigate the buffet with the other guests, and it didn't feel as safe as it should have, but the food was so good. I might have gotten…overly enthusiastic about the coffee. The coffee shop saved me from the daily crash. Didn't try the Snack bar, or the Poolside bar, but loved the bottle of water in my room.
Things to Do/Ways to Relax: Pool with a View? OH, YES.
Okay, THIS is where Residence Inn Bothell REALLY shines. The swimming pool [outdoor]? Absolutely stunning. Pool with a view? You bet! It's gorgeous. I spent hours (okay, maybe half a day) lounging by the pool, sipping… well, a bottle of water and doing nothing. Pure bliss. There's a fitness center, but I mostly preferred the pool. (I'm on vacation, okay?!) The sauna looked inviting, too, but I ran out of time (and energy).
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
Free car park: a huge plus! Got a car, it makes getting around a breeze. Daily housekeeping? Yes, please. Concierge wasn’t needed, but it was available. Business facilities: The business center looked well-equipped, but I stayed away – vacations, remember? The convenience store was a lifesaver for late-night snacks.
Getting Around: The Perks of Location
It's a bit tricky to get to the airport, but Airport transfer is available. Car park [on-site] is free, but that may depend on the season or availability. Taxi service is available, but I recommend using a ride-sharing service because it has a high availability.
(Rambles & Imperfections - Because Nobody's Perfect)
- The Mini Blip: The first night, the TV remote didn’t work. Minor annoyance, easily fixed. They sent someone up immediately. Not a huge deal, just proof that even paradise has a few hiccups.
- The "Almost" Incident: Okay, I almost forgot my toothbrush. Panic! Luckily, the convenience store was stocked with all the essentials. Crisis averted.
- The "Too Good to Be True" Feeling: I'm waiting for the catch. Is this place actually this good?
Overall: My Bothell Residence Inn Verdict
This place is a hidden gem. Seriously. If you’re looking for a chill, comfortable, accessible, and surprisingly luxurious stay near Seattle (without the Seattle fuss and price tag), RUN, don’t walk, to the Residence Inn Bothell. I'm already planning my return trip. Just…don't tell too many people, okay? I want to keep my slice of Bothell bliss all to myself. And seriously, that pool with a view? WORTH IT. (5 stars!)
Utica's BEST Kept Secret: Days Inn Review (You WON'T Believe This!)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups. Here's the (highly subjective and probably chaotic) itinerary for my trip to the Residence Inn Seattle Northeast/Bothell. Consider this less a polished travel plan and more… a fever dream scribbled on a napkin after too much hotel coffee.
Day 1: Arrival & The Bothell Borderline Disaster (aka, Getting My Bearings)
- Morning (ish, let's be real): Land at SeaTac. The flight was fine, standard airplane fare. Except, this time, I swear I saw a toddler use my armrest as a makeshift drum kit. Airport chaos. I'll need a stiff drink (or three) when I hit the Residence Inn.
- Late Morning/Early Afternoon: Road trip to Bothell. Smooth sailing, mostly. Except for that guy in the Prius who cut me off. Honestly, do people learn to drive anymore?
- Check-in at Residence Inn: Here we go! The lobby looked… fine. Clean, generic hotel aesthetic. You expect a certain scent, you know? That weird hotel smell that's a mishmash of plastic, cleaning solution, and faint sadness. This one delivered. Found my room. First impressions: The bed looks inviting. I'm already envisioning a full body dive.
- Unpacking… or attempting to: I dumped my suitcase in a corner and promptly forgot about it. Priorities, people!
- Afternoon: Exploring the area. I walked around Bothell and discovered a cute little coffee shop. The coffee was amazing. I also saw a squirrel. It judged me for eating a granola bar. I swear.
- Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant: Found a nice little place, but the waiter gave me the stink eye when I asked for extra ketchup. What's wrong with ketchup?! Food was fine. Nothing to write home about. Except, well, I am writing home about it. This is home, right?
Day 2: The "Almost" Hike & Pike Place Pyrotechnics
- Morning: This is where things get interesting. I had grand plans. I had envisioned myself, a nature-loving, hiking enthusiast, conquering some stunning trails in the Cascades. Yeah, right. Slept in. Woke up, looked out the window at the grey sky and went, "Nope". Decided to "embrace" a lazy morning.
- Late Morning/Early Afternoon: Pike Place Market! Oh my god. So much to see, eat, and smell. I got accosted by a fishmonger. The sheer volume of yelling! I bought some flowers, got some delicious local treats, and felt like I could conquer the world. Then I saw a guy wearing a Seahawks jersey. My mood improved immeasurably.
- Afternoon: The Gum Wall! Seriously, what is it with people and gum? I still put a piece on the wall, even though I was disgusted to touch it. My little contribution to that nasty, beautiful, disgusting wall.
- Late Afternoon: Decided to go back to the hotel because I was tired. Seriously exhausted, what is with all the people?
- Evening: Hotel happy hour! Free drinks! Score! Drank a few… well, it's all a bit blurry now. I vaguely remember chatting with a group about the weather and agreeing that Seattle rain is "a mood."
Day 3: The Bothell Blues & the Quest for Authentic Comfort
- Morning: Woke up. Head throbbing slightly. Regret the decision to attend happy hour. Decided to stay in the hotel.
- Late Morning/Early Afternoon: Walked around the hotel. Very bored, so bored.
- Afternoon: Decided to explore the inside of the hotel, I think I would've been better off if I was sleeping. Discovered a nice area to relax in the hotel.
- Evening: Packed, went to sleep and hoped for better flight, or a free upgrade.
Day 4: Departure (Thank God!)
- Morning: Check-out. Said goodbye to the hotel, the town, and everything that was.
- Afternoon: Flight back home.
- Evening: Slept and recovered from everything.
Is the Residence Inn in Bothell actually "luxurious"? (Don't lie to me!)
Okay, okay, "luxurious" might be a touch… optimistic. Let's call it "upscale cozy." Look, it's not the Ritz. You won't find a butler polishing your silverware (unless *you* happen to be bringing your own, which, hey, no judgment!), but it's definitely a step above your average roadside motel experience. Think more West Elm catalog meets sensible budget. The rooms are spacious, the beds are comfy (major win!), and they have a little kitchenette – which, if you're me, is practically a gateway to a week of Kraft Mac & Cheese bliss. The important thing is, after a hellish day of dealing with traffic on 522, it *feels* luxurious. Relative to my couch, anyway.
What’s the breakfast situation like? Because, let's be real, breakfast is EVERYTHING.
The breakfast… oh, the breakfast. It's included, which automatically bumps it up a few points in my book. They usually have a spread of the usual suspects: eggs (scrambled, sometimes even with cheese! Fancy!), sausage or bacon, oatmeal, yogurt, fruit… and the *pastries*. Listen, that's where they get me. Those little croissants, those muffins… I swear, I have a Pavlovian response. They're not winning any Michelin stars, but after a long day, they're a godsend. Okay, one time the coffee machine crapped out, and I nearly had a minor meltdown. I mean, I'm pretty sure I *did* have a minor meltdown. But hey, the staff was super apologetic. And there’s always a Starbucks *right* across the street, so crisis averted. Mostly.
Okay, but is it *quiet*? Because I need my beauty sleep. And by beauty sleep, I mean, like, actual sleep.
Generally, yes! I have to admit, the soundproofing is pretty decent. I stayed there once during a particularly raucous bachelor party incident, and while I *heard* the general level of enthusiasm coming from down the hall, I couldn’t make out any specific details, and that was fine by me! I was able to sleep through the majority of the night. If you have a room facing the street you might hear some traffic in the early hours, but it's usually manageable. If you're *super* sensitive, pack earplugs just in case. Better safe than sorry. Unless you're me, who just rolls the dice and hopes for the best.
What about the location? Is it… you know, actually in Bothell, or is it a sneaky Redmond situation?
No, it’s *actually* in Bothell. *Hallelujah!* It’s close to the University of Washington Bothell campus, which is convenient if you're visiting students or attending a conference (which is, of course, what *I* do). It's also a short drive (or even a decent walk, if you're feeling ambitious and the weather behaves) to downtown Bothell, which has some cute restaurants and shops. Bothell’s not exactly a bustling metropolis, but it's got its charm. Bonus points: easy access to the Burke-Gilman Trail if you're into biking or running, which I'm *definitely* not but other people seem to enjoy.
The Amenities! What about the pool? The gym? Do they have a fire pit?! (I NEED a fire pit!)
Alright, alright, hold your horses! They *do* have a pool. It's not Olympic-sized, but it's perfectly adequate for a quick dip or a leisurely paddle. The gym is… well, it exists. It's got the usual suspects: treadmills, elliptical… enough to make you feel guilty about skipping your workout. And… drumroll… NO FIRE PIT. *Gasp* Okay, maybe that's a slight exaggeration. I *may* have gotten slightly over-excited about the fire pit concept. It's not a dealbreaker. But still...they should maybe consider one.
The Staff! Always a key piece of the puzzle. Are they, you know, *nice*?
The staff at the Residence Inn in Bothell? A+. Seriously. They're friendly, helpful, and generally seem to enjoy their jobs, which makes a huge difference. I once had a total crisis – I had forgotten my phone charger (devastating, I know) – and the front desk lady practically sprinted to find a compatible one. They're always there with a smile, and they go the extra mile. They’re the kind of people who make you feel welcome, even when you’re looking a bit… disheveled, which, let’s be honest, is usually me.
Okay, spill the tea! What's the *worst* thing about the Residence Inn? Come on, nobody's perfect.
Alright, alright, here's the lowdown. Honestly, the only consistent complaint I have is the occasional noise from the construction happening nearby. I get it – progress and all that jazz – but when you're trying to sleep in and there's the sound of jackhammers in the distance... it's not ideal. Also, the elevators can be slow during peak hours. Oh, and the lighting in the rooms can sometimes be a little… sterile. But, look, these are nitpicks. Honestly? Sometimes, I almost *want* to find a reason to stay there, even when I don't *need* to.
So, final verdict? Would you actually recommend it?
YES. Absolutely, unequivocally, YES. For the price point, the location, the staff – it's a winner. It's not the most glamorous hotel in the world, but it's clean, comfortable, convenient, and the breakfast pastries are worth their weight in gold. Honestly, if you're looking for a decent place to stay in the Bothell area, the Residence Inn is a solid choice. Just… try not to judge me if you see me at the breakfast buffet, hovering near the croissants. I can't help myself.
Tell me about the *one* time it was exceptionally good or memorable. Give me the juicy details!
Okay, fine. You want juicy? I'll give you juicy. There was this *one* time… I was booked for a conference, absolutely dreading it (networking? UComfort Inn
Post a Comment for "Seattle's BEST Kept Secret: Bothell's Luxurious Residence Inn!"