An Educational Start
The Fairmont Olympic Hotel stands on land originally deeded by Arthur Denny in 1861 as the site of the University of Washington. After the university relocated, the Metropolitan Theater opened there in 1911. By 1921, plans were made to build a grand hotel that would encompass the theater on three sides, occupying the entire city block.
Constructed by its People
Starting in the early 1920s, the Community Hotel Corporation raised $3 million through a public bonds drive, led by W.L. Rhodes and Frank Waterhouse. This made the project a community-based enterprise, with a fair distribution funded by both public and private funds fueling the project.
What’s in a Name
The Seattle Times held a contest with a $50 prize for naming the new hotel, to be chosen by the Community Hotel Corporation. Out of 3,906 entries, "The Olympic," first submitted by Robert Lee Ellzey, was selected. Ellzey donated his prize to the campaign. The hotel, "The Olympic," was built in record time.
A Grand Affair
The hotel officially opened its doors on December 6, 1924 with a grand opening gala with 2,000 people in attendance that had all of Seattle talking. Lights illuminated the exterior walls and two large spotlights on the hotel roof swept the sky. A one-night stay with bath would have cost about $3.50. The Olympic was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
All the President’s Men
Opening during the Roaring ‘20s, the grand hotel began its presidential history by hosting President Hoover during his term. Since then, nearly every president and most presidential candidates have checked into the hotel.
Seattle’s Great Beauty. Reborn.
The original hotel opened with 756 rooms but was reduced to 450, with nearly half as suites, following a mid-1980s renovation. A $25 million upgrade in 2016 by Parker-Torres refreshed rooms and corridors with mid century modern décor and Pacific Northwest artwork. In preparation for its 100th anniversary, a $25 million renovation in 2020— the largest in 40 years—updated all public spaces, including the lobby, bar, restaurant, meeting and event areas. Barcelona-based Lázaro Rosa-Violán led the design, blending modern elegance with historical elements like the original 1924 flooring and chandeliers. Lázaro aimed to enhance the space while offering a refreshed guest experience that bridged historical richness with contemporary sophistication. The hotel has been lauded for retaining and celebrating the elegant charm of its Italian renaissance architectural design.
Among the most stunning rediscoveries: original 1924 terrazzo and marble floors—hand-laid by Italian artisans—revealed after 50 years beneath carpet and lovingly restored to their former glory.
Equally dazzling are the hotel’s ornate crystal chandeliers, once the crown jewels of the Georgian Restaurant. Carefully restored and reassembled, they now shine in the foyer outside the Spanish Ballroom, ready to light countless new celebrations. As you explore, don’t miss the Mezzanine’s history walk—a tribute to the hotel’s rich legacy featuring vintage photos, historic documents, and treasured artifacts, including the original guest registry and early correspondence.