W Hotels Worldwide has announced the opening of W Bellevue, marking a new era of design for W Hotels in North America. Playing off Bellevue’s tech-forward neighbours and centuries-old traditions, the design of the hotel embraces Washington state’s juxtaposed affinity for both its natural surroundings and groundbreaking innovation. The hotel pays homage to lakeside culture with cabin-like architecture, reimagined traditional décor, and locally inspired cocktails and cuisine. Built as a W from the ground up, W Bellevue offers a modern yet invitingly familiar setting to welcome locals and travellers alike to 220 guest rooms and 25 suites in the newest Lincoln Square expansion.
“Throughout the brand’s nearly 20-year history, W has come to be known for reinvention,” said Anthony Ingham, Global Brand Leader, W Hotels Worldwide “Our design process has evolved to center around each destination’s respective history, environment and culture, and with Bellevue as a tech-capital and center for innovation in its own right we are thrilled to unveil W Bellevue, the first new-build W Hotel in North America in seven years with more on the way.”
Neighbour to some of the world’s most well-known technology companies such as Microsoft and Amazon, Bellevue has become known as the Pacific Northwest’s tech playground. Locally known as the ‘Eastside,’ Bellevue is a magnet for the rugged individualist who is attracted to natural beauty and flourishing professional opportunities. W Bellevue boldly reinterprets the city’s historic lake-centric culture, blending with its newfound reputation for innovation to create a modern and playfully designed space for any adventurer. And, in true W fashion, whether guests crave a cold craft cocktail or need Insider access to the latest happenings in town, the team at W Bellevue will make it happen with the brand’s signature Whatever/Whenever service.
Lake house luxury
Designed by HKS Inc. led by Mary Alice Palmer and HKS architect Tom Sprinkle, W Bellevue transports guests to a modern lodge oasis, inspired by the region’s setting beside Lake Washington. Upon entering, guests are greeted by a reclaimed wood staircase surrounded by rich, colourful street art from international artist Gaia. Additional original artwork from artists Lady Aiko and Zio Ziegler make unexpected appearances throughout the property.
The hotel’s Living Room (hotel lobby) is a clubhouse for the modern traveller, showcasing exposed A-frame beams that line the ceiling, reminiscent of a log cabin home. Mirrors contour the interior edges of the room, creating the illusion of open ceilings that connect with the open-air porch area and adding a modern feel. Deep sofas and lounge chairs, modelled after ‘70s vintage furniture, are mixed with rustic plaid throws and plush pillows creating texture and warmth in the room.
Just steps off the Living Room, The Porch provides an open-air, pop homage to the lake house where guests can mix and mingle with a cocktail in hand or relax on a porch swing by the fire. The Library is a pulp-pleasure paradise for those looking for a bit of wit with their drinks. Living up to its name, guests can cosy up with one of the racy romance novels that fill the shelves or help themselves to vintage board games.
Each of the 220 rooms and 25 suites at W Bellevue bring guests closer to the communal history of the city, dating back to the first settlers who gathered around the docks and ferries. Rooms feature elements like side-table lights which mimic traditional dock lamps and inflatable tufted headboards, a nod to historic dockside décor. Beds are adorned with painted pillowcases featuring pulp poetry reminiscent of the summer escapist novel while ‘wine spilt’ carpets reflect the burgeoning wineries of the region. Glass showers, placed in the middle of each room, personify the boundless nature of the hotel’s design.
The two-bedroom Extreme WOW Suite (the brand’s take on the traditional Presidential suite) is a decked-out party palace with sweeping views of Lake Washington. Perched high on the 13th floor, the double-door entry opens to a suite featuring two king beds (with one hanging from the ceiling), a state-of-the-art surround sound audio system (vinyl included), an in-room pool and poker table and retractable flat-screen TV. Modern hanging porch swings line the border of the suite, offering guests a chance to feel as if they’re floating over Bellevue.
Stay in, eat out
Guests at W Bellevue don’t have to wander far to find incredible cuisine at The Lakehouse, showcasing a Northwest farmhouse concept, and Civility & Unrest, a speakeasy-inspired cocktail lounge, both from James Beard Award-winning chef, Jason Wilson. The space is designed as a modern interpretation of an entertainer’s lake home. Familiar, yet elegant and sophisticated, the welcoming space includes the garden room, butler’s pantry, “wild modern” private dining room, “wild primitive” dining room and chef’s counter seating. A counter-height bar, porcelain antler sconces, a column of living greenery, trestles and interspersed charred wood, inspired by Bellevue’s past Japanese farmers who preserved wood in the shou sugi ban method, are seen throughout. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, daily. Wilson also oversees in-room dining throughout the hotel.
Hidden within Gaia’s showpiece is a discreet entrance to Civility & Unrest, a modern speakeasy-inspired lounge offering a craft cocktail insider experience by Wilson. Steeped in discovery, the whiskey bar and cocktail lounge offers an exploration into cocktail culture with rare scotch, vintage whiskey, flowing champagne and craft cocktails, surrounded by beautiful curves and plush seating.
Come together
The Great Room shows off vibrant décor and stylish finishes underneath deconstructed docks that float just below the ceiling. The carpet contains layers of tribal tattoos with archetypal house shapes referencing the native cultures of the Pacific Northwest overlaid on a stylised lake background. Both Strategy rooms and six Studios continue the theme of lakeside living with window-like mirrors and dock light sconces which provide an ideal space to gather for work or play.