When a large exhibition or conference is held in Seattle, locals first ask, "Did you book a hotel?"

Seattle experiences significant accommodation shortages during events. Especially when major events like Microsoft, Amazon, medical conferences, and AI conferences overlap, it's common for hotel prices to triple in just one day.

However, the hotel that greatly alleviates this accommodation shortage is the Hyatt Regency Seattle. Opened in 2018, this hotel is the largest in the Pacific Northwest, with 45 floors and 1,260 rooms. Not only is it large, but its location is also excellent, making it a representative business hotel in Seattle.

The hotel is located at 808 Howell Street, right in the heart of downtown. Its biggest advantage is that it is essentially connected to the Washington State Convention Center. For event attendees, the accessibility is so good that they can move around without an umbrella, even in Seattle's rainy weather.

The primary clientele is more business travelers than regular tourists. Corporate travelers from Amazon, Microsoft, Google, and Boeing frequently use it, as well as participants in medical conferences, lawyer conferences, and IT expos held across the United States. While the proportion of tourists increases on weekends, it's common to see businesspeople in suits filling the lobby on weekdays.

Rooms range from standard to suites. From the higher floors, the views of Puget Sound and the Seattle skyline are quite impressive. The room sizes are also relatively spacious compared to other downtown hotels, so it's not too cramped even if you open two suitcases.

Prices vary significantly by season. During off-peak weekdays, reservations often range from $250 to $350 per night, while during the summer tourist season or major convention periods, prices can rise to $450 to $700.

On days when popular events overlap, prices can exceed $800. When you add Seattle's hotel tax and various fees, the final amount can be quite high.

Valet parking is also around $60 to $80 per day, so if you're bringing a rental car, it's wise to factor in parking costs.

The facilities are generally well-rated. There is a spacious fitness center, and the restaurant and bar are top-notch. The lobby is particularly large, making it a popular meeting spot. Local Seattle workers often use this place as a meeting point, saying, "Let's grab a coffee at the hotel."

From a tourist's perspective, the location is a significant advantage. It's about a 10-minute walk to Pike Place Market, and the Space Needle is easily accessible by monorail or car. The Link Light Rail station is also nearby, making it convenient to get to the airport without a car.

However, there are some personal drawbacks.

While the rooms are quite modern and clean, they lack a warm ambiance. It feels very much like a "large convention hotel," which gives more of a business trip vibe than a vacation feel. During check-in times, the lobby can be as bustling as an airport, and there can be wait times for the elevators due to the high number of guests.

Another point is breakfast. While it's not bad, considering the price, it doesn't quite evoke the feeling of "Wow, this is excellent." It's typical and clean, as is common in American hotel breakfasts, but given the cost per person, you might find more satisfaction dining at a brunch café in downtown Seattle.

Overall, the Hyatt Regency Seattle is a hotel with a very low chance of disappointing first-time visitors to Seattle. It's convenient for both tourism and business, and the facilities are modern. Especially if your purpose is to attend conventions or conferences, it can be considered one of the most convenient options.

While the prices are a bit high and there are many people, if you're looking for a hotel that offers location, rooms, facilities, and accessibility right in the heart of Seattle, it seems worth the cost.

It's an efficient hotel for business travelers and a convenient hotel for tourists. However, if you're expecting a quiet and cozy atmosphere, other boutique hotels might suit you better, based on my observations.