★★★★★ 4.5/5
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel but not sure if we would stay here again.
One of the things we appreciated most was the hotel’s history and character. Originally opened in 1924, it has a timeless elegance that’s difficult to find in newer luxury hotels. The grand lobby and classic architecture make it feel special from the moment you walk in. And even enjoying sitting in the bar is fun!
Before arriving, we emailed the hotel to request an upgrade, and Delia kindly accommodated us. We were upgraded to a high-floor room with a sitting area and couch, which made the stay even more comfortable. We truly appreciated the gesture.
We booked through American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts, and the benefits added tremendous value. We enjoyed the welcome champagne, the sparkling wine tasting, the $100 dining credit, and an excellent breakfast at The George. Justin provided outstanding service at breakfast.
The wellness facilities were another highlight. The indoor pool was excellent, and the complimentary razors in the locker room were a thoughtful touch. The hot tub was a bit hotter than our preference but still enjoyable.
A special thank you to Ayden, who greeted us warmly upon arrival and was consistently friendly, professional, and welcoming throughout our stay.
There were a few areas that could be improved. The minibar completely occupies the refrigerator, so there is no room to store medication. We were told there would be a $15 charge to refrigerate my wife’s medicines.
We also experienced some confusion regarding our 4:00 p.m. late checkout. We were initially told our room keys would remain active, then advised they needed to be reprogrammed, and ultimately found ourselves locked out after using the pool. It was only a minor inconvenience.
The room also stayed much warmer than expected overnight. Even with the thermostat set to 65°F, it remained quite warm, making it difficult to sleep comfortably. The “blackout curtains” also allowed more light into the room than we would have preferred, and the reason why I might not stay here again.
One very minor suggestion: the hairdryer in the health club locker room could be upgraded. It has a really short cord.
Finally, checkout was extremely busy with a long line at the front desk. Fortunately, we were able to complete checkout by text message, which was convenient and appreciated.
Overall, this is a beautiful historic hotel with excellent service, great amenities, and outstanding Fine Hotels + Resorts benefits. With a few operational improvements, it would be an easy five-star experience. We would definitely return.
