Pan Pacific Hotel Seattle An Emerald City Jewelby Jane Cassie I’m used to living with a little drizzle. In fact, liquid sunshine is no stranger to any Vancouverite. So when I want a quick escape, it’s not a big deal to grab my slicker and head ninety-six miles (154 km) south to Seattle. This Pacific Northwest jewel, rimmed by the sapphire waters is jam packed with everything from historical treasures to present day prizes. With Seattle’s CityPass booklet I have access to a number of world-renowned attractions for one cost cutting-price, and when it’s time to chill out, I’m pampered at the Pan Pacific Hotel Seattle, a definite Emerald City gem.
 Location – This elite AAA 4-Diamond award winner occupies a prime location just four blocks from Seattle’s central core and provides me with the best of both worlds –I have a city at my fingertips, with the quiet pleasures of a great escape. Instead of being squeezed next to downtown high rises that brim from Seattle’s bustling vortex, I feel pleasantly distanced from the percolating crowds. It’s just four blocks from the Pike and Pine Street shopping, six blocks from the Convention Center and the Space Needle, and minutes via streetcar from Lake Union’s enticing restaurants.
“Although we’re now on the edge of Seattle’s hub,” reports General Manager, David Sullivan, “at the rapid rate the city is growing, this exciting area will soon be at the epicenter.” This property is part of Vulcan Inc's 550,000-square-foot project which also features two hundred and sixty-one condominium homes, a number of retail shops, a luxury Vida spa and a 16,000-square-foot landscaped plaza where Starbucks and Whole Foods Market followers can be found.  Interior pleasures – I’m ushered from the courtyard entrance into a sophisticated lobby, where Asian-inspired décor is effectively delivered by the use of warm hues and zebrawood overtones. The reception area is unassuming and welcoming –informal yet efficient. Jerusalem limestone floors trail into a light-infused sitting area where I can relax next to the fire, read one of the showcased books or rendezvous with some friends. Beyond, is a casual lounge that expresses the same minimalist décor. Here, casual fare is dished up throughout the day, sakes, ciders and other specialty beverages flow well into the night, and every morning a scrumptious breakfast menu starts my day.
 Glorious guest rooms – The same ‘East meets West’ theme flows through to 160 high-style Hirsch Bedner-designed guest rooms that occupy eleven upper floors. I feel like a queen while sleeping on a Hypnos Royalty mattress and under Egyptian cotton. I’m spoiled by the 32-inch plasma cable television, premium movie channels, and DVD player, and even manage to get a little work done, thanks to the wireless connectivity. Beyond the shoji-style screen is a spa-style bathroom with a sublime deep soaker and glass-enclosed shower.
 Sensational Vida Spa – For real pampering I make a beeline for the spa sanctuary that’s housed just steps away next to a high tech fitness room. Beyond the contemporary-style boutique, where shelves display internationally acclaimed products, is where the magic begins.
But before venturing to Nirvana, there’s a little homework to do. As well as a health history, I provide my esthetician with personal preferences to determine my Ayurvedic constitution A.K.A. Dosha. Am I Vata, Pitta, or Kapha? We’re all dominant in one area, and by discovering my category, the treatment can be tailor-made to suit my need. I’m invited to relax in the fireside lounge, where incandescent lighting accompanies a flickering flame and healthy refreshments hydrate and detoxify. The experience then moves to the sauna where my body is heated with infrared rays. During this process, I’ll decrease my toxic overload and accrue a little more vitality. Increased energy levels, circulation, blood flow and weight loss are just a few other listed benefits. I’m sold –I do my thirty minute maximum stint and come away feeling invigorated. And just around the corner, there’s a lot more to come. The seventeen treatment rooms and unrivalled delights will satisfy any spa aficionado. My callused feet would certainly be happy after some ‘Sole Revival’ and an Ayurvedic facial would brighten my aging smile. As well as everything from hot stones to body wraps, there are therapies that specifically detoxify, exfoliate and penetrate. Every one of these spa sensations will ‘revitalize my external sense of well-being and restore my internal sense of energy.’ Based on this Vida philosophy I can’t go wrong. I’m welcomed into one of these zen-like havens, by Jeanette, a young licensed massage therapist, and during the next ninety minutes, while she personalizes the classic massage, I succumb to Utopian pleasures. She lathers and slathers with delicately-scented essential oils that instantly replenish my aging pores. Her proficient and rhythmic strokes effectively unravel every tight, gnarled muscle and revitalize my sluggish circulation. The pressures of life soon dissipate, and while listening to soothing music and hypnotic waves I float in and out of trance-land. I’m not totally sure, but I think the occasional moan escapes from my cot. By the end of the treatment, my body is rejoicing and I stroll away wearing a dreamy gaze.  Pedigree service – Two little words sum up the response to any Pan Pacific Hotel Seattle guest request –‘of course.’ From the time I arrive until departure I have a personal steward at my beckon call. Every nuance of comfort is attended to, from arranging room service to delivering an item that I’ve forgotten to pack. It comes as no surprise that Pan Pacific has been recognized by Conde Nast Traveler magazine as one of the leading twenty-five hotel companies to demonstrate social responsibility. They’ve won esteemed accolades such as World Travel Awards, Best Business Hotel in Asia, Conde Nast Gold List and Readers Choice Awards… and they certainly get my winning vote!
To help celebrate that special occasion:  When my next anniversary rolls around, I’m going to book the Romance Package and surprise my better half. A fresh bouquet, decadent chocolates and a bottle of bubbly will accompany our luxurious abode. Or maybe we’ll go for the package titled, Sleepless in Seattle. With Brunch in bed, a pair of PJs to share and free access to all of the romantic in-room movies, we probably won’t get much shut eye!
Where To StayPan Pacific Hotel Seattle
2125 Terry Avenue, Seattle, WA 98121, USA
Phone 206-264-8111
Reservations: 877-324-4856
http://www.panpacific.com/Seattle/Overview.html What to DoVida Spa - www.vidawellness.com Seattle City Pass: 5 Famous Seattle Attractions for $44.00 /adult http://www.citypass.com/city/seattle.html Images by Brent Cassie | 