My friends, Rhonda and Dian, and I like to spend a weekend together every year — or at least an overnight that we stretch as long as possible. We’ve known each other since our boys were in Kindergarten and they, as well as we, continue to be a threesome. Having boys of the same age gives us lots to talk about as we navigate motherhood — especially this year when they are all about to graduate from high school.
We went to the Mayflower Park Hotel at Christmastime two years ago and loved it so much we decided to stay there again. The hotel is located at Fourth and Olive in downtown Seattle, which is an ideal launching place for dining, shopping, or attending a show. It’s in the same building that houses Westlake Center and only three blocks from Pike Street Market, so ideal for walking around the city, which we love to do.
We checked in on a friday afternoon and settled into our queen suite. The Mayflower Park is the oldest hotel that has been in continuous use in the city. Built in 1927, the decor is classic, yet comfortable, with old world charm. Gorgeous floral drapery and pillows placed on comfortable furniture makes it feel like home, but nicer and definitely tidier!
We walked down to the market and took our time going through it, talking to many vendors along the way and taking photos worthy of an entire blog by themselves. Then we went to Happy Hour at Duke’s on South Lake Union (another blog coming) and returned to the Mayflower Park to chat the evening away.
At 10 p.m. we called down to Oliver’s Lounge on the main floor of the hotel and ordered dessert. It provides a view through plated glass floor-to-ceiling windows onto Third Avenue, making it a cozy lookout on a cityscape. Dian ordered the Apple Crostata with vanilla gelato and cinnamon syrup, Rhonda got the Classic Creme Brulee with seasonal fruit, and I got the Liquid Chocolate Cake with creme caramel gelato, caramel-coconut tuile and caramel sauce. Of course we all exchanged bites and yum, ate the whole thing. What else can you do at a slumber party?
We slept well that night, even if not terribly long, and decided to extend our time downtown before even leaving the suite. Breakfast at the award-winning Andaluca’s was delish — eggs, house-recipe sage sausage made by a company at the farmer’s market, herbed potatoes (mmmm…good) and toast with fresh boysenberry and strawberry jam. Oh, and lots of cups of Caffe Umbria coffee.
After lounging until 1 p.m., we made a quick stop back at Pike Street Market to finish our shopping and headed home. Refreshed, filled-up, and happy.
For more information on the Mayflower Park Hotel visit www.mayflowerpark.com.