Seattle is well known as a casually sophisticated town with a rich art and literary culture. The Red Lion Hotel on 5th Ave. downtown represents Seattle style beautifully. It also has an added appeal for epic fantasy lovers like me.
In George R. R. Martin’s wildly popular epic, A Song of Ice and Fire, The Lanister family is rich, powerful, ruthless, and extravagant. Their sigil, or symbol, is a golden lion on a field of red. As a fan of Martin’s A Game of Thrones, I was thrilled to discover my seminar and consultant meeting would be at The Red Lion. It immediately captured my imagination offering accommodations fit for a Lanister.
The concierge was as accommodating and generous as any lady-in-waiting. The bell stewards were gracious and chivalrous as any knight of the king’s guard . The decor was rich and plush with orchards worthy of Highgarden and plenty of extra blankets and pillows cozy enough even for Winterfell. From my room I enjoyed a lovely view of Elliot Bay which was easily re-imagined as the Blackwatter.
Best of all, there was an English-style pub in the basement called The Elephant and Castle.
They served the standard Irish, English, And German imports. But if you go, I recommend the local Seattle brew from Pike Pub Brewery. My favorite was the smokey, rich Pike Kilt Lifter Ruby Ale. But my companion recommends the hoppy Pike IPA. It’s brighter with an herby flavor. Either of them could have been served at the Inn of the Cross Roads and would have kept even Tyrion happy!
And while a Lanister always pays his debts, I was happy to learn that the Red Lion Hotel accepted all major credit cards.