We found that the Pan Pacific Seattle was true to the many reviews that we read on TripAdvisor. My wife and I went with another couple on Dec. 27 to 29, 2007 and, with a few minor negatives, we found the overall stay to be excellent.

We booked through hotels.ca, and got a rate of $183 CDN per night, including all taxes & charges (parking extra). This seemed like a very good rate for such a nice hotel.

First, the negatives: there was poor lighting in the bathroom for shaving, and poor lighting in the bedroom for reading. And the walk-in shower had no flow control - the shower head felt like a pressure washer, and it flooded the bathroom floor (poorly designed shower curtain, and no floor curb). We aren't "fussy" travellers, and I wouldn't normally complain about this type of stuff (and didn't mention it to the hotel staff) but I wanted to give an accurate review.

The positives more than made up for the negatives: a very quiet room, with a very comfortable bed; nicely decorated, clean room; large soaker tub, and large flat screen TV (we didn't watch it, but it is there if you want it). The numerous staff were attentive, friendly and very helpful. Normally, I could care less about the lobby (who spends time there?) but in the cold weather, it was nice to wait for people in the cozy chairs by the fireplace.

There was a fair walk (say 6 blocks or more) to the Belltown area (restaurants, bars, etc.) through non-touristy areas, but not at all threatening - we appreciated the walk after the great meals we ate, so not an issue, but it might be a problem for people who are not as mobile. But, we were right on the streetcar route, which will take people quickly to the downtown area where free buses run.

A couple other items: try the Tavolata restaurant (2323 Second Ave.) but get there by 6:30 or expect to wait. If you are a microbrew fan, try the Pike Place Bar & Grill - several good beers to choose from.

One final complaint: Parking at the Pan Pacific: $28 per night - I found that a bit rich. Maybe check out the prices at one of the nearby lots.

Overall though, I would definitely stay at the Pan Pacific again.

Pan Pacific Seattle was surprisingly a nice hotel and the best one on our Seattle-Vancouver-Victoria trip.

Location & Convenience: Although a bit out of the main downtown area, it is an easy walk or a cab ride to downtown shopping, museums and pike place market. You can take the new trolley for free that stops right outside the hotel and it takes you to downtown shopping areas so this was very convenient. Also, as others have mentioned, Whole Foods Market is just beneath the hotel as well as Starbucks, which is actually connected to the hotel through a side door. I'd rate 4 out of 5 for location and 5 stars for convenience.

Room: We had the king room which had simplistic modern design with very good bathroom layout. There was Asian style sliding doors that would open up the sunken bathtub to your bed which made the room feel much bigger than what it actually was. Bed was very comfortable with very good pillows too (possibly on par with Campton Place in San Francisco) . Bed and bath are always a high priority on our vacation and Pan Pacific Seattle delivered. The only complaint I would have is the bath amenities, although plentiful, should be of better quality. 4.5 stars.

Service: I have to give 5 stars on this as everyone was eager to help and it showed. Although a tad inexperienced as would be expected for a new hotel, service as a whole was very good. Personally, we hate the gigantic hotel chains as the service can slake off but this one was well proportioned with just enough rooms to accommodate their guests needs. Room service food was above par but selection wasn't abundant. Quality wise, I'd rank 4 stars.

Extra tips: Since the hotel is fairly new, our cab driver from the airport did not know where it was located, even his GPS navigator did not pick it up. We were lucky that I had remembered the address... also, it took about 30 minutes for the taxi to arrive in the early morning of our departure. If you're taking a cab from the airport to the hotel or vice versa, take the Orange cab since they have a flat rate. Otherwise, it'll cost about $35~$40 (including tip).

We recently stayed at the Pan Pacific and was very impressed at the five star quality of the hotel. Nice bathroom, bath robes, very comfortable bed, flat panel TV, pretty new furniture and decor, etc. All very nice touches. The service was excellent as well. Because this is a one-year old hotel, you really get an excellent facility at decent prices.

My husband and I love the Pan Pacific. I can't wait until there are more of them in the US. Our room was beautiful. The view - south lake union and the Space Needle. We had a basic room - queen bed. The staff was excellent in all regards. We had a high level of customer service and really good food. The spa is not open yet, but the fitness center (located across the courtyard) was great. I did not like the fact that one must exit the hotel to work out. The fitness room is located in one of the condo towers, but the equipment was high quality and well worth the cold dash across the courtyard.

This trip was a special treat for me. We normally stay in the Westin or Sheraton for New Years Eve, but we upscaled it a bit and I am glad. It will be hard to stay anywhere else next year.