Review of the Inn at Virginia Mason in Seattle, Washington

If you find yourself in Seattle, Washington needing surgery - or just wanting to visit someone who has underwent one, there is a great place to stay nearby. Located in the medical district of downtown Seattle, this establishment is known as The Inn at Virginia Mason. There are a variety of reasons to stay here. Here are some:

Convenience. If you (or your loved ones) are planning on having surgery at Virginia Mason, The Inn is the place to stay. Guests do not have to walk outside to get into the hospital. There is a walkway connecting the two buildings. How nice is that?!

Location. The Inn at Virginia Mason is easily accessible for both ferry and auto passengers. It is within walking distance from the Washington State Ferry docks (Coleman Dock). In fact, it is a nice walk providing a minor workout. Any ferry commuter knows that if you walk directly up Marion, the elevation is a heart pounder. However, you can easily walk a few blocks west to experience more level ground.

For auto passengers, The Inn is conveniently located off of I-5. Simply take the Madison exit and follow the signs.

Parking. Being located within the medical area provides a variety of parking options. Plus, there is street parking - if need be. I know that the parking garages charge, I am not certain about the street parking. Either way, you may have to search for parking, but it is there.

Décor and ambience. Once inside The Inn at Virginia Mason, visitors and guests are greeted with an old world ambience. The Inn is comfortably decorated and reminscent of an old luxury hotel.

Lobby. The lobby contains a couple of chairs for guests, along with brochures on local attractions. There also is a phone and desk available for guests to use. Walking from the street to the lobby is very pleasing. I, particularly, like the gold banisters encasing the stairs (there are about four stairs to walk up in order to get into the Inn's lobby).

Rooms. The single rooms leave a lot to be desired, in my opinion. The bathtubs are hard to get in and out of since they are so deep. However, the handicapped rooms are exquisite. They have LARGE baths, two queen beds, refrigerator, coffeemaker, coffee table, night stand, dresser and closet. Every room has dark cherry furniture, a cable tv, phone, and tables. The lighting, overall, could be better.

Customer/guest services. The staff here seem genuinely concerned about helping customers. I have always felt welcomed. There is one sour egg in the bunch, but perhaps she was having a bad day when we dealt with each other.

Room service. If need be, room service is available. There are menus on the corner tables in rooms.

On-site restaurant. The Rhodedendrum Restaurant is next to the lobby. Not only is it convenient, but the ambience is appealing. There is a menuboard on the wall that is enticing. This is the restaurant that provides the Inn's guests with room service. It is excellent food.

Of all the positive points that The Inn at Virginia Mason has, the one drawback that I have noticed is their computerized reservation system either needs improvement or better training to use. Still, this minor drawback is well worth the experience of staying here.

The Inn at Virginia Mason is located at 1006 Spring Street, Seattle, WA. 98104. Reservations are (800) 283-6453.