Hotel Andra in Seattle

No detail in my new favorite boutique hotel is overlooked. And when I’m aiming to stay in style, I expect that my wishes will be the staff’s commands. Just sitting in the orange-splashed lobby makes my writing machine turn on – I am stimulated by the suave decor more than I should be. There are yummy Arne Jacobsen swan chairs, luxe glass candle holders-o-plenty, a mod fireplace, and a colorful crowd pouring in and out of the big glass doors.

On a recent trip to the Emerald City I was saved by Hotel Andra’s hospitality – saved from the rain, from my granola craving, and from my need for a big cozy bed on which to rest my over-traveled body. (I must say I rarely get such a strong hankering for granola, maybe Seattle inspires it in me?) A bride-to-be down the hall, flanked by her giggling bridesmaids, told me about the great breakfast downstairs at the Tom Douglas restaurant Lola, and I quickly ordered some, with the staff accommodating my request even though it was midday. Such a crispy, nutty combination of organic rolled oats, toasted with just the right amount of sweetness and spice made this granola parfait one to write home about.

Andra is a swank place, comfortable even for the choosiest guest, but not priced so high as to be exclusive of those with a lower budget. If I had my way, I’d come back with a gaggle of girlfriends to stay in the suite, eat Lola’s outstanding room service, and stay up all night swapping stories on the soft comforters.

Good Idea

Clean up with non-toxic solvents. Skip the crazy chemicals that are packed into so many cleaning agents. Hotel Andra fills their squirt bottles with green cleaners, made from organic and natural ingredients that do just as good a job as other carcinogenic, mystery-shrouded ones. Now I’m not saying I’d drink the stuff, but I got a chance to read the ingredients labels on their primary products, and I recognized more than not. They are also hygienic, so those with skin sensitivities and allergies can rest easy, and germs are still busted. Clean doesn’t have to mean poisonous. Next time you book a hotel ask if they use green cleaning supplies. (Even if the location doesn’t currently, if they get asked enough the peer pressure does tend to sway!) When you are gearing up for spring cleaning be choosy. I recommend Seventh Generation products, or making your own. Make Your Place is a great little book with loads of green cleaning recipes that are easy and cheap to brew up in our very own kitchen, before you clean it.

Deets

Hotel Andra, 2000 4th Ave., Seattle, WA, 206.448.8600, reserve in advance, or check last minute for the possibility of reduced rates.