Courtyard Marriott South Lake Union

Holst designed targeted exterior and interior renovations to the Courtyard Marriott in South Lake Union, Seattle, to update the hotel and its amenities for a diverse and evolving profile of guests. The phased renovation of the 1990s-era building began with upgrades to the lobby and port-cochere, aimed at enticing more business travelers associated with the nearby Amazon headquarters and new Facebook offices. It then expanded to a rethinking of guest amenities and shared spaces, and finally, upgrades to the 250 guest rooms.

The second phase of renovation creates a large, industry-leading fitness center from the existing underutilized pool and converts the previous gym into a new large conference room. The hotel houses many travelling high school and college sports teams who needed an exercise space that would accommodate a larger number of visitors at once.

The third phase includes upgrades to the hotel’s rooms: new carpet, finishes, fixtures, and casework. A contemporary palette of neutral gray wallpaper and carpet, walnut casework and headboards, and white bathroom fixtures, result in a calming, inclusive, and durable aesthetic.

The hotel remained occupied throughout all phases of construction. The resulting renovation better serves a diverse audience, attracts new guests, and creates a special and notable identity befitting the hotel’s prominent location.