Hotel Max

This downtown hotel definitely has an edge, especially in decor. Similar to boutique upscale modernist hotels in every major city, Hotel Max is unique in the friendly staff department. I've found from multiple stays that they seem to really care about the customer and our needs. Specifically, I've spent significant time in their sparse business center, and have never felt like I was taking advantage.

Most of the staff is young, good-looking and knowledgeable about local points of interest. The rooms are nothing special, but offer great vantage points and the location offers the opportunity to walk everywhere of interest downtown.

It took me two years to go back to the Hotel Max but I decided to get over my issues and try again. I spend a lot of time traveling and a lot of time in Seattle so I need to find decent hotels often. I should have stuck with my policy......Upon discovering that my car had been scratched by the valet (after I left) I called the hotel. (check out the garage they put your car in some time....). They indicated that they would check out the camera in the garage to try to figure out what happened. After four days and multiple calls on my end to check on what was happening I was informed that the tape from the garage had been "contaminated" and they couldn't check on what had happened therefore they were absolving themselves of all responsibility. In a day and age where I frequently wonder what happened to "the customer is occassionally right" as I've given up on decent customer service anymore - the Hotel Max confirms that some corporations don't care what the customer feels like after they have signed the credit card slip.

Funny enough....Guess what kept me away for two years? I just sold that car and got a new one...... I certainly won't drop my Hotel Max ban this time. I'll also keep it in mind if any of their other hotels cross my path...Hotel Lucia in Portland, Hotel Deluxe in Portland.

Please stand up with me and don't patronize businesses who don't care about their customers!

The front desk and the staff looked and acted like they were on loan from a fast food chain. The hall ways reminded me of being back in college dorms. No one bothered to inform me that I was not getting the non-smoking I had asked for. Go ahead and be edgy but dont forget the fundamentals.

I had been given a gift certificate for the Max, and was afraid of what I thought would be a closet with a bed (since the cirtificate was the basic class of room), but instead I had a PERFECT room for a night away! The size was larger than expected after reading previous reviews, the bed was absolutely the most cozy I have slept in, and even the bath robes were plush! I was on the 8th floor and had somewhat of a view (as much as can be expected in an older building in a modern city setting), and slept with my windows open with no interruption. I have to admit, after all the negative written by others I was afraid to stay. Now I think that just because they are used to the large lack-luster rooms of the national chains, that a room such as boutiques offer, one that is not absolutely cavernous is somehow shortchanging them. The amenities were high end, the furniture was very relaxing, the toiletries very nice quality, and the staff friendly- I honestly couldn't have asked for anything more. Even the art pieces in the room were unique, no prints. How often do you see this in a hotel?

Yes, the art can be a little racey, but that is the job of art is to make you see things in a way you normally wouldn't, to appreciate that which in another context my make you less apt to ponder, or even worse to take it for granted. Initially I was caught off-guard when I first walked in, but after one or two times of passing bye the "noted" picture next to the front desk I had to stop and look- it is a painting of such fine work that it looks like a photo. I am saddened that someone wouldn't stop to actually look at the work rather than the mere subject. I may not have it in my livingroom, but I can say that the art is of superior standard.

Thank you Max, you have given me hope that sometimes there is more than meets the eye!

OK, yes it was hip. And they did allow my dog, another plus. That's where it ended. $25/night to park..valet mind you is the ONLY option for parking. We had 2 cars since I met my girlfriend there 3 night x 2 cars x $25=a whole extra nights stay!!. Room was TINY not european, barely big enough to turn around in. Shower was almost impossible to get into, I kept hitting my elbows, and knocking the hot water on higher every time I turned. And how about a decent towel. The Motel 6 has superior towels!!!! crunchy mess. the vibrator was novel, as was the holy literature menu, but who really needs a book of book or mormon as well?? Oh, and $13 a day for internet?!?!? give me a break. The bed was pretty awful as well. The mattress pad was simply a fleece blanket under a fitted sheet, it kept bunching up under the sheets, and really made it a pain to sleep on. Oh and how about a nice view of the restaurant hood vents!?!?! All inclusive!! we had a view of nothing and smelled fried whatever from the Red Fin....PS-snotty waitress when we sat down @ midnight for a night cap. She acted extremely put out that we even sat down. How about a nice window unit air conditioner that's louder than living under the air port. I experienced no extra level of service other than a door being held for me when I arrived @ the hotel. Room service breakfast was decent, but yogurt & granola cosisted of about 6 oz of yogurt and ONE SPOONFUL of granola for $8. I travel to Seattle about 2 weeks/month and stay a more humble place, for a similar price that's 5 times as roomy, only 4 blocks away, has better bedding, free parking, internet, and breakfast. Try the King Suite @ the La Quinta on 8th. Make sure you get a room on the street side and you won't endure the construction behind.