Bellevue's BEST Kept Secret: Hotel 116 Awaits!
Hotel 116 Awaits!: My Unexpected Bellevue Adventure (Spoiler Alert: Mostly Good!)
Okay, you're looking for the real scoop on Bellevue's "Best Kept Secret," Hotel 116. You want the messy truth, not some corporate brochure fluff. Buckle up, buttercups, because I have opinions. And my opinions are usually… loud.
First Impressions & the "Arrival" (or, the Battle of the Luggage)
Finding the place wasn't the easiest, even with GPS. It's nestled away, which is kind of the "secret" part. But when I finally pulled up – the exterior wasn’t exactly thrilling, let's be honest. But hey, who cares about curb appeal when you're about to sink into a plush bed, right? (Narrator: Wrong. I cared. A little.)
The Accessibility seemed good: I saw an Elevator, which is HUGE (I’m not a wheelchair user, but it’s always a plus, and shows they're thinking!). Though, honestly, navigating the lobby with all my luggage felt like an Olympic sport. Thankfully, the Doorman (and thank God for the Doorman!) was there to save the day, whisking away my bags with a cheerful grin. Score one for good service! He also pointed out the Car park [free of charge] and Car park [on-site] – bonus points for having both!
The Room: My Fortress of Solitude (and Free Wi-Fi!)
My room? Okay, now we're talking! The Non-smoking rooms are a must, and the Air conditioning was a LIFESAVER. I'd requested a High floor, hoping for a view, and they delivered! Not the best view, mind you, but hey, I’m not complaining. The Wi-Fi [free] – and I mean actually free, not that sneaky "terms and conditions apply" stuff – was blazing fast (essential for, you know, important matters like streaming cat videos). The Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! is a major selling point. Oh, and there was Internet access – wireless, and Internet access – LAN. Technology overload! You get the impression they're serious about catering to the digital nomad crowd…or at least, the people who can't live without their phones.
The little things? Spot on. The Bathrobes, slippers, and Complimentary tea (essential!), were a nice touch. The Blackout curtains were clutch for sleeping in, and I'm a sucker for a Scale in the bathroom. And the In-room safe box? Peace of mind. The Closet with plenty of space for my, ahem, carefully curated wardrobe – all good things.
Now, let me tell you about the Bed. The Extra long bed – glorious! I could practically do cartwheels on that thing. The Pillows…ah, the pillows. They were a dream.
The "Flaws" (Because Let's Be Real, Nothing's Perfect)
Okay, time for the gripes. And they’re minor, I swear. I wish they’d put a second chair in the room. I ended up sitting on the bed most of the time. The Mirror? Okay. The lighting in the bathroom could be better, and the Air conditioning was a bit too efficient – I almost needed a parka at one point. It's not an outright complaint, just be aware of the power of modern AC!
And, the Hair dryer – it worked… eventually. (My own personal pet peeve about hotel hair dryers).
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – A Culinary Adventure (Mostly!)
The Restaurants at Hotel 116 are a mixed bag. I ate at the Asian cuisine in restaurant place one night. It was… fine. The Salad in restaurant was fresh. The Coffee/tea in restaurant – always appreciated! But if you're looking for a truly amazing meal, you might want to venture out.
The Bar? I'd give it a solid B+. The Poolside bar looked inviting, but I didn't use it at all. They serve a decent cocktail, and the Happy hour deals are worth checking out. A Bottle of water was provided in the fridge which was a nice touch.
The Breakfast [buffet] had its ups and downs. The Western breakfast options were fairly standard. The scrambled eggs were… well, they were scrambled eggs. The Buffet in restaurant had enough of a spread to satisfy, but no stand out items that I can recall. The Coffee shop (next door to the hotel) was a nice touch and worth a walk.
Ways to Relax (Or, the Spa… and the Gym!)
Okay, so here’s where things get interesting. The Spa! They have a Fitness center – which I did attempt to use once (let's just say I'm more of a "leisure fitness" type). I took a look at the Gym/fitness area and found it very sufficient.
I did not indulge in the Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, or the Massage. (Maybe next time, though. I'm feeling it.)
They also have a Swimming pool – and, get this, a Pool with view! Though, I'm not sure what the view was of exactly. Pretty sure it was parking lots.
The Sauna, Spa/sauna, and Steamroom were all present.
Cleanliness and Safety – In the Age of…Everything
Listen, I am always thinking about this stuff. I felt reassured by the Staff trained in safety protocol, the Hand sanitizer dispensers everywhere, and the Anti-viral cleaning products. The Rooms sanitized between stays, and Daily disinfection in common areas. They even had Sanitized kitchen and tableware items. Felt safe, felt clean. They are Hygiene certified.
Services and Conveniences – The Little Things That Make a Difference
The Concierge service was friendly and helpful, though they're not mind-readers, ask for what you need and they're on the ball. Appreciated the 24-hour front desk. Laundry service was handy as well.
The Cash withdrawal service was useful. Contactless check-in/out was a breeze, and the Elevator was always working.
For the Kids… or, More Like, Around the Kids
While I didn't bring any kids, it's worth noting that they have Family/child friendly facilities.
Overall Verdict: Is Hotel 116 a "Best Kept Secret?"
Look, Hotel 116 isn't perfect. No hotel is. But for the price, the location (once you find it!), the comfortable rooms, the mostly-helpful staff, and the included amenities, it’s a solid choice. It’s not a glitzy, over-the-top experience, and that's kind of its charm. It's a reliable, comfortable place to rest your head. A well-kept secret? Maybe. It’s certainly worth a stay. And if you're looking for something truly special, I recommend splurging at the spa.
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- Hotel 116 Review: My Honest (and Messy!) Bellevue Stay
- Bellevue's Best Kept Secret? A Hotel 116 Review (With Opinions!)
- Hotel 116: The Good, The Bad, and the Surprisingly Comfortable (Bellevue Review)
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's meticulously color-coded travel itinerary! I'm about to unleash the true Bellevue, Washington, experience, Hotel 116-style, and it's gonna be a delicious, messy, and utterly unforgettable rollercoaster.
Hotel 116, Bellevue, WA: The Unofficial Itinerary (aka, My Brain on Vacation)
Day 1: Arrival and the Quest for Caffeine (and Sanity)
- 1:00 PM - Arrival at Hotel 116: Okay, first impressions: the lobby is… slick. Like, the kind of slick that makes you feel slightly underdressed in your travel sweats. But hey, the promise of a comfy bed is a powerful motivator. Check-in: smooth sailing, except I swear the receptionist gave me that look when I mentioned I'd be needing a LOT of coffee. (Spoiler Alert: She was right.)
- 1:30 PM - Unpacking and Assessment: Room is… decent. Clean, modern, blah blah blah. But the real pressing matter? Where's the coffee maker? Found it! And praise be, there is a Starbucks nearby! My survival depends on this.
- 2:00 PM - The Caffeine Crusade: Embark on a mission. Starbucks is a beacon of hope. The line is long, the barista is… a little too enthusiastic for my pre-coffee state, but I POWER THROUGH. I NEED MY FIX. I order a venti something-or-other, a fortress of caffeine and sugar. I feel my brain slowly rebooting.
- 3:00 PM - Bellevue Square Shenanigans (Maybe): Okay, so the hotel brochure promised upscale shopping nearby. The thought of designer stores makes my wallet weep, but maybe I’ll wander, just to soak it all in (and maybe find a good chocolate shop. Priorities, people!). (Note to self: Pack a good credit card. And maybe a therapist.)
- 5:00 PM - The Great Room Revelation (and the Wi-Fi Woes): The hotel's "Great Room" is supposed to be all plush sofas and chic ambiance. I find it. It's… fine. But the Wi-Fi? A digital ghost. After wrestling with the password for approximately the amount of time it takes to sail to the moon, I finally give up and decide to just… be. Read a book. Stare at the ceiling. Accept the blissful digital detox.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner Debacle (and the Search for Real Food): I'd scoped out a fancy restaurant near the hotel, but honestly? After the caffeine crash (and the Wi-Fi battle), I'm not feeling fancy. I settle for a burger from a casual place I find on the street. It was… adequate. The fries were limp. The burger was, at least, edible. I vow to do better tomorrow. (Maybe.)
- 9:00 PM - Sleep: Collapse into the oh-so-comfy hotel bed, finally allowing the exhaustion of travel (and the sugar crash) to wash over me. Dream of endless coffee and a functioning Wi-Fi connection.
Day 2: Bellevue Adventures (and the Quest for Breakfast Nirvana)
- 7:00 AM - The Breakfast Apocalypse (or, Where Did All the Food Go?): Hotel breakfast – included! I arrive bright-eyed and bushy tailed, thinking I'll conquer the buffet. Nope. It was a post-apocalyptic wasteland of lukewarm scrambled eggs, sad-looking pastries, and mysteriously empty coffee dispensers. The struggle is real.
- Anecdote: I swear, there was one rogue sausage roll that looked like it had been abandoned there since the Paleozoic era. I considered taking a photo for posterity. I didn't trust it.
- 8:00 AM - The Bellevue Botanical Garden (Attempted Zen): I drag myself to the Bellevue Botanical Garden. I’m picturing lush greenery, tranquility, maybe a spiritual awakening. The reality? Beautiful, yes, but also populated by a surprising number of toddlers on sugar rushes. I attempt to find my inner peace amidst the chaos. It's a work in progress.
- Quirky Observation: The rose garden smells divine. The Japanese Garden is perfectly arranged. I'm pretty sure I saw a squirrel plotting world domination.
- 10:00 AM - Downtown Bellevue (and the Search for a Decent Coffee Shop): This is where I find a decent cafe! The coffee is strong, the pastries are flakey perfection, and the people-watching game is strong. I sit there and make notes about my day.
- 12:00 PM - The Museum Mystery (or, Did I Accidentally End Up in a Cult?): I discover a museum featuring regional art. It's… interesting. Some of the art is thought-provoking. Other pieces leave me baffled. One exhibit is just… mannequins in bizarre outfits. I start to wonder if I've stumbled into a performance art piece I didn't sign up for. I leave feeling… confused.
- 3:00 PM - Back to the Hotel for a Nap (Necessary Recovery): The nap is a lifesaver.
- 5:00 PM - Dinner Round 2 (and the Quest for Culinary Redemption): Tonight, I’m determined to have a GOOD meal. I find a highly-rated seafood restaurant. The oysters are delicious. The ambiance is… a little too romantic for a solo traveler, but I don't care. I eat oysters, I eat lobster, I drink wine, and I revel in my own company. Best meal of the trip!
- 7:00 PM - The Evening View: I decide to drink some wine on the roof of the Hotel.
- 9:00 PM - Sleep.
Day 3: Departure (and the Lingering Smell of Adventure)
- 8:00 AM - Breakfast (Take 2 - and a New Strategy): Armed with knowledge from Day 1, I arrive at the breakfast buffet and manage to score a decent bagel and some relatively fresh fruit. I’m learning.
- 9:00 AM- Final Reflections: I wander around the hotel, wishing I had more time.
- 11:00 AM - Checkout… and a little tear: Leaving. I'm going to miss this place.
- 11:30 AM - Goodbye Bellevue! Until next time!
Bellevue's BEST Kept Secret: Hotel 116 Awaits! (Because, Seriously, It Should Be!)
Okay, Okay, So What's *Actually* So Great About Hotel 116? Everyone Says 'Secret', But Like, Why?
Alright, deep breaths. It's not exactly a *secret* secret, more like... a cleverly disguised gem. Everyone knows the big, corporate hotels in Bellevue, right? The ones that feel like carbon copies of each other? Hotel 116 is the anti-that. It's got character. It's got *soul*. And honestly, the price? You're practically stealing. I stayed there last month, and I swear, I kept expecting someone to yell "Surprise! This is a hidden camera show!" because it felt too good to be true. They have this tiny, beautiful courtyard with a fire pit...perfect for a quiet evening when your partner decides to tell you their entire childhood saga. (Love you, honey!)
Is the Hotel Clean? This is always the BIGGEST Fear.
YES. Okay, phew. I'm a clean freak, I won't lie. I pack my own Lysol wipes when I travel (judge me, I dare you). Hotel 116? Spotless. I mean, I did a deep dive inspection. No questionable stains on the carpet (a HUGE win!), no weird smells, and the bathroom? Glorious, clean, and well-stocked. They clearly actually *care* about hygiene. I mean, I'm not saying it's a surgical operating room, but it's definitely a place you can relax without feeling like you need to shower three times afterwards. P.S. Their shampoo and conditioner are actually good stuff. Not that cheap, headache-inducing stuff. Another win!
The Rooms... What Are They Actually Like? The Pictures Online Always Lie!!
Okay, real talk. The pictures are actually... pretty accurate! Shocking, I know. The rooms are modern, comfortable, and spacious. The beds are like sleeping on a cloud. I actually *slept*. Like, properly slept. I usually toss and turn, worrying about, well, everything. But at Hotel 116, I crashed. Maybe it was the comfortable bed, maybe it was the lack of sirens outside the window (rare!), maybe it was just the overall chill vibe. One minor quibble: My room *did* face the parking lot, and while the lighting in the room itself was great, I did find myself slightly self-conscious in my pajamas at 6:00 AM. But, hey, the perks outweigh the drawbacks.
Is the Hotel Near Anything Cool? Because Staying in a Hotel Bubble Is Not My Thing.
Bellevue is awesome and Hotel 116 is in a great spot. You're close to everything. Lots of restaurants and shopping are a short drive or rideshare away. Easy access to the highway, which is both a blessing and a curse, right? One thing I really liked, though, was their proximity to the "Bellevue Downtown Park"... which is super close. It's not just a park, it's a space. It's massive. I mean, a sprawling green carpet, like you're gonna have a picnic. I'm talking, kids running around, couples strolling, dogs doing dog things. And it's just... there. Right nearby. I spent a whole Saturday just wandering around there, feeling… normal. Good stuff.
What About the Food? I Get Hangry. VERY Hangry.
Okay, food. Listen, the breakfast situation at Hotel 116 is… let’s just say it's not a Michelin-starred experience. It's continental, basic, functional. Think bagels, toast, cereal, fruit, and the usual suspects. It's fine. It fills a hole. It does NOT, however, fully satisfy my breakfast cravings. I’m a bacon and eggs kind of gal. But I am very easily pleased. In the lobby, they have a small cafe bar, but I didn't have time, because I was busy trying to stop my partner from leaving and getting lost. But there are tons of places nearby. Just use Yelp or something. See that place that's always packed? Go there. I'm getting hungry just thinking about it.
Is There Anything *Bad* About Hotel 116? Be Honest!
Alright, honesty time. Everything isn't perfect. The gym is… well, it's small. I mean, it has the essentials, treadmills, elliptical, free weights, but it's not exactly a full-blown fitness center. I tried to go once, and it was kinda cramped, and I felt like everyone was watching me. (They weren't, it's just me.) Also, parking can be tight if you arrive at peak hours. I had to circle a bit. Minor inconvenience. But honestly, the only *real* complaint I have... and this is petty, I know...is that the elevators are SLOW. I'm talking glacial pace. You end up standing there, sighing, wondering if you should just take the stairs. But then you remember you're on the 7th floor and give up. The elevators are still a bit frustrating.
Alright, You've Convinced Me. BUT... What Makes Hotel 116 Stick Out? Is It all just rooms and cleanliness?
Here's the thing. Hotel 116 is more than the sum of its parts. It's the *vibe*. It's the staff, who are genuinely friendly and helpful (not that fake hotel-greeting-smile stuff). It’s the little details, like the quirky artwork scattered around the lobby. It's the feeling that you're not just another number, another guest. They actually *care* that you have a good stay. I'd gotten off a flight, totally exhausted and grumpy, and their front desk person (I think her name was Sarah?) saw my zombie state and offered me a free coffee. The little things are what matter, right? A small kindness can turn everything around. It's the kind of hotel that makes you feel… well, like you've stumbled upon something special. And honestly, I kind of want to keep it secret, too. But, I figure it is worth sharing.
Okay, so a specific experience? Something you'll never forget?
Oh, man, okay, buckle up. This one is a doozy. So, it was the second night of our stay. We'd had a lovely day, explored some shops, had a decent dinner. I was relaxing alone in the room, reading a book. My partner (bless their heart), was downstairs, getting *something* from the vending machine. (I still don't know what that was.) Suddenly, the fire alarm. I nearly jumped out of my skin, heart hammering. I grabbed my phone, a small handbagStay By City
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