Seattle's Hidden Gem: Silver Cloud Hotel Near UW!

Silver Cloud Hotel - Seattle University of Washington District Seattle (WA) United States

Seattle's Hidden Gem: Silver Cloud Hotel Near UW!

Seattle's Silver Cloud Hotel Near UW: More Than Just a Place to Crash (Maybe a Little Too Much?) - A Review

Okay, buckle up, because I'm about to spill the beans on the Silver Cloud Hotel near the University of Washington. Let me preface this by saying I'm not a robot, I'm a human. And humans have opinions, and sometimes those opinions are a tangled mess of emotions and random thoughts. This review is going to be that. Consider yourself warned.

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• Keywords: Seattle hotel, Silver Cloud Hotel, UW hotel, University of Washington, accessible hotel, Seattle lodging, spa, fitness center, free Wi-Fi, pet-friendly (see note!), restaurant, bar, parking, family-friendly, clean hotel, safe hotel.
• Meta Description: A brutally honest review of the Silver Cloud Hotel near UW. Accessibility, amenities, food – the good, the bad, and the slightly off. Prepare for a rollercoaster!

First Impressions & Getting There: (A Bit of a Shuffle)

Right off the bat, it's convenient. Seriously, if you're visiting UW or have business in the area, the location is killer. I arrived via taxi - easy peasy. Well, almost. The entrance isn't exactly a sweeping red-carpet affair; it's functional. No bells and whistles. The hotel chain is consistent with its brand - which is to say, a bit…generic, you know? But hey, sometimes generic is good. As you can tell I'm already off on a tangent!

Accessibility: (Pretty Good, With Caveats)

Let’s talk accessibility, because this is important, and honestly, I want to be very careful and respectful with this. I'm not disabled, so I can only relay what I observed. I did see ramps, elevators, and accessible rooms advertised. The website had a decent amount of information. Now, here’s the hiccup – always call ahead and confirm. Don't just assume, alright? The elevator seemed well-maintained and there were accessible parking spots indicated. Also, I noticed the front desk staff were generally helpful and accommodating. That goes a long way.

Wheelchair Accessible: I didn't personally need this, but I definitely saw signs pointing towards accessible rooms and features. Checking on specific needs is critical.

Rooms: (Dependable, But Not Exactly "Wow")

Okay, the room. I opted for a non-smoking room, which was a must for me (I hate the smell of stale smoke). The room itself? Functional. Clean. Undeniably Seattle. (I mean, what else can you expect?!). Let's go over the details:

• Air Conditioning: Worked! Important.
• Free Wi-Fi: Yes! And it was fast. Blessedly.
• Bed: Comfy enough, I slept soundly. Although, the pillows were a bit…meh. A little too soft. And the extra long bed was a plus!
• Bathroom: Clean. Bathtub. Shower. All good. Everything was in working order!
• Desk & Laptop Workspace: Present! Which was important for me.
• Coffee/Tea Maker: Yes! Absolutely vital for caffeine addicts like me.
• Mini Bar: It had one. I didn't touch it - pricey!
• In-Room Safe: Didn't use it, but it was there, which is reassuring.
• Blackout Curtains: Crucial for avoiding early Seattle sunshine.
• Soundproofing: I heard some noise from the hallway, but it wasn't terrible.
• Amenities: Slippers, bathrobes - nice touch. They do go with the Seattle aesthetic.
• Daily Housekeeping: Yep, and the staff was friendly whenever I saw them.

Cleanliness and Safety: (Reassuring…and a Little Overkill?)

Listen, after the past few years, cleanliness is at the top of everyone's list. Silver Cloud definitely gets points for this. Everywhere I went, it was spotless. I noticed:

• Anti-viral cleaning products: Good.
• Daily disinfection in common areas: Excellent.
• Room sanitization: They did a good job.
• Staff trained in safety protocol: Seemed to be.
• Hand sanitizer: Everywhere. (Perhaps too much everywhere, but, hey, safe, right?)
• Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: Pretty good.

However, I’m not going to lie, it was a little sterile. Like, maybe they went a smidge overboard with the cleaning, you feel me? Everything was so…polished. Almost a little too perfect for my liking. But hey, better safe than sick, I guess. They seemed to cover all bases to make sure customers will be fine.

Dining, Drinking, & Snacking: (Mixed Bag)

Okay, this is where things get… complicated.

• Restaurants: There's a restaurant on-site. The menu seemed pretty standard, with a mix of Western and International, but also a few Asian options!
• Bar: Yes. I had a beer. It was fine. The bartender was friendly. (Though the happy hour prices weren't exactly happy, if you know what I mean…)
• Breakfast: Buffet. Not bad, but not amazing. Standard hotel breakfast fare. I opted for the Western breakfast (they had a good selection), but after a few days I started craving variety. Maybe they can make some changes, but I wasn't totally let down.
• Coffee Shop: I didn't see one. (Definitely missed my morning coffee).
• Room Service: 24-hour! That's a huge plus.
• Poolside bar: Didn't exist because there was no outdoor pool, but I'll cover the pool below.
• Snack Bar: Nope. (Bring your own snacks!).

Also, there was a pool with view that I'll discuss!

Swimming Pool & Spa (It's an Indoor Gem!): Oh, the pool! This was a highlight for me. Really! Swimming pool [indoor] (the review is not an outdoor pool location), it was surprisingly beautiful. The pool was clean and well-maintained, and the view… was amazing. The view was over the city and the water. I swear I took a bunch of photos here. I just kept going back. It's worth a stay at this hotel alone, in my opinion.

The Spa felt like it was what you expected - a regular spa. While I did not try them, the Sauna, Steamroom, Spa, and Spa/Sauna were available if you wanted.

Things to Do & Ways to Relax: (Fitness Fanatics, Rejoice!)

• Fitness Center: Good. Well-equipped. I didn't love the elliptical, but the treadmills were excellent.
• Gym/Fitness: See above.
• Massage: Offered. Didn't try it, but the spa area looked inviting.
• Body scrub, Body wrap: Also offered at the spa.
• Additional Relaxing Options: There are several other things to do in Seattle! It's not a resort, but the location is great.

Services & Conveniences: (Pretty Standard)

• Free car park: This is a massive win in Seattle. Finding parking is a nightmare.
• Wi-Fi: Free, and reliable. Important.
• Concierge: Present, helpful.
• Laundry service / Dry cleaning: Available, but I didn't use them.
• Cash withdrawal: There's an ATM.

For the Kids: (Meh, Not Exactly a "Playground")

• Family/child friendly: It's okay. Not specifically geared towards kids, but not actively unfriendly.
• Babysitting service: Don't recall seeing this specifically advertised.
• Kids facilities: No dedicated play areas.

Getting Around: (Easy Peasy)

• Airport transfer: Available, check with the front desk.
• Taxi service: Readily available.
• Car park: See above (free and awesome).

Pet Policy (Important Note!):

I didn't see any specific pet policies listed Check with the hotel before you book if you're traveling with a furry friend.

The Quirks & Random Thoughts:

• The elevator music: Okay, the elevator music was a little… repetitive. It was one of those "smooth jazz" playlists that just becomes background noise. But hey, it could very well be what you're into.
• The lighting: It was a bit dim in the rooms. I prefer brighter spaces, but that's just me.
• The "Shrine" (okay, I made that up. There wasn't a shrine). But seriously, the whole experience was a bit…polished, a bit… safe.
• The Staff: Overall, the staff was great. Friendly, helpful, and efficient.

Final Verdict: (The Honest Truth)

The

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Silver Cloud Hotel - Seattle University of Washington District Seattle (WA) United States

Okay, buckle up, buttercup, because this itinerary isn't your grandma's perfectly-folded brochure. We're going full-on messy, glorious Seattle adventure from the Silver Cloud Hotel near the University of Washington. Prepare for a bumpy ride!

Silver Cloud Hotel – Seattle University of Washington District: A Slightly Haphazard Odyssey

Day 1: Arrival, Coffee Catastrophe, and Husky Hysteria

• 1:00 PM - Arrival & Initial Panic: Okay, so first impressions? The Silver Cloud feels… clean. Too clean, maybe? Like a hotel room that's never lived in. Fine. Checked in, baggage dropped. Now the real battle begins: finding coffee. (I'm a disaster without caffeine.)
• 1:30 PM - The Quest for Caffeine (and the Near-Disaster at Starbucks): Okay, so first impressions? Coffee is life. The Starbucks down the street? Packed. Like, shoulder-to-shoulder, the kind of packed where you start questioning your life choices. Ordered a latte. Too milky. Too hot. Nearly burned my tongue off in a moment of existential despair. Victory? Nah, more like a minor skirmish.
• 2:30 PM - UW Campus Stroll & Giant Duck: Alright, shaking off the coffee trauma. UW campus. Gorgeous. So, so gorgeous. Seriously, the architecture, the trees, the freaking quad… I’m almost a little jealous of the students. Okay, let's be real, I'm completely jealous. Spotted that giant duck (yup, a statue!), and spent an embarrassing amount of time trying to figure out how to "befriend" it. Failed miserably, mostly because I was still sulking about the latte.
• 4:00 PM - Bookstore Bliss & Budget Anxiety: Ah, the UW Bookstore. My happy place. Spent an hour browsing, drooling over textbooks I'll never read (but secretly want to). Picked up a t-shirt that probably cost more than my dinner. The budget is crying. I’m trying not to join it.
• 6:00 PM - Dinner Near Campus & The "Foodie" Fiasco: "Let's try that ramen place!" I said. Famous last words. Looked good! Then it arrived. It was… noodles. In broth. With some… stuff. Don't get me wrong, not the worst ramen I’ve had, but I’m pretty sure my local takeout place has a better broth game. I felt like a fraud. Also, I spilt half of it on myself.
• 8:00 PM - Evening Stroll & Pre-Slumber Meltdown: Back at the hotel. I'm so beat! After ramen, I wanted to walk a bit and unwind… but the rain started so instead, I just sat in my room and journalled. I felt my usual anxiety creeping in, but overall, a decent Day 1.

Day 2: Pike Place Panic, The Ferry of Feels, and Fish-Throwing Fury!

• 8:00 AM - Breakfast Blues (and a Desperate Plea for Bacon): The continental breakfast at the hotel… well, let's just say it's not the highlight of the trip. Dry muffins, questionable fruit, and a coffee machine that sounds like a dying walrus. Where is the BACON?! (Important note: I woke up with a terrible craving for bacon. I'll keep you informed.)
• 9:30 AM - Pike Place Market! (Chaos Ensues): Okay, Pike Place. Holy. Moly. So many people, so many smells, so much… everything. Briefly lost my mind trying to find a specific spice shop. Felt the mild-panic rise. It involved a lot of "excuse me, pardon me, sorry!" and the near-constant feeling of being swept away by a river of tourists.
• 10:30 AM - Double-Down: Fish Throwing! (The Only Thing Worth It): The fishmongers throwing fish! Saw the fish-throwing. I took a video. I didn’t buy a fish. Still awesome. I just stood there, mesmerized, like a kid at a circus. I'm pretty sure I took about 50 photos of them. Worth it!
• 11:30 AM - The Flower Power Moment & The Hidden Gem Shop: Flowers EVERYWHERE! My soul is happy. I was so happy, I spent way too much money on a single gorgeous bouquet, which now takes up half my hotel room. Also, I found a little shop selling vintage maps. I could have spent hours in there, but my bank account said "NO". This is the perfect moment.
• 1:00 PM - Ferry Fiasco & the Puget Sound Feels: The ferry! Decided on an impromptu ferry trip to Bainbridge Island. The views were spectacular. Like, heart-eyes-emoji spectacular. The water, the mountains… it was all utterly breathtaking. Okay, I'm a sucker for a good view. On the ferry, I spotted a little kid being a total terror! I felt a little better about the world.
• 3:00 PM - Ferry - Back to the hotel: Back to the hotel. I’m still basking in the glory of the Bainbridge Island ferry trip.
• 6:00 PM - Dinner & The Burger of Regret: Okay, I was starving. Found a burger joint. The burger looked delicious. It was massive. I ate the whole thing. I'm now pretty sure I'm going to need a nap.
• 8:00 PM - Rainy Evening & The "Netflix and Despair" Protocol: Back in the hotel. Rain. Again. Embraced the classic rainy-day routine: Netflix, bad snacks, and a healthy dose of existential dread. Is this a good trip or a bad trip? I have no idea.

Day 3: The Space Needle (and My Tiny Fear of Heights), Coffee Comeback, and Departure Eve

• 9:00 AM - The Space Needle Climb (and the Minor Heart Attack): Okay, time to face my fears. The Space Needle! Got a little fluttery-anxious in the elevator, but the view from the top? Unbelievable. Seattle stretched out before me, glittering and beautiful. Briefly forgot about the potential to fall. Made myself stand on the "glass floor" for a solid 20 seconds (victory!). Saw a couple take engagement pictures…I wanted to throw up.
• 10:30 AM - Space Needle Descent (and the Urgent Need for Caffeine): Back on solid ground. Woohoo! Then, a sudden and overwhelming craving for coffee. And bacon. (The bacon craving is getting serious.)
• 11:00 AM - Coffee Redemption & Bacon Dreams: Found a local coffee shop. This time, ordered a perfect latte. Pure bliss. Also, I started researching where to get bacon at 3 AM. The bacon hunt continues.
• 12:00 PM - Last-Minute Souvenir Panic & The Bookstore's Final Embrace: Time for souvenirs. Stumbled back to the bookstore (surprise!). Bought more books, more t-shirts, and a Seattle-themed snow globe that I’ll probably break before I get home. I love them though.
• 1:00 PM - University Village & the Shopping Spree of Despair: Decided to visit University Village. It was nice. I made my budget cry. Again.
• 3:00 PM - Packing Panic & The "What Did I Even Do?" Reflection: Packing. Ugh. Found all sorts of random things – a rogue sock, a handful of receipts, a half-eaten energy bar. What did I even DO for the last three days?
• 6:00 PM - Farewell Dinner & The Bitter Sweet Taste Of Leaving: Dinner… at a cute little bistro. The food was good, but I mostly kept replaying the past few days in my head. I loved it, I hated it, I loved it again. I miss it already.
• 8:00 PM - Final Hotel-Room Reflections & the Promise of Sleep: Last night. Looking out the window, watching the rain. A bit of sadness, a bit of relief, and a whole lot of memories. Seattle, you crazy, beautiful place. I wouldn't trade it for the world (okay, maybe for a lifetime supply of good bacon). Tomorrow, I leave. And I swear, I’m going to find that bacon when I get home.

Departure Day:

• Early Morning: One last look at the rain. One last, desperate search for the bacon. Headed to the airport. Seattle, you've been a riot. I'll be back. Hopefully with bacon.

(P.S. If you see a guy wandering around Seattle, desperately searching for bacon, that's probably me. Feel free to point me in the right direction.)

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Silver Cloud Hotel - Seattle University of Washington District Seattle (WA) United States```html

Silver Cloud Hotel Near UW: Your Questions (and My Rants!) Answered

Is the Silver Cloud Near UW *really* that close to the University? I need to know for my tardy tendencies.

Oh honey, YES. Like, practically stumbling-distance close. You can practically *smell* the freshly brewed coffee and existential dread of the library from your room. (Okay, maybe not *quite*. But close!). I once sprinted (okay, a brisk power-walk after sleeping through my alarm *again*) to a lecture and made it with five whole minutes to spare. Five minutes! Proof positive that this proximity is a lifesaver for the chronically late. Just... don’t expect to stroll leisurely. You're on *UW time* now, baby! And if you're late because of the inevitable rain? Pack an extra umbrella, trust me. My hair has never recovered from that incident.

What's the parking situation like? I'm bringing my oversized, gas-guzzling beast. (Just kidding...mostly).

Okay, so parking is... well, it's Seattle. You're not going to find free, readily available parking anywhere, let's be real. The Silver Cloud *does* have parking, thank heavens. But it's not a sprawling, limitless paradise. Expect to pay. And when I say “pay,” I mean the kind of pay that makes you weep quietly and question all your life choices. Consider the bus. Or a bike (if you're braver than I am, on Seattle hills). Honestly, parking is my personal nemesis in this city. I once circled the block for a solid 45 minutes before giving up and just Ubering back to my apartment. That’s a story for another day, because it involved a desperate pizza and a whole lot of existential dread.
**Pro-Tip:** call them *before* you get to the hotel and ask about parking rates. You might faint. Then budget accordingly.

Is the hotel clean and comfortable? I have high standards (and am somewhat of a germaphobe).

Alright, alright, alright... cleanliness is a big deal, and the Silver Cloud generally delivers. My experience has been, on balance, very good. The rooms are usually pretty spotless, and the beds are actually, *genuinely* comfortable. Like, sink-into-it-and-forget-your-troubles comfortable. They're the kind of beds that make you want to stay in them all day (which, let's be honest, is a definite possibility after a long day of classes/sightseeing/existential contemplation). I *did* once find a stray hair in the bathroom (lord, it was a long one!), but stuff happens, right? Overall, I'd rate it "comfortably above average." Bring your own Lysol wipes and hand sanitizer if it makes you feel better (can never be too safe!), but you should be fine.

What about the included breakfast? Is it just sad continental muffins and instant coffee? (Please tell me it's better).

Okay, buckle up, because the breakfast is a mixed bag. It's *not* the worst hotel breakfast I've ever had... but it's also not going to win any Michelin stars. They have your usual suspects: muffins (yes, sometimes of questionable freshness, I confess), bagels, cereal, some fruit, and – thank the heavens – *decent* coffee. The instant coffee? A definite no-go. *shudders* Stick with the regular brew, it's usually drinkable. They also sometimes have waffles – and when that happens, *run* (well, don’t actually run, you might trip, it's the Pacific Northwest, after all). Grab a waffle, slather it in syrup, and pretend you're not judging the other guests. It's all a part of the hotel life, right?
**The anecdote from the depths of my breakfast-related despair:** One morning, I arrived at breakfast, fueled by nothing but a silent prayer and the faint promise of caffeine. They were *out* of waffles. Out. I nearly wept. I settled for a stale bagel and a cup of disappointment, which is basically a metaphor for my entire college experience. It's improved, or maybe, I've just gotten over it, but hey, its free right?

Is there anything to *do* near the hotel besides go to school? I’m not *just* a student, you know!

Oh, honey, YES! You're in *Seattle*! Even if you are only attending UW. You're practically next door to the University Village, which is a shopper's paradise (or, if you're like me, a place to window-shop and silently judge the prices). You can walk to the Burke Museum (dinosaurs! need I say more?), the Henry Art Gallery (art! More intellectual than dinosaurs, though), and various coffee shops. You're also a quick bus ride – or a sweaty bike ride – from downtown. Lake Union is close, too. The point is, you'll be busy, or bored af if you want to be. Seattle's got options. And if you *are* 'just a student,' embrace it! Explore the city, eat all the food, and don't be afraid to get lost (metaphorically or literally!). It's all part of the adventure. Just watch out for the rain, it's relentless. Trust me on that one.

Are there any downsides? What should I NOT expect?

Okay, let's get real for a second here. The downsides? It's not the Four Seasons. It's a solid, reliable mid-range hotel. Don’t expect room service at 3 AM. Don't expect a Michelin-star restaurant on-site. Don't expect a breathtaking view unless you get lucky. Sometimes, the noise from the street can be a bit much, especially if you're a light sleeper (bring earplugs!). And let's be honest… the décor isn't going to blow you away. It's functional, clean, and not offensive. But don’t expect a design masterpiece.
**Don't expect miracles.** You're paying for convenience and cleanliness. And sometimes, that's exactly what you need. Don’t expect a magical, life-altering experience. (Unless you find a particularly good waffle, in which case, maybe).

Is it worth the money?

Here's the brutally honest truth: it depends. It depends on what you're looking for, what your budget is, and how desperately you need a place to crash near UW. If you value convenience, cleanliness, and proximity to the university, then yes, it's probably worth it. Especially during a conference or something. The rates fluctuate, so check prices. If you are looking for luxury and ambiance, look elsewhere. But if you're a practical person who appreciates a functional and well-located hotel, then this is a solid contender. I'd stay there again. I've certainly stayed in worse. Much, much worse. (Find Hotel Now

Silver Cloud Hotel - Seattle University of Washington District Seattle (WA) United States

Silver Cloud Hotel - Seattle University of Washington District Seattle (WA) United States

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