Celebrate the Season with Winterfest

Seattle Center becomes a hub of activity Nov. 26-Dec. 31 for the annual Winterfest celebration. With many of the activities free, there is bound to be something for everyone.

Drive a train around a turn-of-the-century village, listen to jazz or the Microsoft orchestra, or watch a puppet show or acrobatics. There is also an ice rink for $7 per adult, $5 per child.

For more information about this annual winter event, visit the website.

Now Featured: Hotel Bellevue

We're proud to be part of the Top 25 Boutique Properties at EliteMeetings.com. If you're in need of a group space and want the best for your clients or guests, consider one of the 25 listed—from beaches to the city, there is something for everyone.

It's Magic Season

If you're in town this holiday season, you may want to consider attending Bellevue Magic Season. The annual tradition features Snowflake Lane, a nightly celebration on the sidewalks around the Bellevue Collection; classic holiday concerts at The Theatre at Meydenbauer Center; Garden d'Lights at the Bellevue Botanical Garden and more.

And for the first time, Hotel Bellevue and the Bellevue Club are sponsors of Magic Season. As part of this sponsorship, members and their guests can attend one of four skate times at the Magic Season Group Health Ice Arena—on us! Choose from Tuesday, Dec. 14, 7:30-8:30 p.m. or 8:30-9:30 p.m. or Saturday, Dec. 18, 9-10 a.m. or 10-11 a.m. Free skate rentals are included.

If you'd like to attend one of the Hotel Bellevue/Bellevue Club skate nights, please call 688.3177. For more information about the Bellevue Magic Season, visit their website.

Apple Cup 2010

The latest date yet, this year's Apple Cup—the annual football game between rivals University of Washington Huskies and Washington State University Cougars—is happening Saturday, Dec. 4 in Pullman, Wash.

With the first rivalry game played in 1900, the Huskies currently hold the trophy after last year's shut-out of the Cougars.

Who will take the trophy home this year? Tickets are available for the event here.

Reserve Thanksgiving rooms soon!

Although October is the time of pumpkins and candy, Thanksgiving is just around the corner. Soon, orange and black will be changed out for brown and gold, ghosts and goblins for turkeys and pilgrims.

Reserve your room soon at Hotel Bellevue and in addition to a relaxing stay in the luxurious hotel, you will also have full access to the Bellevue Club—including our fitness classes after you eat that extra slice of grandma's apple pie.

The holidays are coming.

Are you ready?

With family and friends coming to town, you might find yourself a little stressed about where to put all those people. Even if you have room, extra people underfoot can drain your energy.

Why not have your holiday guests stay at Hotel Bellevue? Guests have full access to the Bellevue Club and all of its facilities including tennis courts, two indoor pools, four workout studios and more.

The best part? Bellevue Club members and their family and friends receive 20 percent off their reservations through Dec. 30.

Are you 13.1 or 26.2?

One of the largest marathon/half-marathon races in the Northwest is less than two months away. There is still time to register for the Seattle Marathon or Half Marathon, happening Sunday, Nov. 28.

The marathon started in 1970 when University of Washington friends decided to hold their own marathon. While the first Seattle Marathon had 38 runners, this year's event is expected to draw 14,000 participants.

Not a runner? Sign up for the walking marathon or half. Not quite ready to go the full 13.1 or 26.2? There is a 5k race and a Kids Marathon on Saturday, Nov. 27. And, if you don't want to participate in a race but would still like to get involved, there are a number of volunteer opportunities available.

Get all the details for this great event at the Seattle Marathon website.

Stay connected!

The Hotel Bellevue blog isn't the only place to find us online. If you haven't yet, please check out our Facebook site and follow us on Twitter!

Fashionable Success

From green to red to purple, the Bellevue Club was a rainbow of fashion, lights and music last Friday night at the 2010 Fashion Show titled Project Green Light. More than 200 people gathered to celebrate all things fashion while fundraising for a good cause.

Produced and directed by Vie Franz and Misha of SMASH, Project Greenlight featured fashion for women and men from Piazza Sempione, Wolford, Mandy Moon Vintage, Jimmy Choo, Built for Man and more. Model's couture hair design was by Alex Dahl and Gerardo Benedetto.

The night was also a benefit for All About Hope, a nonprofit group that provides support, comfort and guidance for people 19-65 diagnosed with terminal cancer. While attendees sipped the signature cocktail featuring Dry Soda, they could purchase raffle tickets for a wide variety of items. In total, more than $2,200 was raised for All About Hope.

Thanks to the sponsoring partners of Project Green Light, Bellevue.com and Pike Brewing, as well as everyone that donated items for the raffle: Dry Soda, Hotel Bellevue, The Spa at the Bellevue Club, Turgeon-Raine Jewellers, Neiman Marcus, Tory Burch, Piazza Sempione, Built for Man, Masha Osoianu Design, Mikele Keiffer Millinery and Seven Salon.

For more photos from the event, visit the Bellevue Club's Facebook page.

Help Make Strides Against Breast Cancer this month—Think pink!

In celebration of the ninth anniversary of Bellevue's breast cancer awareness walk, Hotel Bellevue has creased a special package to help make strides toward the research and cure of this deadly disease.

For the entire month of October, book our Think Pink package and 25 percent of your guestroom rate will be donated to the American Cancer Society.

The Think Pink package includes:
• Overnight accommodations
• Complimentary valet parking
• 3 p.m. late checkout
• Exclusive Bellevue Club discounts
• 25 percent of guestroom rate donated to the American Cancer Society
• Two pink drinks (alcoholic or non-alcoholic, see drink menu when checking in)

Want to walk? Join Hotel Bellevue and the Bellevue Club team on Oct. 10 for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk at the Downtown Bellevue Park to support this great cause. For details or to join the team, contact Heather London via e-mail or at 688.3207.

Prost!

Celebrate your German heritage (or be German for the day) at Fremont Oktoberfest. Running Sept. 24-26 in the "Center of the Universe," Fremont's event was voted by USA Today as one of the top places to celebrate Oktoberfest.

There will be events for the whole family, including a Dogtoberfest, a Brew HA-HA 5k, music, kids' area, Texas chain-saw pumpkin carving and, of course, a beer garden. For more information about Fremont Oktoberfest, visit their website.

Hotel Bellevue's Olympic Ballroom reopen!

After months of renovations, the brand-new ballroom at Hotel Bellevue is open for business. Perfect for your gatherings, the rich wood and dramatic lighting speak to business professionals looking for a powerful meeting spot and bridal couples wanting a breathtaking setting for their celebration.

The ballroom can accommodate small groups up to 200 guests. Please contact Hotel Bellevue today for more information about our meeting spaces or to stop by and take a look at our gorgeous new space—and watch this spot for even more photographs from our newly renovated ballroom.

Are you ready for some football?

Football season is back. With just a handful of preseason games left to play, you will soon be able to watch all your favorite teams and players battle it out on the gridiron. Whether you're a fan of the NFL or college ball, there are plenty of games to watch and plenty of football viewing parties to come.

For local favorites, schedules are linked below:
Seattle Seahawks
Washington Huskies
WSU Cougars

Labor Day weekend rate special

Often the last chance for relaxation before the school year starts, Labor Day is quickly approaching. If you want to get away but don't know where to go, why not stay close to home and escape to Hotel Bellevue? Kick back in our plush bedding with a glass of wine, schedule a massage at The Spa at the Bellevue Club or order room service and watch a movie.

The best part? Members and member referrals receive 25 percent off with the Labor Day weekend special at Hotel Bellevue. Call 800.579.1110 or e-mail hotel@thehotelbellevue.com for more information.

The pros are here

An annual event, this year's Boeing Classic runs Aug. 23-29 and welcomes the golf legends of the PGA. Tickets are still available for the tournament, happening at TPC Snoqualmie Ridge. Or, go on Friday and get in for free! The tournament benefits the Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason and The First Tea of Greater Seattle.

Run for Children's—are you ready?

Head out for a 5k or 10k run and finish with a beer at the Redhook Ale Brewery in Woodinville, all while raising money for Seattle Children's Hospital's uncompensated care fund.

The Run for Children's is happening Saturday, Aug. 21, and starts and ends at Redhook. There is a 10k run, 5k run and walk, and a Kids' Dash (about 300 yards). The race is $30 if you register by Aug. 17. Day-of registration is $35. Compete for the prizes given to the first, second and third place male and female finishers in the 10k and 5k or work hard for prizes given to the top three individual and top three team fundraisers.

The Seattle Children's Hospital's uncompensated care fund covers the approximately 65 percent of kids' treated that need financial assistance. The need this year is estimated to be more than $100 million.

You're invited

Did you know that when staying at Hotel Bellevue you have access to the Bellevue Club—including its plethora of fitness classes? No matter what type of workout you enjoy, we have a class that will fit the bill. From yoga to indoor cycling, weight lifting to Pilates mat, everyone is welcome in our classes no matter your age or ability level.

Click here to download the latest PDF of our fitness schedule.

In addition to group exercise classes, the Bellevue Club has four workout studios with cardio and weight lifting equipment, plus a yoga studio, Pilates studio and Kinesis studio. Private lessons and personal training are also available. For more information about any of our fitness options, please call the Athletic Services Desk at 425.688.3177.

Get ready to rock!

Every year, the city of Seattle celebrates all things music and arts at Bumbershoot. Join the party Sept. 4-6 at Seattle Center.

Tickets are available now—get yours to see Weezer, Bob Dylan and Mary J. Blige as well as local favorites Hey Marseilles, The Moondoggies and Visqueen. With seven music stages, two comedy stages, three performing arts stages, a film festival, art exhibits, arts and crafts vendors, a poster show and activities for kids you'll be lucky to see everything during the three days of the festival.

For more information, including the full line-up of musical acts and comedians, visit the Bumbershoot website.

Seafair!

It's time once again for the capstone event to the month-long Seafair celebration: The Albert Lee Cup Hydroplane Race, happening Aug. 6-8.

This race features the fastest powerboats in the world. Whether on shore or on a boat in Lake Washington, the hydroplane races are fun for the entire family. Tickets are still available for reserved seating.

Tee time!

Fred Couples, Nick Price, Greg Norman and Tom Watson are all making an appearance on the Eastside this week for the 2010 U.S. Senior Open Championships at the Sahalee Country Club, running through Aug. 1.

We still have some rooms available if you have tickets to the event, including our golf package (includes overnight accommodations, spa discounts, a breakfast or Cosmos credit, late checkout and a tee time arranged by our hotel concierge—green fee not included.)

Below is our guide for watching the tournament.


Choose a Strategy 
Do you want to follow your favorite player or do you want to camp out at a specific hole? Each has their advantages. If you’re a huge fan of a specific player and don’t want to miss a minute of his round, plan on walking. If you want to be comfortable and examine how all the different players approach a hole, stake out a spot on your favorite hole or grab a top-row bleacher seat to see multiple shots. Tricky par threes and second shots on shorter par fives are often good bets for exciting golf.

Come Prepared
Check the weather forecast and dress appropriately. If rain is in the forecast and you’re planning on watching multiple holes, think twice about bringing your umbrella. Instead bring your raingear, so you can squeeze up close to the ropes without an awkward, eye-poking accessory. Also, bring comfortable shoes (no spikes), sunscreen and binoculars. Chairs without arms and golf stools are permitted, but no lawn chairs.

Know the Etiquette
Leave the autographs and the golf chatter to the practice rounds. During the tournament, pay attention to volunteers and be quiet while players are taking their shots. Also, cell phones and cameras are prohibited, so leave them at home to save a trip back to the car. However, cameras are permitted on Monday through Wednesday.

Bring the Kids
All kids 17 and under may attend the championship for free when accompanied by an adult ticket holder. One adult may bring up to nine kids.

The results are in!

425 Magazine's Best Of 425 results are in! We're the runners up in the Hotel: Best Corporate Meeting category.

A big THANK YOU! to everyone for voting for us.

Sleep well, ride well

While registration is sold out for the 31st Group Health Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic, there are still Hotel Bellevue rooms available. Relax and rest before your 200-mile bike ride, the largest multi-day bicycle event in the Northwest! 

We have plenty of options for relaxation before the race: massages, a whirlpool, excellent dining options and most importantly, comfortable beds!

For more information about STP, visit their website.

Red, white and swimming pool-blue

Independence Day is just around the corner. Consider a weekend getaway with your family to Hotel Bellevue. Not only will you be close to multiple fireworks shows, but you will also have access to our world-class athletic facilities, including our outdoor pool, two indoor pools, six indoor tennis courts and four outdoor tennis courts. There are activities for the entire family while you stay at Hotel Bellevue. 

In celebration of this holiday, special weekend rates are available Thursday through Sunday night when you stay two nights! Give us a call at 425.454.4424 or visit our website for details.

Coming soon: Seattle Pride Festival!

On June 27, our Emerald City goes "Over the Rainbow" and over the top to support the LGBT community. Expect a dazzling spectacle of floats, outlandish costumes and dancing in the streets. Want to join the fun? Look for special Hotel Bellevue savings in the Seattle Pride Passport Guide!

The parade, produced by Seattle Out and Proud, is an exuberant, high-energy celebration of diversity, community and unity. It starts at 11 a.m. on Sunday, June 27 and travels along Fourth Avenue from the corner at Union Street to Pride Fest at Seattle Center. Visit seattlepride.org for more information.

Get ready to rock!

The Seattle Rock 'n' Roll marathon is quickly approaching on June 26. Although registration for the event is sold out, the Hotel Bellevue still has rooms available if you want to watch this fun event.

With a full and half marathon and thousands of runners, there will be plenty to see--including a different local band approximately every mile on the course. Local cheer squads will also be on hand lending encouragement to race participants.

The Seattle race starts in Tukwila and finishes at Qwest Field. For more information, including the route and bands scheduled to play, visit the Seattle page of the Rock 'n' Roll website .

Did you know?

The Hotel Bellevue staff works hard each month to put together travel tips and tricks, area event information or simply a fun read for REFLECTIONS, the Bellevue Club's monthly magazine. Each month, the issue can be found around the Club, where Hotel guests have full member access while staying at Hotel Bellevue, and also in Hotel rooms. 

In addition to the printed magazine, the full content of REFLECTIONS can be found online. Check back each month for the Hotel Bellevue's newest article!

Memorial Day special offer

The unofficial start of summer is just around the corner! What are your plans for this Memorial Day weekend?

If you have yet to finalize a getaway, why not come to the Hotel Bellevue? If the weather is nice, our outdoor pool will be ready and waiting. Enjoy a spectacular dinner after your swim at one of our two restaurants—the patios will be ready for dining al fresco!

Bellevue Club members that book a package over Memorial Day weekend at the Hotel Bellevue will receive 15 percent off their package! If you aren't a member, don't worry—you'll receive 10 percent off. Our spa package is not included.

Tour de Cure is coming

Are you ready? Help raise money for the American Diabetes Association by joining a team and participating in the ride. The Bellevue Club's team is headed up by Club personal trainer Shannon Paterson. On Saturday, May 22 you can ride 20 miles, 45 miles, 70 miles or 100 miles. If cycling is not in the cards, you can also donate money to the Club team.

For more information about Tour de Cure, start here.

Travelers love us

Based on more than one million hotel reviews submitted by Expedia travelers, Hotel Bellevue was once again chosen as one of Expedia’s top-ranked properties.

With only the top percentage of hotels joining the exclusive group, users’ criteria are based on service, guest experience and value. 

Hotel Bellevue guests are granted exclusive use of the Bellevue Club’s world-class athletic and dining facilities during their stay. Visit the Hotel Bellevue main site to book a weekend getaway or business trip today.

Want a mini-vacation in Seattle?

Did you know that Hotel Bellevue has a sister property in Seattle? Inn at the Market! Much like Hotel Bellevue, Inn at the Market is recognized by Travel + Leisure and Conde Nast as a top hotel. Inn at the Market offers a signature Seattle experience treasured by visitors and locals alike. The hospitality begins with their attentive staff ready to oversee every detail of your stay. From the lobby fireplace and the unique collection of regional Northwest art, to the unbeatable location in downtown Seattle and the entrance to Pike Place Market, Inn at the Market provides the ultimate Seattle experience.

Mother's Day is coming ... are you ready?

Give mom the gift of relaxation this year with one of the many Hotel Bellevue packages. From a morning massage to an evening out, there is something perfect for every mother. See our specials at our new Web site .

Start your day off on Top

Looking for a 5k race? Top Pot Doughnuts is holding the inaugural 5k Doughnut Dash & Walk on Sunday, April 25. The race around Green Lake in Seattle includes a free 1k Kids' Dash for those participants under 12. Your registration includes a limited addition Top Pot 5k race T-shirt.

Even if you don't want to run the 5k, check out Top Pot Doughnuts, now available daily at Luna Express and during weekend brunch in Splash. It's a deliciously sweet way to start off your morning.

Seattle Restaurant Week

Seattle Restaurant Week is coming. From April 18-29, more than 100 restaurants will be serving three courses for $25. But you don’t have to fight traffic for an excellent dinner. Starting April 15, Polaris, the Bellevue Club's fine-dining restaurant, is launching a whole new series of daily and monthly specials:

New York Night
Monday, 5:30-9 p.m.
Start spreading the news and take a trip to the Big Apple with a mouth-watering New York steak for only $21. Go uptown and sample a delicious wine pairing or specialty cocktail.

Half Price Wine
Tuesday, 5:30-9 p.m.
Invite a date and try delicious half-priced bottles from Polaris’ handpicked wine list.

Classics Night
Wednesday, 5:30-9 p.m.
Polaris is turning back the clock. Beef Wellington, Oysters Rockefeller, and other glamorous—and hard to prepare—dishes are making a delicious comeback. Classics menu changes monthly.

Halibut Night
Thursday, 5:30-9 p.m.
Surf’s up in Polaris with perfectly pan-seared halibut served up fresh every Thursday for $21 a plate.

Date Night
Friday, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Date night is back. Inspire romance with a hand-picked wine flight. The best part? Childcare will be provided by reservation (two hours max in Polaris only, 24 hour notice required).

Prime Rib Night
Saturday, 5:30-10 p.m.
Why mess with a good thing? Polaris Prime Rib Night offers an 11-ounce cut of juicy prime rib served with horseradish mashed potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, au jus and vegetables for only $22.50.

Monthly Specials

Around the World
Monday-Thursday, 5:30-9 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 5:30-10 p.m.
Explore exotic cuisine every month with the Polaris Around the World special.

Polaris Happy Hour

Monday-Saturday, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Unwind after a long day with the happiest hour in Bellevue, with 30 percent off all dishes.

For more details about Seattle’s Restaurant Week, visit http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/seattlerestaurantweek/

Race and Relax at Hotel Bellevue

The Fourth Annual Bellevue 5k race is coming up on Sunday, April 25. Make a weekend of the beginning of the spring racing season by booking a room at Hotel Bellevue to relax after the race. Add a massage to work out the kinks created from logging your best time to date! Hotel Bellevue is offering 30 percent off select Spa services for race participants that are staying in the Hotel.

The Bellevue 5k is a flat, fast course that starts and finished at Bellevue’s Crossroads Park (Northeast Eighth Street and 164th Avenue Northeast). Click here to register for the race.

Experience Washington

Looking for a low cost but fun option for a date night or family outing? Why not check out some of the beauty that Washington has to offer? Check out this list of scenic drives. Where do you think the best sights are? E-mail us your photos and we'll post them on our blog!

Spring has Arrived at Hotel Bellevue

Daffodils are blooming, trees are budding ... spring has sprung in the Pacific Northwest! Even with the mild winter we've had, it's nice to know that warmer days are around the corner. To celebrate the end of the winter blahs and the coming of the area's beautiful summers, take time for an urban getaway at Hotel Bellevue. Special packages are available for any budget.

Hotel Bellevue Blood Drive

Are you donating? Hotel Bellevue is hosting a blood drive this Thursday, March 18. There is still time to sign up! Visit our Facebook page for more information, or e-mail us to sign up. If you have questions about donating blood, visit the Puget Sound Blood Center Web site.

We'll see you there!

Celebrate St. Pat's Day

Wear a bit o' green this coming weekend and start celebrating St. Patrick's Day on Saturday, March 13 and Sunday, March 14.

Saturday, check out Seattle's St. Patrick's Day Parade, starting at 12:30 p.m. For more information, visit the Irish Heritage Club of Seattle's Web site.

On Sunday, participate in the Henry Wienhard's St. Patrick's Day Dash. Run off the corned beef and cabbage while helping to fight Autism.

Introducing StayHB.com

If you’re wondering what HB stands for, in January we renamed the Bellevue Club Hotel, changing it to Hotel Bellevue. With the new name comes a new Web site, and after much deliberation, the Hotel Bellevue team has chosen StayHB.com as our new home on the Web.

While it currently links to our old Web site, we have big plans in store for a brand-new site by April. Follow us on Twitter (@Hotel__Bellevue) to be first to know when Hotel Bellevue’s brand-new site is live. Also, for a quick look at the packages and specials available at Hotel Bellevue, become our fan on Facebook!