What can one person get for $1,600 in Seattle over two nights?
Welcome to Seattle, where the coffee is always hot, the skies are sometimes clear, and a weekend away can feel like the perfect mix of indulgence and exploration. After a busy few months juggling life, work, and toddler tantrums, I decided to head on a solo Pacific Northwest escape. My destination? The iconic Emerald City, a place I haven’t visited in over 15 years. My itinerary? A little luxe, a little laid-back, and a lot of caffeine-fueled adventures.
With a budget of $1,600, I booked two nights at the historic Fairmont Olympic Hotel, packed my carry-on, and hopped on a flight to Seattle. Over three days, I indulged in everything from spa treatments to stunning glass art exhibits, caught fish at Pike Place Market (literally), and savored an excessive amount of coffee (because Seattle).
Here’s how my whirlwind weekend played out—and where all that cash went. Spoiler alert: my caffeine budget was almost as high as my wine budget. Priorities, right?
Friday: Check-in to Chill Mode
4:30 p.m. – Check-in at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel
Price: $420/night
I haven’t been to Seattle in over 15 years, so I decided to do it up and enjoy two nights at the iconic Fairmont Olympic Hotel. This place is the moment—think chandeliers, marble terrazzo floors that make your heels sound extra fancy, and a vibe that whispers “timeless luxury.” My room? Spacious, plush bedding, Le Labo products in the bathroom, and views of downtown. I’m already mentally planning my bubble bath later, complete with bath salts and a little bubbly of my own. Hello, self-care weekend.
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6:00 p.m. – Salt & C Facial at Penelope & The Beauty Bar
Price: $395 for the 100-minute Salt + C facial
As a mom of a toddler, my “me time” at home is usually about five minutes long, so when I travel, I go big. And that means a stop at the in-house spa, Penelope & The Beauty Bar, for their Salt + C Facial. Gua Sha, microcurrent, LED therapy, and Le Fervance products that honestly I can’t pronounce half the ingredients—this was pure heaven. By the time the esthetician finished the contouring face massage, I had officially melted into the facial bed. My face felt de-puffed, lifted, and like I had my life together. Worth every penny.
8:00 p.m. – Room Service & Relaxation
Price: $78
Post-spa glow intact, I floated back to my room, ordered room service, and proceeded to live my best Julia Roberts-in-Pretty Woman life. Cheeseburger? Check. Glass of champagne? Obviously. A long bath in a robe that could double as a cloud? Don’t mind if I do. If my trip ended here, I’d be pretty satisfied, but let’s not kid ourselves—there’s still plenty more to explore. And if the city traffic or honking horns keep me up at night? Well, that’s just the soundtrack to my Seattle story. (Note to self: Remember to pack Tylenol PM next time.)
Daily Total: $893
1. The Fairmont Olympic Hotel SeattleCourtesy of Fairmont Olympic Hotel Seattle; 2. Seattle’s Pike Place MarketSnapASkyline/Shutterstock
Saturday: Caffeine Central
8:00 a.m. – Coffee at Anchorhead
Price: $7 for a Nitro Mint Latte
It’s early, but caffeine calls. I head to Anchorhead Coffee near Pike Place Market and go rogue with a Nitro Mint Latte. (Spoiler: It was worth it.) I’m normally a hot latté person, but this minty cold brew was like a caffeinated Thin Mint cookie in a cup.
9:00 a.m. – Stroll Through Pike Place Market
Price: free
With my latte in hand, I wander through Pike Place Market like a true tourist. Last time I was here, I snapped a pic of the iconic sign and called it a day, but this time, I dove in. The flower stalls are stunning—I mentally redecorate my home with every bouquet I pass. Watching the fishmongers tossing salmon is basically a rite of passage, and when they invite me into the booth to catch a fish, I hesitantly say yes. Somehow, I nail it (and immediately wonder if I missed my calling as a fishmonger). Of course, the fish is slippery, slimy, and smells like, well, fish. I leave the market feeling victorious—yet still carrying that unmistakable seafood stench. I wrap up with a quick photo at the gum wall, because, well, tradition.
11:00 a.m. – Snack at Hellenika Cultured Creamery
Price: $6.50 for one scoop
All that fish-catching has me craving something sweet, so I pop into Hellenika Cultured Creamery. Their gelato is next-level (and packed with probiotics, so it’s practically a healthy food). After sampling Ube Coconut, Lemon Curd, and Vanilla Malt, I settle on London Fog, which tastes like a tea latte in gelato form. No regrets—except maybe the slight stomach rebellion from all those probiotics. Guess we’ll see if I’m still feeling “healthy” in a few hours.
12:30 PM – Afternoon Tea at the Fairmont
Price: $95 for pastries, scones, savory finger sandwiches and one tea selection
Afternoon tea at the Fairmont is such a vibe. Think personal teapots, dainty finger sandwiches, and pastries so pretty I almost don’t want to eat them. Almost. The smoked salmon mousse tarts? Addictive. And the Devonshire cream? I’d eat it by the spoonful if no one were watching. I save my leftovers for a late-night snack because waste not, want not. But let’s be real, if I had the choice between five pastries or a glass of champagne to go with my tea, I’m going bubbly every time. All that sugar’s great, but a little champagne would’ve been a much better way to take the edge off.
3:30 p.m. – Check Out Chihuly Garden and Glass
Price: $37.50
I lace up my walking shoes and head to Chihuly Garden and Glass. Picture this: larger-than-life glass sculptures, vibrant blooms, and a whimsical secret-garden vibe. It’s like stepping into a dreamworld. As someone who loves the Chihuly installation in the Bellagio lobby, seeing more of his work up close is definitely cool. That said, for $37.50, I kind of expected to linger a bit longer, but I breezed through it in under an hour. Stunning? Absolutely. Worth the ticket price? Ehh, maybe if you count the Instagram content.
6:30 p.m. – Dinner at The George
Price: $100 for a three-course prix fixe meal
Dinner at The George is pure elegance. Their Archive menu takes classic dishes and gives them a glow-up. Waldorf salad? Well, it’s still not my favorite, even with the “glow-up.” Steak Diane? Definitely more my speed. The trifle for dessert? I’m still dreaming about it. Add in the sexy French brasserie vibes, and it’s an unforgettable meal (though I’ll leave the salad to someone else next time).
8:30 p.m. – Nightcap at The Founder’s Club
Price: $24
I cap off the night at the Founder’s Club, a speakeasy tucked behind a secret bookshelf door. (Yes, really—it’s giving major Gatsby energy.) While the $100 Connection 1924 cocktail with Louis XIII Cognac is tempting, let’s be honest: for that price, it better come with a side of financial advice. Instead, I settle for the slightly less outrageous Coffee Boulevard—bourbon, espresso-infused Campari, and sweet vermouth. It’s rich, bold, and the perfect nightcap without making my credit card cry.
Daily Total: $690
1. The George at the FairmontCourtesy of Fairmont Olympic Hotel Seattle; 2. Founders Club at the Fairmont OlympiaCourtesy of Fairmont Olympic Hotel Seattle; 3. Starbucks Reserve Roastery at Pike Street in SeattleJay Yuan/Shutterstock
Sunday: Sips, Snacks, and Final Strolls
8:00 a.m. – Fairmont Gym and 4th Ave. Espresso Bar
Price: free + $7 for a Latte with Oat Milk
Despite last night’s espresso cocktail (or maybe because of it?), I’m up bright and early—because apparently, my body doesn’t know how to sleep in on vacation. I hit the elliptical at the Fairmont’s gym for a quick run, grab a complimentary apple from the fruit bowl (probably the healthiest thing I’ve eaten all weekend), and stop by the 4th Ave. Espresso Bar in the lobby for a latte with oat milk. Sipping on it in my room while getting ready, I feel like one of those people who actually takes time to enjoy their mornings instead of zombie-scrolling in bed while getting jumped on by a three-year-old.
10:00 a.m. – Brunch at Starbucks Reserve Roastery
Price: $19.50 for a Whiskey Barrel-Aged Cold Brew and Cornetto Sandwich
Next up: a trip to the Starbucks Reserve Roastery on Capitol Hill. This isn’t your typical Starbucks where someone misspells your name; this is the fancy, bespoke version where coffee drinks come with an origin story. Naturally, I order the Whiskey Barrel-Aged Cold Brew, which tastes like a craft cocktail but with zero booze (because caffeine is my drug of choice). It’s smooth, rich, and slightly indulgent—basically, a Hair of the Dog disguised in a paper coffee cup. Perfect hangover cure if you ask me. To pair, I inhale two cornetti: one stuffed with prosciutto and fontina, the other dripping with chocolate. Yes, two. Balance is key, right?
11:00 a.m. – Last Stroll Through Downtown Seattle
Price: Free
Armed with my fancy cold brew, I set out for one last stroll from Capitol Hill to downtown, determined to soak in the city like a local (or at least look like one). Along the way, I pass the quirky art at Cal Anderson Park, the sleek Seattle Central Library that looks like it belongs in a sci-fi movie, and the historic Smith Tower, which was basically Seattle’s first skyscraper. The views of the waterfront and Mount Rainier peeking through the buildings are stunning, and I can’t help but roll my eyes at how clear the air is here. At home, I’d be lucky to see beyond a smoggy skyline. This walk is the ultimate Seattle vibe check—and I’m 100% sold.
1:00 p.m. – Check-Out and Final Goodbye to the Fairmont
Price: Included in hotel stay
It’s time to check out and let me tell you, I’m dragging my feet. I briefly considered staging a fake injury just to stay longer. This weekend has been indulgent in all the best ways, and I feel rested, rejuvenated, and maybe a little too used to being pampered. Seattle, you’ve officially spoiled me
Daily Total: $26.50
Weekend Total Spent: $1,609.50
From spa splurges and chic hotel dining to afternoons spent wandering Seattle’s iconic landmarks (and catching fish at Pike Place Market like a true tourist), this trip was the ultimate blend of indulgence and exploration. I regret absolutely nothing—except maybe not snagging one of those glass sculptures at Chihuly, but hey, I didn’t think my luggage would appreciate the extra weight. Now it’s back to the real world, where my budget is less “treat yourself every day” and more “treat yourself to leftover chicken nuggets my toddler refused to eat even though they demanded them mere minutes earlier.”
