Panama Hotel Tea and Coffee House aka: Panama Hotel

Recently a question was asked to Seattle locals about the best hotel with history in the downtown area. Here is what I said about the Panama Hotel:

http://www.panamahotel.net/default.htm.

The Panama Hotel is on the edge of Pioneer Square, so not exactly in Downtown, but still conveniently located. The rates are reasonable, staring at $65, and the hotel has been preserved with much of its original 1920’s look.

The hotel served as a gathering place for Japanese residents in the community and became the place where many Japanese Americans left their belongings when forced into interment camps. Sadly many of these people never returned and some items were left in the basement exactly as they were. The current hotel owner has made windows in the floor to this basement area, so that you may see the items as they were left.

The history of the hotel is told in a collection of photographs in the lower public room and the building houses the only Japanese Bath house left intact in the U.S., and you can request a tour.

The hotel also has one of the greatest tea houses in all of Seattle, with an amazing selection. I recommend something that will blossom in the clear teapot.

If you want typical American motel/hotel style rooms than I would say skip this, as it is modest with shared bathrooms. But for historical interests and charm, it is worth visiting.

Finally I agree with JimmyJamesHall, check out the bathroom.

Get a Macha Latte! Strange and wonderful. Also, visit the bathroom and go downstairs.