WorldMark Seattle - The Camlin

The Camlin is in Seattle’s "Pike Pine" area, just steps from The Paramount Theater. There’s plenty nearby, from entertainment venues and restaurants to bars, though the bars can be pricey. The Asian food shops, stores, and carts are a big draw, and don’t skip the teriyaki. Downstairs you’ll find ice, movies, snacks, and table games. There’s also a pool, hot tub, and courtyard with a grill for nice weather. I didn’t make it to the on site gym. The little display of hotel antiques is worth seeing, including the wrought iron used for the in-room coffee tables. This was my second stay, and I love the place. The Camlin dates to circa 1926 and has a romantic gothic feel, from the architecture to the interior furnishings. It’s elegant, quiet, and haunted in the best way. Antique marble and wrought iron chandeliers greet you in the lobby, then sconce-lined walls and hallways lead to clean, quiet vintage rooms with comfortable beds. Views differ from room to room, but the bathrooms are consistently top notch, and the kitchens are functional and efficient. The building and its apartments have hosted many fine guests, and ghosts too. I’d say it’s a better fit for adults or kids 12 and over.

The room was nice, and the staff were helpful and friendly, but I won’t be returning. I’ve stayed here several times since WorldMark opened up the Camlin, and parking was the problem before because there’s no elevator access from the garage. This time the cost was the issue: $38 plus $9 in taxes and fees each day. For a week, that came to $332, on top of $230 occupancy tax. The claim that WorldMark saves you money starts sounding like government budget math. Thanks, Seattle, for leaving a bad taste after something I used to enjoy.

I have no complaint about the hotel itself. I was excited to return to this historic hotel after a decade, but the presentation situation has left me wondering whether Seattle is worth all this hassle. We came for the Mariners Fanfest, and I woke early for a presentation I’d been offered, only to be told I couldn’t attend without my wife. She has no financial liability for my Worldmark membership. Now we’re burdened tomorrow because they moved the presentation, promising to pay for our $98 parking for two nights. I paid 450 for those two nights through my own membership. I love Seattle, but am I that attached? If you were at Fanfest today, you know there isn’t a minute to spare. With people taking time off work for a preseason baseball event at the start of Superbowl week, you’d think they could make things easier, especially knowing the money would be made back tenfold.

The staff were friendly and welcoming throughout, and I’d recommend the Camlin and stay again. It’s close to lots of things, with an easy five block walk from the LINK for anyone flying in. The Monorail is at the LINK station too, and goes to the Space Needle. We started in a tiny 250sq ft Studio where the bed flips into the wall. Thankfully, after the weekend we were upgraded to a 1 bedroom. The TVs were still tiny, just 22" inch ones throughout.