The Hauntingly Historic and Charming Hotel Sorrento
Being new to the Pacific Northwest means “Staycations” are feeling extra special. My friends over at Hotel Sorrento invited us down the mountain to experience afternoon tea in the garden and a nights stay in First Hill, Seattle.
The Sorrento opened in 1909 and once had a beautiful view of the water. Yet still, this Italian beauty stands out from the modern crowd. Personally I would rather stay in a place well preserved and well cared for over the years; packed with history, ghost stories and rooms that were once occupied by Seattle’s most prominent families, than a stay in a newer hotel. Again, that’s just my opinion.
The Fireside Room, the sea green tiles above the hearth created by Rockwood pottery are both priceless and irreplaceable. Also where the famous grunge band Nirvana would come listen to Overton play piano.
I was incredibly excited to hear about the ghost of Alice B. Toklas along my tour. Alice was once best known for being the companion of Gertrude Stein but others may know her for inventing the pot brownie. Why would her Ghost haunt the hotel? Well, its believed that her home was located in the same spot the Sorrento was built. Some say a woman in black was seen roaming the halls late at night, or playing the piano as she once studied it at the University of Washington.
Some of my history checks came from “The Sorrento Story” a book that is not for sale and in limited print, the hotel manager was kind enough to let me take a look at.
In Beautiful detail.
The original elevator which is well maintained and serviced.
Many original fixtures that would be hard to replace.
If you’re not peeking around the hotel at night to get a glimpse of the ghosts, I highly suggest a visit during the day to the garden. “Stella” hosts very cute curated events and I was very lucky to attend “May Flowers & Afternoon Tea”. A beautiful array of desserts and light snacks were prepared with your choice of tea. I had the English breakfast.
Seeing the building here in a different light during the day, with my desserts of course.
Cucumber sandwiches, deviled eggs, pastries with flower details.
Later in the evening we had a quick drink at Stella’s bar inside to hear the stories of the ghost of a young boy. Although he’s not a famous ghost, and a ghost with no name, many guests say they feel the presence of something pulling on their jackets during their visit in the restaurant. Our morning guide around the hotel as well told us there are claims of floating menus, dropping back onto the tables when spotted.
A photo of the unlit restaurant in the morning before open.
More charming detail.
Headed home, goodbye Alice.
If you decide to stay at Hotel Sorrento drop me a line and review as I'd love to hear about your experience. I will definitely be retuning. Stay spooky.
