Returning after a five-year hiatus, Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences Seattle today opened the doors to its new downtown address.

Four Seasons Hotel Seattle offers the consummate Seattle experience. The modern waterfront Hotel has a full spectrum of amenities that incorporate the best elements of the Pacific Northwest, such as sweeping views of Elliott Bay, Spa treatments that feature indigenous plants and a signature dining room that highlights fresh, local ingredients.

“Four Seasons is delighted to return to Seattle and the Pacific Northwest with a contemporary new building on such a breathtaking and conveniently located site,” said Ben Trodd, General Manager, Four Seasons Hotel Seattle. “Visitors and residents can experience the best of Seattle in an exciting new way, from dining in the chic, water-view restaurant to having a cedar-scented Spa treatment.”

The 147 guest rooms and 36 Private Residences at Four Seasons Hotel Seattle are ideally situated in the cultural and business heart of downtown, just steps from Pike Place Market, Seattle Art Museum and the city’s best shopping, dining and entertainment venues.

“When Four Seasons left Seattle in 2003, a local group quickly formed to bring it back in an extraordinary way. The new Four Seasons will allow guests and residents to experience the Northwest like never before,” said John Oppenheimer, managing partner of the Seattle Hotel Group, developer of Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences Seattle. “We are so honored to return this international icon and hospitality leader to our city.”

In preparation for its opening, the Hotel held two job fairs, considered more than 3,000 applicants for its 235 positions, spent 160 hours training new staff members and custom-fit approximately 2,700 uniform pieces by hand. Fifty of the 235 employees, or 20 per cent, have transferred to Seattle from 19 other Four Seasons properties.

Within the Hotel, ART Restaurant and Lounge features acclaimed Seattle chef and Four Seasons veteran Kerry Sear’s “best source” philosophy of incorporating the area’s freshest local ingredients into creative and memorable preparations. The main dining room shares panoramic water and mountain views with the lounge, private event room and counter. More than 160 wines will be available by the glass.

The 6,000-ft2 (557 m2) full-service Spa infuses Pacific Northwest elements such as herbs, coffee and balsam fir into its treatments. Above the Spa, guests and residents can relax by downtown's only outdoor infinity-edge pool and fireplace overlooking Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains.

The grand ballroom provides the perfect backdrop for a timeless Seattle event. Two-story-tall windows frame panoramic westerly mountain and water views. The Hotel's modern art collection focuses on masters of the Northwest School as well as original works from private collections.

Residents of Four Seasons Private Residences have access to 24-hour dedicated residential concierge service, valet parking, 24-hour room service and the Hotel's full spectrum of amenities and services. The Private Residences range from 1,300 to more than 7,500 square feet and from $2 million to more than $15 million.

Marking its highly anticipated return, Four Seasons Hotel Seattle is now accepting room reservations. Guests may reserve hotel rooms at www.fourseasons.com/seattle or by calling (1 800) 819-5053.