Introduction

As the newest luxury hotel in the city of Bellevue, this high-rise property aims to seamlessly blend contemporary design elements with the natural aesthetics and beauty of the Pacific Northwest, creating a modern yet calming atmosphere that feels both inviting and sophisticated. Situated in the bustling downtown core of Bellevue, Washington, the InterContinental Bellevue at The Avenue gracefully positions itself as a premier luxury hotel catering to the needs of discerning travelers.

With standard room rates starting at $300 per night or the option to redeem 40,000 IHG One Rewards points for a complimentary night (low season), the hotel strategically targets a clientele that is seeking upscale accommodations and premium services during their stay. I had the pleasure of reviewing this hotel during the low season, whereas in the spring and summer time, Bellevue can be very popular, with prices going up to the mid $500s and point redemption rates past 70,000 IHG points.

Got my room key and a drink coupon, let’s get this review going!

1 King Premium Corner Bathtub And Shower

The King Premium Corner room feels quite spacious from the very moment you step inside. Measuring approximately 450 square feet, these premium rooms offer ample space for both relaxation and productivity, thoughtfully designed with abundant charging ports that include a range of USB-A, USB-C options, and traditional outlets. The impressive floor-to-ceiling windows are a defining feature of these rooms, providing captivating views of the surrounding city skyline, which includes Bellevue's burgeoning tech hub, as well as the picturesque Olympic Mountains that can be seen in the distance. Given that the hotel only spans 11 floors, I wouldn’t say that the views here are particularly dramatic, but what truly makes up for it is the exceptional quality and comfort of the rooms provided here.

Natural light floods the room, creating an airy and inviting atmosphere. The luxurious and super soft king-size bed dominates the sleeping area, dressed in crisp, high-thread-count linens and accompanied by a selection of pillows to suit individual preferences. A dedicated seating area provides a comfortable space to unwind, featuring a plush sofa and armchair, a coffee table, and a convenient reading lamp. For those who need to attend to business, a spacious work desk with an ergonomic chair and ample outlets is provided. A large flat-screen television mounted on the wall offers entertainment options with a wide array of channels and streaming services.

The room's decor distinctly maintains a contemporary feel, characterized by sleek clean lines and a palette of neutral tones that are thoughtfully accented by subtle nods to the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Elements like elegant wood paneling and carefully selected nature-inspired artwork contribute to the overall ambiance, creating a harmonious blend of modern design and organic influences.

Bathroom

The bathroom in the 1 King Premium Corner Room is thoughtfully designed to serve as a spa-like retreat, presenting a beautiful sense of luxury and tranquility. Within this hotel, there are two distinctive types of Corner Premium rooms, one featuring a typical waterfall shower while the other boasts the addition of a luxurious bathtub. Personally, I opted for the latter, as I was eager to indulge and soak the night away in a relaxing hot soak.

The spacious layout of the bathroom features well-defined separate areas for both the indulgent bathtub and the spacious walk-in shower, each elegantly clad in sleek, eye-catching marble tile. The deep-soaking bathtub beckons guests to unwind and relax after a long and tiring day, while the walk-in shower offers a refreshing and thoroughly invigorating experience, complete with its rainfall showerhead and adjustable water pressure settings. I found the shower pressure to be excellent, and the dual shower setup is always a welcome sight for any guest. The bathtub exceeded my expectations and featured a delightful array of bath salts, bath gloves, and nourishing body soap.

High-end bath amenities from the renowned brand Byredo (scent flavor is Bal d'Afrique) are generously provided, including luxurious shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and lotion, all carefully formulated with natural ingredients and beautifully infused with signature scents that elevate the bathing experience. Boca Terry bathrobes are some of the finest available here, and guests will also find comfortable and soft slippers provided for their utmost comfort. Additionally, the bathroom is equipped with essential amenities such as a well-lit vanity area featuring a magnifying mirror, a convenient hairdryer, and ample counter space for personal toiletries, ensuring that all needs are met.

Fitness Center

Guests who are seeking to maintain their fitness routines during their stay at the hotel have convenient access to the hotel's well-equipped fitness center. Located on the 11th floor, this modern facility offers a wide variety of cardio machines, including treadmills, stairmasters, and stationary bikes, all equipped with individual entertainment screens to enhance the workout experience.

I didn’t have time to workout this time around, but the strength training equipment such as free weights, weight machines, and resistance bands are fantastic. The fitness center is thoughtfully designed with large windows that provide ample natural light and stunning views of the surrounding cityscape, creating an inspiring and motivating environment for effective workouts. For added convenience, towels and chilled water are always readily available to ensure guests remain refreshed while exercising.

Overall, I’d say this is a great hotel gym for sure.

Lobby

While a bit on the small side, the lobby of the InterContinental Bellevue makes a truly grand and unforgettable first impression with its impressively high ceilings, expansive windows that allow natural light to fill the space beautifully, and a contemporary design that is both elegantly refined and invitingly warm. A large, beautifully designed centralized area serves as an engaging central focal point, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere where guests can gather comfortably and relax after a long day. It is directly connected to the Ce La Vi bar, which boasts some of the finest drinks and one of the bartender (Gregory is the man) in town, offering a delightful array of options for guests to enjoy.

The overall design aesthetic of the hotel draws rich inspiration from the stunning Pacific Northwest, skillfully incorporating natural materials such as warm wood and solid stone, along with a calming color palette that thoughtfully reflects the diverse and breathtaking landscapes of the region. Moreover, various artworks showcasing the immense talents of local artists and vibrant scenes from the Pacific Northwest are prominently displayed throughout the hotel, adding a profound sense of place and cultural connection that significantly enhances the overall guest experience.

Breakfast

While I didn’t have a chance to eat breakfast due to my early flight, I had sampled this buffet during their soft opening back in November of 2024. As a Platinum Elite, there was no breakfast included, but for IHG Diamond Members, this is a fantastic benefit to utilize during your stay here.

The InterContinental Bellevue offers a breakfast buffet each morning in its designated dining area, which is held at Fresco, their restaurant on the 2nd floor. Guests can enjoy specialized made-to-order omelets with a variety of fillings, freshly baked pastries, a selection of breads and pancakes and waffles. Hot breakfast options include scrambled eggs, bacon, maple sausage, and breakfast potatoes. The breakfast area provides ample seating with both tables and booths, and large windows offer natural light and views of the city. Coffee and juice sections are provided as well, along with fruits. The breakfast experience definitely is on the finer side in Bellevue, which is nice.

Since I didn’t get a chance to eat here on this trip, I took some pictures of Fresco and the dining layout.

Conclusion

The InterContinental Bellevue at The Avenue presents itself as a highly regarded luxury hotel option in the heart of downtown Bellevue. This elegant establishment offers guests a variety of amenities, including generously sized rooms that are tastefully designed with modern elements and features. Additionally, guests can take advantage of a well-equipped fitness center, perfect for those looking to maintain their fitness routine while traveling, and an extensive breakfast buffet that caters to diverse tastes.

The hotel's overall design thoughtfully incorporates influences from the beautiful Pacific Northwest, creating a distinct sense of place that enriches the guest experience. While the InterContinental Bellevue aims to provide an exceptional high-end experience for each of its guests, it will take some time for the Avenue district to develop and reach its full potential. Overall, my stay at the Intercontinental Bellevue was fantastic, and I would gladly recommend it to those looking for a luxury stay in the city of Bellevue.