Relive 1960s 'Beatlemania' At The Edgewater Hotel in Seattle

by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 2:45 PM ET, Wed August 21, 2024

In the summer of 1964, at the height of "Beatlemania," The Beatles traveled to Seattle as part of their first American tour. More than 14,000 screaming fans watched the “Fab Four” perform live at the Coliseum (today called Climate Pledge Arena), paying just $5 apiece for tickets to the sold out show.

While visiting the Emerald City, the band checked into The Edgewater Hotel, which had opened two years earlier for the 1962 World's Fair. During their stay at the waterfront property, the bandmates famously fished out the window of their suite, dangling their fishing poles over the waters of Elliott Bay to see what they could catch.

Photos from that moment became instantly iconic and helped put The Edgewater on the map, especially in the music industry. After that, the hotel became the place to stay for big-name musicians visiting Seattle, including Led Zeppelin, Elvis Presely, The Rolling Stones, Steve Wonder, Ray Charles, The Supremes, Willie Nelson, Rod Stewart and many, many others.

This month, The Edgewater is celebrating the 60th anniversary of The Beatles’ legendary visit, which took place on August 21, 1964. To commemorate this important milestone, the hotel is offering a special "Can't Buy Me Love" package from now through December 31, which includes Beatles swag, a $60 food and beverage credit and free parking.

Guests can also relive the moptop magic any time by booking The Beatles suite, the exact same room the band stayed in six decades ago. You can’t fish from the window (times have changed), but you can admire the panoramic views of Elliott Bay while listening to “Yesterday” and “Yellow Submarine” on the in-room, state-of-the-art stereo system.

The Beatles suite at The Edgewater Hotel in Seattle

The spacious, one-bedroom suite is also filled with memorabilia, portraits and artwork of the band. If you close your eyes, you can envision John, Paul, Ringo and George standing right there with you.

For travelers who are musically inclined, the hotel also offers free, two-hour rentals of Orangewood guitars. Just ask for one at the front desk, take it up to the 750-square-foot Beatles suite and start strumming. You can also rent a record player and vinyl albums to jam out to during your stay.

There’s even a separate “Band Entrance” to the hotel for guests who want to maintain a low-profile. Once inside the lobby, be sure to check out the selection of historic, black-and-white photos showing some of the famous guests who’ve stayed here.

And if The Beatles aren’t really your vibe, there’s also a Pearl Jam suite, plus many other suites and rooms to choose from. All of The Edgewater’s accommodations feature cozy gas fireplaces and rustic-yet-elegant Pacific Northwest interior design.

For dinner, make a reservation at Six Seven, the on-site restaurant offering sweeping views of the water. Here, chefs prepare an array of decadent dishes inspired by the hotel’s coastal setting, from cedar plank king salmon (served with truffle cream, forest mushrooms, asparagus, tomato, rainbow potatoes, bacon lardons and honey) to miso-glazed black cod (with crispy coconut rice, grilled bok choy, ginger-soy shiitakes, and a wasabi beurre blanc sauce). As you dine, watch ferries, sailboats, cruise ships and tour boats glide by. And be sure to stick around for desert and a colorful sunset.

In the morning, head to The Brim Coffee Shop for a latte and a pastry—and peruse the selection of vintage band shirts and other music-themed trinkets (which make great souvenirs).

The Edgewater is the only over-water hotel in Seattle

If you’re heading out on an Alaska cruise that departs from Seattle, The Edgewater is ideally located for getting a good night’s rest before or after your voyage.

As the only over-water hotel in Seattle, The Edgewater is just steps away from the Bell Street Pier Cruise Terminal at Pier 66, where Norwegian and Oceania ships set sail. If you’re sailing from the Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 91 (home to Princess, Carnival, Celebrity, Holland America Line and Royal Caribbean International), it’s a quick and easy 10-minute rideshare drive.

For a few days spent exploring Seattle, the hotel is within walking distance of many top attractions, including Pike Place Market, Seattle Aquarium and the Great Wheel. If you prefer to get around on two wheels, The Edgewater also offers free two-hour rentals of cruiser bikes.

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