Checking Out Mount Rainier Views And The Chinese Room At Smith Tower In Seattle

While I am sorting through my pictures from the trip to Israel I thought I would share with you pictures from my time in Seattle. Having spent a few days in Seattle I managed to visit the city’s main observation towers; the Space Needle, Columbia Centre Sky Deck and the viewing deck of the Smith Tower. I left this place last although the building was right next to my hotel. From what I had read about it, it offered up a lot more charm, with open-air views of Seattle.

Visiting Smith Tower Viewing Deck & Chinese Room

With so many things to do in Seattle, this was by far my favourite building in the city. There is something about it. Modern design considering its been standing for over a 100 years. Built in 1914, at one point the tallest building in the whole of the united states. Also the oldest skyscraper in Seattle but you couldn’t tell just by looking at it. Entering the building slowly starts to unravel the old charm within. You are immediately bathed in all that is golden brass.

The 42-story tower has an air of elegance and class as you walk in. The brass elevator cabs still holding on to its vintage style look and still manned by an operator. Stepping out of the elevator (that’s lifts for us Londoners) you are immediately inside the Chinese Room.

As a gift to Lyman Cornelius Smith, the original owner of the building, the Empress of China gifted to Smith the decorating of this room. As you walk in the walls are decorated in flowery wall cover with red over lay, of course, the colour red is part of the Chinese traditional culture.

Seattle | Proposals In The Chinese Room Smith Tower

Wishing for a harmonious marriage in the Chinese Room

The room also features 776 opulent hand-carved wooden ceiling made with semi-precious porcelain dics, beautiful and ornately craved blackwood love seats and chairs including 17th century art. Another item in the room that drawers people to the tower is the 300-year old Wishing Chair with carvings of a dragon and phoenix which in Chinese culture relate to harmonious marriage.

Legend has it that if a single woman so sits on the chair and sincerely wishes to be married shall wed within a year. Smith’s daughter herself was married in this room so I don’t know whether the legend is true or whether its a gimmick to promote the wedding functions that are regularly held in this room. Well if you do manage to wed within a year after planting one’s derrière on the wishing chair then please drop a cynic a line or two. If you tie the knot and need inspiration on places to go perhaps these vacation travel quotes will do jus the trick!

Seattle | Proposals In The Chinese Room Smith Tower - chinese room smith tower seattle

After marvelling at the décor of the Chinese room, stepping outside onto the viewing deck you can circle the entire building(image above – viewing deck at the very top before the triangular windows) and catch a glimpse of the Space Needle that strategically peers through the buildings downtown.

Circling round to the opposite side you stand face to face with Mount Rainier. You can usually hike around the mountain during good weather. For tips on the best times to visit Seattle check out the linked post. In the distance from the Smith tower, you can also see the extravagant and expansive million dollar stadiums, cris-crossing highways synonymous with USA road infrastructure.

Comparing the 3 observation decks (read my post on the others here) I would say Colombia center offers by far the best values for money. At $12.50 you get 360 views, free internet, peaceful viewing without the touristy hassle.

Second, is Smith Tower, again with 360 view, less touristy with a bit more historical charm and warmth to it . Also cannot beat the price of $7.50.

Third, is the Space Needle. Longish queues, expensive at $22 with no other real benefit apart from the views seen through somewhat caged-in feel to the viewing deck. You don’t get much for $22 other than the pleasure of 40-second flight 184 meters above sea level.

The door Gods, a Chinese decoration placed on each side of an entry to a temple, home, business, which is believed to keep evil spirits from entering. The custom dates back to the Tang Dynasty, whose founder Emperor Tang Taizong honored two of his most loyal generals – Qin Shubao and Yuchi Gong – by having their painted portraits hung on his front door.