When’s the last time you got lucky? Wait! That question came out wrong. How about this: When’s the last time you were sublimely blessed by good fortune? There, much better.
Good fortune smiled upon my husband and me a couple of weeks ago when we checked into the Renaissance Hotel Seattle for our 17th wedding anniversary. I had booked us a last-minute deal for $97.
It was a gamble — I didn’t get to choose the hotel we would be assigned or what our room would be like. I entered my credit card number and hoped for the best. A minute later, the computer screen said we would be going to the Renaissance Hotel, a Marriott property across the street from the Seattle Public Library.
“Happy anniversary,” the front desk man said to me as we checked in a few days later.
“Thanks!” How did he know it was my anniversary, I wondered. There wasn’t a place to list that when making reservations.
“Wow,” he said as he processed our key cards. “You’re in the Legends Suite. Who did you talk to in order to swing that?”
“Um, nobody. But I did post something on Instagram about celebrating my anniversary at the Renaissance Hotel.”
“Well, you’re going to love this room. Take the elevator up to the 27th floor and enjoy your view of the Space Needle.” He handed me the keys.
“What was that all about?” my husband asked as we walked away.
“I don’t know, but it sounds promising.”
Opening the door to the Legend’s Suite was an adrenaline rush. The first thing we saw was a signed Russell Wilson jersey hanging in the formal dining room. Next we noticed the giant TV in the living room and the breathtaking view. We really could see the Space Needle — and the Olympics!
French doors led into the master bedroom with more spectacular views and a spa-like bathroom. With black silk robes, slippers and high-end toiletries, I was so stunned that it took me a while to notice that the shower had two heads; a rain shower faucet and a detachable nozzle.
“Don’t make a mess yet,” I told my husband. “I need to post a picture on Instagram.”
“It’s funny that you think I’m the messy one,” he said. He placed his roller bag neatly in the corner and looked at the artwork. “Check out these pictures of Jimmy Hendrix and Bruce Lee. And here are quotes by Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos.”
That night we walked to the monorail and zipped over to the Armory for dinner. The next morning we ate breakfast at The 515 and visited the hotel’s state-of-the-art fitness center. The gym had free earbuds to borrow and a view of the rooftop kitchen garden. Before we checked out, we enjoyed a cup of hot cider and toasted to our good luck.
Marriage, love and an incredible travel deal — we had much to celebrate.
Jennifer Bardsley is author of the books “Genesis Girl” and “Damaged Goods.” Find her online on Instagram @the_ya_gal, or Twitter @jennbardsley.
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