Chinese Room

Great location, service could definitely use some improvement.
Used the Chinese Room for a corporate event. I really loved the room itself, the view was SPECTACULAR, on a summer evening in Seattle this place is killer. The décor is ornate. The price is incredibly reasonable. They provided equipment and the elevator staff was very helpful.
Understandably there are many businesses inside the Smith Tower itself, however I felt frustrated with the lack of communication from the management and the security. The day of the event was unnecessarily burdensome trying to get the AV equipment, let alone the hassle of setting it all up. The security guards were needlessly aggressive and incredibly inflexible, not to mention they were kept out of the loop for event needs which didn’t make sense to me.
The caterers and elevator operators knew more about the facility and services than the front desk. I’d definitely recommend improving the customer experience before I’d book them again.

If there is even a slight chance you will reach capacity, don’t consider this venue. They are very strict about the 99 person limit. There is only one elevator that takes you upstairs, and it’s operated by a person. This means you have to wait to get up and wait to leave the Chinese Room. They will have your guests waiting downstairs in the Smith Tower’s lobby if they have reached capacity, no exceptions. That being said, the capacity count is off.
An organization I volunteer for threw an event here. Midway through one of the tower’s staff came up and said we had 15 people waiting in the lobby. There couldn’t have been more than 70 people in the room. Some of us decided to go down to let other guests come up. We went to have a drink at the Shawn O’Conner while we waited for people to leave the party. The bartender told us that the strict capacity rule is a constant issue and that they are notorious for not counting people who leave. After he told us this I decided to talk to the staff and ask if they have done a head count because I was positive that room was not filled to capacity. They got very defensive right away and swore to me they did a head count. I don’t think so.
The venue is absolutely beautiful it’s just too bad their faulty capacity control caused our organization to go into damage control.

I went here for a dinner party on new years and man was it impressive! There was an observation deck outside that was 360 degrees. The furnishings were works of art… beautiful carved wood. The food was great! We had salmon and mashed potatoes along with some delicious creative appetisers. I hope to come back again soon…

I sat in the famed chair, so let’s see if i get married in the next twelve months. If so, I might up my review. If not, I might take it down. HAHAHA.
The Chinese room is really pretty. I loved the ceilings and spent a lot of time photographing them. Like David said, the information about the apartment above is fascinating. I’d love to live there too, but that will never happen.

I’ve been here for events a couple times. Sumptous décor and a fantastic view — better by far than the Space Needle. The ancient elevators taking you up there are a kick. You can go up here on your own, any time the room is not booked, but I think it might be a little expensive.
One other thing — there is an apartment just above The Chinese Room, in the very point of the Smith Tower spire. Now that would be a fantastic hideaway! I’m very jealous of whoever lives there.