What’s a Navigator anyway?
A navigator helps guests discover the local pulse of the city. They are adventurous insiders whose expertise encourages guests to experience dining and attractions unique to Seattle and reflective of the city’s people and culture.
Tell us about a unique retail experience you send your guests to, and why is it reflective of your neighborhood?
Pike’s place market located just a few blocks away from The Renaissance. In the heart of Pike’s Place market, you will find the Pike Place Fish Market. This is a must-see attraction known for its amazing fresh local fish where you will also witness staff yelling orders to each other and chanting while throwing the fish as a popular display to customers. The staff are well seasoned and amazing with crowds and may also throw foam fish into the crowd or choose a customer to participate in a toss. It is an iconic destination and the perfect combination of a local market and activation experience.
…and what’s the diamond in the rough gift you would recommend to find there?
The largest map store in the US is located in Pikes Place Market and called Metsker Map of Seattle and is one of the most unique and amazing shops around. The store has every kind of Map you can think of and as a Navigator I have always been fond of sending guests there. It’s almost like a visual history of the world and a great conversational piece with guests and it’s great for all ages as there is so much to look at!
What thing do you NOT need to pack when visiting your hotel? (because the local version is just so much better!)
Coffee! As we are in the heart of Starbucks country not only can you tour the first store in historical pike place market, but as coffee lovers and coffee culture are everywhere there are also several local boutique coffee houses all around, that can meet any coffee aficionado’s needs. A perfect souvenir would be an amazing coffee mug, tumbler, French press or pour over coffee set!
How could we win at gifting a loved one with something from Seattle (that’s not coffee)?
Truffle Queen in Pike’s Place market makes an amazing array of salts and spices. I have always felt that preparing a beautiful and thoughtful meal for someone is the best kind of love language.
R Finds is much more than the world’s biggest hotel gift shop. What is your favorite item that you curated for it and the story behind it?
Eighth Generation is a Seattle based art and lifestyle brand owned by the Snoqualmie Tribe. This retailer partners with native artists around the country to design and market gifts with a purpose to boldly reclaim control of native art and the stories that go with them while supporting artists. They are known for stunning hand-crafted wool blankets curated by native artists which are incredibly unique. They are the perfect combination of something luxurious, sustainable, and reflective of the Seattle Renaissance’s commitment to the indigenous narrative.