There are all kinds of stores, malls, and malls throughout the Seattle-Tacoma area, but for the best shopping experience, look to Bellevue. Only in Bellevue can you stay and shop downtown and never have to go out if you don’t want to. Bellevue almost feels designed from the ground up to buy.
Downtown Bellevue’s shopping scene is anchored by the Bellevue Collection, a collection of shopping malls that includes Bellevue Square, Lincoln Square, and Bellevue Place. Of the three, Bellevue Square is the largest and has the most stores, from the Pottery Barn to a huge Apple Store and local stores like the Jcoco Chocolate Shop. While you won’t find mall stores like JCPenney or Sears, you will find high-end stores like Macy’s and Nordstrom. Bellevue Square is one of the largest malls in the area, but combined with the stores at Lincoln Square and Bellevue Place, as well as even more stores that line the streets outside the Bellevue Collection, the sheer number and variety of stores is formidable.
However, what really makes the Bellevue Collection unique is that there is a hotel right inside the property: the Hyatt Regency at Bellevue Place. With such close proximity, the hotel offers not only a great getaway, but also a great weekend shopping experience during which you won’t have to leave the Bellevue Collection grounds to enjoy an exclusive hotel, a wide range of restaurants and shops galore. . Hyatt Regency, Bellevue Place, Lincoln Square, and Bellevue Square are all connected via sky bridges.
If the weather is rainy (which is most likely late November and December), this is one of the few places where you can have an extensive Black Friday or Christmas shopping session without having to go out into the elements.
Throw a night or two into the mix and a shopping trip becomes a great local getaway or activity to enjoy whether visiting from out of town, or just taking a day trip from Seattle or Tacoma.
The hotel
Hyatt Regency is located at 900 Bellevue Way NE and serves as the perfect weekend shopping base. From the moment you enter the Hyatt Regency, you’ll feel worlds away from the busy outer city. The spacious lobby greets you with wide staircases and infused water. Rooms range from standard to suites with city views, and some may include a view of Lake Washington and the Seattle skyline in the distance. Amenities include a gym and 25-meter heated pool, but the real perks come in the form of shops and restaurants.
From the Hyatt Regency, it takes about 15 minutes to cross the sky bridges to Lincoln Square and then to Bellevue Square. Alternatively, you can go out and cross the street to get to Bellevue Square a little faster.
Where to eat
The Bellevue Collection has more than 45 restaurants, but you don’t have to leave the Hyatt Regency to find great food. For breakfast or brunch, Eques, just above the hotel lobby, offers Northwest-inspired food. The menu includes fresh and delicious twists on many breakfast favorites and non-traditional options alike, but many opt for the buffet. The buffet has a bit of everything, including smoked salmon, local cheeses and yogurts, fresh fruit and berries, as well as hot dishes, oatmeal with all the side dishes, and breads for breakfast.
For lunch or dinner, options include 13 coins and Daniel’s Steakhouse. At 13 Coins, you’ll find an extensive 24-hour menu that is based on the classic original location at SeaTac, while Daniel’s Broiler is a steakhouse with views that are sure to inspire. The hotel also has places for cocktails (Joey Bellevue and Suite), places for a quick bite (Zen Express and Needs Deli), and a Fonte coffee roaster. Of course, you can also stay and order room service.
Cross the first sky bridge into Lincoln Square and you will find Din Tai Fung, a very popular and delicious Asian restaurant with meatballs, soup, noodles, rice dishes and more… but seriously, the tie is the meatballs. Get the meatballs! And be prepared to wait as everyone else wants to get the meatballs too.
Vacation and activity packages
One advantage of having a hotel on the same campus as shopping galore is that the package deals are sure to add a bit of joy to your vacation. As they should! Book a Shop and Stay package and you’ll get a gift card valid for any of the Bellevue Collection stores included with your stay.
The Bellevue Collection also kicks off Snowflake Lane each season, adding a completely different level of holiday to your shopping experience. From the day after Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve, Snowflake Lane takes place every night at 7pm outside the mall and includes music, light projections, falling snow, and a parade.
The wider area of Bellevue also has plenty of holiday cheer for everyone. The Bellevue Botanical Garden is home to Garden d’Lights, a display of Christmas lights. There is an ice skating rink installed at Bellevue Downtown Ashwood Park.
All in all, it will be difficult to find a better holiday shopping destination.
