Populus Hotels, a collection of carbon positive hotels that celebrate and protect the natural world, has announced the debut of Populus Seattle, opening late Spring 2025.

Formerly known as the Westland Building, the adaptive re-use property reflects the building’s 1907 history and has been thoughtfully modernised to give it a vibrant second life, with a design that evokes the feeling of a Pacific Northwest rainforest.

The 120-room boutique hotel highlights the neighbourhood’s creative spirit and heritage through architecture by The Miller Hull Partnership, interior design by Curioso and landscape design by Seattle-based Site Workshop, informed by the natural ecology of Washington.

Guests arrive through a lush, biophilic entryway into a grand lobby where native plants, nature-inspired art and preserved Douglas Fir beams speak to the building’s historic character and layered design story.

From the lobby, a striking wood staircase leads guests to the second-floor restaurant, where abundant greenery creates a seamless transition into the glass-wrapped Solarium. Above, the rooftop bar offers lush landscaping and sweeping views of the skyline. 

Throughout, the interplay of biophilic design and preserved architectural details, including exposed historic car decking and brick, reflect a deliberate balance of natural beauty and urban edge, connecting guests to both the creative spirit of the Pioneer Square neighbourhood and the greater Pacific Northwest. 

Populus Seattle further pays homage to its surroundings through a striking art collection curated by global art production house ARTXIV. Featuring over 300 original commissions by 35 local and international artists, the series celebrates the region’s landscapes, heritage, and creative energy, while adding vibrancy and dimension to the hotel’s communal spaces and guestrooms.

The latter seek to offer a serene retreat in the heart of the city, designed to feel both luxurious and grounded in the distinct beauty of the region. Spacious, artful accommodations include the Lupine King Room, featuring curated décor and art alongside architectural details like exposed brick and large windows that invite natural light.  

The Noble Fir Studio King meanwhile adds a lounge area and modern bathroom with double vanities and a soaking tub, while the Summit Suite serves as expansive sanctuary on the top floor, inclusive of a dining area, kitchenette, soaking tub and private terrace overlooking the city. 

As the country’s second carbon positive hotel, Populus Seattle’s opening follows that of Populus Denver as featured in Sleeper, and will implement many of the same sustainability initiatives, including the One Night, One Tree Programme, through which Populus has committed to planting a tree with every night’s stay. 

Rather than constructing a new building or an onsite parking garage, the project encourages a pedestrian-friendly lifestyle and avoids additional carbon-intensive development. Design choices such as adding new windows and increasing natural light will also help lower energy use. 

“We are incredibly proud to introduce Populus Seattle as the second carbon positive hotel in our portfolio and in the country,” says Jon Buerge, President of Urban Villages. “The greenest building is the one you don’t have to build from the ground up.  

“With adaptive re-use, we’ve preserved the character of this historic building while prioritising the health of the planet.  Populus Seattle represents Populus Hotels’ commitment to responsible hospitality and meaningful guest experiences that reflect the city’s rich culture, arts and vibrant local ecosystems.” 

Mario Tricoci, CEO and founder of Aparium Hotel Group also comments: “Populus Seattle brings to life a vision of hospitality that’s rooted in place and purpose. This isn’t just a hotel with a strong sustainability story. It’s a living, breathing space that reflects the character of Pioneer Square and the people who bring it to life.  

“Whether you’re visiting or a local, the design, the culinary perspective and the spirit of the place feel distinctly independent, thoughtfully elevated and deeply personal.” 

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