« Back to the main page.

Past Post: Vance Motor Hotel

June 27th, 2008 @ 1:23 am by Cliffe | Sorted Past Postborder
I really like the stylized look of this 1950’s era postcard advertising the Vance Motor Hotel. Built in 1926, the Vance only recently received a hipster-inspired update as the Hotel Max. The large neon “Vance Hotel” also changed over to “Hotel Max.” This is one of Seattle’s Beaux Arts masterpieces — the brick and terra cotta exterior is very impressive. To anyone who has stayed here (be it the Vance or Max) — how was it? Click on the thumbnails for higher-res copies.
vance_hotel_01_front
The Vance Motor Hotel.
vance_hotel_02_back
The Vance in Seattle, Wash. Ten floors of moderately-priced comfort and conveniences. Drive-in entrance with free parking under same roof. Coffee shop, Mural Room for dining, fascinating Mill Room for cocktails. Center of the theater and shop district and all downtown business. Free radio and television.

6 Responses:

  1. Sue Safon wrote:

    I stayed at the Vance in the 90s and stayed at the Max last year. I much prefer the Max! While the Vance was nostalgic (though a bit dirty), the Max is much cooler! It has local art all over the hotel. And the amenities are great.

  2. Jonathan S wrote:

    Ah, free radio. We sure don’t get that anymore. Sad face :(

  3. Lynn M wrote:

    Well, just to let you know, there is still free radio at the Max. And a free CD. :)

  4. Encolpius wrote:

    It’s rather disheartening how the neon sign has been walled in by the new building around it. I used to enjoy seeing it from Queen Anne.

  5. Jack wrote:

    My wife used to work in the 600 building across the alley at 6th and Stewart. I would often meet her after work in the “Alley” bar at the Vance. That is where I got this joke from the night manager.

    What do the Vance Hotel and a pair of designer jeans have in common?

    Wait for it……

    No ballroom!

  6. Cliffe wrote:

    I lol’ed.

Respond: