Located just nine miles from downtown Seattle, Hyatt Regency Bellevue recently revealed its grandest hotel renovation since the addition of a second tower in 2009. Now, more than ever, this welcoming venue provides a gateway to the Eastside of Seattle – and all the alluring options this region offers.

The 5.2-million-dollar, three-part project includes updates to 381 guest rooms in the Cascade Tower and lobby, as well as an upcoming redesign of the pre-function and ballroom meeting space.

So what does this mean for prospective guests? Cool perks now grace spaces like the lobby library; for example, guests find two new, 55-inch Microsoft touch tables, tucked into coffee table units, that complement the lounge décor and allow for a connected experience on which to play games like air hockey, surf the web, view flights and check out local Bellevue happenings.

The recent lobby library renovation has brought two new 55-inch Microsoft touch tables for guests' entertainment and use — Photo courtesy of Duo PR / Hyatt Regency Bellevue

“Our goal for the lobby renovation was to create a go-to gathering place where guests can easily relax, engage, meet and recharge,” says Tom Wolf, general manager at Hyatt Regency Bellevue. “The seamless integration of technology and comfort resulted in a space where any tech-savvy traveler will want to kick back and stay awhile, whether it’s to work or play.” 

The spacious hotel, located in downtown Bellevue, also hosts annual events like the Wintergrass Bluegrass Festival, which brings rockin' tunes again in 2015 from Feb. 26 through March 1.

As one of the biggest bluegrass festivals in the country, the vibrant gathering attracts talents from near and far – ranging from regional and national favorites to international acts. The event includes lively performances on multiple stages, music workshops, dances and impromptu jam sessions that thrive into the wee hours. 

Eques boasts a brilliant Bloody Mary bar on weekends — Photo courtesy of Duo PR / Hyatt Regency Bellevue

Thanks to the hotel's proximity to wine-centric Woodinville, guests can also take advantage of great opportunities like the Experience Washington Wine package, which runs through late spring/summer and includes free parking, a local wine amenity, premium tastings at nearby Chateau Ste. Michelle and breakfast for two at Eques.

This on-site hotel restaurant gets rave reviews for its eggs Benedict dish, plus a unique breakfast happy hour during select hours from Monday through Saturday. (Think $3 off entrees and $3 Bloody Marys or mimosas.) Additionally, Eques showcases a Bloody Mary bar on weekends, with amazing deals at $3 or $5 for premium vodkas like Grey Goose. 

So what else is going on in Bellevue these days? Visitors spring into the warmer season with tours of the Bellevue Botanical Garden every Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m, enjoying a free, docent-led tour that departs from the garden's visitors' center.

The region's favorite farmers markets return, too, welcoming 40-plus vendors to the Thursday Market that launches on May 14 and the Saturday Market that begins June 7.

Festival season swings into high gear, as well, thanks to alluring gatherings like the Bellevue Jazz Festival (May 27 through 31) and the Bellevue Strawberry Festival (June 27 and 28).