Hotel Finds: Seattle

Views from Inn at the Market are spectacular – whether you enjoy them from your room or from the large outdoor terrace overlooking Elliott Bay. Photo Courtesy of the Inn at the Market.

by Marla Norman, TCO Publisher

Most of Seattle’s downtown hotels provide easy access to the city’s main attractions: Pike Place Market, the piers, the Space Needle and Chihuly Gardens. As an added bonus, many of these properties have been recently remodeled and have exceptional restaurants to anchor them as well.

INN AT THE MARKET
86 Pine Street

The views here are spectacular – whether you enjoy them from the comfortable swivel chairs in the rooms, which have floor-to-ceiling windows, or from the large outdoor terrace overlooking Elliott Bay. The truth is, the views are so incredible you’d probably enjoy your stay even if the Inn at the Market had a few glitches. But that’s far from the case. The hotel staff is exceptionally friendly and professional. The location is also the best in the city – right across from Pike Place Market and all the activity. Although the hotel itself is calm and quiet.

Calm, serene lobby at Inn at the Market. You’d never know Pike Place was right across the street!

Rooms are attractive and the beds are heavenly, with down pillows that are an extra bit of luxury. Photos by Marla Norman.

And, if that’s not enough, there are three outstanding restaurants on the property: Café Campagne, Bacco Bistro, and Cha:n. The only down side is that the Inn at the Market is so well-loved and so popular that it’s often hard to book into. Be sure to reserve as early as possible!

Part of the internationally-successful Swedish chain, Hotel Ändra always provides fresh, lively designs. Photo courtesy of Hotel Ändra

HOTEL ÄNDRA
2000 4th Avenue

Part of the internationally-successful Swedish chain, Hotel Ändra always provides fresh, lively, designs with great attention to comfort. A Living Room Loft extending above the main lobby is a bit of a novelty and, with its popular bar, adds an extra space to socialize.

The hotel offers a range of units: 93 rooms, 23 suites and 4 studios. All rooms have LCD flat panel TVs, a private bar with premium spirits, bathrobes and FACE Stockholm bath amenities.

Hotel Ändra boasts two great restaurants: Lola – a blend of Pacific Northwest, Greek & Moroccan flavors – and Assaggio Ristorante – featuring northern Italian cuisine. The hotel is also the home of the Hot Stove Society – a year-round cooking school operated by Tom Douglas.

High ceilings and marble mixed with wood paneling create an elegant interior at the Hyatt at Olive 8. Photo by Marla Norman.

HYATT AT OLIVE 8
1635 8th Avenue

So sleekly glamorous, you might never guess that the Hyatt at Olive 8 is also Seattle’s greenest hotel – the first LEED certified hotel in the city.

Rooms are spacious, with floor-to-ceiling windows to take advantage of city views. Corner rooms are especially large and feel like small apartments. Hyatt Grand Beds live up to the hype – truly dreamy.

In-room coffee & tea makers are available and daily newspapers are complimentary. Guests also have access to a 24-hour gym and indoor pool.

The Urbane Market & Lounge works closely with local farmers and producers to offer seasonal dishes. Select regional wines, local microbrews and fresh Seattle coffee are also on tap.

SORRENTO HOTEL
900 Madison Street, First Hill

With it’s beautiful Old World, Italianate decor, the Sorrento Hotel is one of Seattle’s best-loved properties. Built in 1909, the hotel has been meticulously maintained over the years.

With it’s beautiful Old World, Italianate decor, the Sorrento is one of Seattle’s best-loved properties. Photo courtesy of the Hotel Sorrento.

The hotel offers 76 guest rooms and suites – each one unique. All maintain original, historic architectural detailing – carved wood moldings, period furnishing and fixtures. Modern amenities include 42” flat screen TVs, L’Occitane body care products, Caffe Vita French press coffee service, fully stocked honor bars and bathrobes.

The Hunt Club dining room is warm and romantic with old brick walls, bolster pillows and cushioned banquettes. The restaurant serves classic Northwest cuisine: Wild King Salmon, Sea Scallops and Wild White Prawns, along with Grilled Sirloin, Berkshire Pork Rack and Prime Rib.

Sorrento Nights are an especially popular feature of the hotel – with music, literature and various social events, including Silent Reading Parties. According to the hotel management, “We offer silent sustained reading at the bar, because no one wants to read alone.” Why not! Grab your favorite novel, a glass of Washington Cabernet and a comfortable spot by the fireplace – somebody’s bound to start chatting about their book eventually.

When you’re ready to explore Seattle, complimentary car service is provided to the downtown area. The Sorrento has thought of everything!

HOTEL MONACO
1101 4th Avenue

Completely revamped and updated a few years ago, Seattle’s Hotel Monaco is stylish and contemporary. And the location is within easy walking distance of both Pike Place Market and the Space Needle.

Frette linens top plush pillowtop beds in Hotel Moncaco guest rooms. Photo courtesy of Hotel Monaco.

The hotel’s Sazerac restaurant adds a little Southern flair to the Pacific Northwest menus with Chicken, Shrimp & Andouille Gumbo, Tennessee Country Ham and Oysters on the Half Shell.

Rooms are large with great views of the city. Frette linens top plush pillowtop beds. A mini-bar and mini refrigerator are in all rooms. Complimentary bicycles are available and daily newspapers. Also worth noting: Hotel Monaco is Pet-Friendly, with no fees or size restrictions.

SHAFER BAILLIE MANSION BED & BREAKFAST
14th Avenue East, Capitol Hill

This 14,000 square foot Tudor Revival home is the largest of the majestic homes on 14th Avenue East, Seattle’s original Millionaires’ Row. Guests at Shafer Baillie Mansion can relax in the library or the sunroom. Breakfast – included in the rate – is served in the elegantly oak-paneled dining room. Snacks, coffee and tea are always available.

Posh interiors at the Shafer Baillie Bed & Breakfast.

Photos courtesy of the Shafer Baille Mansion.

Six rooms and two suites all have private baths and are decorated and furnished in period style. The Mansion is steps from one of Seattle’s crown jewels, Volunteer Park, and downtown Seattle is a quick 20-minute walk. Rates are especially reasonable.