Seattle may be best known for its Space Needle, Pike Place Market, and as the headquarters to Starbucks, Microsoft, Amazon and Boeing, but it has an abundance of lesser known attractions and hidden gems worth seeking out. Art lovers shouldn't miss the Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit at Seattle Center. Sweet lovers can book a factory tour of artisanal chocolatier Theo Chocolates, which offers delicious samples–make sure to book ahead, it's popular!
On a nice day, work off some of your indulgence by walking up the hill to Kerry Park to enjoy panoramic views of the city. And for children and anyone enthralled with flight and aviation, a visit to the Museum of Flight is a must, from the first Wright brothers glider to the “Red Barn” used to manufacture the first Boeings. While luxury lovers may opt for the Four Seasons Seattle and value hunters would do well to consider the Grand Hyatt Seattle, there are also fantastic boutique hotel options, all of them centrally located and steps away from (or even in) Pike Place Market:
Almost incongruously embedded in the bustling Pike Place Market, you'll find Inn at the Market's tranquil ivy-covered courtyard, where you can enjoy al fresco dining from Cafe Campagne. The Inn at the Market's neon sign belies the understated elegance you'll find in the lobby and guestrooms. Sleep soundly on luxury Hypnos beds swathed in custom Sferra linens, and enjoy free WiFi and complimentary in-room coffee and tea. City Side Rooms offer floor to ceiling windows with views of downtown Seattle, while Water View Rooms look out on Elliott Bay. Whichever room you choose, you can always take in the sunset and bay views from a comfortable lounge chair on the rooftop deck.
Just 5 blocks from Pike Place Market, enjoy modern yet cozy Scandinavian design at Hotel Andra. We love the warmly hued Living Room, with its hand-knotted wool rugs, sofas, coffee tables of reclaimed wood, and granite fireplace. Wander upstairs to the Loft, and you'll have a bird's eye view from above. Superia Rooms are a generous 400 square feet, with plush beds, Egyptian cotton linens, and a comfortable sitting area as well as an 8 foot wood desk and ergonomic chair. Modern mint-green tiled bathrooms feature Lacava sinks, FACE Stockholm bath amenities, and spa bathrobes. Don't miss a meal or at least room service from Lola, rune by Tom Douglas,one of Seattle's top restauranteurs. Order anything with lamb, the smoked spicy oysters, and for breakfast, the made to order doughnuts with housemade jam and vanilla marscapone. Happy Hour from 4-6pm weekdays is a steal–you can thank us later.
Freshly renovated, Hotel Monaco is our favorite Kimpton hotel in Seattle to stay in right now. The hotel is just blocks from Pike Place Market, Pioneer Square, the waterfront, 5th Avenue Theatre and Symphony Hall. Enjoy the elegant, high-ceiling lobby with its cozy fireplace and nightly complimentary wine reception. While Monaco Queen Rooms are undeniably small, at 250 square feet, the plush pillowtop beds, Italian Frette linens, free WiFi (after signing up for Kimpton InTouch), funky animal print bathrobes and other Kimpton amenities (pet goldfish to keep you company during your stay, for instance) keeps us smiling. And as usual, travelers with pets are welcomed, and there are no fees to bring them.
Our second favorite Kimpton hotel in Seattle is the Alexis, so conveniently located at 1st and Madison, just a short walk to Pike Place Market and Pioneer Square, 2 blocks from the Seattle Art Museum, and a 3 minute walk from the light rail station which takes you to and from Seattle SEA-TAC Airport for just $2.50 one-way. Standard Alexis Queen Rooms are average sized, at 300 square feet, with Alexis King Rooms 350 square feet and Queen Queen Deluxe Rooms more spacious at 500 square feet. Design is subdued, with neutral tones and delightful accents such as ornate headboards that are in keeping with the building's historical landmark status. As at all Kimpton hotels, enjoy Italian Frette linens, the nightly complimentary wine reception, free WiFi after signing up for Kimpton InTouch, and a free stay if you bring your pet. Plus, nightly turndown includes chocolates (always a favorite with us!) and in addition to the fitness center, there's a private steam room that you can reserve. There are also 2 bicycles available for complimentary rental–just pop by the front desk to request.
