Seattle's Lodging Options Reflect the Region's Quirky Personality, Welcoming Charm

The Four Seasons Hotel Seattle is widely considered to be the top luxury hotel in the city. It is conveniently located near both the Seattle Art Museum and Pike Place Market. Guests love the sumptuous rooms and suites, which are immaculately furnished and come with modern amenities. The fitness center, sumptuous spas, hot tubs and infinity pool also draw rave reviews. Enjoy delicious fare at Goldfinch Tavern, a collaboration between Ethan Stowell Restaurants and Four Seasons Hotel Seattle. Named for the state bird of Washington, the American goldfinch, the bustling restaurant serves "approachable sophisticated Pacific Northwest cuisine" from Chef Joe Ritchie.

Located in rural Woodinville, this luxury inn accommodates visitors to the greater Seattle area who are ready for ultimate pampering. Situated on five landscaped acres that border the scenic Sammamish River, the lodge is approximately 25 miles from the Seattle-Tacoma International airport. It is also conveniently located right next to the Redhook Brewery and several popular wineries. Decor in the 86 rooms of the quaint lodge is rustic yet upscale, with features including stone fireplaces, soaking tubs and Italian Frette linens. The lodge's Spa and Health Club features fitness facilities, a sauna, outdoor Jacuzzi, massage therapy and spa treatments. Additional amenities include morning newspapers, CD and DVD libraries, bike rentals, concierge services and meeting/banquet space. Attached to the lodge is the Barking Frog, winner of the Washington Wine Commission's 2003 Restaurant of the Year award. Each evening the lodge hosts cocktails and wine tasting.

The newest addition to the Kimpton Seattle line-up, the Palladian hotel finds a home in a renovated, 97-room property located on the edge of Seattle's Belltown neighborhood (2000 2nd Avenue). Inside the historic 1910 building, the transformed hotel boasts "an edgy, masculine style and a touch of whimsy with celebrity-emblazoned lobby art, and a pillow in each room, including the regal-garbed likenesses of David Bowie, Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Selleck, Dave Grohl and others." On-site culinary gem Shaker + Spear (which seats 65 and has a 12-person bar) features a seafood-centric menu paired with fresh, regional ingredients; items include favorites like sage sausage, fried 'scotch' olives, charred octopus with hazelnut romesco and fingerling potatoes, and whole grilled branzino with saffron aioli, asparagus and roasted tomato.

Ace Seattle is a 28-room hotel located in the heart of Belltown. It's near downtown and within walking distance of many popular destinations like the Space Needle, Pike Place Market and the waterfront. It's also easy to get to the Capitol Hill neighborhood, and it proves a great place to stay when seeing the Mariners at Safeco Field or the Seahawks at Qwest Field. The unique boutique hotel (in a historical building) offers many green, eco-friendly and sustainable elements, like vintage and re-purposed furniture, and the design has been described as "bohemian, organic and hip." Find simple luxury, as well as the Cyclops Café and the Panther Room bar downstairs, serving food and drinks until late at night. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi, and accommodations are pet-friendly. Expert tip: check back often with the hotel for new deals and packages.

Opened in 1909 atop Seattle's First Hill, this Italian Renaissance-style hotel was built by Harlan Thomas, the first dean at the University of Washington's School of Architecture. The Sorrento served as a gathering place for intellectuals, dignitaries and music lovers, a tradition kept alive today with ongoing music, literature and social events hosted by the hotel. The historic, lavish Fireside Room is the perfect spot for formal afternoon tea on a rainy Seattle afternoon. The Sorrento is the first and longest running boutique hotel in the Emerald City. Its 76 unique and cozy guest rooms and spacious suites offer a full slate of amenities and services, including Caffe Vita French press coffee service, a fully stocked honor bar, valet parking, full-time concierge, in-room dining service, complimentary car service within downtown Seattle, 24-hour fitness and business centers and formal dining in the Dunbar Room.

In downtown Seattle, Hotel Theodore has just opened as a "landmark reborn." In an historic 1929 building, the luxury hotel��"consisting of 153 guest rooms, 12 of which are spacious studio suites with soaking tubs and loaner rain jackets��"honors the city's longstanding tradition of makers, builders and doers. The hotel, proud to provide guests "with an authentic, genuine experience," values the hand-crafted and custom-tailored over the mass produced. Alluring draws range from intriguing artwork (provided by the Museum of History and Industry) that celebrates Seattle's pioneering spirit. Guests also enjoy "a renowned sleep experience," curated local amenities, welcoming and detail-oriented staff, a festive aperitivo hour in the beautifully revamped atrium lobby and an on-site restaurant (Rider) that boats one of the most happening happy hours in town.

Step into Hotel Andra and be transported from bustling downtown neighborhood to a warm urban environment. Ideally located in the epicenter of the city, on the seam of the Belltown and South Lake Union neighborhoods and the thriving retail core, Hotel Andra is perfectly situated for guests to engage in the quintessential Seattle experience. Originally built in 1926, this classic brick building was thoroughly recreated as Hotel Andra in 2004, and renovated again in 2010. The distressed plank floors of the hotel lobby contrast with minimalist design elements, combining Northwest materials with a Scandinavian-inspired aesthetic. The hotel is home to Tom Douglas' Lola restaurant. One of Seattle's finest, the restaurant specializes in fusing Greek-style cooking with fresh Northwest produce. Assaggio Ristorante, featuring authentic Italian cuisine, is also on-site and features a wine list awarded Wine Spectator's "Award of Excellence."

Care to emerge yourself in Seattle art without leaving your hotel? Hotel Max is your spot. There are more than 350 original works of art throughout this modern and hip boutique hotel. Of course, you'll want to head out at some point. A short walk in either direction takes guests either up to eclectic nightlife in the Capitol Hill neighborhood or to downtown to the landmarks and destinations there. In addition to its art, Hotel Max is known for sincere and friendly service. Amenities include high-speed wireless internet, a 24-hour fitness center, and room service provided by hotel restaurant Miller's Guild. Luxurious bedding comes complete with a pillow menu. The hotel is pet-friendly, with a maximum weight limit of 75 pounds and a fee of $45. Valet parking is available.

The hotel lies in the heart of downtown Seattle. Within walking distance, guests find bustling Pike Place Market, the Seattle Art Museum, the city's energetic waterfront, historic Pioneer Square and many upscale art and antiques galleries. The renovated downtown charmer is in a historic building (built in 1901) one block east of the waterfront and ferry terminal and four blocks from Pike Place. The hotel is within walking distance of countless shops, restaurants, live entertainment venue and other attractions. The hotel art walk is located on the main level of the hotel and features artwork rotated bi-monthly and selected by the adjacent Michael Birawer Gallery. Guests may also make use of the gym (with climbing wall and peloton bike!) or treat themselves to a spa treatment. The renovated Bookstore Bar & Café perfectly combines cozy and chic--and serves a killer breakfast, among other tasty meals.

Seattle's only true waterfront hotel, this rustic-modern lodge on Elliot Bay proved a favorite of traveling international rock bands playing Seattle in the 1960s and 1970s (like the Beatles, for example!). The hotel actually juts over Elliot Bay, and some stars were said to fish right from its windows. Roughly half of the hotel's 223 rooms offer stunning Olympic Mountain and sunset views; the remainder face the iconic Seattle skyline. Each room has its own gas fireplace and custom luxury bedding. Eco- and pet-friendly, the hotel has a boutique featuring eco-chic Pacific Northwest-inspired items, and its coffee bar brews, naturally, fair-trade espresso and coffee by Starbucks. Other amenities include 24-hour fitness and business centers, room service, laundry and dry-cleaning services, plus complimentary bath amenities. Valet parking is $34 per day. Dining is available on site at the hotel's famed seafood restaurant Six Seven.