Pacific Northwest Hotel

Two words: World class. Without being over-the-top flashy or stuffy, the Fairmont Olympic (listed on the National Register of Historic Places and a member of Historic Hotels of America) exudes unpretentious grandeur and is subsequently one of the most sought-after properties in Seattle. From its 1924 brick-and-stone edifice that harks back on Italian Renaissance architecture, to its ornate lobby, afternoon tea service, posh décor, and matchless service, these digs say class all the way. The lobby is a sight to behold with soaring arched ceilings, gilt-and-crystal chandeliers, bedizened moldings, and polished oak walls and pillars. The splendor continues to the award-winning Georgian restaurant where a dazzling menu showcases French-inspired Northwest cuisine (try the truffle-wrapped Monkfish, the crisp oyster-and-prawn beignet, or the foie gras roulade) in a spectacular setting of oak paneling, tall arched windows, and hanging chandeliers. 450 sizeable units are done up in soft hues of yellow, blues, and greens with period furnishings. Child-friendly amenities include special kids menus at all the restaurants, child-sized bathrobes, child-proofing aids, strollers, Sony Playstations, toys, and no-tear shampoo.

This striking, contemporary hotel is located less than a mile from downtown Seattle, across the street from Seattle University. It touts award-winning architecture and spacious studios with hand-blown glass accents from the Nowak Glass Studio next door. Although the Barclay lacks the usual hotel facilities, including restaurants, guests can walk over to the adjacent Animals Coffee Shop for a caffeine fix and homemade pastries. There’s no front desk but rooms have their own private entry system keypads so you can check in according to your schedule. The 2 studios and three-level loft above them are contemporary yet cozy, with stained concrete floors, custom-made furniture, and private sunken garden patio. Custom-built cabinetry, fir French doors, and beautiful sculpted glass art created by the owner/artist are among the stylish embellishments. Each room has its own patio, LCD TV, mini-kitchen, bar, microwave, and toaster. Bring your own laptop to use free wireless Internet. No children or pets are allowed.

Located high on First Hill, this extravagant boutique, dating back to 1909, was built to resemble an Italian Villa. Besides its dramatic circular driveway encircling a palm-shaded fountain, there is little else Mediterranean about it. Instead, an old-world elegance and clubby sophistication stands out as a rarity among Seattle's hotels. Dark-wood paneling, an old-fashioned lobby lounge with handsome décor, antiques, and a crackling fireplace, make a cocktail before dinner a necessity. Of the many pleasant perks awaiting you at this favored Seattle home stay, one of the best is the Hunt Club - an award-winning restaurant that mixes Pacific Northwest-style cuisine with Mediterranean influences using organic and seasonal ingredients. Recently renovated rooms match the superior elegance of the rest of the hotel. More than half of the 76 units are suites yet all are reasonably spacious, many with impressive views of downtown Seattle and Puget Sound (ask for one of the north- or west-facing rooms). Rooms are classy and cozy with oversized beds draped in 400 thread-count Egyptian linens and allergy-free down comforters, white-and-gray Italian marble bathrooms, a handsome desk and chair, a full-length mirror, and elegant European as well as Asian accents. Rich blues and burgundies and dark carpeting are complimented by the light curtains, large windows, and white bedding. In-room amenities include DirectTV with movie channels, high-speed internet access, fax, scanner, color printer, and a serious sound system with ten digital satellite stations and a 3-disc CD changer. For an all-out extravagant night, big spenders can splurge on the magnificent top-floor penthouse, complete with grand piano, hot tub, outdoor patio, and, arguably, one of the best views in the city.

The Heathman set the standard in sustainable lodging by becoming the first hotel in town to be recognized by the Energy Trust of Portland Oregon for its commitment to the environment. This translates to compostable key cards, a 100% green dry cleaning process, and energy efficient light bulbs, among other things. Comfort also rules at the Heathman. Think big, vibrant guestrooms adorned with original artwork and amenities galore including bottled water at turndown, a choice of three plush mattresses at check-in, complimentary Peet’s coffee, free internet access, and blackout drapes for fussy sleepers.

This whimsical boutique, exceptionally located by Pike Place Market and Pioneer Square, is a cutting-edge business hotel that appeals to a young, trendy crowd. A $20 million renovation turned this former telephone bell switching tower into the top-rated (also recently named one of the top 100 hotels in the world by Travel+Leisure), bolthole it is today, which, by the way, celebs can't resist - Christina Aguilera and the Smashing Pumpkins are a few of the Monaco's past patrons. An eye-catching lobby boasts ancient Greek-style murals, hand-blown glass globes, and wrought-iron gates, and hosts a complimentary wine-tasting hour with vintages from around the globe, local craft beers, and other goodies every evening. The Monaco's 189 guest rooms, compliments of designer Cheryl Rowley, flaunt bright combo color schemes, incorporating crimson and yellow, and charcoal and raspberry. Suave set ups in most of the units include a separate bedroom area sectioned off by a draped curtain, tied back at the wall. Fun head boards, leopard-and-floral chairs, bright vases, Fuji-jet tubs (in most), and even your own resident gold fish (available upon request) give rooms a designer edge. Guests can also bring along their four-legged friends; pets are not only welcome but pampered with gourmet dog biscuits, dog-walkers, and sitters.

Cute and quiet, yet smack dab in the middle of one of Seattle’s main attractions, Pike Place Market, the Inn at the Market is a great find. Its up-the-street location makes guest feel like they’re a world away while overlooking the bustling market from their rooms. The welcoming lobby, centered around a fireplace, features slate-tile floors, handcrafted European-style furnishings in rich, earthy colors, and a selection of Northwest art. A fountain courtyard surrounded by ivy-laden walls is a serene spot to dine, while the private rooftop garden is the place for views of the Olympic mountain range and Elliott Bay. All 70 guestrooms exemplify understated luxury and offer views of the bay, Post Alley, Pike Place Market, or the courtyard. Rooms have silk and chenille accents that give them a plush, luxurious feel. Units optimize views with floor-to-ceiling bay windows (that open) and have Tempur-pedic beds.

Props to the Kimpton Group for bringing a touch of both class and whimsy to Downtown with this sleek 117-room hotel. Credit the elegance to in-room spa services, designer recycling bins, honor bars with organic food and beverages, and donation programs for unused amenity bottles. But a sense of fun is still intact as evidenced by boldly decorated rooms dedicated to local wineries or vineyards. Don’t forget the nightly complimentary wine hour, a Kimpton trademark.

You know a city has arrived when the San Francisco-based Kimpton Group installs a quirky Hotel Monaco in it. This 221-room boutique hotel exudes oddball charm, starting with its 221 guestrooms, each outfitted with striped wallpaper, colorful furnishings, and animal-print robes. Pets are greeted with a plethora of amenities (most at no extra fee), including treats, a dog mat, spring water, and an available pet psychic (for stressed pooches), while their human companions can enjoy a daily complimentary wine hour complete with canvasses and brushes for banging out masterpieces.

Asian accents amid a very masculine, sexy tone (dark woods, leather furnishings) abound at this design hotel. Comfy beds are dressed in high-thread-count white linen sheets while cherry-stained mahogany furnishings round out the understated vibe. Choose from the pillow menu and then kick back with music (iPod docking station) or a movie (flat-screen TV). Fido is welcome to join you for an additional $45/day. When hunger pangs strike, chow down on classic Thai cuisine at Typhoon restaurant or chill with a cocktail and appetizers at Bo Restobar.

Famous for its locale on the bay, the Edgewater feels like a world away from the busy city with its rustic country vibe on the waterfront. Renovations have spruced up the once faded property. The lobby boasts an upscale cabin-like feel with a river-stone fireplace, a gigantic elk chandelier, and stylized totem poles – not to mention the all-glass wall that offers perfect views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains (on a clear day). At Six Seven, the hotel’s signature restaurant, guests can enjoy a delightful meal of Pacific Northwest seafood combined with some Pan-Asian and American touches. The Edgewater still holds its own with its unmatched Northwestern style and casual vibe. Cozy rooms – half of the 223 overlooking the water – are furnished with pine furniture, overstuffed chairs, plenty of plaid, and your own gas fireplace. All units feature comforts like Egyptian cotton bedding, bath amenities (rubber ducky included), private bar, refrigerator, Starbucks coffee service, cordless phones, and HDTV televisions with digital entertainment. Rock n’ roll fans can request the same suite (room 272) where the Beatles stayed back in 1964, which now boasts band memorabilia, photos, and a state-of-the-art stereo system with a selection of Beatles CDs. The famous “fishing out the window” photo of the band was actually shot in this very suite and the photo now hangs on the wall.