Seattle Editor Picks

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 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.

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.

One of the nation’s oldest continuously running farmer's markets has 9-acres of vendors selling everything from fresh fish to flowers, plus restaurants, the original Starbucks, and a museum featuring gigantic shoes.

Don’t miss the Seattle Art Museum’s 9-acre sculpture park featuring work by Richard Serra and Alexander Calder – it’s only a twenty minute walk from the museum.

This retro, casually sophisticated supper club flies in fresh fish from around the world....more

Named 2007 Best Chef – Northwest by the James Beard Foundation, John Sundstrom turns out...more

This Hemingwayesque hotspot has no signage – find it across from Caffe Vita. Sip handcrafted cocktails (try the Paper Tiger) and dream about Cuban cigars while the DJ spins house and hip-hop.