Inn at the Market

The Market, in this case, is Seattle’s famed Pike Place Market, best known as the place where all that fish-tossing goes on. This inn is quite literally on the market, in the heart of Seattle’s most picturesque tourist area, and some rooms look over the market or the city, while others have stunning views of Elliott Bay, through floor-to-ceiling bay windows.

The interiors are decorated in a contemporary country style, with pine armoires and plush furniture, that lends a sort of bed & breakfast atmosphere — though the facilities and services are one hundred percent modern boutique hotel. Most rooms have desks, and all have large bathrooms and plush terry robes. Though the Market itself is rather busy, the Inn itself is a welcome hideaway, with nothing more than a discreet little sign to hint that there’s a seventy-room boutique hotel behind those doors.

Though the Pike Place neighborhood suffers from no shortage of eateries, the Inn has three restaurants of its own, ranging from formal French to bistro to café fare. Massage service is available in-room, and for a fee you’ll have access to the nearby Seattle Athletic Club. The location, right downtown, is ideal for business or pleasure, and equally suited to going out or staying in. If you prefer the latter, be sure to visit the rooftop deck, with postcard-perfect views of the Market, Puget Sound, and the Olympic Mountains, and ideal placement for soaking up those rare moments of sunshine — this spot alone may be worth the trip.