Palihotel Seattle

The Paligroup hotels have so far been strictly a Los Angeles phenomenon, and one that slightly defies categorization. They’re hip yet approachable, affordable without feeling cheap, and they never seem to do the obvious thing. Which is why the Palihotel Seattle seems like a bit of a curveball. The location, at 1st and Pine, is about as close as you can get to the famous Pike Place Market without running the risk of being hit by a thrown fish.

And in a city whose downtown district is rapidly going upscale, Palihotel Seattle aims for an accessible vibe with plenty of vintage appeal. There are luxe details, to be sure, including custom-designed furniture, rain showers, thoughtfully stocked mini-bars, and, in some rooms, Smeg refrigerators. It’s a stylized retro look, eclectic and timeless, but focused and carefully composed.

The location is tough to beat; nearby is not just the market but enough shops, restaurants, bars, and concert venues to fill several days’ time. And you’re not entirely at the mercy of your neighborhood — also making the trip up from Los Angeles is The Hart and The Hunter, the Southern restaurant whose original pairing with the Palihotel Melrose has been going strong for the better part of a decade.