Hotel Sorrento

Tech capital, rock-music mecca, that place where they throw the fish — whatever your mental picture of Seattle looks like, we’re willing to bet the Hotel Sorrento comes as a pleasant surprise. This century-old Italianate charmer stands on First Hill, a short-but-steep walk from Downtown, and it’s a window into an upscale, old-world side of Seattle, and a reminder of a time when it was gold, rather than the internet, that brought waves of new settlers to the Pacific Northwest.

Architecture and atmosphere aside, of course, today’s Sorrento is a thoroughly contemporary experience. This is an independent luxury hotel that’s learned the lessons of the boutique-hotel boom, combining plush comforts with loads of personality. No two rooms are quite alike, though they’re all classic in style, and come with high-end details like 42-inch televisions, goose-down pillows, and marble bathrooms stocked with Le Labo products.

The views from First Hill are impressive, taking in a panorama that includes the waters of Puget Sound and Lake Washington, as well as the peak of Mt. Rainier to the south. From here you’re surrounded by shops, restaurants, cafés, bars, and museums. And Hotel Sorrento gives you a few reasons to stay in: the Dunbar Room combines European bistro and American steakhouse flavors with Pacific Northwest seafood, while the Fireside Room is the lobby-level lounge and bar with a daily five o’clock wine hour.