
by Susan Young
Last updated: 5:00 AM ET, Thu November 22, 2018
It's no secret that Seattle is also known as the Emerald City. However, it might also be called the Eclectic City, as its personality changes around every corner.
When it comes to lodging, you can float on a houseboat, squeeze into a tiny house or glam it up in a backyard yurt. More conventional accommodations include the kitschy Edgewater Hotel, which housed the Beatles in their heyday, the elegant Fairmont Olympic Hotel in the heart of the city, and everything in between.
The city hosted the 1962 World's Fair, introducing the Space Needle and Monorail, which still attract thousands of visitors. The Edgewater hotel, built on Elliott Bay, accommodated the Fair's tourists and remains the only original waterfront hotel in the city. A few years later, when the Beatles traveled to Seattle, the city wasn't very receptive but the Edgewater welcomed them with open arms. While standard room rates are reasonable if you want the Beatles Suite, be prepared to pay a pretty penny.
FOTO: La Aguja Espacial de Seattle (Foto de photoquest7 / Getty Images Plus) (Pixabay)The quirky Kimpton boutique hotels are well represented in Seattle with the Alexis, the Hotel Monaco Seattle, the Kimpton Palladian, and the Hotel Vintage. All have their own distinctive personality and are within walking distance to the waterfront, Pikes Place Market and Pioneer Square. The Kimptons are known for their pet-friendly policies, boutique style, funky art and complimentary nightly Wine Hour.
If you're looking for a bit of glamour mixed with art, Seattle hosts several Provenance properties including Hotel Theodore, with its collection of museum-curated art and artifacts from the city's Museum of History and Industry. The Hotel Max showcases local photographers' works on each floor along with a mix of art and music. Built in 1926 as the Vance Hotel, the Beaux Arts Classical Eclecticism architecture lends itself to an appeal for musicians and artists. The fifth floor is devoted to Sub Pop Records, an independent record label, with the black and white photography of Charles Peterson.
PHOTO: A sunny early summer day in Seattle, Washington. (photo via fotoguy22/iStock/Getty Images Plus) (fotoguy22 / iStock / Getty Images Plus)
The Hilton's Tapestry Collection will open its Sound Hotel Seattle Belltown in February 2019, part of a 42-story mixed-use residential high-rise including rental apartments. The Sound Hotel itself will be located on the first ten floors, walkable to all the top Seattle destinations. Hilton's Curio Collection offers the Charter Seattle, in the middle of downtown. Argentine-inspired décor includes the Patagon restaurant and Fog Room rooftop bar and lounge. Another Hilton option is The Arctic Club Seattle, a DoubleTree property. An homage to the men returning from the Yukon gold rush to the original Arctic Club, the history of this building features throwbacks to an elegant time of prominent architecture and formal décor.
In the mood for old-school elegance? Check out the Fairmont Olympic Hotel, which is offering the luxury and charm of Afternoon Tea in their Georgian Restaurant. The holidays are a special time at the Olympic when they transform their lobby into a Festival of Trees, benefitting the Seattle Children's Hospital. Featuring an oversized gingerbread house, a Teddy Bear Suite and roasted chestnuts, this event is held November 17 through January 1.
Looking for a stateroom on Puget Sound? Seattle is also a convenient city from which to cruise with choices that range from a small river boat to a floating city. Shilshole Bay Marina is home to American Cruise Line's smaller ships which cruise Puget Sound's San Juan Islands, as well as Alaskan destinations. For a larger ship experience, Norwegian Cruise Line's newest offering, Bliss, docks at the Bell Street Cruise Terminal at Pier 66. The port hosts several other cruise lines as well with destinations ranging from Alaska to Hawaii with Holland America, and more.
A Washington State Ferry sails past Bainbridge Island at sunset with the Olympic Mountains in the background (photo via LoweStock / iStock / Getty Images Plus)Seattle is one of the most walkable cities in the country and with views of Mount Rainier in the distance, it is also one of the most scenic. You'll find loads of seafood restaurants and views of fishing boats and cruise ships at the Waterfront. Pike Place Market is packed with local food and independent shops, where you'll find the famous Pike Place Fish Market for "the throwing of the fish". The downtown area will lead you to the famous Space Needle as well as high-end shopping and eateries.
PHOTO: Pike Place Market at night. (photo via CrackerClips/iStock Editorial/Getty Images Plus)
Whatever your style, taste or budget, Seattle has you covered and will embrace you with its warmth.
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