Perfectly placed just steps away from Seattle's Pike Place Market, the Inn at the Market certainly hits the high scores for its location. What sets this hotel apart from the luxury chain hotels located in downtown Seattle, is just that — it's not in those faceless streets, but in the ideal location to use as a base for exploring what Seattle has to offer.
Ask for a waterfront room, but if you can't get one make sure to visit the rooftop terrace, which has fantastic views over Elliot Bay and the market itself. The hotel's relaxed manner means guests are permitted to take their own wine and food (all those goodies you purchase from the world famous market) up to the terrace, which we did, taking advantage of the sun setting over the bay, with the stunning Olympic Mountains providing the backdrop.
Points once again for the hotel's location, as it is just a few minutes' walk from the trendy Belltown area. This once downtrodden part of town is now host to a number of Seattle's best restaurants and nightclubs, and has its share of boutiques and art galleries. Belltown is also home to the famous Crocodile Club, considered the birthplace of Seattle's grunge rock explosion of the mid Nineties, and has recently re-opened if you fancy a visit.
There are two restaurants in the hotel: one is more formal and one a café, but both are the closest you'll get to Paris in Seattle. We opted for the more relaxed Café Champagne, which offers a truly Parisian menu. We indulged in escargots de Bourgogne followed by steak frites served with an excellent Roquefort butter. The restaurant, quite rightly prides, itself on its fine wine list.
The hotel staff is also a hub of knowledge, so don't be shy — ask away. On our second night we were pointed in the direction of The Pink Door, an Italian/American restaurant-cum-cabaret bar just steps away from the hotel, an experience that only added to our stay in this wonderful city.
Back to the Inn at the Market, and did I mention the ivy-clad courtyard and the fireplace in the lobby that provides the warmest welcome? Then there's the unique collection of northwest American art? Oh, and did I mention its location?
Inn at the Market Hotel, 86 Pine Street, Seattle, Washington 98101 USA (+1 206-443-3600; innatthemarket.com). Room rates from £108.
