4 Best Hotels in Seattle, Washington

The closest B&B to Downtown offers all the charm of a classic bed-and-breakfast (exquisitely styled with antique beds and Oriental rugs) with the convenience of being near the action. The owner has impeccable taste, and even the small den that holds two public computers and stacks of travel guides, brochures, and laminated menus from the best local restaurants is thoughtfully arranged and decorated. Modest-size guest rooms all have private baths. A full breakfast is served in the elegant dining room. Don't worry about using the wrong fork, though—despite its formal appearance, the inn is a warm, laid-back place. All bedrooms are on upper floors with no elevators.

The Ace is a dream come true for anyone who appreciates unique minimalist decor, with touches like army-surplus blankets, industrial metal sinks, and street art breaking up any notion of austerity. The cheapest rooms share bathrooms, which have enormous showers. Almost everything is white—even the wood floors and brick walls have been painted—making elements like randomly placed tree stumps pop in the gallery-like spaces. Cook breakfast in the shared kitchen or satisfy munchies from the vending machine stocked with unusual items like Japanese snacks and hangover cures. This is a very specific experience and aesthetic: if you're not soothed (or stimulated) by the stripped-down quality of the rooms or not amused by finding a copy of the Kama Sutra where the Bible would be, you may want to stay elsewhere.

This gorgeous Tudor Revival mansion is steps from Capitol Hill's Volunteer Park. The large, opulent guest rooms and suites on the second floor have antique furnishings and huge windows; third-floor rooms feel more contemporary (but still have big windows). Downstairs, guests have plenty of room to lounge and enjoy round-the-clock snacks, coffee, and tea in the library and salon. The continental breakfast includes extras like smoked salmon and prosciutto.

For a typical mid-range hotel stay on Capitol Hill, this is your only option—and it does the job. The spacious lobby is comfortable and attractive; standard guest rooms are on the small side but have nice design touches, like tall wooden headboards and faux-granite desktops. The building's location doesn't provide any notable views (rooms on lower floors can be dark), but it does put you in the heart of the Capitol Hill scene.