Inn at the Market

The aroma of fresh-roasted coffee, mist lingering like Spanish moss over the Sound, and the infamous flying fish found at Pike Place Fish Company - it all immediately brings one of the Pacific Northwest's most exciting cities into focus. For Seattle, one hotel that qualifies as a true standout is the award-winning Inn at the Market. Ensconced in the landmark Pike Place Market, this ivy-covered retreat is a study in urban elegance. With just 70 stunning guest rooms, operable floor-to-ceiling window, and spacious baths, the intimate abodes put you into a state of relaxed bliss.

Touted as one of the 500 Best Hotels in the World by the editors of Travel + Leisure, Inn at the Market offers a pair of culinary destinations that includes one specializing in French-country cuisine, and another offering a proud menu of fresh market fare. When all that is needed is a cup of robust java or a glass of soothing wine from a Northwest vintner, then head to hotel's spectacular rooftop deck, where you can admire the sparkling views of Puget Sound from a comfy chaise. As for shopping, you can prowl Seattle-based Nordstrom or stay closer to home at Watson Kennedy, located at the inn and known for its vintage vibe and Parisian sensibilities. After a day of exploring iconic places such as the Space Needle, or checking out some of the city's hip neighborhoods, return to the hotel and find a skilled therapist ready to administer a in-room massage. Or head to one of the city's swanky jazz bars, where undiscovered artists are just a song away from stardom. Seattle can be an on-the-go getaway, a relaxing retreat or a combination of the two. With a stay at Inn at the Market, the choice is all yours.