Description
Though Seattle, Washington, was first formally occupied by settlers in the mid-nineteenth century, the Great Seattle Fire of 1889 did a number on the Central Business District, turning a whole swath of buildings to blackened rubble. Though it was quickly rebuilt (with fire safety in mind), most of the extant buildings date only as far back as the early 1900’s. Old, yes, but not ancient.
But if you’re a traveler hunting for history, don’t let this disappoint when it comes time to track down hotels in Seattle boasting the fine patina of age. Nor should you rule out historic for fear of creaky floors and noisy radiators. Seattle boasts two luxury hotels also listed on the National Register of Historic Places (the Mayflower Park Hotel and the Fairmont Olympic Hotel) where the package deal includes atmosphere and easy access to the heart of downtown Seattle. Venture a mile north of downtown to the Queen Anne neighborhood if you’re looking for something a little more boutique; set in a restored building from 1918, the MarQueen Hotel keeps things simple with less than 60 rooms, and at scarcely a stone’s throw from Seattle Center it’s the obvious choice for visitors with museum-hopping or theater-going in mind. And while you won’t necessarily feel like you’ve time-warped in this hotel (built in 1929), The Roosevelt Hotel is oddly alluring, maybe thanks to its (original) bold neon pink sign, which gives it an interesting edge. Another safe bet? The historic Hotel Vintage Park. Think historic boutique hotel meets Washington wine country, with each room themed for a local winery. Tipplers rejoice.
And finally, if you’re looking to stay close to the city but skip the hotels in Seattle proper, consider a stay at the Salish Lodge and Spa. Built on the site of the original lodge, this modern facility overlooks Snoqualmie Falls. It has earned a reputation over the years not only for its views (and appearance in the TV series, Twin Peaks) but also for its breakfasts.
