Seattle - Washington, Oregon and the Pacific Northwest - page 152

( 206-624-4844; www.alexishotel.com ; 1007 1st Ave; r/ste from $280/310; ;
University St) Run by the Kimpton Hotel group, the Alexis is a boutique hotel that is posit-
ively lavish, with huge rooms, thick carpets, gleaming bathrooms and some luxury extras
- a steam room and fitness center, for instance. The hotel's pet-friendly moniker is taken
seriously; visiting dogs get bowls of distilled water on arrival.
Thick double-glazed windows keep out the cacophony of downtown just outside the
front door.

Sorrento Hotel HOTEL$$$

$$$

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( 206-622-6400; www.hotelsorrento.com ; 900 Madison St; d from $269; ;
64) William Howard Taft, 27th US president, was the first registered guest at the Sor-
rento, an imposing Italianate hotel known since its birth in 1909 as the jewel of Seattle.
The combination of luxurious appointments, over-the-top service and a pervasive sense
of class add up to a perfect blend of decadence and restraint.
The hotel's restaurant, the Hunt Club, is worth a stop whether you're staying here or
not. Continental breakfast ($11) and a shuttle to the airport ($65) are among the extras on
offer.

Hotel Monaco BOUTIQUE HOTEL$$$

$$$

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( 206-621-1770; www.monaco-seattle.com ; 1101 4th Ave; d/ste $339/399; ;
University St) Whimsical, with dashes of European elegance, the downtown Monaco
is worthy of all four of its illustrious stars. Bed down amid the stripy wallpaper and
heavy drapes.

Pioneer Square

Best Western Pioneer Square Hotel HOTEL$$$
( 206-340-1234; www.pioneersquare.com ; 77 Yesler Way; r from $159; ; Pioneer Sq)
Rooms and common areas at this historical hotel feature period decor and a comfortable
atmosphere. The only hotel in the historical heart of Seattle, it can't be beaten for loca-
tion - as long as you don't mind some of the saltier characters who populate the square in
the off hours. Nightlife, restaurants and shopping are just steps from the door.