Kimpton Alexis Hotel

Unlike some of the newly built Kimpton properties, the Alexis Hotel makes its home in a historic downtown building in Seattle’s West Edge neighborhood. But don’t let the traditional exterior fool you: This hotel may be pure vintage Seattle on the outside, but it’s utterly modern and sophisticated on the inside, thanks in large part to the impressive art collection that lines the walls of the lobby, the gallery, and selected guestrooms. Art is, in fact, so much the theme here, that the Alexis has its own curator; she rotates the exhibitions quarterly to tie in with what’s being featured at the nearby Seattle Art Museum. All that culture doesn’t make for a stuffy hotel, though: In classic Kimpton style, pets are greeted with their name on a welcoming chalkboard.

The Alexis couldn’t place you in a better spot for enjoying all that the Emerald City has to offer. Situated on First Avenue -- one block east of the harbor -- the hotel is literally a five-minute walk from many of the city’s most coveted attractions, as well as a buffet of popular restaurants and shops. First Avenue, which features several stairwells leading down to the city’s bustling waterfront area, has long shed its ancient reputation as a seedy part of town, and now boasts some of the most eclectic boutiques, salons, restaurants, and coffee stops. Have a hankering for a dash of culture? Seattle Art Museum is quick walk down the street, as is Benaroya Hall -- the city’s premiere concert and opera venue. And since no visit to Seattle is complete without a few hours at the famed Pike Place Market, you’ll be happy to know that this popular “three-F” hot spot -- flying fish, flowers, and fabulous food -- is also just five blocks up the Avenue. For a taste of old Seattle, a ten-minute walk takes you to historic Pioneer Square, known for its vintage storefronts, restaurants, and art galleries, plus nearby Qwest Field (home of the Seattle Seahawks) and Safeco Field (home to the Mariners).

• 5-minute walk to Pike Place Market
• 5-minute walk to Seattle Art Museum
• 5-minute walk to Seattle Aquarium and waterfront
• 5-minute walk to Washington State ferry terminals for travel to local islands
• Less-than-5-minute drive to cruise terminals
• 5-minute drive or 20-minute walk to the Space Needle and Seattle Center
• Sea-Tac International Airport is a 20-minute drive south on I-5 (about $45 by taxi)
• Metro bus service along First Avenue

A steel-frame poster bed and a gold Rococo mirror, tasseled drapes and leather club chairs...This hotel’s eclectic mix of old meets new is intentional and it works. As does the pairing of deep, masculine colors softened with creamy touches (i.e. a white scrollwork headboard or a baby-blue wall). The Alexis has a First Avenue address -- which means it’s located one block above the waterfront -- but views can be hard to come by, as the hotel is flanked by storefronts and office buildings. It’s also known for having an enormous choice of rooms and specialty suites, so you may not need a view to keep you happy: Stay in the Author’s Suite and you’ll have stacks of books and a fireplace to read by; go with the Honeymoon Suite and you’ll end up with a two-person tub, CD library of love songs, and a room-service button that guarantees you never have to leave your nest.

All Rooms Include:

• One queen bed, two queen beds, or one king bed
• Comfortable bed with 300-thread-count Frette linens and pillow-top mattress
• 32-inch or 40-inch LCD flat-screen TV with on-demand video and video game console
• Bathroom with shower/tub combination and C.O. Bigelow bath products
• Honor bar
• Ergonomic Kielhauer work chair and desk
• High-speed internet access (free to Kimpton InTouch Guest Loyalty Members)
• Feather duvets
• Movies and Nintendo upon request (fee)
• Clock radio
• iPod dock
• Free newspaper
• Room safe
• Turndown service (upon request)
• Hairdryer, iron, and ironing board
• Air conditioning

• Chroma Salon and Spa (in-room treatments available)
• Free morning coffee service in lobby
• Free evening wine hour
• 24-hour room service from Library Bistro
• Free 24-hour fitness facility with steam room
• Overnight valet parking for a fee; hybrid vehicles receive 50 percent discount
• Pet-sitting and grooming services (for a fee)
• Boutique shopping on main level, including Parfumerie Nasreen and Chroma store
• Six event spaces
• Smoke-free property
• "Cruise concierge" for guests planning on taking Alaska cruises; includes services such as finding the best routes to the ship terminal and planning how to spend just a few hours in Seattle

• Library Bistro serves breakfast, plus brunch on weekends, in a space with 1940's-inspired decor (leather banquets, wood paneling, and -- you guessed it -- shelves lined with books).
• Bookstore Bar & Cafe serves drinks and light fare in the afternoons and evenings.