This older hotel has been nicely updated with a modern lobby that has a tasteful mix of contemporary furniture and interesting decorative elements. While ceilings are low, decor is kept to a neutral grey-and-brown palette, and there's dim lighting, the orange armchairs, fireplace, and tropical aquarium keep the space cheerful and add warmth. A striking wall mural of the Seattle skyline in the comfy lounge and business center is a distinctive touch. This hotel stays busy with a mix of business travelers and tourists visiting the area or enjoying pre- or post-cruise stays. 

The La Quinta is located in a safe and busy area of downtown Seattle, north of the Central Business District and south of South Lake Union. Scenic Denny Park is across the street, a Whole Foods Market is just three minutes away on foot, and there are a few restaurants and coffee shops nearby. Top attractions within reasonable walking distance include the Space Needle (12 minutes), Pike Place Market (15 minutes), Washington State Convention & Trade Center (12 minutes), and Key Arena (20 minutes). It takes about 30 minutes by public transportation to reach CenturyLink Field and Safeco Field (or an 11-minute drive), and the ferry terminals and Port of Seattle are about 20 minutes by public transportation or six minutes by car. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is approximately a 25-minute drive (52 minutes by public transit). 

The decor in these comfortable and well-maintained guest rooms is tasteful, but a bit dark due to a combination of emerald green carpet and espresso-finish wood furniture. Accent walls, bed skirts, and drapes also are dark brown, and even the handsome photos of Seattle are black-and-white. What saves rooms from feeling gloomy is ample light from large windows (or sliding doors that lead to small balconies in select rooms), some of which offer sweeping city views. 

Standard rooms have desks or small dining tables, and larger units with sleeper sofas are available, as are two-room suites. Marble vanities are placed outside the bathrooms, which are a bit small, but they have nice beige tiling around the shower/tub combos and all contain hairdryers and toiletries. Suites have larger, double-sink vanities. Standard amenities include coffeemakers, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. Many (but not all) of the rooms also have mini-fridges and microwaves. Some past guests have complained that there's noise from traffic, given the hotel's downtown location. 

This hotel offers amenities that are in line with other properties in its category. La Quinta’s free breakfast includes continental-style choices and a few rotating hot dishes. Free lemonade and ice water is available in the lobby, and there's a minimart that sells snacks, soft drinks, and frozen treats. The lobby is also where the business center is located, with a comfy lounge area and multiple computers and printers. 

The fitness center has up-to-date equipment but the space is cramped, with just enough room for a treadmill, elliptical, and weight-training machine. Valet dry cleaning and laundry service is available, or guests can opt to use the laundry room. There's free parking -- a rare amenity for a downtown hotel -- but the garage has limited spaces and parking isn't guaranteed. Overnight street parking (free all day Sunday) is nearby, as are public parking garages. Wi-Fi is free throughout, and pets stay free with some restrictions.