Hotels near Downtown Seattle like Tabard Inn in Washington DC?

June 25, 2023 11:02 AM

I’m looking to stay in a unique non-chain hotel in/near downtown Seattle. Something similar to the Tabard Inn in Washington, DC. Budget is not an issue. I’ll be getting around by foot/public transit so parking also not an issue.

I’m planning a trip to downtown Seattle for later this summer and am fed up with AirBnB as a service. I’m looking to stay in a hotel this visit, but something more unique and with some character (ideally not a big chain).

One of my favorite places to stay in the past has been the Tabard Inn near Dupont Circle in Washington DC. So looking for something like this if it exists.

So you can see what I’m talking about: https://www.tabardinn.com/

If it helps, I’m familiar with The Ace Hotel, but am not a huge fan.

posted by paulcole to Travel & Transportation around Seattle, WA (10 answers total)

I stayed at the Theodore (then it was still The Roosevelt) some years ago, and liked it.
There’s also The Inn At The Market, which is right *in* Pike Place Market, if that appeals.
The Alexis is near there, and is something of a standard for visiting authors.
Lastly is The Arctic Club (which is owned by Hilton now), a very cool historic venue.
posted by dbmcd at 11:46 AM on June 25, 2023

I had an extremely comfortable stay at the Hotel Andra last summer, and it was super convenient walking/transit access to everything I wanted to do while I was in town.
posted by phunniemee at 11:53 AM on June 25, 2023 [2 favorites]

I second the Andra! I stayed there for a conference a few years back and it was great.
posted by heurtebise at 11:57 AM on June 25, 2023 [1 favorite]

It seems the Tabard Inn is a sort of eclectic local establishment?

The Moore Hotel. No A/C but tbh, that's not that unusual in Seattle. Some rooms share a bath, some do not. From recent photos I see they added TVs at some point.

The other hotel we stayed in regularly isn't open anymore but their sister hotel The Marqueen is still around. Less weird than the Moore, located in Queen Anne.

We've also stayed at the Hotel Max when it was still the Vance, the Gaslight Inn and have considered saying at the Inn at the Market.
posted by fiercekitten at 2:47 PM on June 25, 2023

The Ace.

Edit: nm. Missed the part where you aren't into it.
posted by violetk at 4:34 PM on June 25, 2023

I have stayed at the Inn at the Market and can recommend it, and would also strongly recommend the Hotel Sorrento
posted by skookumsaurus rex at 4:35 PM on June 25, 2023 [1 favorite]

Maybe the Mayflower Park?
posted by kiblinger at 5:13 PM on June 25, 2023

Arctic Club is cool, great bar and solid location downtown.

The Sorrento is also nicely located and has some historic touches. It's just up from downtown.

Because I live here I haven't stayed in these, only visited. But I've heard good things.
posted by BlackLeotardFront at 7:13 PM on June 25, 2023

Literally two doors down from the Sorrento - which is very nice - is the Inn At Virginia Mason. It was built as an apartment building in the 20's and has been a hotel for several decades now.
posted by pdb at 8:30 PM on June 25, 2023

The Panama Hotel in the international district is a historic hotel used by Asian immigrants. The rooms are tiny and the furnishings are a hundred years old and decidedly not modern. The beds have springy bedframes and there's only a tiny sink in the room. It's be an experience, for a night or two at least (then you might want to get more modern accommodations.) The concierge solemnly told me, "This is not a hotel, this is a museum."

But, yeah, it is a hotel. Just be gentle with the furniture.
posted by AlSweigart at 5:49 AM on June 26, 2023