THE BEST HOTELS AT SEATTLE’S PIKE PLACE MARKET
A trip to Seattle is not complete without a visit to Pike Place Market, in the heart of downtown with stunning views of boats cruising on Puget Sound, the neighboring islands, and the Olympic Mountain range. Pike Place Market is an active farmers market open daily with perfectly stacked produce, colorful flowers, freshly caught fish, handicrafts and upscale shops, casual food stalls, bakeries, and many wonderful restaurants.
The Four Seasons
Positioned at the southern end of the market near the Seattle Art Museum and Benaroya Concert Hall. Long-established in the Olympic Hotel a few blocks inland, Four Seasons Seattle opened in its new building in 2008. The views from the hotel pool deck, gym, restaurant and many rooms are glorious. The restaurant, Goldfinch Tavern, is a partnership with local celebrity chef and restaurateur, Ethan Stowell. All of the 145 rooms are generously sized, bright, and include contemporary furnishings, deep soaker tubs, and TVs built into the bathroom mirror. My favorite was the Deluxe Elliot Bay View Suite overlooking the pool deck and the waters of Puget Sound, with a king bedroom, 1.5 bathrooms, dining room, and living room with fireplace plus the option for a connecting double queen bedroom. The outdoor, year-round saltwater pool is one-of-a-kind in Seattle and the views just don’t quit! There is also a spa on property with steam/sauna, 8 treatment rooms, and nail services. Clients of Kirsten Morrison Travel enjoy the privileges of our Four Seasons Preferred Partner status including highly-personalized VIP service; priority access to the best rooms and complimentary upgrades; daily breakfast; and $100-200 credit during your stay.
thompson seattle
This relative newcomer to the scene opened across from the market in 2016. There are 150 rooms, including 10 suites, a street-level restaurant with soaring windows to watch the sunsets and busy street life, and a not-to-be-missed rooftop indoor/outdoor cocktail lounge. The Nest, as it is called, is popular with locals so be sure to ask for a reservation at booking. The rooms are furnished in a midcentury modern style with wood flooring and large windows to take in the exceptional views and abundant natural light. My favorites were The Thompson Suite with a living room, large master bath, and separate powder room as well as the Deluxe Waterview Suite with two walls of windows, a pullout sofa in the living room, a king bedroom, and two full bathrooms. Families who need connecting rooms can opt for the corner suites which share an alcove that can be closed off to the main hallway. Clients of Kirsten Morrison Travel enjoy Preferred Partner privileges at Thompson Seattle including highly personalized, top-level service and priority access to the best rooms, complimentary upgrades, daily breakfast for two; and $100 hotel credit.
Inn at the Market
This boutique property has been operating in the heart of Pike Place Market since 1985. A few local shops, the french bistro Cafe Campagne, and the celebrated Sushi Kashiba surround a central courtyard at the entrance to the hotel which serves as a quiet, shady oasis amid the bustle of the market. The hotel was renovated in 2017 with a modern aesthetic, contemporary local art, and a small selection of antiques. There are 79 rooms across 8 floors plus a rooftop deck with lounge areas and firepits to take in the incredible views over the market and across Puget Sound to the Olympic Mountains. Guests can gather market provisions for rooftop meals or order up from one of the restaurants. My favorite room was the Deluxe Waterview King with a kitchenette, small sofa, and large outdoor deck shared with the adjacent room. A family or two couples should consider booking these rooms together to enjoy the outdoor space exclusively.