"How did it strike you on arrival?Old school opulence, all the way. Beneath thick ceiling beams, curvy-armed chairs surround a chintzy circle settee.With ample reading chairs and little nooks for relaxing over a cocktail or two, this storied Seattle lobby is a stone-cold charmer while the new restaurant, Stella, opened in 2021, embodies the hotel's coastal Italian theme. What’s the crowd like?Slightly out of the way on First Hill—locals call it “Pill Hill,” a nod to the nearby hospitals—the Sorrento attracts a relatively staid set of travelers, one that appreciates its refined serenity and thoughtful amenities. The good stuff: Tell us what we need to know about the rooms.Each of the 76 rooms and suites at this seven-story hotel, first opened in 1909, has its own distinct appeal. But they all reflect the old-fashioned elegance of the Italian Renaissance–style structure, which took inspiration from a grand hotel in Sorrento, Italy (thus the name). White marble bathrooms, framed historical prints, and pillow-top mattresses all add to the overall sense of refined luxury. How about the little details? Any of that worth a mention?Entering their rooms, Sorrento guests can expect fastidiously maintained antique furnishings, and fresh flowers. Room service: Worth it?Available from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., in-room dining will do in a pinch, but instead try Stella, a new on-site restaurant serving Italian-inspired dishes made with local ingredients. A short walk to neighboring Capitol Hill, however, will lead guests to notable local restaurants such as Lark, Bateau, and Marmite. Anything else we must check out?Turn your car over to the valets: the $45 nightly fee is a worthy exchange for being vehicle-free in this highly walkable section of the city. And after a long day exploring on foot, you can splurge on in-room, Japanese style massage or opt for a solo stretching session at the 24-hour fitness center (by appointment). And while you may not need to eat a full meal here, you should join other guests for light snacks and classic cocktails amid the charming chintz of the lobby’s Fireside Room. Held each evening at 5 p.m., a hosted wine happy hour offers an opportunity to mingle. Bottom line: Who will love this hotel?Travelers interested in a four-star experience that feels rooted in history will fall hard for this unique First Hill hotel." - Jessica Voelker
