The Alexis Royal Sonesta Hotel Seattle

"One of the chefs Moore took under his wing was Herrick, who originally started working in his kitchen as a dishwasher 16 years ago and quickly moved up the ranks. Even when Herrick left the restaurant for stints at spots like the Alexis Royal Sonesta Hotel in Downtown Seattle..." - Jade Yamazaki Stewart

"Only a block from the waterfront, the Alexis Hotel is actually a complex of three buildings, all with a place on the National Registry of Historic Places. The oldest part of the hotel was built in 1901, the newest in 1908. Beautifully renovated and restored in 2007, the Alexis (part of the Kimpton Hotels brand) maintains much of its historic character with features like wood-burning fireplaces and exposed brick. Because the hotel is comprised of three different buildings, none of the rooms are the same and the features vary. Some rooms have balconies, some face the courtyard, and the fireplaces aren’t limited to the best-of-the-house suites. The rococo-meets-modern design scheme, a rotating art collection (to complement current showings at the nearby Seattle Art Museum), nightly wine reception (5–6 p.m.), and pet-friendly policy all add to the relaxed, residential atmosphere. And because the hotel is small and full of character, it’s a favorite for destination weddings."

The Best Hotels in Seattle

"How did it strike you on arrival?Sandwiched between an old-school perfume shop and the Bookstore Bar and Cafe, the flag-festooned entrance to the Alexis leads you to a comfortable, creamy lobby lit by globe-shaped chandeliers. What’s the crowd like?In addition to the usual pet-obsessed Kimptonites, the Alexis attracts fit business travelers and muscley globetrotters who’ve heard the (well-deserved) hype about the hotel’s above-and-beyond onsite fitness center. The good stuff: Tell us about your room.Restrained by Kimpton standards (the whimsy-forward chain does love its curlicues), standard rooms here show off the same warm neutrals as the lobby. It's modern and cozy, and the overall vibe is understated and urban. Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.With enough equipment to span two rooms, the gym at the Alexis is one awesome amenity. Renovated in 2015, it includes a cardio space with treadmills, rowing machines, and recumbent bikes as well as the Functional Fitness Center, where a bouldering wall lures climbers on rainy days. When it’s sunny, ask the front desk to borrow one of the hotel’s bikes—a great way to explore Pioneer Square and the nearby warterfront. Bottom line: worth it, and why?On the cusp of downtown and Pioneer Square, a brick-lined, boutique-rich area where gold rush profiteers once peddled their wares, the Alexis is also conveniently close to the ferry terminal, so it’s easy to wander down and hop a ferry to nearby Bainbridge Island." - Jessica Voelker