My husband and I are expecting the third (and final) addition to our family at the end of September. We have been blessed to have parents locally that have offered to watch our two little guys while we get away for a bit of a break before the chaos begins We live on Bainbridge Island and are thinking that what might be the most fun (and easiest - just in case) is to spend the weekend in Seattle. As we live locally, we have not stayed at many of the downtown Seattle hotels - and so - here is my question. If you had two days to pamper yourself - budget somewhat open - in mid September in Seattle - where would you stay and where would you dine?

We have stayed at the W / the Fairmont / the Westin / the Sorrento and have loved them all. However - we are curious about the new Hotel 1000 as well as the Alexis / Monaco, etc. Anyone have thoughts on these or any others that you have found romantic?

My favorite restaurants in the city are Matt's / Cafe Campagne - but would love to try something different and romantic - and welcome any suggestions.

Thank you so much for your thoughts / time / consideration. Most appreciated!

I'm here in Seattle but sounds like you already know the city better than I do (but will top this post for you).

Thank you, suze. I have stayed in some of the hotels as I used to be a co-owner of an event management company in town - and when we had meetings / events - we would stay with our clients / group - so I am familiar with some of the downtown hotels. Also - living on the island - sometimes if it comes to catching a boat in the middle of the night or staying in the city, we'll choose the later.

It is always fun to hear thoughts on new hotels / restaurants that we have not tried. Thank you again for topping my thread.

Regards, Courtney

The Hotel 1000 is pretty cool--great bathrooms in particular.

I also really like the Inn at the Market--esp if you can get a deluxe waterview room.

Have you been to Matt's since the remodel? I haven't, I'm curious to hear from anyone who has.

I really like Dahlia Lounge for a nice dinner out--and I find it romantic, maybe because I've had some really great dates there, ha.

If you are bringing your car then you might consider driving out to Rovers for a special dinner.

Oh! We have never been to Rovers - that sounds wonderful and I've heard great things.

Do you have any experience with the Herb Farm?

Thanks again for your thoughts.

Yes--it's fantastic but it's a production. You really have to be mentally prepared for a long evening...and if you're going to have dinner there I'd stay at the Willows Lodge because you are NOT going to feel like driving anywhere afterwards.

Inn at the Market -- hands down. Water view preferred, but even a city view is doable (I like the corner room on the top floor) because there is a large balcony open to all guests on the water side.

Dining: Palisade. Can't go wrong.

As someone living in the area, it's hard to recommend a hotel, though when we were moving here, we stayed at and loved Inn at the Market. As to restaurants, I suggest Chez Shea. I have not been impressed by Palisades - noisy and the antithesis of a romantic evening. Good luck!

Here's another huge recommendation for Chez Shea. We loved everything about that place!

We enjoyed Hotel Monaco. We had a deluxe (or corner or something) room with a jacuzzi tub (for two). Gorgeous room. Loved the restaurant next door, too.

Inn at the Market looks fantastic, but if I were due in September, I wouldn't want to climb up and down that hill! Of course, you could just stay at sea level. Riding back and forth on the streetcar is great fun, and we couldn't get enough of the Market.

Thank you so much for your replies. Unfortunately, the Inn at the Market is booked that weekend.

I have never been to Chez Shea - is it in the Market? We'll check that out for sure

Thank you again - so looking forward to this getaway.

Yes, Chez Shea is in the Market. Upstairs in the inland building,one sits along 1st Avenue/Pike Street (not down in the main Market building). Lovely restaurant.

Courtney,

As another pregnant fodor poster, I might warn against choosing this time to go to the Herb Farm, and possibly even Canlis (although a quick call could validate my concerns). Both restaurants are reputed to be wonderful, but with the list of things to not eat while pregnant, I personally wouldn't want to have to question if every morsel of soft cheese was pasteurized. Locally, it's just these high end restaurants that might go to the effort to procure import cheeses etc. Herb Farm is by tasting menu only, and a multiple course/hour production.

You could always try Canlis, which is a Seattle landmark, and a special occasion out. If you check Chowhound, there are recent reviews on the newly remodeled Matt's at the Market.

Cafe Zoe in Belltown is relaxed but refined in both food and service. Crush in Madison Park is wonderful, in a more stark/contemporary fashion.

Enjoy your trip out (and quiet time alone)!

My boyfriend and I stayed at the Monaco hotel and took a cab to Daniel's Broiler on Lake Union for a very romantic dinner. We sat outside (they have heaters) overlooking the marina and had a fantastic meal, with impeccable service and then went inside to the piano bar for after dinner drinks by the fire. Very nice. Mornings strolling and nibbling at Pike Place Market were also romantic.

Jazz Alley --great food and romantic atmosphere with entertainment!

Congrats on your third! I have to agree Canlis is great. The question is do you want a small, private restaurant (seafood oriented or no?) or a larger more bustling place with excellent food? Inn at the Market is nice but might have been loud? I've stayed at The Monaco and Alexis. The Monaco is quirky and modern but nice who takes pets (might be a concern) and the Alexis is small and classy. It's been a while though. Do you want to be right downtown? I second Crush, Zoe and Daniel's Broiler. Also fond of Le Pichet for food but don't find them overly friendly...

Sorry, mine was supposed to suggest caution of unpasteurized cheeses etc. at Rovers, not at Canlis.