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Fodor's Expert Review Inn at the Market

Name: Inn at the Market
Address: 86 Pine St., Seattle, Washington, 98101, USA
Telephone: 206-443–3600;800-446–4484
Price range: $$$

86 Pine St., Seattle, Washington 98101, USA See on Map Fodor's Choice

AnnaMaria Stephens

They say location is everything, and Inn at the Market has got it made. When you step out to the street, you’re immediately swept up in the hustle and bustle of Pike Place Market, one of Seattle’s most popular attractions. The recently remodeled boutique hotel is right in the heart of it all, and even if you don't snag a room with an incredible view of Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains, you can hang out on the hotel's fifth-floor deck perched above the Puget Sound.

room

Guest rooms are decorated in a neutral palette punctuated by pops of orange and yellow, and standard amenities include luxury Hypnos beds, crisp Sferra linens, Keurig coffee makers and complimentary Wi-Fi. Views range from cityscape to gorgeous panoramas of the waterfront, Olympic Mountains, and iconic neon Pike Place Market sign.

bathroom

Simple and spacious, the hotel’s bathrooms feature modern white tiles, a large lighted mirror, and a walk-in shower.

lobby

Located off of a lovely shaded courtyard, the lobby features a contemporary Pacific Northwest vibe, from the moody abstract artwork to the plush, dark-gray sectional and lounge chairs.

YOU SHOULD KNOW Driving through the market can be a harrowing, time-consuming experience; ask the valet how best to avoid it if you're leaving the hotel by car.

gym

Ask about discounted day rates at a nearby gym.

dining

Across the courtyard, a reservation is all but required at Sushi Kashiba, an elegant Japanese dining room helmed by celebrity sushi chef Shiro Kashiba. Witness the master up close as Chef Shiro creates exquisite and ultra-fresh sashimi, nigiri and traditional rolls. The omakase option, or “chef’s choice,” makes for an unforgettable, though spendy, evening. A la carte and specialty dinners, including Kashiba's famous black cod, are also on the menu.

For the best view in the house, sit at the chef's counter.

LOCATION

Getting Around

It’s a 5-minute walk to Westlake Station, a major hub for Seattle’s light rail system, which services Capitol Hill, the University of Washington, and Sea-Tac. Also by Westlake: the Monorail, connecting to Seattle Center; bus lines servicing every corner of the city; and the terminus for the South Lake Union Streetcar.

Restaurants

Pike Place Market encourages culinary exploration, particularly during the day. The hard-to-find Storyville Coffee Company (5-minute walk) is a perfect place to start. It's upstairs from the market's easy-to-spot Crumpet Shop (corner of Pike St. and 1st Ave.), where Anglophiles can savor tea and classic crumpets, and down the hall from the excellent, reservations-recommended Matt's in the Market, which features water views and seasonal Pacific Northwest fare. Café Campagne (1-minute walk), a classic Parisian-style brasserie located on historic Pike Place Alley, serves up top-notch French country cuisine, from brunch (omelets, brioche French toast, traditional croques) to refined-rustic dinners (steak frites, cassoulet). A room service menu is available for Inn at the Market guests.

Bars

Radiator Whiskey (3-minute walk) inside the market is known for its craft cocktails and a killer selection of whiskey, Scotch and bourbon. The speakeasy-style Zig Zag Café (3-minute walk), at the bottom of a stairway at the back of the market, is hard to find but worth the hunt. Or skip the standing-room-only spots, grab some good wine and nibbles at DeLaurenti (2-minute walk), an upscale Italian market selling imported goods, and head to Inn at the Market's fifth-floor deck for a spectacular sunset.

WHY WE LIKE IT

Pike Place Market attracts ten million visitors annually and staying in the middle of it all is a special treat, especially for foodies, who will want to spend a lot of time on culinary exploration, from market stands with local produce to restaurants both casual and fancy. The view from Inn at the Market is one of the best in Seattle, and even if you don't splurge for a water-facing room--though you should if you can--the fifth-floor deck looking out at the Puget Sound will have you scrambling to post envy-inducing photos on social media.