5 Best Hotels in Capitol Hill, Seattle

The closest B&B to Downtown offers all the charm of a classic bed-and-breakfast (exquisitely styled with antique beds and Oriental rugs) with the convenience of being near the action. The owner has impeccable taste, and even the small den that holds two public computers and stacks of travel guides, brochures, and laminated menus from the best local restaurants is thoughtfully arranged and decorated. Modest-size guest rooms all have private baths. A full breakfast is served in the elegant dining room. Don't worry about using the wrong fork, though—despite its formal appearance, the inn is a warm, laid-back place. All bedrooms are on upper floors with no elevators.

The architecture in this historic landmark building, from the fireplaces to the stained-glass windows, makes for a stunning place to stay. A recent ownership change brought much-needed updating to many of the spaces, though some of the details still feel slightly out-of-date, particularly in the rugs and bedding. The large common areas are comfortable and friendly. There's room to move around in here, including a lovely backyard and decks with fabulous views. The Gaslight also has something few other B&Bs can claim: a seasonal heated pool out back.

The opulent guest rooms and suites on the second floor are large, with private baths, antique furnishings, Oriental rugs, huge windows, and lush details like ornate four-poster beds; third-floor rooms, while lovely, have a more contemporary country feel, but still have private baths and large windows. Downstairs, guests have plenty of room to lounge and enjoy round-the-clock snacks, coffee, and tea in the library and salon of this gorgeous Grand Tudor Revival mansion, steps from Capitol Hill's Volunteer Park. The expanded continental breakfast includes the standards plus extras like smoked salmon and prosciutto, conveniently served over an extended period of time.

If you want to stay on Capitol Hill and don't like B&Bs, this is your only option—and it does the job. Though it doesn't look like much from the outside, the spacious lobby is comfortable and nicely styled in modern tans, greens, and purples. Guest rooms are smallish and have no views to speak of, but they have nice furnishings like tall wooden headboards and faux granite–top desks. King Jacuzzi rooms have large tubs and faux fireplaces, but have odd layouts and aren't worth the extra cost (unless you really want that tub!). Suites are well laid out and have bay windows—even though the views aren't great, the extra light is a plus. All rooms have microwaves and refrigerators.

Serene and traditional, this 1909 Tudor home is surrounded by opulent gardens and is near both Volunteer Park and Broadway—and it also has some rooms and suites that welcome children or pets. The living room is filled with comfortable furniture and lots of natural light. Guest rooms feel homey, though the rooms that haven't been recently updated seem a bit worn. Some rooms have views; some have hideaway beds in addition to the queen-size beds.