Hotel at a Glance: Warwick Seattle Hotel

The Warwick Seattle Hotel is located in Seattle’s pedestrian-friendly Belltown neighborhood, putting it within walking distance from Pike Place Market, the waterfront, and the Space Needle. The hotel is also a stop on the Gray Line Double Decker Hop-On/Hop-Off Bus, whose guided tours can take visitors to more far-flung locales, such as Pioneer Square.

• Enjoy a meal at the on-site Margaux Restaurant; executive chef Chris Zarkades crafts Pacific Northwest-French fusion cuisine.
• In-room amenities: Guest rooms feature a mini-bar or refrigerator, coffee and tea, 37-inch flat-screen TV, and floor-to-ceiling glass sliding doors that lead to a private balcony with skyline views.
• Included perks: Overnight self-parking and WiFi
• Go for a swim in the indoor pool; you can also relax in the whirlpool or sauna

Seattle’s Belltown: Artsy Neighborhood with Shops, Cafes, and Galleries North of Downtown

Seattle was named America’s “Best Coffee City” by Travel + Leisure magazine in 2011. Before Starbucks landed on seemingly every corner across the country, Seattleites grabbed java at the company’s original coffeehouse, which opened here in 1971. These days, there’s no shortage of local, gourmet coffee shops in Belltown, an artsy neighborhood about a half mile north of downtown. Street Bean Espresso serves sustainable, locally roasted coffee and artisan pastries in a welcoming space. The café is also a nonprofit, training and employing homeless teens and young adults. As an arts district, Belltown is also filled with galleries galore. One such gallery, Roq La Rue, showcases rotating exhibits with an emphasis on pop surrealism and underground contemporary art.

About a half-mile south is Pike Place Market, one of Seattle’s most renowned attractions. Locals and out-of-towners flock to this semi-open-air marketplace to shop for fresh fruit, vegetables, fish, flowers, and meat. Come early in the morning to see the market’s fishmongers do what they’re famous for: tossing the day’s catch back and forth.

If you’re visiting the Space Needle, allow some time to explore the adjacent Chihuly Garden and Glass. The gallery showcases Washington-native and artist Dale Chiluly’s larger-than-life sculptures, made entirely of colorful blown glass. Wander the gardens to see his delicate sculptures surrounded by blooming flowers and towering trees. It’s also worth it to check out the Experience Music Project, or EMP. This multimedia, hands-on music museum invites visitors to rock out on various instruments, learn to play “Louie Louie,” jam in a soundproof room, or spin on the turntables.<p>

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