Historical Boutique Hotel in Heart of Seattle

The antique neon sign at the top of The Roosevelt Hotel has been a part of the Seattle skyline since the red-brick high-rise hotel was constructed in 1929. A sense of Gilded Age grandeur prevails in the lobby, where you'll find elegant furnishings that include a piano, a fireplace, and Victorian armchairs.

In the deluxe king junior suites, modern amenities mingle with antique-style accents—in some units, you might see a leaf-patterned bench at the foot of the bed. Train for marathon naps on the king-size bed or slip into a bathrobe and slippers and switch on the HDTV.

The included dining credit is valid at three restaurants in the immediate area. Il Fornaio is an Italian eatery specializing in wood-fired pizzas, housemade pastas, and rotisserie meats. Right around the corner, Daily Grill dishes classic American fare including a reuben sandwich ($13.95 during lunch) and a new york strip steak ($31.50 during dinner). Less than half a mile away, the Purple Café and Wine Bar pairs its extensive wine list with fine cheeses and upscale American fare such as grilled farmland pork chop ($24; alcohol not covered by voucher).

Downtown Seattle: Gourmet Coffee Shops and Art Galleries in Coastal Urban Center

Street performers often play music as shoppers walk beneath the iconic Public Market Center sign at the open-air Pike Place Market, located just about a half mile southwest of the hotel. One of Seattle’s most renowned attractions, the marketplace bustles with both locals and out-of-towners browsing vendors selling fresh fruit, vegetables, fish, flowers, and meat. Before the spread of Starbucks to every corner, Seattleites grabbed a cup of java at the company's original coffeehouse, which first opened here in 1971.

Local gourmet coffee shops can also be found in other inviting neighborhoods. Located about a half mile from The Roosevelt, Belltown is an arts district filled with cafés, shops, and galleries galore. One such gallery, Roq La Rue, showcases rotating exhibits with an emphasis on pop surrealism and underground contemporary art.

From Kerry Park, there's a terrific view of Elliott Bay and the Seattle skyline, with the Space Needle standing prominently in the foreground. On clear days, you can search for rock carvings of the Frasier cast on the face of Mount Rainier in the distance.