Hotel Spotlight

Sleepless in Seattle? No More, at the Downtown Palihotel

by California Chaney
Palihotel A lobby designed for lounging. All photos courtesy of the Palihotel Seattle.

Palihotel Seattle
Seattle, Washington
Trendy, $$ (From $175)

Of-the-moment Palisociety hoteliers have sailed north from La-La-Land, anchoring in the harbor of the Emerald City. True to their nature — bringing new life to old bones — their Palihotel Seattle takes shelter in the site of the 1900s-era Colonnade Hotel (listed on the National Register of Historical Places), paying homage to the city's storied waterfront past. Upon opening in 2018, it didn't take long for the hotel to work its charm on the downtown neighborhood with its vintage, nautical style: stacked well-traveled suitcases, walls of books, forest-green decor, and plenty of worn leather couches. The style is so fittingly Seattle, you'd think the company originated here. Across the street from Pike Place Market, the prime location makes it easy for first timers and regulars to get their fix of great restaurants, boutique shops, coffee, and salty mountain air. And at a wallet-friendly rate under $200 a night, it's all smooth sailing from here.

King room.
Lounge area.
Working desk.
Nooks and crannies.
Bunk rooms.

Book It

Rates start at $175. Click here for reservations. Or contact the Fathom Concierge and we can book your trip for you.

At a Glance

The Vibe: Nautical and eclectic.

Standout Detail: The hotel prides itself on its eco-friendly efforts by sourcing all local fruit, veggies, and seafood from near (and beloved) neighbor, Pike Place Market. Partially used soap bars and bottled bath products are donated to Clean the World for a second life.

This Place Is Perfect For: Seattle first-timers with a downtown agenda and who want a cozy base camp nearby.

Rooms: 96 guest rooms (King, Queen, Twin, and Bunk sizes) are dark and sultry, with forest-green walls, comfortable beds, working desks, and clever fixtures like petite Smeg refrigerators stocked with locals spirits. If you're the type who likes to sprawl out, opt for a Deluxe King room with views of the waterfront and lounge seating. Amenities include La Bottega bath products, plush robes, and in-room dining during restaurant hours. And for your four-legged friends: cozy dog beds, water bowl, and plenty of treats.

On Site: The artfully-designed common areas with plush leather couches and bright natural light are a great place to unwind with a coffee or cocktail with on-trend "Pali Vibes" playlists on repeat. For on-the-go, an Arrowhead Coffee outpost is located off the lobby.

Food + Drink: The decor of in-house restaurant The Hart & The Hunter is a feast for the eyes, with lots of brass, wood beams, bright ceramic tiles, and pastel-green banquettes. The second outpost of the brand's popular Southern-inspired LA eatery — famous for their butter biscuits — brings a welcome dash of cool to the waterfront neighborhood. There's no separate bar area, but the laid-back dining room works as both for mixers and minglers. Go for happy hour with a Hunter Buck cocktail (vodka, apricot, lime, ginger beer) and a matching Hunter board with Pike Place cheeses.

Hart & The Hunter.
Brunch at Hart & the Hunter.
Left: Lounge. Right: Dining banquettes.
Hotel exterior.

What to Do Nearby

If you've never been to Seattle and want to see the best-known cultural sites, start with riding the elevator up the newly refurbished Space Needle. It’s touristy, but the bird’s-eye view of the city cannot be beat. On the way down, head next door to the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum, where world-famous glass blower Dale Chihuly displays his incredible creations. Since you're in the birthplace of America's coffee culture, fuel-up at La Marzocco Café, manufacturers of the finest espresso machines, who created a rotating space inside neighboring KEXP Radio headquarters for new coffee roasters to show off a new blend each month. Once you're properly caffeinated, head down the block to the Museum of Pop Culture (formerly the Experience Music Project). Founded by Paul Allen in 2000 and designed by Frank Gehry, MoPOP showcases the rich musical history of Seattle — Quincy Jones, Jimmy Hendrix, Heart, Pearl Jam, and Nirvana, to name a few — and hosts rotating music-themed exhibitions.

Of course, no trip to the Emerald City would be complete without visiting Pike Place Market. If it's a sunny day, do as the locals do and throw together a mix-match picnic from the bounty of vendors and snag a spot on the grassy knolls of Gas Works Park for a lazy afternoon.

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