The Edgewater, A Noble House Hotel

The Edgewater, A Noble House Hotel is loaded with chic details that create an upscale Pacific Northwest experience directly on Puget Sound. The four-floor building has a facade that mixes industrial-looking steel with lodge-inspired exposed pine beams. There’s even a river rock fireplace at the entrance over a pond. Inside, eclectic touches fill the lobby: raw wooden pillars, an antler chandelier hanging from vaulted ceilings, and fishes mounted on a river rock fireplace. Stylish sofas and chairs are tucked in alcoves that overlook Puget Sound. Built for the World's Fair in 1962, this is the only Seattle hotel that sits over the water, prompting jokes that you can “fish from your room.” In fact, the Beatles were photographed fishing from what is now named the Beatles Suite. From Ozzy Osbourne to Jewel, the roster of guests who have stayed here is lengthy; Led Zeppelin -- as the story goes -- played soccer in the spacious lobby with an employee. The hotel appeals to well-heeled travelers -- both leisure and corporate -- who want a unique, upmarket experience. 

The hotel isn’t called the Edgewater for nothing. This property sits directly on Pier 67, a location that offers views of the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound from most areas of the property. Guests can reach the city's main attractions such as Pike Place Market, Seattle Aquarium, Seattle Art Museum, Crab Pot Restaurant, and the Seattle Great Wheel in about 15 minutes on foot. The Olympic Sculpture Park is a 10-minute walk away, while the Space Needle can be reached in 20 minutes. Guests can also hop on the hotel’s free shuttle that goes to downtown in five minutes. Games at Safeco Field and CenturyLink Field are a 35-minute trip via public transportation, which is available within a few blocks of the hotel. The Seattle-Tacoma International Airport can be reached in 50 minutes by Link light rail, or 20 minutes by car. For guests with cars there’s only pricey valet parking, but that’s common of downtownSeattle hotels. An unaffiliated parking garage is across the street. 

The lodge-inspired rooms combine Pacific Northwest style with high-end finishes for a unique, upscale result. Interiors feature red or plaid carpeting, knotty pine ceilings, gas fireplaces, and views of either Puget Sound or downtown. Teddy bears on the beds, rubber ducks in the snack trays, and stuffed animal footstools are fun touches. Sleek bathrooms have red walls, stone showers, bulk Lather toiletries, and some have clawfoot bathtubs. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, minibars (no alcoholic drinks), coffeemakers, bathrobes, and ironing facilities. Some rooms have sitting areas and balconies, plus excellent views of Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains. There are two specialty suites: The two-level, one-bedroom Penthouse Suite features panoramic views, a dining and living room, two-sided fireplace, wet bar, whirlpool tub, and deck. The Beatles Suite, where the band was photographed, features memorabilia, Elliott Bay views, and a living and dining area. Note that some guests have complained of noise being an issue. Accessible rooms can be requested. 

The hotel’s Six Seven restaurant has floor-to-ceiling windows with beautiful views of the water and rustic decor such as tree-trunk pillars. There are an outdoor terrace and a bar serving drinks that include the Twisted Sister and Port on the Pier. The boutique, Shop on the Edge, has a cafe for coffee and tea, as well as Seattle souvenirs, crafts, and Beatles gifts for sale. There’s ample meeting space, including two ballrooms -- one overlooking the water -- and a terrace, plus more event space at the nearby Bell Harbor International Conference Center. Open 24 hours a day, the red-painted fitness center is modernly equipped with an elliptical machine, treadmills, a bicycle, and free weights. A daily fee covers Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, downtown shuttle service, and access to the gym, business center, and bikes available for borrow.