Best Hotel Bets

• Best Splurges: The modern Four Seasons Hotel Seattle has an enviable location adjacent to Pike Place Market and across the street from the Seattle Art Museum. If you love the romance of travel as much as I do, then you'll want to stay at the Arctic Club Seattle. Built in 1917 as an exclusive men's club, it has a sort of Art Deco travel theme in its decor. Big rooms have walls of glass that take in great views of the city and Elliott Bay at the Hotel 1000, and the bathrooms are works of art. A special golf room even lets you play virtual golf at more than 50 famous golf courses.

• The Best Moderately Priced Hotels: Although this luxurious lodge is located within a quarter mile of the Sea-Tac Airport, the Cedarbrook Lodge feels as though it is in a secluded setting miles from the bustle of the city. Only a block away from Seattle Center and close to the Space Needle, the Maxwell Hotel, plays up its connection to the nearby theaters; rooms are all colorfully decorated and have very theatrical decor. One of Seattle's most impressive historic hotels, the Sorrento Hotel is also one of the city's best values. You can immerse yourself in hundred-year-old luxuries.

• Best for Families: Just across the street from Lake Union, the Silver Cloud Inn-Lake Union, is far enough from downtown to be affordable -- but not far from Seattle Center. Plus it has a great location overlooking the lake. There are indoor and outdoor pools and several restaurants right across the street.

• Best Value: You don't have to be a timber baron to be able to stay in one of the most impressive old mansions in Seattle. For less than $150 a night, you can spend the night at the Shafer Baillie Mansion Bed & Breakfast, a 100-year-old mansion on Capitol Hill's Millionaire's Row.

• Most Romantic: Though Seattle has quite a few hotels that do well for a romantic weekend, the Inn at the Market, with its Elliott Bay views, European atmosphere, and proximity to many excellent (and romantic) restaurants, is sure to set the stage for lasting memories.

• Best Service: With 24-hour room service, a 24-hour exercise room, free Wi-Fi, and a free town-car service to shuttle you around downtown, the Pan Pacific Hotel Seattle provides far more extras than other Seattle hotels.

• Best Historic Hotel: Built in 1924, the Fairmont Olympic Hotel, is styled after an Italian Renaissance palace and is by far the most impressive of Seattle's historic hotels.

• Best for Hipsters: The Hotel Ändra is a boldly contemporary lodging. Best of all, it's on the edge of the Belltown neighborhood, which makes this an ideal base for club-crawling night owls.

• Best B&B: Set in the Capitol Hill neighborhood, the Gaslight Inn is a lovingly restored and maintained Craftsman bungalow filled with original Stickley furniture. Lots of public spaces, very tasteful decor, and a swimming pool in the backyard all add up to unexpected luxury.

• Best Location: On a pier right on the Seattle waterfront, the Edgewater is only 5 blocks from Pike Place Market and the Seattle Aquarium, and 3 blocks from the restaurants of Belltown. Ferries to Victoria, British Columbia, leave from the adjacent pier.

• Best Views: If you're not back in your room by sunset at the Westin Seattle, you may not turn into a pumpkin, but you will miss a spectacular light show. Because this is the tallest hotel in the city, the Westin boasts fabulous views from its upper floors, especially those facing northwest.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.