Hotel Stays: The Palihotel, Seattle

I’ve visited Seattle a number of times, so normally I would never actually choose to stay so close to Pike Place Market.

While it’s great being close to the waterfront—which has improved so much in the last decade—it’s sort of like staying near Times Square in New York or Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco. There are just too many tourists. (Even if I, too, am a tourist given I’m not a Seattle native or resident, but I refuse to be included in the demographic this time.)

That said, the Palihotel Seattle turned out to be a really convenient and satisfying experience for a few reasons. 

To start, it really is convenient to walk a lot of places from here, including Pike Place Market, obviously, but also several neighborhoods like Belltown or Capitol Hill. (Fair warning: As a New Yorker, if the distance is under an hour and the weather is good enough, I will walk.) 

That said, also given how central the location is, the Uber/Lyft charges aren’t bad either. It was $30 to the cruise port in North Seattle and was only $12 back from Capitol Hill to downtown at the end of the night.

Also the rates aren’t bad, averaging between $160 and $187 per night, even during the summer, which is the peak season for visiting Seattle. (Having been to Seattle at different times during the year, I can’t recommend highly enough to go in July or August. The Pacific Northwest is its most idyllic in summertime.)

Finally, given the price, all the amenities were very adequate. The designers did an amazing job with small spaces, adding delightful touches here and there.

There’s also a coffee maker in every room (a must for me), an onsite bar and restaurant (the cocktails—especially the espresso martini—were sublime; and you get a free drink coupon at check-in), and a library off to the side of the lobby.

Sure, there was no gym, which is also usually a must for me, but when the weather is nice, it’s is enjoyable running outside in Seattle.

There’s even a minibar and even room service available—things you don’t always find in what is basically a dressed-up budget hotel. (And I loved all of the dog art. There are a lot of dog motifs.) 

And yes, the hotel is dog-friendly. Upon arrival, pets will receive organic treats, dog beds, plush toys, ceramic food and water bowls and waste bags for walks.

There is also the option to arrange dog walking services through the front desk for an additional fee. (Personally I would love this job.) 

Suffice to say, the Palihotel Seattle will be added to my dog-friendly hotels of North America list.

Maybe the only drawback would be the bunk beds, which is a bit unusual as an adult. And depending on the guest’s age and fitness, getting to the top bunk might be an ordeal.

That said, there are rooms with larger beds instead of bunk beds, so you’ll probably need to contact the hotel directly when making your reservation to ensure you get that.

All in all, I would stay here again.