Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA): Approximate driving time is 25 minutes and distance is 15 miles.

Driving directions from Seattle–Tacoma International Airport: Follow the signs to all freeways. Then head north on I-5 for about 11 miles. Exit to the left at Seneca St (exit 165). Turn right onto Sixth Ave. Continue three blocks and turn right onto Pike St. Turn left onto Eighth Ave. The hotel is on the left at the corner of Eighth Ave and Pine St, and the entrance is behind the hotel.

Getting there: For less than $5, travelers can reach the hotel via Metro bus in about 30 minutes; route 194 leaves from Bay 1 outside baggage claim every 15–30 minutes, seven days a week. Riders get off at Westlake Station and walk one block to the hotel. Another affordable option is Gray Line's Airport Express bus, which costs $5–15 and stops across the street from the hotel. Shuttles are also available for $16–25, while taxi service and Town Car service both cost $26–35. Rental cars are available online. All fees subject to change without notice.

Getting around: Guests can walk to The Paramount Theatre, the convention center, and loads of upscale shopping at Pacific Place and Westlake Center. If they prefer taxi service, they can either cross the street to a taxi stand or have the hotel call a cab; taxis generally arrive in less than five minutes. While rental cars are not needed downtown, they are the best bet for travel outside the city.

Insider tip: From nearby Westlake Center, visitors have two convenient transportation options. For less than $5, they can take the monorail to Seattle Center and visit the Space Needle, Key Arena, two interactive museums, and several performance halls and playhouses. Or they can descend to the bus tunnel, a mile-long transit-only passageway. Like all bus service downtown, travel throughout the tunnel is free; riders can quickly reach the convention center, downtown's business and financial core, historic Pioneer Square with its art galleries and pubs, and the International District.

Amenity highlights: The 24-hour fitness center (which offers a weight machine in addition to the standard treadmill) makes it possible to work out anytime, night or day. Wireless high-speed Internet access allows guests to log on from anywhere in the hotel and even a few paces away from it.

Renowned for its funky Asian theme and delicious cuisine, the Dragonfish Asian Café stands out as unique among hotel restaurants. Diners watch chefs work from the open kitchen, locals flock for the dim sum, and wall-unit pinball machines keep hungry bellies at bay.

Spacious European guestrooms are lovely and tranquil, and include a separate work area and divided shower/toilet facilities.

Insider tip: Location, location, location. This little gem is nestled across from Seattle’s upscale shopping at Pacific Place (three floors of places like Tiffany’s, Nicole Miller, Restoration Hardware, and Pottery Barn) and is just down the street from the convention center and 8 blocks from Pike Place Market. It's possible to bump into a theater star or two as well; they stay here for the location right next to the Paramount Theatre.