For travelers who need to be near the University of Washington and want to avoid chain hotels, the upper-middle-range Hotel Deca is a solid option. The hotel's 158 rooms, which range from singles to sprawling apartment-like suites, feature Art Deco decor, exceptional views, and modern amenities like 32-inch flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, and Keurig coffeemakers. The hotel has a nice restaurant, bar, and lounge, plus a casual cafe and room service during meal hours. There's also a small fitness room, meeting and event venues, and a stylish lobby with a cozy fireplace. While the property certainly fits the description of "stylish boutique hotel," it lacks the polish and sightseeing perks of many of Seattle’s downtown properties like the Paramount Hotel or the Motif Seattle. 

This 58-room boutique prides itself on being a funky option in downtown Seattle. Upon entry, most can see that Hotel Five is not your traditional hotel: The small, mood-lit lobby features mod furniture in pops of red and yellow, and this bright look continues through the hallways (with vibrant accent walls and Seattle-centric elevator door motifs) to the rooms. The rooms have quirky but sleek modern decor with hardwood floors, bright red walls, and abstract art; some rooms even boast views of the Space Needle. However, bathrooms in most rooms are a tad cramped and have little counter space. The hotel does not offer many features -- although there is a fitness center and a restaurant that serves breakfast and lunch -- but the hotel's location makes it easy to visit shops, restaurants, and sights.