Courtyard Seattle Downtown/Pioneer Square

Take a building from the early 1900s located in one of the most historic neighborhoods of downtown Seattle, refurbish it from top to bottom (but keep a few vintage touches), and you’ve got the Courtyard Seattle Downtown/Pioneer Square -- a brilliantly situated, 222-room, 15-story hotel on 2nd Avenue. This smaller-scale Marriott (the Seattle Marriott Waterfront, one mile away, seems comparatively enormous) certainly isn’t the prettiest kid on the block, but it straddles three of the most visit-worthy sections of downtown Seattle, making almost every attraction completely accessible by foot. Rooms are on the small side and ambiance is limited -- the somewhat charmless lobby combines tourist brochures, an open "business center," and a TV screen -- but what you get for your money is a true taste of Seattle history and a big dose of convenience.

For visitors to Seattle, the Courtyard Pioneer Square couldn’t have plopped itself down in a better neighborhood: Walk left out the front door and you’re minutes away from the Amtrak station and sports stadiums; walk to the right and you’re heading towards shopping and the iconic Pike Place market; and go one block ahead and you run smack into historic Pioneer Square, an area that marks Seattle’s original "downtown," dating back to 1852. (In fact, the popular Underground Seattle tour, where you literally walk beneath street level, through original structures, meets a mere two minutes from the hotel.) The area -- home to early brick-and-stone buildings that represent Romanesque Revival-style architecture -- is now teeming with eclectic art galleries, restaurants, and boutiques; a hop-on/hop-off sightseeing bus that leaves a block from the hotel, covers even more tourist territory.

• 1-minute walk to Light Rail Station with transportation to Sea-Tac Airport ($2.50)
• 1-minute walk to Pioneer Square
• Less-than-10-minute walk to Qwest Field (Seahawks) and Safeco Field (Mariners)
• Less-than-10-minute walk to ferries, Aquarium, and waterfront
• 15-minute walk to Pike Place Market and Seattle Art Museum
• 20-minute walk (or 5-minute drive) to Pier 66 cruise terminal
• 20- to 30-minute drive to Sea-Tac Airport (about $38 to $45 taxi fare)

Rooms -- some of which are on the small side -- are better than at your typical run-of-the-mill chain, with contemporary and even somewhat stylish decor. If you book a west-facing room above the 10th floor, you’ll be rewarded with a rather expansive view of Puget Sound (and possibly a degree of after-hours pub noise). Beds are downright cushy, and studios (there are 26 of them, designed for stays of 30-plus days) come complete with a stovetop, microwave, refrigerator, toaster, and dishes. That might be a good thing, as there’s no room service in the hotel and the neighborhood gets a bit sketchy at night. (Note, though, that local restaurants will deliver food upon request.)

All Rooms Include:

• 32-inch LCD-screen TV with premium cable channels and pay-per-view
• iPod dock
• Free Wi-Fi
• Shower/tub combination
• iPod dock
• Mini-fridge
• Coffee/tea maker

• Safe deposit box at front desk
• Free Wi-Fi
• Coffee in lobby
• Fitness center with indoor pool
• 4,600 square feet of meeting space (nine rooms total, including ballroom)
• Internet access in lobby
• Valet parking ($28/day)

• The Bistro Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a casual space. One area has red cushioned chairs and a TV on the wall, the other is a little more stylish, with wood floors and blue leather banquet seating.
• Starbucks on-site
• Local restaurant delivery available