Graduate Seattle

Most visitors to Seattle head straight for downtown, with its access to the waterfront, Space Needle, and Pike Place Market. But for travelers who need to be near the University of Washington, Hotel Deca is a good choice. As one of the few non-chain hotels in the area, it offers more character and ambiance, not to mention better views. Built in 1931, the property capitalizes on its Art Deco roots, with an exterior shape that’s not unlike the lower half of the Empire State Building. Though a bit tired and worn in some places, the inside has been renovated several times, most recently in 2013. The lobby offers a midcentury twist on classic Art Deco style with long, rectangular couches, Danish loungers with gray cushions, molded Eames chairs, a mahogany bookcase, and geometric floor tiles. Bright yellow and teal accents offer modern flair, while iron railings, a cozy fireplace, and and oversized art pieces add period charm. Above, each floor holds a mere 12 rooms, reflecting the Hotel Deca's boutique status. 

While it's not the most centrally located, Hotel Deca appeals to travelers attending college graduations or sporting events, conducting business nearby, or simply those that want to steer clear of downtown Seattle. The "U District" -- where Hotel Deca is situated -- is just a few blocks off of Interstate-5 and minutes away from the sprawling University of Washington campus. The property is smack-dab in the heart of student country; guests can walk to dozens of mid-range restaurants (sushi, subs, and more), in addition to the multiplex Metro Cinema just a couple of blocks away. If you’ve got a car, the entrance to Highway 520 -- the floating bridge that takes you to Microsoft and the east side -- is a five-minute drive from the hotel. Parking is available, but it costs an extra daily fee. The hotel also provides shuttle service to downtown locations and the airport, but this also incurs a fee.

• Five-minute walk to University of Washington
• 10-minute walk to Henry Art Gallery
• 15-minute walk to University of Washington Hospital & Medical Center (five-minute drive)
• 20-minute walk to University Village Shopping Center (seven-minute drive)
• 22-minute walk to Husky Stadium (five-minute drive)
• 10-minute drive to Museum of History & Industry
• 15-minute drive to downtown Seattle
• 25-minute drive to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

Guest rooms, which were part of Hotel Deca's 2013 renovation, still channel the hotel's Art Deco roots and run the gamut from the swanky Presidential Suite to the compact Studio Single. The color palette is refined, primarily grayscale, with pops of subdued color, like a burnt orange accent wall. But the patterns are bold -- geometric charcoal-gray carpeting, striped drapes that give way to mountain or city views, and chic button-tufted herringbone armchairs or couches. Black and white bathrooms can be small but are stylish with chic striped accents, white tiling, and black sinks. They usually include combination showers and tubs. Despite the stylish renovation, however, it’s important to remember that this hotel is more than 80 years old; not surprisingly, some of the rooms can show their age, and guests occasionally complain of issues like thin walls. 

Square footage can range from 175 for singles to 350 for Deluxes, while guests on the market for large digs can expect more spacious suites, including the Presidential Suite (already 1,000 square feet) with an enormous terrace and connecting doors leading to the Isabelle Suite, which together, turn the space into a sprawling 2,500-square-foot apartment.

Rooms are air-conditioned and include desks with chairs and down bedding. They also have 32-inch LCD TVs with DVD players, iHome radios with iPod docking stations, and free Wi-Fi. All rooms also contain single-cup Keurig coffeemakers (no tea-making facilities, though), irons and ironing boards, and safes. Upgraded rooms have mini-fridges (not minibars) and microwaves. Bathrooms come with hairdryers and toiletry dispensers.

The hotel has solid amenities including a stylish restaurant, The District Lounge, with red walls, candles, and dark wood tables. It serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks and is open into the evening. But breakfast is not usually included in the room rate. The Post Alley Café is a more casual hangout spot with a modern-cafe feel; it serves coffee, alcoholic drinks, and light fare into the early evening. Room service is available for all meals.

The hotel has a small fitness center with two treadmills, a stationary bike, an elliptical, and free weights. Alternatively, the hotel offers free passes to the University Family YMCA, a six-minute walk from the hotel. The hotel has a small "business center" (a little alcove with two computers for guest use) and free Wi-Fi. Hotel Deca offers catering services that can be used when booking one of the six meeting and event rooms, which include a chandelier-studded grand ballroom.

The property provides shuttle service to local destinations and the airport, though it costs an extra fee. Parking also costs a daily fee which some guests find pricey for the area. The front desk is open 24-hours, and staff offer luggage storage, dry cleaning and laundry service, and some concierge services. The hotel also has a large DVD library for use with in-room DVD players. Guests sometimes complain about extra fees, which include a daily "resort fee" in addition to the aforementioned fees for things like parking and breakfast.