Kimpton Hotel Vintage Seattle

At first glance, the name Vintage may seem like a reference to this upscale boutique's decor: The somewhat dark, intimate lobby has a parlor-like feel, with leather accents, dark-wood furniture, handsome wooden floors, and hefty fireplace mantels. But the vintage feel ends there, as this Kimpton property pulls out all the brand's usual stops, offering guests beautifully decorated modern guest rooms, terrific service, and a wine-focused "theme" (the true origin of the hotel's name) that lends itself perfectly to the State of Washington. The hotel’s focus on wine is evident from the moment you check in: The front-desk staffer (sporting a name tag that includes his or her particular favorite vintage) will explain the varieties served at the free reception that takes place every evening. An entire wall in the lobby is covered in wine bottles, and concierge staff are certified sommeliers. However, the wine theme is subtler beyond the lobby, and the rest of the common spaces are predominantly contemporary. As a historic building, common spaces are limited and rather compact, in particular the lobby, which can feel crowded during wine hours. Still, the vibe here is casual and friendly, inviting guests (many of whom are business travelers) to mingle and unwind. Rates are on par with other upscale hotels in central Seattle, but the mandatory daily fee can make some guests feel nickel-and-dimed. Those on a tighter budget have a wide array of solid options in the Downtown area, including Hotel Max and Motif Seattle, both of which offer stylish rooms and a central location within walking distance of Pike Place Market. Travelers seeking something more romantic in the same price range as the Kimpton may prefer The Edgewater, a Noble House Hotel, located in Belltown.  

The Kimpton Hotel Vintage Seattle manages to take advantage of all that Downtown Seattle has to offer -- hardly a car or public transit needed. It’s a 10-minute walk to the Washington State Convention Center, and just a few blocks away from theaters, great restaurants, and high-end shops, like Louis Vuitton and Gucci. Westlake Center is equally close, with its full-on food court and access to the Monorail, the iconic elevated train that whisks you over to the Seattle Center (home of the Space Needle) in a mere two minutes. Famous Pike Place Market is just a 15-minute walk away. Cruise ship terminals can be reached in about five minutes by car, while Sea-Tac International Airport is a 20-minute drive south.

Rooms and suites at the Kimpton Hotel Vintage Seattle are stylish, contemporary, and done up in rich jewel tones designed to flow with the wine theme throughout the hotel. Artwork made with corks, chrome touches, and burnished wood furniture round out the design. Starting at 225 square feet, entry-level King Rooms are a tad compact for the price, but all other categories offer additional space, especially the 700-square-foot Luxury Suites, which feature a separate living area, two fireplaces, a wet bar, and a two-person jetted tub. In-room amenities are good for the price, and include excellent pillow-top beds topped with light duvets and several pillows, well-stocked minibars, yoga mats, robes, flat-screen TVs, and wireless docking stations. Only Corker King Rooms feature coffeemakers, but guests staying in other room categories can request one at no extra charge. Bathrooms are clean and appealing, featuring spacious sink areas, big backlit mirrors, and large shower/tub combos. Hairdryers and toiletries in bulk containers are provided in all rooms as well. 

Tulio Ristorante serves rustic yet refined Italian fare using local ingredients for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a cozy dining room and a small outdoor area with a handful of tables. A guest favorite and brand signature amenity is the free wine reception offered every evening in the lobby, paired with small bites. The fitness center is small and windowless, but the hotel has partnered with a local gym a couple of blocks away and offers free access to group classes there to all guests. Those who prefer to exercise outdoors can borrow one of the free loaner bikes available at the hotel. Though the on-site meeting space is rather limited, the Kimpton offers guests staying in Corner King Rooms free weekday access to the Columbia Tower Club, a co-working space with additional conference rooms. In-room spa services and valet parking are both available for a fee.   A mandatory per-room-per-night “amenity fee” is charged on top of every room rate, and it covers unlimited phone calls, car-sharing credit, and access to group classes at a local gym a couple of blocks away. Wi-Fi is free for those that sign up for the IHG Rewards program (free to join).