The Grove West Seattle Inn

Built in 1962 to accommodate visitors for the World's Fair, The Grove was purchased by new owners in 2011 and remodeled in a style that celebrates the building's retro roots. From the outside, The Grove, West Seattle Inn looks like a standard budget motel, but the exterior is now a clean slate gray and bone white. And while the check-in area still looks like a motel, small touches like mid-century style chocolate brown seating and a blonde wood buffet upgrade the look. The breakfast room has a black-and-white checkerboard floor reminiscent of a classic diner. But the most attractive space here could be the outdoor deck with contemporary metal-and-slat-wood tables and chairs and a fire pit making an inviting lounge area.

West Seattle, located to the left of the Duwamish River, is known for its saltwater beach parks and view of the Olympic Mountains. The Grove, West Seattle Inn, is located a five-minute walk away from Seattle City Park, which has both West Seattle Golf Course and the West Seattle Stadium. But many major attractions require a drive or a bus ride. (The nearest station is a three-minute walk away.) Getting to the Space Needle from The Grove will take about 15 minutes by car or 30 minutes by the C line bus. And Pike Place Market, Seattle's famous artisanal food market, is a 13-minute drive away without traffic or a 24-minute ride on the C line bus. The free water taxi to downtown Seattle from Harbor Avenue SW is a 10-minute drive away. (The boat ride to downtown is about 15 minutes.) Getting to The Grove from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport will take 25 minutes by car or 50 minutes by bus.

Much like the rest of the property, the 45 rooms at The Grove have a clean, minimalist look with little mid-century accents. Cream-colored walls, gray carpet, and dark wooden furniture give a simple, contemporary backdrop that's dressed up a bit by geometric pattern on the bedding recalling The Grove's early '60s origin. Black-and-white photos of Seattle icons also hint to another era. Room categories include Standard, Deluxe, and Suite units. Each Standard Room has two full beds or a queen and a desk. The Deluxe Rooms offer more space and larger beds (kings or two queens). Suites are the largest options with kitchens or kitchenettes and separate living areas. All rooms have free Wi-Fi, coffeemakers, and mini-fridges. Beige-and-white bathrooms are fairly basic with shower/tub combos, hairdryers, and eco-friendly toiletries, some in pump dispensers.

The Grove's best feature could be its sunny wooden deck complete with patio furniture and a fire pit. The business center includes a computer with Wi-Fi access and printer. There's a meeting room available as well. Options at the free continental breakfast are limited -- including breads, cereals, juices, coffee, and tea -- yet they'll do for a quick bite. But there's no full on-site restaurant serving other meals. While there's no on-site fitness center, guests receive a discount rate at the nearby YMCA. Smaller dogs are welcome, for a fee. And there's free Wi-Fi throughout.