THE PLACE

Inn at the Market, Seattle

THE LOCATION

Most visitors to Seattle will at some point explore the bustling streets, laneways and arcades of Pike Place Market. The historic 1907 market, which survived the threat of demolition in the 1960s, clings to a steep embankment between downtown and the waterfront.  The hotel fronts cobblestoned Pine Street in the market's upper section.

THE SPACE

Inn at the Market has 76 rooms – the best of them offer sweeping views over Elliott Bay (part of Puget Sound), Mt Rainier and parts of downtown. The same panoramic view can be enjoyed from a large rooftop deck (guests tend to flock here with their morning coffee).  A major refresh has given rooms new window treatments, interior design and remodelled bathrooms.

THE ROOM

Inn at the Market feels like a home away from home.  Comforting touches start at check-in, where a plate of chocolate-chip biscuits awaits, and continue near the lifts where hot beverages are available. The lobby, which has a living room vibe, offers a selection of newspapers and magazines, and a view of the intimate Parisian-style courtyard with striped awnings and ivy-covered balconies.

Once I enter my room, which straddles an eighth-floor corner, I want to move in permanently. I never tire of looking at the water, city and mountains, which slide in and out of view depending on Seattle's fog.  I soak up the ever-changing play of light and the latest ferry movements from the writing desk, the armchairs and the bed swathed in white Sferra linens with gold-embroidered trim (the luxury Italian brand has adorned beds in the White House and the Vatican).

There's free Wi-Fi,  cable television and a coffee-maker to brew a cup of Tazo tea or Seattle's Best Coffee. Local phone calls are free. The just-renovated bathroom features an enormous glass-walled, walk-in shower, a light-framed mirror and floor-to-ceiling white tiles.

THE FOOD

Room service is available – Bacco Bistro, one of three street-level eateries, can send up the likes of Dungeness crab benedict or a goat cheese and spinach omelette. The evenings-only Cha:n serves modern Korean fusion while Cafe Campagne is a French-style brasserie that also does cassoulet to go. But with so many fun food options in the market, it's likely you will spend your days grazing your way around the precinct.  The first Starbucks is around the corner (tip: go early to avoid the queues or try Ghost Alley Espresso near the market's famous Gum Wall). Tuck into the "world's best mac'n'cheese" or a deli sandwich from Beecher's Handmade Cheese (or just watch the artisan cheese-makers at work through a glass wall), a sweet or savoury  piroshki from the Piroshky Piroshky bakery or a half-dozen powder doughnuts from the Daily Dozen Doughnut Company.

STEPPING OUT

Many of Seattle's major attractions are within walking distance. Learn more about Seattle's music scene at the EMP Museum, housed within a curvaceous Frank Gehry-designed building. The museum, along with Chihuly Garden and Glass, are at the base of the Space Needle. These attractions and more are covered by the Seattle CityPass – $92.  Cruise past the Sleepless in Seattle floating home on Lake Union with an Argosy Cruises locks tour that departs from the waterfront near the Seattle Aquarium.

THE VERDICT

The hotel is in a dream location for first-time visitors to Seattle, with its elevated position granting more dramatic views than The Edgewater, a luxury hotel built out over the water. Simple touches, such as fresh-baked  biscuits at reception and hot beverages in the lobby, add a warmth often lacking in bigger properties.

ESSENTIALS

Qantas, Virgin Australia, Delta Airways, United Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines fly from Australia  to US cities with connections to Seattle either on the same carrier or with codeshare partners. From Seattle-Tacoma airport, you could flag a taxi to reach downtown but the light rail is cheap and convenient. It costs  $3.70 for a ticket to Westlake light-rail station, three blocks from the hotel.

86 Pine Street, Seattle. Rooms start from $435  a night; my corner water-view room, number 802, starts from $600  a night. See www.innatthemarket.com.

The writer was a guest of the hotel and travelled to Seattle courtesy of Scoot.

HIGHLIGHTS

Desirable Pike Place Market location;  biscuits at reception.

LOWLIGHTS

Rates will put the hotel out of reach for some travellers.

My rating: ★★★★★

TripAdvisor rating: ★★★★★