The Ace Hotel by Matthew Barker

Seattle’s Space-Age boutique is (just) saved from over-egged cutesy irony by self-depreciating Gen-X charm and excellent service. Rather sterile lobby but elsewhere it’s as-you-were white walls/dark wooden floors, with the suites boasting a few comfy extras. 34 rooms. They say: "Seattle has grown up" (Travel & Leisure)

Hotel Attractions: Most of the rooms don’t even have a bathroom (try making do instead with all that “Zen sheen”).

Local Attractions: Pike Place Market, Seattle's foodie central, is just around the corner: get there early to beat the crowds, enjoy some hearty breakfast and watch commuters arriving at Elliott Bay by ferry. Pacific Northwest cuisine, a fusion of deck-fresh seafood and various Pacific Rim add-ons, best enjoyed at Plenty, or Canlis, overlooking Lake Union. First time visitors should head for the observation deck of the Space Needle and then take a trip downtown on the monorail. Bookstores everywhere (Seattle has a bit of a thing going on with Berkeley as to which city is the best read). The Center of Contemporary Art and Frye Art Museum both worth a visit; Frank Gehry’s Jimi Hendrix Museum a dazzling work-in-progress.