The Edgewater-A Noble House Hotel

The same could be said of the entire staff, who couldn't have been more accomodating or friendly, from everyone at the front desk throughout our stay, to our waitress Ali in the excellent 6/7 Restaurant and even Linda, whose immaculate housekeeping and thoughtful attention to detail made our rooms even more welcoming.  The hotel is actually more than it appears to be at first glance--example: the high thread count, triple-sheeted bed, a very comfortable one.

Although it's more expensive ($99 in our case, I think) to confirm a waterfront room in advance, if you want to take your chances at checkin, the cost of an upgrade to a waterfront room drops to $50/night, well worth it--not only because you'll probably have a gorgeous view of the harbor and perhaps a cruise ship next door (very handy if you're going to sail on it the next day), but also a view of the sun setting over the Olympic Mountains in the distance as well, which you can also see from the wonderful nearby Olympic Sculpture Park (an extension of the downtown Seattle Art Museum).

It would be a false economy to compromise with rooms on the other side of the hotel, because they not only overlook the parking lot, but the train tracks as well, not good if you're a light sleeper.  I would also recommend trying to get a room higher than the first floor if you are on the parking lot side, because of the regular foot traffic in front of your room until the bar closes at  2am.  If you can get a room on the top floor, better yet, because then you won't hear people in the room above you--plumbing noise from above carries the water theme a bit too far.

Forced valet parking was just over $25 with in and out privileges, a bit surprising considering this is not right downtown, but probably worth it, and the valets were
courteous and prompt.

This hotel is not strictly a downtown hotel, although it is only a 5-10 minute drive, and walkable--if you like to walk--and served by public transportation to the edge of the heart of town, as well as directly to the historic Pioneer Square district.

My only complaints had to do with some noisy guests who came barrelling down the hall at 2am when the hotel's bar closed--but this could happen anywhere.  Unfortunately, they stumbled into the room next door, cursing and shouting, and the wals are paper thin.

Coming back to the hotel restaurant, I know of locals who come here for the food--and the wonderful view.  I really appreciated that we had a choice of having a regular breakfast until 10am on the Sunday morning we were at the hotel, because I wasn't in the mood to gorge myself on the $37 brunch buffet they were setting up when we arrived (it started at 10:30am).

All in all, we had a great time and may return again if we want to spend a night away from home in our own city.  If you stay here, be thoughtful about your room assignment--consider splurging for a waterfront room or even partial water view, high floor if possible, and by all means have dinner here if you can.

Date of stay: December 2007
Purpose of stay: Leisure (With Kids)