The best of Seattle hotels and shopping
(ARA) - It's not hard to imagine that citizens of Seattle overhype the city's reputation for rain and gloomy weather, in an attempt to keep their city a hidden gem. But visitors to the city are quickly clued in to the fact that Seattle is one of the smartest and most uniquely chic cities in the country, which is why it quickly becomes a favorite destination.
The natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest is fully on display here, but the denizens of Seattle have made it a haven of style with a definite independent streak. If you're always on the lookout for something that's on trend, but with a twist that makes it one-of-a-kind, you'll fit right in. In Seattle hotels, restaurants and boutique shops, you'll feel like you're venturing into undiscovered territory.
Seattle is a fairly spread out city, but still easily navigable, so it's a good idea to look into car rental so that you can drive around town at will. Below are some ideas for where to stay and where to shop.
Shop
* Uwajimaya - Part grocery store, part stationery shop, part bookstore, all interesting. At this massive Asian emporium, you can find everything from sushi prepared by truly expert hands to Japanese craft magazines to shoji screens that will give your home decor a touch of Asian flair.
* The Legacy Ltd. - This gallery features a wide array of Native American art, logically focused on artists and cultures of the Pacific Northwest. You'll find dramatic masks and carvings and bold prints from antique to modern. Objects are available at a range of prices, allowing anyone to begin or extend their collection.
* Honeychurch Antiques - This repository of beautiful Asian antiques is worth a visit even if you just want to browse rather than buy. But if you're in a purchasing mood, you'll find excellent examples of cabinetry, textiles, prints and other finely crafted objets d'art.
Stay
* Ace Hotel - The aesthetic of this boutique hotel lands somewhere in the previously uncharted territory between upscale industrial and minimalist modern. It's the ultimate haven of cutting edge cool, but you'd never guess that by looking at the prices, which start at $99.
* Alexis Hotel - The Alexis is an "art hotel" that truly deserves the moniker. Its rooms and public spaces are decorated with works chosen by a curator from the Seattle Art Museum. The decor is a mix of modern and traditional, but the amenities are straightforward luxurious, from the high-thread-count sheets to the available in-room spa services.
To book your hotels, car rental and airline tickets at the best prices, head to the Web and start digging. Sites like Travelocity.com can provide you with a wealth of information and some great deals.
Courtesy of ARAcontent