When I was searching for a place to stay in Seattle while visiting for the wedding of my good friends Captain and Clark, I wanted to find something cozier than your average hotel. Somewhere with a sort of homey feeling to it, located in the thick of it all but naturally, not too expensive.
I found: Pensione Nichols.
Right in the heart of Seattle, Pensione Nichols can be described as a bed and breakfast in North American terms but fits closer to the European style of a pensione. Private rooms with common living spaces.
The only place of it’s kind that I contacted, I was thrilled when the owner Lindsey invited me to stay during my visit.
With this being my first time in Seattle, I wasn’t overly familiar with the layout of the city and where perhaps is the best place to be. To my pleasant surprise, Pensione Nichols is exactly where I needed to be. Located just a few steps away from Pike Place Market, the metro and the water, it was incredibly easy to take in the sights, do some shopping in the market (one of my absolute favourite things to do), and get around Seattle. Oh and the view. You’ll need to read a little further down so I can brag about that.
Before we get into the specifics, give this video watch to get an idea of what Pensione Nichols looks like on the inside.
Beautiful right?
Rooms: There are three styles available at the pensione. You have the option of an interior room with a skylight, a street view room with a window or an apartment. During my visit I stayed in both an interior room and a street view room. While I preferred the street view room with it’s massive windows and closer proximity to the bathroom, I was also quite happy in the interior as it received a great deal of light and had unique touches that made it cozy and personable. The apartments are very large and perfect for someone who wants extra space or is travelling with a group. All of the rooms were full of character, from the bed chest of drawers to the lamps to the artwork. It was obvious that thought was put into each room.
Service: What makes this place one of the best I have ever stayed in was the service. The owner Lindsey went above and beyond to ensure that myself and all other guests had a pleasurable stay, had any questions about Seattle answered and were taken care of. If it wasn’t for the fact that Seattle has so much to see and do, I could have happily spent hours chatting with Lindsey. With that said, I also felt like I had my privacy and personal time. She is there to check you in and answer any questions when you need her but gives you space and makes the place your home. A perfect balance in my opinion.
Location: I couldn’t have asked for a better spot in town. Having Pike Place Market right at my finger tips allowed me to do a little shopping and browsing through the many artisan stalls, eat some great food, as well as zip around to other enticing parts of the city either by foot or transit.
Breakfast: This one really took me by surprise. While some hotels will provide a standard substantial breakfast, Pensione Nichols took it to a whole new level. Fresh fruit and bread, jams, French pressed coffee. Yum times a hundred. Waking up each morning to the breakfast was such a treat and along with the paper, it was the perfect start to my day.
Dining and Drinks: There are so many places within walking distance to eat and drink and be merry. Seattle has a fantastic food scene, so be sure you make the most of it. Lindsey will have many suggestions for you. My favourite was ‘Biscuit Bitch’ located just a few doors down. Delicious is an understatement.
Amenities: I am dedicating this section to the pensione’s view. When you walk through the building to the living room and out onto the balcony, you are greeted by the most stunning view. You overlook Pike Place Market, the water, and can even see Mt. Rainier. Breathtaking. Be sure to stop and appreciate the view during the day, at dusk and at night, as all three are miraculously different and magical.
Price: At the time of writing, guest rooms, which will accommodate 2-3 people, averaged around $120/night while the apartments averaged under $200/night and will hold up to 4 people. In comparison to other accommodations in Seattle, regardless of location, these rates are incredibly competitive.
Wifi: Offered throughout the pensione, the wifi signal was both strong and free.
Final Thoughts: If you haven’t guessed it already, I love this place. From the location, to the ambience, to the owner, everything made me feel right at home and made it the special vacation I was looking for. As I had to drive just out of town for a night for the wedding I was attending, I was welcomed to leave my suitcase at the pensione rather than lug it around with me. If you choose to stay here you will most certainly be happy with your decision and truly enjoy your visit to Seattle.
If you’d like to learn more about Pensione Nichols, or stay with them during your visit, you can connect below:
Website: http://pensionenichols.com/
Twitter: @staydowntownSEA
Phone: 206.441.7125
Email: [email protected]
Address: 1923 First Ave, Seattle, WA 98101
I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to Lindsey and her staff at Pensione Nichols for making my first visit to Seattle everything I hoped it would be and more. There’s a reason you have been around so long and are the choice of many guests who return again and again. I look forward to my next visit to Seattle and telling others why staying with you is a must!