Our stop in Seattle was our last on an almost 3-week-long trip to the Northwest. By time we arrived back in Seattle, we were ready for some peace and quiet and a comfy place to stay. This place fit the bill exactly.
When my 12-year-old daughter and I arrived, Angielena met us in front of the Arts Center and gave us a thorough tour of the space. It was really helpful because it's a mixed-used space with artists residing next to guests and all need to live together harmoniously.
If you're looking for a full-service hotel, look elsewhere. The Arts Center is a European-style hotel, with shared bathrooms and kitchen facilities. We found our accommodations to be clean, comfortable and a welcome change from the corporate hotel scene we'd been experiencing while traveling with our extended family. Our bedroom was small, but the bed was comfortable and we had space to move around and store our things. Because we hit unseasonably hot temps in Seattle, the window air conditioner was a lifesaver and kept us cool and comfy. Unfortunately, we didn't get to experience the fabulous shower due to some plumbing issues, but it looks spectacular. The other shower is perfectly serviceable and the bathrooms were kept clean and neat. We did a little bit of cooking in the small but functional kitchen and it was a great opportunity to mix a bit with other guests and the artist residents.
The neighborhood is cool and quirky, with lots of places to eat, drink and shop. The Two Tartes Bakery, in particular, made amazing pastries and pretty great coffee drinks. We rented a car since we were going out to Fall City and parked in the adjacent lot, but there is plenty of public transportation in the area including a bus line that stops right in front.
We're an urban-dwelling family and really appreciated the energy of this area. We found the space to be pleasant, safe and truly charming.