We needed a place to stay in Seattle before the Cascade Bicycle Club's annual "Seattle to Portland" ride. It's a very popular ride so many of the recommended accommodations were booked up by the time I was ready to make reservations. After a lot of searching, I was able to find a room at the Inn at Queen Anne, which looked quaint and is located in a vibrant area of town.
The staff were very cheerful and helpful--service was very good. Parking was $15 but not very convenient (about a block away in an alley). We arrived later in the evening, so we probably should have just found some parking on the street, as it would have been closer and cheaper.
Given that a number of guests were also heading to the bike ride the next morning, they were allowing bikes in the rooms, which was helpful. Though the hotel is a walk-up, so no elevators, which meant for a bit of work carrying the bikes up the stairs.
Building is older, and there was a charm to the room. A massive walk-in closet provided ample room to store our bikes. Small kitchenette looked like it would be useful if we were staying more than one night, though the fridge wasn't working and we couldn't figure out how to turn it on. Wifi was also not working, and the staff blamed the service provider. Bathroom was a little tight, but manageable.
The kicker was the carpet. The carpet in the room didn't quite meet the door frame of the bathroom, so there was something sharp (possibly carpet staples) poking up that I kept stepping on. After a few times of this happening, we just lay a bath mat on top of it so that I wouldn't get poked again. I didn't ask to change rooms, as I was well aware that the hotel was completely booked.
A garden courtyard is available for guests, which looked like a nice place to relax and read a book. It looked like it could be a nice getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The area is lovely for restaurants, with lots of great places to eat. Unfortunately, it's also downtown Seattle so there is visible homelessness, including one man who was sleeping on the grass a couple doors down from the hotel, with his pants partially pulled down. Not exactly what you want to see while you're heading out to dinner!
All in all, it wasn't the worst experience I have ever had with accommodations, but it certainly wouldn't be my first pick. I'm heading back to Seattle in a few weeks and have booked a different place to stay this time.
hotel reviews