This post is a travel post for The Alexis Hotel: A Downtown Seattle Kimpton Hotel, for a recent college visit trip with our daughter!

A few weekends ago, my husband and I took our daughter to beautiful downtown Seattle on a college tour/mini vacation. We thought the year would never come—2015—when our baby would graduate high school, but it’s actually here, right now, and we’re making college decisions! Our trip was a huge success, thanks to the delightful, quirky boutique Alexis Hotel, where we stayed, in the heart of downtown Seattle. As you can see, we had the most delightful weather!

The Alexis Hotel is equal parts modern haven and historic landmark, and sits right on the waterfront, just a few blocks from the Pike Place Market, Seattle Art Museum, and Pioneer Square neighborhood. If you have never been in a Kimpton hotel before, you need to put it on your “wish list.” I’ve been a lucky girl to stay in their Monaco Portland, OR and Hotel Eventi New York City hotels, and quite honestly, they are my very favorite hotel chain. I’ll explain why as I write more in this post.

Beautiful decor. Always green apples … a fresh, healthy snack (in every hotel I’ve been in). A sign of hospitality? Yes!

We unpacked our bags in our spacious and beautifully decorated room, and got a little excited for the few days to come. (We promise, Abby and I only jumped for a minute – no bed springs broken! ha!)

Also, great napping beds (so comfy!!)

I adore the funky furniture and style of the Kimptons … like I said, it’s quirky, but it’s also so homey and comfortable.

The hotel is very retro, and they know how to take care of their guests: Inside the closet hung soft, plush animal print bathrobes. Fun!

We immediately visited the Bookstore Bar & Café for lunch, an eclectic, art-filled cafe that looks like a library, next to the lobby of the hotel.

Abby, her friend Grace and I enjoyed breakfast for lunch, a Buttermilk Waffle with house made Labneh, pear compote and candied walnuts. I couldn’t help but recreate in my own version in my kitchen, a recipe I’m sharing with early next week! Which, by the way, this is a recipe that can be served for a weekend breakfast, brunch, Easter, or even Mother’s Day!

The staff at the hotel was so friendly and helpful. Keith was very well-informed about the surrounding area, and helped Paul and me! navigate through the city, find the colleges, etc.. And by the way, did you know that all Kimpton hotels are pet-friendly?

The service was stellar, and everyone on staff made us feel so right at home!

What we love about Kimpton Hotels:

-Evening Wine Hour
-Morning Coffee + Tea Service
-Pet Amenities
-Awesome workout facilities
-Loaner PUBLIC Bikes

Every morning we’d walk out the door, and the next door over, sharing the same building, visit our very favorite Storyville Coffee Shop.

We actually had a few snacks during the day there as well. If you visit Seattle, you must visit Storyville at Pike Place, on 1st and Madison, or Queen Anne!

These pretzels are the BOMB. Never had a pretzel like these, with a very sweet mustard.

An extra unplanned treat was when Paul and I were also surprised with an amazing appetizer of fruit and brie cheese to nosh on (+ bottle of wine), courtesy of the hotel!

Downtown Seattle.

Did I mention the beauty, the Pike Market (daffodils in bloom, blossoms everywhere) was buzzing, the city was alive! We love Seattle!

The next evening, Keith arranged dinner again for us in the hotel’s Bookstore Bar & Café. And we’ve been talking about the menu ever since!

Here’s their description, that pretty much sums up our experience.

The Bookstore Bar at The Alexis Hotel.

We think C.S. Lewis had it right when he said that eating and reading are two pleasures that combine admirably. Test the theory yourself here at downtown Seattle’s Bookstore Bar & Café, a delight for bibliophiles and foodies alike. Among the brick walls and shelves lined with books and bottles, you’ll find contemporary cuisine and one of the largest selections of scotch and whiskey around – everything you need to eat, drink, read and be merry.

Starting with the Cotton Tail Fizz (a drink with gin, lime, cucumber, rhubarb bitters, egg whites, heavy cream & soda water), we enjoyed our first first course of Roasted Beet Salad, which Paul and I shared, and a cup of house soup.

Paul chose the house Lamb Meatballs, yay lamb! and I had a hard time deciding, but ended up with the Braised Short Ribs, after peeking over at the next table and seeing how good it looked.

This was their house special—the ribs braised in caramelized shallots, crew braised fennel, (I’m a fennel lover!), and gremolata. Cooked to perfection!

Joel, our server, steered us in the right direction with each course and variety of wine, with the personal touch of sharing the history of the restaurant, and all about Caprial Pence, their Executive Chef, and her very fine menu. We indulged in a chocolate lava cake and her very special rhubarb crisp.

Chef Caprial Pence.

The very first winner of the James Beard Award for Best Chef Northwest, Caprial Pence snagged the coveted honor while dishing up nouvelle cuisine at the Sheraton Seattle. Then she left our fair city for the bike-riding, beer-swilling pastures of Portland. As much as we love our little sibling to the south, we’re so glad that after a couple of decades away, Chef Pence is back – and ready to treat you to food that’s like one of our stately old tomes on the shelf: beautiful on the outside, even more rewarding on the inside.

The food, wine and cocktails were some of the best we’ve eaten in Seattle. The whole dining experience was one that we’ll be talking about for a long time!

A city walk was in order after this meal – whew! But that’s what we love about this location on the waterfront. The nightlife, and lights, are what makes staying in the city so memorable.

We really enjoyed our stay! It was the perfect way to spend time in the city. We were also able to see C.S. Lewis’ “The Great Divorce” at Moore Theatre, and also ate at delicious restaurants like The Wild Ginger, and Serious Pie—pizza, not pie-pie.

I can say that by the end of the few days we were there, the hotel staff was like family to us! It was hard to say goodbye.

For more information about Alexis, visit their website. You can follow them on Facebook, and Twitter, and Instagram.

The Alexis Hotel graciously hosted us, but as always, all opinions are my own.