Sleepless in Seattle

Sleepless in Seattle: Well, not exactly in that bed (above) but I did spend a few days on a whirlwind of a trip to Seattle last week. It was my first visit to the city (for which I left rainy, cold Los Angeles to bright, sunny, crisp Fall air Seattle for) - how ironic is that?

I stayed at the fabulous Alexis Hotel in downtown Seattle, which recently underwent a ten million dollar renovation.  Loved the room I stayed in which featured a small sitting area and a full bath with a rainhead showerhead (all fixtures Grohe).  The walls of the bathroom were installed with leather tiles (something I have always wanted to experiment with in a project, but my often times conservative clients aren't open to it!).  Has anyone ever used these in a bathroom? I would welcome feedback!

{Detail of the leather tiles installed on the walls of the bathroom at the Alexis Hotel.}

{The well-appointed bathroom at the Alexis Hotel that included subway tile, leather wall tiles, and Grohe fittings.}

{The sitting area of my hotel room suite which included a sofa, side chair, cubed metal tables, artwork, a gilded mirror, floor lamp, and table lamp - an eclectic mix of contemporary with some traditional elements.}

{Overall view of the room which included a small entry vestibule, sleeping area with canopy bed, and a sitting area - with a wood burning fireplace!}

The hotel also has a really cool bar called The Bookstore with an evening wine reception.

Of course, you can't visit Seattle without touring Pike Place Market (where we got to know all the guys at the "flying fish" market).

The iconic signage.

Pike Place Market is also home to the original Seattle's Best Coffee location.  The neighborhood staple is designed diner-esque style complete with a coffee bar that has plaques with the names of their most faithful customers - who's seats you must not take if they are there!

While in Seattle, I got to visit the Starbucks Headquarters.  If you look closely at the top of the building, you'll see the mermaid of the infamous Starbucks logo.

Someone I was traveling with described the interiors of the Starbuck's offices as "a Starbucks store on steriods." Aptly put!

Barista Boys! Well, not really - just a couple of happy guys donning Seattle's Best Coffee aprons for a round of cuppings and tastings.  On the left is Roko Belic, a documentary filmmaker with a movie coming out on the subject of happiness.  I've seen a few of the trailers and must admit - the subject is inspirational.  (You can see more on his website:  The Happy Movie).  On the right is Piers from PSFK.

And some yummy samples of specialty drinks from Seattle's Best Coffee.

{All photos by me with the exception of The Bookstore Bar from Alexis Hotel website}