Seattle may be known as the Emerald City, though on our recent trip through Washington, we found Kimpton’s Hotel Monaco to be like Emerald City in itself. A luxury boutique recognized by Fodor’s as a Top 100 Hotel in the World, we stepped into a vibrant new world; chandeliers hanging from a grand lobby, plush furniture throughout, and colorful, bold design offering a playful escape from outside. And, just as Emerald City was at the center of the Land of Oz, so too is Hotel Monaco just steps from downtown. The perfect gateway to everything Seattle has to offer.

Located just off the yellow brick road, otherwise known as Interstate 5, Hotel Monaco is like your home away from home, and, as the famous quote goes, there really is no place like home! Within walking distance of so many of Seattle’s finest attractions, you literally are in the center of it all. And if walking isn’t your thing you can rest assured you can always use one of Kimpton’s wonderful complimentary bikes.

Head up to Pike Place Markets for an overload of the senses with its variety of specialty shops, fishmongers, and of course the original Starbucks store. Ten million people annually cannot be wrong, and the marketplace is now one of the Top 50 most visited tourist attraction in the world.  And chew on this, for something funky to do, check out the Seattle bubble gum wall in a secluded alley below.

Go cheer for the Seahawks at CenturyLink Field just a mile away from the hotel, or Safeco Field if baseball is your sport instead. Send the kids to enjoy the Seattle Aquarium, Seattle Art Museum, or stay entertained at the theatre, and feel like a kid again yourself as you walk along the waterfront and ride the 175 foot Seattle Great Wheel Ferris wheel located at Pier 57.

Chew on this, a short walk from the hotel is Seattle’s famous gum wall.

With so much in downtown Seattle to do, there is something for everyone to enjoy right outside your door, including Toto if you decide to bring him along too. The Hotel Monaco’s pet friendly nature means your furry friend can accompany you on your Emerald City adventure; they accept any number of pets without size or weight restrictions and for no extra charge.

Should it decide to rain (which has been known to happen in Seattle from time to time), simply take in the luxury the hotel offers onsite.  With their delicious Sazerac restaurant with its amazing happy hour, a complimentary hosted wine hour which had the hotel lobby buzzing on the Friday we were there, and complimentary morning coffee & tea service at reception, there really is no need to leave the hotel to satiate your hunger or thirst.

After a great meal, head back to your room to use your in room yoga mat or pay the fitness center a visit to burn off the calories you just acquired. If relaxing is more your speed, look into their in room spa services or simply relax in your animal print robe. Quite like the cowardly lion in Oz, we found it extremely hard to muster up any courage – courage to leave the extreme comfort of our lavish room complete with large flat screen TV, Italian Frette Linens, and complimentary WiFi too.

Click on individual photos to enlarge. 

When all is said and done, it is pretty much a no brainer to stay at Hotel Monaco when staying in Seattle, so unless you’re like the scarecrow and lacking a brain, you have no excuse not to stay.

Don’t assume the role of the Tin Man and be left out in the rain; let the Hotel Monaco show you the heart of Seattle.

Megan is an Australian Journalist who has been travelling and blogging since 2007, with the main aim of inspiring others to embark on their own worldwide adventure. Her husband Mike is an American travel photographer, and together they have made the world their home.

Committed to bringing you the best in adventure travel from all around the globe, there is no mountain too high, and no fete too extreme! They haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on their list.

Follow their journey on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest and Instagram.