HotelChatter

The Seattle-based hotel chain caters to a “hip,” 20 and 30-something clientele. Here’s how that translates: minimalist, Urban Outfitters meets IKEA décor with an abundance of white-on-white and stainless steel detail. It’s chic, but sparse. Paper-thin walls, cozy (read: you better love your lover) rooms, and high potential for street noise – especially on the weekends when über-trendy Belltown is infiltrated by barely legal, semi-pretentious bar-hoppers – add to the upscale hostel vibe.

Parking is a couple blocks away and for those who pack like Ivana Trump, be prepared to schlep your luggage up several flights of stairs – Ace Hotel doesn’t have an elevator. For seasoned travelers, it can be a bit of a flimsy experience. It doesn’t help that the property is showing its age.

For cost-conscious travelers willing to share a bathroom, though, the Ace Hotel does have plenty of redeeming qualities. Wool blankets add a homey feeling, especially on a rainy Seattle night. Breakfast is complementary and includes a waffle bar, granola, yogurt, juice, coffee, breads, and fruit. The staff is quite nice, although not necessarily the best schooled in the finer details of hospitality. The former halfway house is located just at the edge of the free bus zone and above the always-hopping Cyclops bar. Plus, we love the complimentary Wi-Fi.

The bottom line: If you’re looking for a no-frills, value hotel, the Ace Hotel cannot be beat. If you’re flush enough to afford Deluxe Room rates, your money is best spent elsewhere, where room size, aesthetics and amenities are far superior. If you do stay, be sure to score a room with views of Elliot Bay, pack some earplugs and your indoor voice. Just in case.

[Photo: logostoni]