{deluxe digs} lap up the luxury
the artful
alexis hotel Located in the heart of Seattle’s Pioneer Square, the Alexis Hotel wins high praises from people and pooches alike.
written by deanna duff photography by tushna lehman
The Alexis Hotel welcomes all guests as personal friends—a warm smile, a kind word and maybe even a wet nose and wagging tail. In the lobby, a colorful, chalkboard sign greets canine guests by name, “Welcome Bear! Welcome Bella!” and don’t be surprised to receive a welcome “woof” at the front desk. “We treat our dogs just like we treat our guests,” says Jenne Neptune, Alexis’ general manager. “We want all dogs to feel welcome, comfortable and have fun just like we hope their owners do.” In the lobby, you’ll often see two- and four-legged guests mingling. Staff members are frequently accompanied by their canine companions, and the furry friends sometimes lend a paw and help register guests at reception. Upon arrival, visiting pooches are provided with treats and leopard-print dog beds which match the Alexis’ signature bath robes. Such pampering is why famous faces—such as pop star Rihanna and her toy poodle—have chosen the Alexis. The Alexis, a Kimpton hotel, is located on the edge of Pioneer Square in downtown Seattle. Built in 1901, the building was a hub for Klondike Gold Rush business. The current hotel underwent an extensive renovation in 2007, updating its 121 guest rooms and creating a cool, cosmopolitan vibe. The DNA of the building, however, remains apparent thanks to original, exposed brick walls and arched windows. Remnants of the city’s 19th-century storefronts— part of “Underground Seattle”—are visible via the hotel’s underground parking garage.
Clockwise from top left: Our model Harrison poses with a painting, one of many throughout the hotel; the Alexis welcomes two- and four-legged alike; bicycles are available for exploring; it’s all in the details. Above: The Alexis is a popular destination for authors, who often autograph their editions. 20 • CityDog Magazine
“There are architectural details that you don’t see in a lot of the modern hotels. It makes the building really unique and beautiful,” says Neptune. Minus one dog-free guest floor, canine visitors of all sizes are welcome throughout the hotel. “My parents have a Leonberger named Caliber,” says Neptune. “He’s about as big as they come, around 150 pounds, and loves visiting.” With nine types of rooms, accommodations are spacious and include amenities ranging from wood-burning fireplaces to hand-crafted, four-poster beds. Rooms are animated with pops of color—apple-red lamps, neon flower vases, a rainbow of pillows. Many spaces showcase breathtaking views of Elliott Bay and the downtown landscape.