Pensione Nichols

The location is fabulous, and Lindsey was nice and gave us space. We chose Pensione Nichols for its breakfast, since there are lots of similarly priced places nearby. We found food easily because it is right at Pike's, but breakfast wasn't served on Sunday, with no note or warning and no water or juice set out. Lindsey wasn't there to explain why. The cleanliness was bad enough that my husband, who has low standards for it, said we'd try every other place before coming back. There was a smell when we opened the door Friday night that reminded me of the NYC Subway in July. Later, one of Lindsey's two dogs greeted us, while the other peed on the carpet behind her stand on the third floor. The hallways and bathrooms needed vacuuming, with what looked like streamer scraps from a NYE party six weeks earlier. The bathroom trash wasn't emptied all weekend, and there were no trashcans in the rooms. None of the third-floor bathrooms were cleaned during our stay. While we waited for the breakfast that never came Sunday morning, my husband found dog poop under a table in the dining/living area.

The beds were clean and comfortable, and I didn't hear much from other guests in my room, so the walls aren't paper thin. The place was fine overall, with quaint decor and a New Orleans feel. The owner was friendly and busy with her own schedule, but tried to keep things clean and gave us her cell number for texting if anything came up. The shared bathrooms could have used more regular attention. The location was great, downtown and close to plenty of activity and attractions, and the price was similar to nearby hotels. Be aware there are two flights of stairs to reach the main floor, so this may not suit you if stairs are difficult.

The room had no AC or fan, the only real downside. Otherwise, Lindsey was so kind, and Pensione Nichols had a warm atmosphere and loads of charm. It's a block from Pike Place, and the second floor has an amazing view of the market and pier. Check-in was self-service with a nice note and key, and checkout was easy, just leave the key in the door. Our floor had two shared bathrooms, each with a shower and toilet. Breakfast was yogurt with fruit and assorted bread with jam and butter, served in the living room with a piano and antique furniture and decor. With the price and location, it felt like a steal. Whenever I'm in Seattle, I'll check for Pensione Nichols first. Hope to be back soon!

We were able to walk everywhere we wanted, which made the location a real highlight. Pike Place Market is right across the street, the Space Needle is about a mile away, and the walk to CenturyLink Stadium took us 45 minutes. My wife and I enjoyed our vacation, but the place itself needs attention. It smelled, the carpet needs tightening, the floors creak like crazy, and fresh paint would help. There was a hole in our door where a lock used to be, with only a sticker covering it. Without that sticker, someone could look in while I slept. The shower door looked ready to come off its hinges too. I work in property maintenance, so maybe I notice more than some people, but those issues stood out.