Pensione Nichols
Location: 1923 First Avenue, Seattle, Washington, 98101, Seattle, US
Star Rating: 2 Stars
Property Type: Bed and breakfasts
About this Property
Central Location - Enjoy being steps away from Pike Place Market and within walking distance to various other attractions in Seattle, making it the perfect spot for sightseeing.
Unique Amenities - Take advantage of the complimentary continental breakfast and relax on the terrace while soaking in the stunning views. The concierge services and complimentary newspapers add a touch of luxury to your stay.
Cozy Accommodations - Retreat to one of the 12 guestrooms featuring deep soaking bathtubs in detached private bathrooms. Stay connected with complimentary wireless internet access and unwind in the separate sitting areas.
Book your stay at Pensione Nichols now for a memorable and comfortable experience in the heart of Seattle!
Important Information
- Guests can arrange to bring pets by contacting the property directly, using the contact information on the booking confirmation (surcharges apply and can be found in the Fees section).
Policies
Check-in: 03:00 PM - 04:30 AM
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Instructions: Guests will receive an email with check-in instructions and an access code prior to arrival. The front desk is staffed during limited hours. For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation.
Amenities & Facilities
- Free breakfast
- Offsite parking discounted rates available
- Free WiFi
- Terrace
- Luggage storage
- Continental breakfast
- Concierge service
- Wheelchair accessible
- Free breakfast
- Free newspapers in lobby
- Front desk (limited hours)
- Smoke-free property
- Tours/ticket assistance
- Self parking (surcharge)
- Offsite parking discounted rates available
- Free continental breakfast
- Upper floors accessible by stairs only
Rooms Available
-
Deluxe Room, Multiple Beds, Shared Bathroom, City View
1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Bed
180-sq-foot room with city views
Layout - Living room, dining area, and sitting area
Internet - Free WiFi
Bathroom - Detached private bathroom, deep soaking bathtub
Practical - Desk, free newspaper, and iron/ironing board (on request); cribs (free) available on request
Comfort - Air conditioning and daily housekeeping
Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 3 (3 Adults)
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Desk
- Free newspaper
- Daily housekeeping
- Separate sitting area
- Separate dining area
- Free WiFi
- Deep soaking bathtub
- Private bathroom (not in room)
- Separate living room
- Free cribs/infant beds
-
Standard Room, Multiple Beds, Shared Bathroom
1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Bed
Layout - Living room, dining area, and sitting area
Internet - Free WiFi
Bathroom - Detached private bathroom, deep soaking bathtub
Practical - Free newspaper and iron/ironing board (on request)
Comfort - Daily housekeeping
Need to Know - No rollaway/extra beds available
Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Hair dryer
- Free newspaper
- Daily housekeeping
- Separate sitting area
- Separate dining area
- Free WiFi
- Deep soaking bathtub
- Private bathroom (not in room)
- Separate living room
- No rollaway/extra beds
-
Apartment, 1 Queen Bed, Private Bathroom, Sea View
1 Queen Bed
900-sq-foot room with a balcony
Layout - Bedroom, living room, and dining area
Internet - Free WiFi
Food & Drink - Kitchen with refrigerator, microwave, and coffee/tea maker
Bathroom - Private bathroom, deep soaking bathtub
Practical - Desk, free newspaper, and iron/ironing board (on request); rollaway beds (free) and cribs (free) available on request
Comfort - Air conditioning and daily housekeeping
Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 5 (5 Adults)
- Coffee/tea maker
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Desk
- Microwave
- Private bathroom
- Kitchen
- Free newspaper
- Daily housekeeping
- Separate sitting area
- Separate dining area
- Free WiFi
- Deep soaking bathtub
- Private bathroom (not in room)
- Separate living room
- Free cribs/infant beds
- Separate bedroom
-
Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed, Shared Bathroom
1 Queen Bed
96 sq feet
Layout - Living room, dining area, and sitting area
Internet - Free WiFi
Bathroom - Detached private bathroom, deep soaking bathtub
Practical - Free local calls, desk, and free newspaper; cribs (free) available on request
Comfort - Air conditioning and daily housekeeping
Need to Know - No rollaway/extra beds available
Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Telephone
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Desk
- Free newspaper
- Daily housekeeping
- Free Local calls
- Ceiling fan
- Separate sitting area
- Separate dining area
- Free WiFi
- Deep soaking bathtub
- Private bathroom (not in room)
- Separate living room
- No rollaway/extra beds
- Free cribs/infant beds
Guest Reviews
- Verified traveler (2/5): - so many people share the bathroom, you can hear people's talking in other rooms. Breakfast was supposed to be provided, never saw one. I was told my other guests "don't expect anything". If you want to eat, wait until 8:30 if you have time to wait.
when I called and nobody answered the call.
Only thing good is the location.
- Verified traveler (8/5): - Great price, & locale. Reminded me of my travel-experiences in Europe (pensione’s; funky accommodations, BUT ‘you get what you pay for’. It’s ideal for single-traveller’s. The owner/proprietor was pleasant & helpful, but needs to pay attn: to details (the little things that make one’s ‘stay’ enjoyable’); in my brief stay, she failed to appear on Sunday, so no breakfast was provided, tho’ it’s advertised as part of the cost. And, none of us ‘checked out’ in the usual sense; we just left our Room Keys on a table!)
- Verified traveler (10/5): - It has the vest view out of any place I've stayed at in Seattle
- Verified traveler (8/5): - Mats in bathtub and shower were slippery and slimy. My husband had to wash them before he took a shower.
Beside that inconvenience, location was ver good and staff very friendly.
- Verified traveler (10/5): - Great vibe, great hostess, great location, great views
- Verified traveler (2/5): - The rooms and kitchen were dirty. They didn't change the sheets for a multi-day stay. The sink leaked water all over. One room did not have a bathroom, you had to share it with other quests and it was dirty. I would avoid this place at all costs. Stay somewhere else...
- Verified traveler (2/5): Honest review of the hotel condition - The hotel condition was very poor, dirty and old. My girlfriend and I did not dare to sleep on the bed because the bedsheet has hair and the blanket was dirty. We had to go buy our own bedsheet to place it on top of their bed. My girlfriend even got a skin irritation from staying at the hotel. There was no air circulation in the room, the room was stuffy. The bathrooms were the worst. The toilet bowl has stains and the rugs were so dirty. There were so many mirrors in the bathroom (creepy) and also in the room. I did not like the urine scent that I smell when I walk passed the 2nd floor. The laundry pile were left sitting by the hallway on the second floor for two days. This was by far the worst experience I ever had renting a hotel. I'm not usually a complainer at where I stayed but this was just too much to tolerate. It was not worth the price I paid for ($242 per night) and the condition was worse than a motel. We couldn't change to other hotels because everywhere was booked, so we had to sleep with our daytime clothes on. So for people who cares about cleaniness, this is definitely not the place to stay.
- sandra (10/5): Unique atmosphere. Beautiful view from common area - Great hospitality!
- Verified traveler (2/5): - Location was key. Historical building was of interest until we arrived. It was downhill from there. No one was available to assist with luggage and no one was at the desk to greet us. Note: there is no elevator and the desk was two flights up. We had no towels. The sink in the bathroom was broken so we had to go up a flight to wash our hands. Windows were open in the parlor but had no screens. Thus, bugs were flying in the window in the area we had breakfast. Our mattress had such a strong odor of urine, so we could not sleep between the sheets.
- Cesar (8/5): Great stay for people that love adventure. - Great location. Wish they had a fridge or microwave in rooms.
- Mark (6/5): - Car park is 2 blocks away 25 dollars a day
Shared bathroom and dirty
- Verified traveler (8/5): - No running water in the bathroom, the shower work however the sink was not functioning
- Verified traveler (2/5): - I tried to cancel my reservation literally dozens of times and no response. Worst customer service ever.
- Verified traveler (2/5): - Dirty. Someone passed out in the lobby on the couch when we arrived. My son was so scared we had to leave.
Owner re- rented the room for the second night of our reservation and said she re-reimburse me for it... never did.
- Michele (8/5): Charming older hotel with amazing location - Amazing location. Eclectic older hotel so it has some musty smells. Extremely cute uniquely decorated hotel with Seattle charm. Was quiet and had great views in the sitting lounge. Our free parking did not seem to work with the validation but did not have time to bother with it. Overall a nice stay if you are looking to be right next to Pikes market.
- Verified traveler (10/5): - Very clean property and responsive host to guest needs
- Jim (2/5): Worst Hotel Experience Ever - This place was disgusting. First, after following the instructions to get in the door was barred with a broom. When we finally got in, the girl who seemed to be running things had absolutely no idea what she was doing. There was dog poop all over the place. Old food left out on a table covered with flies. We told the woman that we could not stay there. She did not apologize but did say we would not be charged. We were charged, and the hotel has been impossible to get a hold of to request a refund. DO NOT STAY HERE.
- B&L (8/5): - Really great location next to Pike Place Market. Parking garage is ridiculously expensive and should be added into the price of the hotel, because that's an extra $30 per night we weren't aware of.
Hotel smelled weird and one of the sinks in the bathroom wasn't working, but the room was clean and comfortable. Bathrooms are detached from rooms and are technically public, FYI.
We checked in late and they forgot to leave us towels, but Lindsey left them outside the door before we woke up.
- Dave (8/5): - Friendly host and a great location next to the Pike Place Market. The place is a little outdated.
- Verified traveler (8/5): - I was in love with the room I had, the incredible views, and the lovely amenities. The only negative was that the cleanliness of the shared spaces (bathroom sinks, sitting/dining area) were just not up to snuff. I'm not a clean freak, so I just worked around that, and would stay there again because of the ideal location, gorgeous rooms with big windows and high ceilings (I had a city view room with a big old tree outside), and yummy breakfast.
- Verified traveler (4/5): Disappointed - This was not what we expected:( we ended up leaving a day early. The room wasn’t ready by check in, things we left from previous customers, we had to ask for toilet paper, and overall it was dirty:( also we thought since it was a bed and breakfast that there would be breakfast. Nope. We were very disappointed especially since it seemed to have positive reviews. We would not stay here again.
- Verified traveler (10/5): - Euro style, like visiting friends house oppose to hotel
- Jaclyn (8/5): Perfect location/ shared bathrooms - The staff make this place worth while, along with the proximity to the market, and the breath-taking views. The only complaint I have would be the cleanliness of the Lobby carpets due to the pets and the bathrooms due to shared bathrooms. Overall, you can't beat the price and location pr the warm welcome in downtown Seattle.
- Verified traveler (10/5): - The location is fabulous. This is REAL Seattle! Lindsey is a wonderful hostess and bends over backward to make your stay pleasant and enjoyable. I would stay here again for sure!
- Heath (6/5): - Very unique property; I love the historical elements. But the place felt a bit untended. The entry stairs had a real funk...Musty and wet smelling. The toilet had a layer of dust, no shampoo was available, the furniture in the lobby areas was dusty, with dead leaves from the various plants.
The lobby view was lovely, and the bedroom was clean.
- Verified traveler (2/5): - No staff available to help, no one answered the after hours number when we needed help
- Verified traveler (10/5): Comfort and style - Loved staying here. Lindsey was so sweet and we were given an amazing breakfast. Lots of antiques and great view of the harbor from the living room. Definitely recommend this place
- Verified traveler (8/5): - Great location and room. Was unable to locate coffee or breakfast the next a.m. though. Idk. Maybe we slept too late and missed the food but coffee would have been great while looking out of the back room to the water. Ty. Billy & Jessie. Overall. We liked it.
- cindy (4/5): - The shared bathroom was filthy and so was the 'clean' towel. Coverlett was also dirty. I just tried not to think about it. No bottled water nor cups to drink from the tap, no heat the first night, and I didn't know it was a shared bathroom for the whole floor until I arrived.
If you don't mind filth, the location is terrific.
- Verified traveler (8/5): - Quirky B&B with a lot of character. Good value, but can be cold and most rooms don't have in-suite bathrooms.
- Tim (4/5): - "missed opportunity" is the best way to describe the Pensione Nichols as the location is grand, and the rich heritage of the building is mostly intact but the execution places the B&B at the level of "high end youth hostel."
First off, unless you stay in the hotel after 8am and before 6pm, don't expect to see any staff. We saw the proprietor Lindsey once during our 3 night stay and it was as she was setting up breakfast at just past 8am. When we arrived Friday night there was no one there to give a basic rundown on the available facilities.
We were sent an email with the door code and instructions to check in but that was about it. After going up two flights of stairs (no elevator, no handicap accessible, no assistance with bags) we found the lobby and our key. Our room had NO window, sink, tv, phone, or even instructions to access the WiFi. The only access to running water was in the not so clean bathroom sinks, which clearly were not maintained daily. The place was incredibly Spartan.
The dining hall was nice with a great view and a guest more or less sleeping on the sectional because they couldn't sleep in their room due to discomfort of the bed. The beds were passable for one person so my Lady ended up sleeping on the "infant" bed next to the main queen.
It was nice hearing the rain on the skylight but that's as much character the room had. No colors, no real decor, and even the outlets we're in serious need of repair. Just yikes.
- Toby (8/5): Perfect ... for us! - Great location, low key, good value, fantastic view from to great room. It is a classic European B&B in the heart of Seattle.
- Michael (10/5): - Great location and value for money whether visiting Seattle on business or pleasure.
- Verified traveler (8/5): European-style hotel - Very European style hotel with shared bath for some rooms and a nice common space for breakfast and hanging out. We enjoyed our short stay here.
- Frank (10/5): Close to the waterfront/Pike Place Market - Nice room - very comfortable. The location was second to none and we found parking at the local recommended multi storey car park. Normally $36/day we got the parking for $25/day thru the hotel.
Well recommended if you want to stay near the best Seattle attractions whilst not paying big hotel prices.
- Verified traveler (8/5): - It was a clean and quiet room right by Pikes market
- Heather (6/5): Central hotspot - Beautiful old building right at end of market - perfect location for sightseeing. Great breakfast, harbor-facing front room/public area.
Rooms do not have sinks or toilets- getting up and dressed to pad down hallway at night inconvenient.
Downside: found hotel really loud. Rooms’ arrangement and construction made everything audible. If someone else gets up, or talks, everyone hears it. Napping during day difficult because of noise. Sleeping late not an option.
- Stephen (8/5): Location & Comfort. - My wife and I had a pleasant stay at Pensione Bed and Breakfast. The room was comfortable and the bed was wonderful. We were aware some stairs had to be climbed on our arrival; this turned out to be 1.5 flights of stairs with a good incline. We had been unaware that it was shared bathroom arrangement. There were 3 bathrooms shared on the main floor which made it interesting in the mornings with full occupancy. Having only 2 showers and one morning having the hot water turned off at the wall caused some confusion. The breakfast was fantastic! The coffee, well we don't usually drink plunged nor do we like the coffee leaves. This was the most expensive accommodation of our journey (nearly double our Manhattan,NY hotel). However; this was on the cheapest end for the area in Seattle. It was nice; but believe it to be over priced. We would stay further out next time and seek a far nicer place for the price we paid.
- Anita (6/5): - Not very clean particularly in the bathrooms. Very quaint and funky. Great location! Hated the stairs!
- Verified traveler (6/5): - Rooms clean, bathrooms were not up to scratch
- Katherine (10/5): - Charming and lovely experience to stay with Lindsey Nichols. Easy and centrally located to walk and enjoy the Pike's Market and Underground City Tour, Seattle Art Museum and Space Needle/Dale Chiluly glass garden. Formal sitting room was a bonus with fabulous view.
- Verified traveler (10/5): - Great location, very nice owner. Apartment was more than enough space for a family of three. Breakfast was amazing.
- Ytravel (6/5): Disappointed - Be prepared to walk up 48 stairs as there is no lift. Rooms are adequate, no wardrobe to hang things. Front rooms with windows are noisy as it faces the street. Inside room, no windows, only skylight which one can't darken. There was only 1 shower available for 8 double rooms, the other being broken for the entire 6 days I was there.
- Jay (10/5): - Very cool place, close to Pikes Market, 1 block off, walking distance to stadiums!
- Agam (4/5): Very bad experience in USD210 per night. - Hotel without bath room inside every room. Room never cleaned and towel never changed in my 3 days stay.
- John (10/5): Quaint, comfortable, and great views. - Loved Pensione B & B. Very informal, perfect location for the night prior to our cruise to Alaska. Walked to Pike's Market, lots of quaint shops, restaurants, and nightlife. It was an easy walk to the cruise pier. Wonderful light breakfast with fresh fruit, tasty pastries, excellent French Press coffee, and wonderful views of the coast.
- Sandra (10/5): Thanks - Thoroughly enjoyed our stay in such a quirky but lovely place surrounded by antiques
- Verified traveler (6/5): - No TV, No service
- Lisa (10/5): This place is wonderful!!! - This place was so comfortable, we felt so at home during our 3 night stay. Great location and beautiful view of Pikes Market! The common area with the couch, piano and tables was so comfortable. Me and my brothers family, who also stayed there, hung out there each night and felt like we were hanging out in our own living room, only witha great view! We were a little nervous about the shared bathrooms, but it was not an issue at all! There are 3 bathrooms upstairs, with 2 showers and 1 downstairs with a shower. They are all very clean.
- Verified traveler (8/5): - Lindsay was great but place needs some new carpet, A/C, TV, bathrooms
- Verified traveler (8/5): good location - stairs could be a problem for elderly or unfit persons
- Irene (10/5): - I liked most everything about our stay at Pensione. The location is great & convenient to walking around downtown. I really enjoyed the view from the dining room, & the morning brkfst was great. I'm a great lover of antiques, & this is furnished with lovely period pieces. I was worried about a shared bathroom, but there were 3 right outside our room so not an issue. The hardest thing was getting up the stairs w/luggage, but that wasn't a major issue.
- Verified traveler (8/5): Great location - I loved staying here. Beautiful view with a free breakfast. Up beat owner instead of a stuffy hotel vibe.
- Verified traveler (2/5): Skip This Quickly - The experience from top to bottom was awful. Our room was a quarter of the size we were told, not the same as pictures, and was so unclean and dirty (stains on mattress and sheets, dirt and hair all over, etc.) that we ended up relocating. Save yourself the stress and skip over this.
- Verified traveler (8/5): - Great location, wonderful hostess, the best breakfast. Definitely will be back when in Seattle!
- Jaymie (10/5): - I loved the location. Stunning view. I love the character of the building and furniture. The owner was vibrant and easy going made our stay even better.
Free breakfast and discount parking definitely made it worth the trip.
- Verified traveler (8/5): - Lindsey was very knowledgeable and welcoming!
- Sam (6/5): - Need to update more accurate direction from the train station - also email instruction about check-in and the keys availability when no one is present - both were not up to the mark for us - thanks
- Sharon (8/5): - It's a great area surrounded by bars, eateries and the market. Close to walk to pretty much everything. Host was wonderful and cheery.
- Liam (10/5): Great location - This guest house is in the perfect location for exploring Seattle, the owner had all the local knowledge you need and gave us great advice for restuarants and bars for our whistle stop tour of Seattle. Would recommend. Well priced
- Gail (8/5): Seattle waterfront stay - We wanted a walking trip and this was the perfect distance from the train station with our backpacks. It was close to Pikes place and the waterfront.
- Verified traveler (10/5): - Right in the middle where everything is happening. Pikes market restaurants entertainment. And the price was right.
- Jeremy (10/5): - Staying here was awesome! Everything from the room to the location, the price, & the hospitality from the owner Lindsey was tremendous!
- Verified traveler (8/5): - Great access to downtown Seattle, beautiful views, close access to public transportation. Delightful Inn keeper with great local suggestions
- Stephen (2/5): Room, little else, not even a trash can. - Room did not have a clock, bathroom, trash can, tv, NOTHING. Right over busy street, so extremely loud. Shared bathroom with fellow guests. Yogurt bowl with fruit for breakfast. 3 stories, no elevator.
Positives: charming host, GREAT LOCATION, pleasantly eccentric decor,
- Verified traveler (8/5): - She was awesome and so very helpful. I wish we could have stayed the full three days. She was really understanding that we had a family emergency and had to go home early. Location was great.
- Verified traveler (4/5): unpleasant sharing bathroom with all guests -
like a youth hostel; guests share the bathroom with all guests; not clean, tiny rooms, noisy, no hot breakfast, bread and cheese, little fruit. no coffee water available. Way overated/priced
- Verified traveler (8/5): Quirky - The location of the hotel can't be beat. It is affordable in a very expensive area. The building is an antique. The woman who runs the hotel, Lindsey, is super friendly and helpful. The first floor smelled strongly of human urine and thankfully we were on the second floor. Our beds were comfortable and clean but someone's used towels were hanging on the back of the door when we checked in and our bed wasn't made after we slept in it our first night. Shared, old funky bathrooms but we never had to wait to use one and there was hot water for our showers. There are lots of steps to get to the room. Overall, we liked it a lot except for the urine smell (!) and we will be back but it is not for everyone!
- Susanna (6/5): Decent stay, great location, good rate - The Pensione Nichols is charming and mostly clean. I somehow missed the "shared bathroom" part of the info when making a reservation. Some of the bathrooms are nice; the shower room isn't very great. Our room had a skylight shared with the adjacent room, which meant that when that guest never checked in, the light was on all night long and we had a light shining into our room from another room, which interfered with my sleep. No TV (which was fine with the decent WiFi), no USB ports to plug in, outlets that barely held a charger. Damp/ammonia smell, maybe from being an old building near the waterfront. GREAT location. Breakfast was OK. Wish there were hot water available all night/morning/day to make a cup of tea. No windows in the room; great view from living room/breakfast room.
- Verified traveler (4/5): Close to the market and very walkable - The rooms are old and the comfort of the bed was wanting due to age. Feels like a hostel, if you’re ok with that, but not a b&b. The innkeeper is a sweet lady, very eager to please. But the dogs running around, the broken toilet, the marginally clean bathrooms were a bit too much to stomach for me.
- Verified traveler (4/5): Did not honor price quote from Expedia. - They did not honor the price that we agreed to on Expedia. We were charged $149.00. Not the $129.00 that we agreed with Expedia. e were told they did not get the reservation from Expedia, but we received an email from them on March 1st with check in instructions. So they must have known we were booked.
- Verified traveler (10/5): Quiet, Clean and Easy - The location allows for easy access to anywhere in Seattle. The rooms are clean, quiet and comfortable and breakfast is delicious. Lindsey is an awesome, helpful host.
- David (8/5): Comfortable bed, nice breakfast - I knew the room would be "rustic", so that wasn't a problem. A nice surprise that I had been upgraded to a larger room with own bathroom.
Thought breakfast would just be cereal or toast, but was a bit more than that. Fresh fruit, coffee, croissants and pastries (and juice too).
- Byanka (10/5): - My friend and I had a great stay at the pensione Nichols bed and breakfast. I absolutely loved all the decorations and the way it felt almost like home. I'd definitely stay there again!
- Mikel (10/5): Old world charm near Pike Place market - Lindsey was very friendly. The room was gorgeous. Nice continental breakfast in the morning. Beautiful views. Great location. Easy walk to the Moore Theatre, Pike Place Market and much more.
- Claire (10/5): Arty guesthouse in a great location - My partner and I stayed here over New Year's and it was perfect. It's a ten-minute walk from the Space Needle and there are lots of places to eat nearby. Our room was clean and comfortable (though it didn't have a window, which didn't bother us as we weren't hanging out there, but just fyi) and the continental breakfast was delicious. It has an arty feel and lots of tasteful furniture and nice touches, especially the piano. There's also a great view from the breakfast/hangout room. The owner was very friendly and helpful also. We'd definitely stay here again.
- Verified traveler (10/5): Hidden Jewel - Pensione is my go-to whenever I'm in Seattle overnight. A great location, wonderful hostess and a one of a kind experience each visit.
- Keith (6/5): The Pensione B and B. - We stayed here as we wanted to see Pikes Market and for that reason the location was great. Our room was on the second floor, so we had our bathroom conveniently located just outside our door. The room was clean and adequate with no TV, but had a view of the street below. The bathroom was clean and adequate with a very old sink. The living room on the third floor where breakfast was served had a great view of the area and inlet. Breakfast was rather poor of old mini bagels, decent bread, a quarter of a tasteless melon topped by a single strawberry. A single pitcher of watered down orange juice needed to be shared between three tables. Each of the two ladies in charge I met there on separate days were nice. A secure place to stay and overall experience was good but we will not be returning.
- Verified traveler (4/5): Just sleeping is ok - As they mention on website, there is stairs to the third floor, the reception. There is no one there and room key is left with a small introduction.
In the room, there is no bathroom, fridge, TV, window being able to open. You can find a bed only. Unfortunately linens were a bit dirty and the room was noisy.
Breakfast is at 8am, that is late for me to work.
- Verified traveler (6/5): European-like B&B, great location, old electrical - GOOD: The location is the best thing about this B&B. It puts you right in the heart of downtown Seattle overlooking Puget Sound and the Pike Place Market. The view from the shared living space is awesome. Other good things are the owner is very friendly and accomodating, and the shared bathrooms are spacious, clean, and very functional. All that said, it is a very different, very European experience. OK: While it is clean, it is quite dusty with rugs that have a musty, been-there-forever smell. The bedrooms are small and spartan. BAD: The most concerning thing is the electrical. It is very old with worn power strips, worn extension cords, and lose fitting outlets accomodating multiple lamps and devices. Additionally, I found a washcloth shoved into the lamp ... presumably to steady the shade ... which is a really bad idea, especially given the age of the lamp and all the other electrical concerns. Really, the electrical is the only thing preventing me from recommending this B&B.
- karen (8/5): Great location, eclectic, very clean - My sister and I took the train to Seattle and spent 2 nights at the Pensione Nichols before boarding our cruise ship. The location of the PN is amazing, the breakfasts were very good, and we enjoyed meeting other travellers. The view of the waterfront from the fire escape is amazing. The place was very clean. There are restaurants directly below the PN. Overall, we enjoyed the experience, and would stay there again.
Keep in mind that you will need to carry your luggage up to the 3rd floor. Coffee is only available from 8-11am, and no bottled water is available. When I asked about bottled water I was told that the tap water (only accessible in the bathrooms) is delicious. If I were the owner of the PN I would provide cold bottled or even a decanter of ice water for my guests, and have a coffee maker available for guests to make their own coffee.
The one other negative we experienced was that when we arrived the manager tried to place us in a room with just a queen bed(sleeping with my sister would have been a little weird,) instead of the queen with twin we had requested. She did give us the room we requested, reluctantly. Evidently you don't really get to choose your room.
If you are an adventurous traveller and looking for a great place in a great location, you should definitely consider the Pensione Nichols.
- Verified traveler (10/5): - Feel very confortable and Easyto receiver he service
- Verified traveler (2/5): Frustrating, unsafe and unpleasant stay - One of our party had a delayed flight and so I called the hotel and asked if they could find a replacement for us for the night and possibly move the reservation. They said they would try and ultimately were unsuccessful. So my brother and I headed up to take advantage of the very expensive room. I'd booked a room with a queen bed and a twin. When I arrived around 8pm the keys were at the reception and there was no one working. The room we were given was a queen bed in a tiny, ugly room with a skylight. I could not find anyone working there. I called the owner who, I'd been speaking with, and she did not answer or return my call. The next morning I spoke to the receptionist and she was able to get me into the room which I had booked- a room with a queen and a twin. She called it an upgrade- which I thought was strange. I asked about not having the correct room the first night. She reffered me to the owner. I called the owner and when I brought up my concern she told me that I'd been given the room through expedia and she had no control over where I went, but I had been given an upgrade. I asked her to explain how getting the room I'd paid for was an upgrade. She grew very dismissive and said that she wouldn't give me a refund and that it was expedia's fault. I hadn't asked for a refund and I told her that I knew booking systems because I'd owned and managed a hostel and that she was responsible for properly pricing rooms. She yelled at me and said I wouldn't get a refund and
- John (10/5): - lots of steps to get to check in but well worth it great place and people are wonderful best location to get to pike market would stay again
- Verified traveler (8/5): Good Location - Nice location and fair price compared to competitors. But only two shared bathrooms with all guests (at least upstairs) and no windows in room. Very small room.
- Fernando (6/5): Great Downtown Seattle Location - 2-story B&B in very old building close to Public Market. Secure entrance; no elevator, no A/C, no TV. Our room accommodated 4 of us (family w/2 teens) nicely—very clean and comfortable. Had a view of the Puget Sound from our small balcony/firescape. The WIFI did not work. They gave us an alternative link to another business which was ok, but did not work our last day there. The breakfast was just fruit and breads, coffee and juice—nothing to write home about. The attendant was not very friendly. Definitely room for improvement for the price. Best feature was location and Seattle has very good public transportation. Very good restaurants nearby.
- S (4/5): Need upgrades - Need some serious upgrade. No ice. Poor ventilation. Shared bathrooms. The only Excellence was the location.
- Ronald (10/5): A nice surprise with a great location. - It was great. As long as you are aware that you will have to bring your luggage up 3 flights of stairs, then you will be pleased. Nice breakfast, great view.
- B (10/5): Great b & b in great location - Clean, good breakfasts, helpful staff, lovely lounge area with vuew of water
- Verified traveler (10/5): Bed and breakfast charm - Lindsey The hostess is wonderful. Best kept secret in Seattle. The building is old and you have to navigate several flights of stairs. The bathrooms are shared. Bedrooms are comfortable. No TVs or phones etc but the view from the common room is beautiful. Breakfast is always lovely. Fruit yogurt scones or biscuits with fresh jam. Coffee and juice. Well worth the cost for a quiet respite downtown.
- Barry (10/5): Close to Everything - Lindsey and her staff do a great job. The room was perfect for my needs. The Pensione is ideally located to everything I wanted to do and see.
- Sarah (10/5): Charming B&B in a Great Location - The pensione is located a block away from Pike's Market, so the location is ideal. It's also only a mile away from the Space Needle, and there's great shopping nearby as well. Plus, Lindsey, the owner, is a very nice woman who does everything she can to take care of her guests. I really loved my stay, and I would definitely visit again.
- Sue (10/5): Wonderful Bed and Breakfast - We arrived late but entered with no problem per instructions. The climb up the stairs was daunting. However, the ambience, décor, service, food, and friendliness of the staff more than made up for it. Our party of eight stayed three nights and there was still plenty of room for more guests. This establishment is very close to Pike Place Market, the Aquarium, and many nice restaurants. When it's not raining, one can see Mt. Rainier from the big windows in the sitting room. It's close to one of the cruise ship piers. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay.
- linda (8/5): - Perfect spot for Market
- Cam (10/5): You should feel lucky to stay here! - We loved this B&B more than any hotel we have ever stayed. It was in the perfect location to explore Seattle for the first time and the owner and staff were friendly, accommodating, and provided a comfortable and unique atmosphere. I wasn't sure how I would feel about shared bathrooms - but it was perfect. There were three to choose from on our floor and honestly, I think I like it better than having a bathroom IN the room! We were treated to a lovely breakfast of parfaits and breads each morning, with press coffee and a beautiful view of the Sound. We would definitely stay here again and have already recommended to our friends.
- lee (6/5): Great location-Basic amenities - Great location a block from Pikes Market. Pleasant staff. You have to lug your luggage up one or two steep flights of stairs. No elevator. Basic rooms. Bathroom down the hall.
- Thomas (8/5): Satisfied patron - Pensione is a modest accommodation, its location is its greatest asset. My wife and I found it to be a clean and well run, but spartan. Great common area with a view of the market and sound. The stairs are a concern to older patrons. Excellent continental breakfast . The common bathrooms are only a minor inconvinence.
- Juliet (10/5): - amazing place, awesome host and great location! I highly recommend.
- Jennifer (8/5): - Great customer service. Yummy breakfast.
- naomi (4/5): nice view with no reasonable amenities - I don't usually complain about hotels but I think full disclosure would have helped me no before hand, to reconsider this booking. It would have been nice to know that it's a two floor walk up to get to the rooms. While the website mentions it's on the 2nd and 3rd floor that is not the same as being warned there is no elevator. We were not disabled but a disabled guest could have had problems with that. The owner had to be asked to help with bags rather than offering to do so. We were quite shocked to find that there were no windows in the room. Although there was a ceiling fan, that is not the same as fresh air. Nor did the small skylight serve as a reasonable trade off for a window. I checked the website after the fact and it does say (if you read each room description closely) that there aren't windows, but I don't recall seeing this on hotel.com. The bathrooms were clean but gross. The carpeting was old and loose with ridges that would be easy to trip on. Lastly, small important things like no way to make tea or coffee (I had to be up at 5:30 am for my meeting and couldn't get coffee). Or tissues to blow one's nose. I understand that it's a Pension but even so this was way over-priced for what you got. Sure nice view but didn't make up for a tiny room with no air and a shared bathroom.
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