You can't have a discussion about Seattle hotel lobbies without discussing the one with a giant tile pineapple in it. The Maxwell Hotel lobby features just that, as well as original commissioned artwork by Victor Ostrovsky that depicts local art venues, Swarovski crystal lighting and artwork from Seattle Glassblowing Studio. Don't miss the afternoon reception in the lobby featuring their signature pineapple cupcakes (and Starbucks, because, Seattle).
Next we head to Hotel Vintage Park, which was recently named 2013 Hotel of the Year by the Washington State Wine Commission. And what better place to enjoy some of that Washington wine than in their warm, comfortable lobby. It's an intimate setting (for a hotel lobby) and the huge fireplace keeps things cozy. Stop in during the holidays and appreciate the wine bottle Christmas tree on display.
The Seattle Weekly once named the Fairmont Olympic Hotel lobby the Best Hotel Lobby for Eavesdropping. "Drenched in imported Italian decor," you could find worse places to spend your night while you wait to see which A-listers emerge from the spiral staircase, or head up it.
Finally, we leave Seattle and head south to Tacoma where a stroll through the Hotel Murano is stroll through a mini-museum full of art, photography and sculpture. There's a Chuck Close painting, a chandelier by Massimo Micheluzzi, a glass dress sculpture by Karen Lamont, Vibke Skov's glass Viking boats and works by Dale Chihuly, Lucio Bubaco and Davide Salvatore. Even the front door handles and front desk are made of commissioned art glass.