Your B&B is the most charming, friendly and wonderful place I’ve ever stayed at. Thank you!
—Jean & Kristen, San Francisco, California

Wonderful hospitality. Beautiful breakfasts. Friendly pets. Thank you so much.
—Anne & Bruno, Brisbane, Australia

The rewards of the journey far outweigh the risk of leaving the harbor — a Scottish proverb. This is a great reward for the traveling soul!
—Shane, Edinburgh, Scotland

Fresh flowers, fresh fruit and fresh linens — how can life be any better than this?!
—Dan, Diamond Lake, Washington

Staying last weekend at Pensione Nichols reminded me in the best way of the wonderful family trips we used to go on together in Europe when I was in college. The atmosphere, the friendliness, the excitement of the "place"; Seattle and the building itself made me think of visits to Paris, Vienna, Italy. Thanks for a great two days, and you can bet I'll be back, and send all my friends there.
—Walter, e-mail message

This has been the highlight of our entire honeymoon! Everything has been fabulous, particularly the hospitality.
—Jenna & Dick, Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin

This brought back wonderful memories of traveling through Europe, especially Italy. It’s just like staying in pensiones all over Europe, except your shower is better!
—Tracy & Cheryl, Vancouver, Washington

This bed and breakfast is so wonderful. It has (for the second time) made my stay in Seattle a joy. Thank you for the care and kindness that makes this such a nice place.
—Justin, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

“A City That Likes Itself” — Atlantic magazine
On a budget, I’d stay at the Pensione Nichols. Its signboard alone, on a sidewalk at the market and showing a Moorish boy in silhouette carrying a tray with two cups of coffee, would lure me in. Lindsey Nichols, an energetic young woman whose mother owns an antique shop on the ground floor, serves as the ever present hostess at a true pension upstairs, where the rooms are small, clean, and simple — no closets, just pegs; no sinks or toilets in most rooms but shared bathrooms; sometimes no windows but always skylights. The feeling in the large sitting rooms, where breakfast is served and which has a view of Elliott Bay, is cordial and relaxed but also faintly formal, as in Europe.

“Insider’s Seattle” — National Geographic Traveler magazine
If you’re looking for a bargain, the Pensione Nichols is the place for style and value,” [Best Places Seattle editor Shannon] O’Leary continues. “It’s bohemian, filled with antiques and interesting guests. In some ways, it’s like staying someone’s home. If you’re comfortable in a B&B environment, you’ll like the Nichols. Plus it’s known for its great breakfasts."

“Best-Kept Hotel Secret” — Seattle magazine, “The Best” issue
You probably have walked by its doorway a hundred times and never noticed the discreet bed-and-breakfast Pensione Nichols (1923 First Ave.; 206.441.7125; pensione-nichols.com). A well-kept secret in part because of its understated entrance, the European-style pensione is housed in a turn-of-the-century building overlooking Pike Place Market. [In the heart of downtown] this hotel isn’t just a secret, it’s a steal.

“Sleeping in Seattle” — Road Runner magazine
Who would imagine that just steps from Seattle’s famed Pike Place Market they could find a slice of old Europe as authentic as formaggio di Asiago or prosciutto Parmesan?

The only B&B downtown, squeezed between the bistros and bars on First Avenue in downtown Seattle, Pensione Nichols could be in Napoli itself — except that the plumbing works perfectly. An unpretentious entrance at street level opens to a broad staircase leading up to the 10 guestrooms and two 800 sq. ft. suites. Each room will take you back a half-century at least: real linen sheets, cozy comforters, a chaise lounge, classic wrought ironwork furniture and wood-framed sash windows. If you’re looking for a TV, look elsewhere. The telephone is in the “sitting room.”

But you don’t need these modern intrusions. Instead, choose a good book from the library and settle into an armchair to appreciate the natural light streaming in through the large picture windows. Or simply relax and enjoy the view overlooking Seattle’s harborage and market.

I really appreciated the ease with which the stress of the day could be left at the front door as I stepped into Pensione Nichols’ world of quiet and contemplation.

“Seattle’s Waterfront on the Edge” — Portland Oregonian
When I recommend a place to stay in the market, I point out a place that newcomers would certainly overlook … I refer to Elliott Bay’s best-kept secret, the bed and breakfast Pensione Nichols.

“Frugal Traveler: Seattle” — The New York Times
[Pensione Nichols] would have fit right on the Left Bank in Paris, but for the perfect view of Elliott Bay available from the sitting room and rear fire escape.

This is a super place: sweet, quaint and welcoming. We’ll come again!
—Gail, Vancouver, BC

This is a lovely place to start and end our days in Seattle.
—Derek & Clare, London

Excellent location and bed. What more could you want?!
—David & Sandra, Melbourne, Australiz

Loved the view and being right on First [Avenue]. The space has lots of charm. Really felt at home.
—Beth & Steve, Washington, DC

I love it! So romantic, very beautifully decorated as well!
—Christene, San Francisco, California

Awesome rooms, great view, great service, super everything! We’ll never stay anywhere else.
—Jane & Doug, Portland, Oregon

The breakfast is the best in town!
—Kirsten, St. Paul, Minnesota

There could not be a more central spot for staying in Seattle. A wonderful place and great hospitality!
—George & Erin, Richmond, Virginia

Location, location, location! Nearest to the heart and best part of Seattle.
—Jeff & Patty, Phoenix, Arizona

It’s the details that really say so much about this pensione. Thank you.
—Bendedetttu, Milan, Italy

The perfect place to get away and enjoy one of the most beautiful cites in America.
—Alan & Shauna, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Just right: a little funky and a lot of character.
—Deborah, Denver, Colorado

What a joy! European-style sophistication right in the middle of Seattle!
—Wallace & Tina, Aromas, California

Fine ambiance, grand coffee and, as always, a charming staff.
—Paul, Jocelyn, Rhys, Victoria, BC

The charming pets and view make your pensione extra special.
—Alexander Family, Spokane, Washington

Thank you. I’ve lived in Seattle 15 years and you’ve given me a fresh perspective!
—Travis, Seattle, Washington

I’ve been all over the world and this is my favorite place to stay!
—Max, Dallas, Texas