Pensione Nichols, a two-story walk-up near the Pike Place Market, is iconic Seattle. Its bohemian vibe (Allen Ginsberg was once a guest) is more European hostel than cozy B&B. Standard guest rooms have shared baths; upstairs rooms have skylights; suites have private baths and Puget Sound views. Breakfast is served in the great room, and a fire escape "deck" offers views of the Pike Place Market below and Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains in the distance. Strength: The central location allows visitors to explore the city on foot. Weaknesses: Modest room amenities and shared bathrooms are not ideal for luxury seekers. Room to avoid: None (206-441-7125; pensionenichols.com; doubles, $135; suites, $245).

Set in a residential lakeside neighborhood north of downtown, Greenlake Guest House has a welcoming common area complete with a gas fireplace, games, and a piano. Upstairs, the four suites have private baths. Mornings bring hot breakfasts—from custom-cooked eggs to stuffed French toast and berries. Strengths: Quiet and homey; set on a tree-lined street within walking distance of restaurants. Weakness: Downtown Seattle, a seven-minute drive away, is not particularly close by (866-355-8700; greenlakeguesthouse.com; doubles, $144–$214 per night with a two-night minimum).
–Maggie Stanphill

Washington, D.C.
One of five properties in the Akwaaba group, Akwaaba DC has a literary motif, with four author- and four genre-themed rooms in addition to an apartment-style writer's retreat. Offering easy access to most major tourist spots, this turn-of-the-century row house has stunningly preserved woodwork and a parlor where visitors congregate for author readings and other cultural events. Every day, a hot breakfast is served, and there's an evening happy hour with wine and snacks. Other amenities include a business center and concierge service. All rooms have a private bath and a DVD player, as well as bathrobes. The room to see is Inspiration: It's on the top floor and has a skylight and a draped claw-foot tub. Strengths: Savvy staff; central location; daily hot breakfast. Weaknesses: Small TVs; pretty but not inviting Victorian parlor; wear and tear in the hallways and stairwells. Room to avoid: The Modern Classics, one of the smallest rooms on-site, has seen the most wear (877-893-3233; akwaabadc.com; doubles, $150–$285).

Housed in a lovingly restored 1883 mansion close to Dupont Circle, the Swann House has 12 guest rooms, each uniquely designed, ranging from Victorian elegance to modern simplicity. Thanks to the recently completed renovations, some rooms have whirlpool tubs. Strengths: Small outdoor pool; complimentary iced tea, coffee, and bottled water. Weaknesses: Hot breakfast available only on weekends; not handicapped accessible. Room to avoid: The Shanghai'daway, a basement room, though sleekly decorated, is the only one on the property without windows (202-265-4414; swannhouse.com; doubles, $175–$395).