You can't beat the Governor Hotel’s (621 S. Capitol Way, 360/352-7700, www.olywagov.com, $99–109 d) location—it’s cozied up next to the capitol campus closer than a lobbyist on voting days. It is right downtown with views of Sylvester Park and Capitol Lake. The building exterior is a bit drab, but the rooms inside are cheery enough and the list of amenities is pretty long for the rates you pay. The place has an outdoor pool, a hot tub, sauna, and exercise room.

Also right in town, Swantown Inn (1431 11th Ave. SE, 360/753-9123, www.swantowninn.com, $99–179 s or d ) gets a few extra bonus points for style. This bed-and-breakfast is set in an 1893 Victorian mansion with four guest rooms and private baths. This little charmer is a secret weapon for tired adults in search of refuge—munchkins under 12 aren't allowed to tread over the threshold here. Full three-course breakfasts are served each morning, and the inn has an on-site day spa up in the attic that offers two-hour treatments for $99.

In the dining room at Inn at Mallard Cove (5025 Meridian Rd. NE, 360/491-9795, www.theinnatmallardcove.com, $150–185 s or d), you have an unobstructed view of the Puget Sound and fresh breakfasts made from organic ingredients grown on-site. This waterfront English Tudor Home is nuzzled by forests and gardens. All three guest rooms come equipped with private baths, fireplaces, and terraces. Get a closer look at the Olympic Mountain views from a complimentary kayak, or if it rains, curl up with a tome next to the floor-to-ceiling bookshelves in the library here.