For a just a few extra greenbacks, get a big jump in quality over the average motel offerings around Tacoma at Guesthouse International of Fife (5805 Pacific Hwy. E, Fife, 253/922-2500 or 800/422-3051, www.guesthousefife.com, $109 s or $119 d). This completely renovated building has well-lit rooms with quality linens and mattresses. The facility offers a fitness center, pool table, spa, complimentary hot breakfast, and free wireless Internet. There are also a spate of suite options, including a Jacuzzi suite ($165), an apartment with full kitchen ($189), and a spacious turret suite ($225) with huge windows, kitchen, and Jacuzzi.

The Green Cape Cod B&B (2711 N. Warner, 253/752-1977, www.greencapecod.com, $135–165 d) is a cozy 1929 Cape Cod antique-furnished home in north Tacoma where three guest rooms have private baths.

Built in 1911 and on the National Register of Historic Places, the elegant Colonial-style DeVoe Mansion B&B (208 E. 133rd St., 253/539-3991 or 888/539-3991, www.devoemansion.com, $125–155 d) is situated on 1.5 acres. The mansion was the home of Emma DeVoe, a turn-of-the-20th-century suffragette whose efforts gave Washington women the right to vote. The four guest rooms have antiques and private baths. Guests can soak in the garden hot tub.