Charming New B&B Says “No” to Doilies

If you’ve spent any time in bed-and-breakfasts, you know that the predominant décor philosophy relies heavily on creepy antique dolls, and mandates that no surface is complete without a doily. But at the new 9 Cranes Inn, the proprietor feels your pain. In response, innkeeper Shelley Goulding has curated her space with a simple, eclectic aesthetic. Her motto? “No doilies.” Opened early this year in a pretty yellow 1916 Craftsman, the inn offers four chic guest rooms named for Seattle neighborhoods, including the Fremont (with boldly arty décor) and the Ballard View (where guests can admire the Olympic Mountains from a private rooftop deck). A lovely place to house your out-of-town visitors this summer, 9 Cranes also makes for an excellent in-city getaway for locals—especially when paired with a concert in the ZooTunes series (zoo.org/zootunes); Woodland Park Zoo is only a few blocks away. The July lineup includes the Indigo Girls (7/20 & 7/21; $26) and August offers K.D. Lang (8/10; $35), the Go-Go’s (8/14; $24) and Aimee Mann (8/21; $19). Rock out, walk back and relax. $129–$209/night. 5717 Palatine Ave. N; 206.855.5222; 9cranesinn.com.