Sometimes we find ourselves in unexpected locations, like during a recent stay at Hotel Interurban in Tukwila. Located conveniently close to Sea-Tac, the venue can be found in the midst of Seattle Southside’s transportation hub and retail core (from the hotel, you can easily access Westfield Southcenter mall, stores ranging from Target to Costco, and restaurants like Olive Garden and BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse). Or amp up your heart rate with an indoor skydiving experience at nearby iFLY Seattle.

Upon arrival, the clouds were obscuring the peak directly across from my corner hotel room; when I woke up the next morning, Mount Rainier was peering out in all her glory. Rooms are simple and pleasant, with slight Scandinavian vibes and the basic amenities needed for a comfortable stay.

Property highlights include a basic fitness center that’s open 24-7 and a saltwater pool, that was admittedly used not once, but twice during my short stay.

Urban Roast, open daily from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., is a prime spot in which to grab your morning coffee or snack. With help from Avole, a minority-owned local roaster, the cafe serves up a reinvented experience straight from Seattle’s South end — including house-made donuts, local bagels and heartier lunch options, all enhanced by rotating artwork and a curated music selection.

On the other side of the lobby, there’s Rendition — a light-filled restaurant with a surprising buzz, that features plenty of wood, faux greenery, a colorful wall mural and a fully-stocked, backlit bar. A sun-streaked breakfast here means lox on everything bagels, breakfast burritos, banana pancakes, build-your-own-omelets and more.

Dinnertime highlights include the mixed green salad with brioche croutons, steak frites, miso-marinated black cod, Caesar salads and Wagyu burgers served with chipotle fries. Enjoy local drinks, too, ranging from Washington wines and Manny’s Pale Ale to Finnriver’s black currant cider.

Whether you stay here before an early flight or after a late one — or simply to change up the scene for a night or two — we promise you’ll enjoy the warmth of the staff, who seemed earnest, genuine and kind.