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The Seattle City Skyline at Eventide1

Seattle, “The Emerald City” of Washington State, is the largest metropolitan area in the Pacific Northwest United States. The city and its surrounding metropolis is home to a diverse population of over 3.3 million people. Very similar to its neighbor to the north, Vancouver, Seattle is a major hub and an international port. Accordingly, it offers hundreds of accommodations, attractions and a plethora of activities for the avid explorer.

The music scene in the city is rampant, as the many fountainheads in the grunge scene developed their roots here. The Experience Music Project in the heart of the inner core offers insight into today's popular music, spanning nearly a century's worth of artists and musical material. The city is, of course, also famous for itsburgeoning coffee industry and an overabundance of trend-setters. Some of the most widely visited attractions in the city include the Smith Tower, the Seattle Art Museum and the Space Needle. For those who enjoy shopping, the Pike Place Market is one of the more popular destinations in the inner city.

Seattle came into being in 1853 and was officially incorporated in 1869. During the Klondike Rush at the start of the 20th century, the city saw a major influx of itinerant workers who stopped in the city before making their way up the Pacific coast to the gold mines in Alaska. Since those days, Seattle has grown into a international figurehead when it comes to art, technology and music.

Seattle's Famous Space Needle2

USEFUL ACCOMMODATION LINKS

• Accommodations Directory—This is a complete Seattle accommodation directory containing detailed information about hotels, B&Bs, luxury resorts, campgrounds and more. With links to accommodation websites and interactive maps, this directory is designed to help visitors find the right place to stay based on their personal preferences.
• Secure Room Reservations—Check for Seattle room availability and then make secure online room reservations for participating properties with this convenient link.
• Map—The Seattle map can assist visitors in choosing where to stay by not only indicating where accommodations are located, but also where they are in relation to attractions, restaurants, shops, tours and transportation.
  

ORIENTATION AND CLIMATE

Seattle is rooted on the coast of the Pacific Ocean directly to the east of Puget Sound and just west of Lake Washington. Beyond Lake Washington lays plenty of lush forests, fresh-water lakes and vast fields that once supported the nomadic First Nation's population that inhabited the area previous to European arrival.

The city itself is set, much like Rome and San Francisco, on hilly terrain known as the Seven Hills of Seattle. Despite the fact that there are literally hundreds of lodging options in Seattle and the surrounding suburbs, the two major accommodation districts are the downtown core and the area surrounding the airport along Interstate 5 in South Seattle.

Seattle is known for its frequent rain, although heavy downpours are rather infrequent. During the winter, overcast skies and a light drizzle prevail. Temperatures at this time of year vary, but the mercury doesn't usually drop many points below 32ºF (0ºC). Winter months are damp and chilly due to the coastal humidity and a warm winter coat must be worn. Protection for the extremities, such as hats and mittens, must also be donned to prevent frostbite during cold snaps. During the summer, anything from a light sweatshirt and long pants to t-shirts and shorts can be worm comfortably. The warmest temperatures occur during the relatively dry summer months of July and August. Average summer highs usually drift around 77ºF (25ºC).

ACCESS AND TRANSPORTATION

The Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SeaTac) acts as the main hub for aerial transportation to and from the city. SeaTac is situated about 25 minutes away from the city center, when entering Seattle by automobile. Metro buses also depart from the airport for downtown, as do countless taxis and commercial shuttle buses. Rental cars are available directly from the airport as well. Amtrak provides the city's rail service along the west coast heading south into Oregon and California, and north to Vancouver as a part of their Cascades route. The Empire Builder offers rail service that departs eastbound for Chicago through Glacier National Park and Minneapolis. Seattle also receives service from Greyhound and their fleet of passenger buses.

By car, the region can be accessed by major interstate highways. Interstate 5 runs north and south. From Portland, it winds its way through Olympia and passes directly through Seattle. To the north, it carries visitors to Bellingham, and up into Canada. The road eventually winds up in Vancouver, which is about a two-hour drive to the north. Interstate 90 starts in Seattle and takes travelers east past vineyards and farmland to Ellensburg before entering Idaho and Montana. Seattle is known for terrible traffic congestion and limited parking downtown. Public transportation or walking is often a more effective means of traversing the city during peak hours.

MAJOR ACCOMMODATION DISTRICTS

	Seattle Has a Deep History3

The Downtown Core
Obviously, there is plenty of action in Seattle's innermost center. It is here that visitors to the city will find many of Seattle's main attractions, fine dining, shopping, botanical parks and gardens, along with a broad range of activities to suit almost anyone. The city center is home to Seattle's nightlife, which is characterized by excellent live music venues, nightclubs blasting four-to-the-floor club tracks and chilled drinks served to glittering crowds of Seattle socialites in trendy bars. There are also a plethora of brewpubs and taverns. The Smith Tower and the Space Needle are popular sights, and the Pike Place Market Festival is especially crowded during the summer. Downtown is also home to the Experience Music Project.

Stunning Pacific Architecture4

Accommodations in the downtown core range from divine decadence to budget lodgings for international travelers, students and backpackers. For those seeking luxurious accommodations, directly off the Interstate is the Sheraton Seattle Hotel. The hotel is located steps away from the Pike Place Market, as well as all downtown amenities and attractions. It offers stunning views of the Seattle skyline. The Holiday Inn and the Westin Seattle provide similar accommodations close to the Sheraton. The Edgewater is a waterfront hotel. It provides visitors with a sea breeze and views of Elliot Bay. Rooms at the Edgewater feature artisan-crafted pine furniture, private bars and gas fireplaces to keep guests cozy during the winter months.

Of course, these aren't the only options downtown. The hotel directory contains listings for each accommodation option.

	Fireworks Over Elliot Bay5

Airport/South Seattle
There is an abundance of accommodations situated along the Pacifc Highway, only moments away from the airport. Much like downtown, the area affords visitors with a broad selection of options. Upscale stays can be had at the Hampton Inn. The property offers a pool, exercise facilities, laundry service and close proximity to many restaurants. The Hilton Seattle Aiport and Conference Center is also situated not too far from SeaTac. It offers all the amenities one would expect from a luxury hotel, including an azure outdoor pool, exercise facilities, a large banquet hall and convention center, a lush outdoor garden with walkways and much more.

The Ramada, the Sleep Inn , the EconoLodge and the Skyway Inn all provide more moderately-priced accommodations close to SeaTac as well. Here, guests are likely to find basic amenities, but will find their stay more than comfortable.

Since downtown is only a short distance to the north, a stay near the airport can be more affordable than a stay directly in the city center, but is still close to the downtown excitment. Metro public transit services the area, and taxis are more than common, making a trip from the airport area to downtown simple.

ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATIONS

The Puget Sound6

Bed and Breakfasts
For alternative accommodations that provide a more homey feel, many opt to book with bed and breakfasts as opposed to hotels and motels. Because B&Bs are often run from the homes of their owners, Seattle's many bed and breakfast can be found throughout the city.

Near the airport is the Guest House B&B. They offer a modern contemporary setting with their two-bedroom guest suite. Closer to Puget Sound is the Three Tree Point B&B, which provides guests with either a cabin accommodation or a private suite. The lodge offers a fireplace and wireless Internet access. If one is looking to stay closer to downtown, but still wants the comforts of a bed and breakfast, the 11th Avenue Inn is a great option. If North Seattle is the destination, the Greenlake Guest House offers lodging right by the lake.

Hostels
Seattle has seen a reduction in the number of inner city hostels. However, budget accommodations for students, backpackers and other cash-conscious travelers are still available in the general area. The Green Tortoise Hostel offers substantial service for very little money. Free dinners, continental breakfast and Internet access make it an excellent choice for those seeking a bunk and a locker. The hostel is conveniently located right in the heart of downtown, offering its patrons a launching point for exploration of Seattle's inner depths.

For a more remote hostel in which to rest one's head, the AYH Ranch Hostel provides beds on Vashon Island,which is only a brief ferry ride away from the city.

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PHOTO COURTESY

1. c/o Wikipedia Commons; Seattle's Midnight Skyline; Seattle, WA, USA.
2. Seattle's Famous Space Needle; Seattle, WA, USA
3. Some of Seattle's Historic Architecture; Seattle, WA, USA
4. More Historic Momuments; Seattle, WA, USA
5. Fireworks Explode Over Elliot Bay; Seattle, WA, USA
6. The Puget Sound; Seattle, WA, USA