Family style "suites" in Seattle near the action downtown and Pikes?
Feb 26th, 2012, 05:55 PM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,005
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Family style "suites" in Seattle near the action downtown and Pikes?
I'm looking for a reasonably priced hotel suite in Seattle that has a separate bedroom, kitchen not necessary but would be nice. I'm finding several of them but they seem far away from the main hub but I'm not familiar with Seattle at all so I have no idea what's considered "far" and how walkable the town is. We will have an 18 month old with us so I'd prefer to be close to Pikes, restaurants, shopping, etc so we don't have to walk to far. Also would like to have easy public transportation access from airport since we wont have a car. I'd like to stay under $220 a night and some of the places are $400+! Any suggestions would be appreciated! Thank you!
Feb 26th, 2012, 06:22 PM
#2
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi Giulia,
Have you tried the Homewood Suites by Hilton. It is located on Pike Street. The Pike Street Market is just 10 walking blocks away and you can catch the Sounder light rail from the airport to Westlake which is near the hotel.
http://www.soundtransit.org/Schedule...light-rail.xml
http://www.homewoodsuitesseattle.com/extended-stay.php
Have you tried the Homewood Suites by Hilton. It is located on Pike Street. The Pike Street Market is just 10 walking blocks away and you can catch the Sounder light rail from the airport to Westlake which is near the hotel.
http://www.soundtransit.org/Schedule...light-rail.xml
http://www.homewoodsuitesseattle.com/extended-stay.php
Feb 26th, 2012, 07:27 PM
#4
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 10,965
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The interstate is underground at that point. It is in a safe area close to shopping (Nordstrom, etc.), restaurants, entertainment venues, and free downtown bus service.
There is no other place such as you describe that is better situated.
HTTY
There is no other place such as you describe that is better situated.
HTTY
Feb 26th, 2012, 08:58 PM
#6
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 10,965
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Pike Place is a short street that starts at Pike Street and First Avenue, turns north, and runs parallel to First Avenue. There, truck farmers sold their goods many decades ago. From this beginning grew Pike Place Market, which is now in buildings on both sides of Pike Place and in additional buildings to the south.
HTTY
HTTY
Feb 27th, 2012, 01:47 PM
#7
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,773
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Giulia... it's me again... and I'm far better acquainted with the details in this thread than in the other one on which we conversed.
Firstly, as to Seattle's 'walkability'... the area bordered by
(a) the Waterfront
(b) Boren Avenue
(c) University Street
(d) Yesler Way
... generally entail steep or steep-ish hills rising as you go inland.
IF staying within that general area, the hills aren't as steep nearer to University Street, and the 'trick' in navigating comfortably on foot to/from a hotel located in that area, would be to walk north/south on your numbered street, and east/west upon arriving at Union, Pike, or Pine.
Additionally, the land west of First Avenue, toward the water, is steep between James and Broad streets (with perhaps a couple of strategic exceptions).
As walking outdoors in Seattle is m-m-m-m-m-mostly hospitable (weather-wise) 12 months a year, it is generally a good city for walking. (you'll just be holding an umbrella, while us natives tend to favor outerwear that comes with a 'hood')
During daylight hours, there isn't a square foot of the widely traveled part of central Seattle that I wouldn't be perfectly willing to walk through.
The Pike/Pine corridor is more touristy than would be the southern part of mid-town Seattle, with some exception for Pioneer Square.
(trying to guess what your options are as you perceive them: )
There are a handful of hotels/motels immediately east of "Seattle Center" (where the Space Needle is) and while they are probably decent, the area there isn't fantastic after dark, so it doesn't bode well for walking a lot.
I think you were talking about the train to Vancouver... and the train station is near the south edge of downtown Seattle.
The hotels/motels nearer to Lake Union (perhaps east of Westlake Avenue) are in a better location, and you'd know a SLIGHT incline going up toward the center of town.
IF you were relegated to one of the hotels immediately east of Seattle Center (say, between Dexter Ave. & 4th ave, inclusive)... then you could always go back and forth on "The Monorail" into central Seattle (for $2 per person each way).
As to the airport transportation... the "Link Light Rail" is a cinch to use from the airport @ about $2.75 per person... into and through central Seattle.
Don't forget that it stays LIGHT out quite late up here in the north... and it should be light until 9-9:30ish each night... so you CAN manage if you opt for something in that questionable area near Dexter/Aurora/(east of the Space Needle).
The hotels/motels are decent, it's just the area nearby that sometimes makes you wonder. (there IS a McDonald's within a couple of blocks from there - if all else fails)
Firstly, as to Seattle's 'walkability'... the area bordered by
(a) the Waterfront
(b) Boren Avenue
(c) University Street
(d) Yesler Way
... generally entail steep or steep-ish hills rising as you go inland.
IF staying within that general area, the hills aren't as steep nearer to University Street, and the 'trick' in navigating comfortably on foot to/from a hotel located in that area, would be to walk north/south on your numbered street, and east/west upon arriving at Union, Pike, or Pine.
Additionally, the land west of First Avenue, toward the water, is steep between James and Broad streets (with perhaps a couple of strategic exceptions).
As walking outdoors in Seattle is m-m-m-m-m-mostly hospitable (weather-wise) 12 months a year, it is generally a good city for walking. (you'll just be holding an umbrella, while us natives tend to favor outerwear that comes with a 'hood')
During daylight hours, there isn't a square foot of the widely traveled part of central Seattle that I wouldn't be perfectly willing to walk through.
The Pike/Pine corridor is more touristy than would be the southern part of mid-town Seattle, with some exception for Pioneer Square.
(trying to guess what your options are as you perceive them: )
There are a handful of hotels/motels immediately east of "Seattle Center" (where the Space Needle is) and while they are probably decent, the area there isn't fantastic after dark, so it doesn't bode well for walking a lot.
I think you were talking about the train to Vancouver... and the train station is near the south edge of downtown Seattle.
The hotels/motels nearer to Lake Union (perhaps east of Westlake Avenue) are in a better location, and you'd know a SLIGHT incline going up toward the center of town.
IF you were relegated to one of the hotels immediately east of Seattle Center (say, between Dexter Ave. & 4th ave, inclusive)... then you could always go back and forth on "The Monorail" into central Seattle (for $2 per person each way).
As to the airport transportation... the "Link Light Rail" is a cinch to use from the airport @ about $2.75 per person... into and through central Seattle.
Don't forget that it stays LIGHT out quite late up here in the north... and it should be light until 9-9:30ish each night... so you CAN manage if you opt for something in that questionable area near Dexter/Aurora/(east of the Space Needle).
The hotels/motels are decent, it's just the area nearby that sometimes makes you wonder. (there IS a McDonald's within a couple of blocks from there - if all else fails)
Feb 27th, 2012, 06:02 PM
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,005
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
What about staying in Belltown? Is this a good location? I'd prefer to be in a slightly more residential area and be able to walk in to the touristy stuff. This location is $170 a night, a far cry from the $400-500 a night for a hotel suite. Hoping this is a safe and walkable location?
http://www.seattleoasisvacations.com...ttle-wi-fi-747
I am worried 4 nights and 3 days is too long in Seattle? Wow everyone I talk to seems to be so down on it, I'm so confused! Someone actually described it as full of hip hop gangsters????? Ehhh???? Are they crazy???
http://www.seattleoasisvacations.com...ttle-wi-fi-747
I am worried 4 nights and 3 days is too long in Seattle? Wow everyone I talk to seems to be so down on it, I'm so confused! Someone actually described it as full of hip hop gangsters????? Ehhh???? Are they crazy???
Feb 27th, 2012, 06:11 PM
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,005
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Feb 27th, 2012, 06:40 PM
#11
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,773
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
LOL - Seattle in itself is a perfectly fine tourist destination!! But as (my first encounter WITH your words) mentioned Vancouver, potentially Victoria, and a young child, it wasn't then sensible to add the possible aggravation of Seattle as well.
Now that you are more likely headed for a Seattle-Vancouver pairing, with a one-way train ride up... Seattle is just fine... for 4-ish days.
Man, what a project to sort through that website you provided, to figure out just WHERE the place IS.
OK, got it now... The property itself looks fine and dandy...
During the average weekday... one block DOWN a steep-ish hill (along Western avenue)... groups of "day laborers" seem to congregate in search of a job. The HILL maintains a natural baricade in some regards, and they won't be any trouble as individuals while enroute to and from that area. Also, there is no good reason for you to want to WALK down along Western Avenue where they might be.
During the average Week-END night... (Fri & Sat) there are various nightclubs which may feel "too close for comfort" in some ways. (I doubt they'ed cause significant concern outside of potential 'noise', once you were in your room)
(Google "Belltown nightclubs map" for, (you guessed it) a map marking the exact-ish locations OF the nightclubs there)
I kinda think I'd rather be walking along 1st avenue (IN Belltown) after dark, than along 3rd, 4th, or even 5th avenues (after dark, IN Belltown).
As for the topography in that area... from 1st avenue to the WEST is downhill. And from 1st avenue to the east could be an INsignificant slight incline upward. 1st avenue to the north or south is m-m-m-m-m-mostly level. You would have little need to go west from there, save for perhaps seeing the Olympic Sculpture Park, and maybe finding the Ole Spaghetti Factory. (Touring the Seattle waterfront should be accessed from the Pike Place Market or south of there)
So, getting back... (last I gathered: "10 days.. split with 4 in Seattle and 6 or 7 in Vancouver") It honestly sounds quite appropriate in every sense.
Someone who has never been to Seattle, Vancouver, or Victoria is prooooooooooobably best to stick with Seattle & Vancouver (for the relative simplicity of them, if nothing else).
Can't emphasize enough how easy the ground transportation will be from the Seattle airport into mid-town... (Light Rail arrives in a tunnel beneath 3rd avenue).
Getting from your now-random Seattle accommodations to the train station entails not much more than a free city bus ride within the area south of Bell Street and north of Jackson. The train station is perhaps a block beyond Jackson.
So that puts you at the Vancouver train station, which would prooooooobably require a modest cab ride to wherever you're staying (The West End just happens to be as much across the downtown core as you can get, from the train station)
ONCE there, though, you can start walking care-free, and feel plenty comfortable and cozy about Vancouver.
At least look into the details relating to taking the city bus to the bottom of Grouse Mountain, and paying $40-ish each to ride up the side of the mountain in a gondola, for awesome views, hiking, and eateries. (LOL - should save that for the Canada forum)
Over and out...
Now that you are more likely headed for a Seattle-Vancouver pairing, with a one-way train ride up... Seattle is just fine... for 4-ish days.
Man, what a project to sort through that website you provided, to figure out just WHERE the place IS.
OK, got it now... The property itself looks fine and dandy...
During the average weekday... one block DOWN a steep-ish hill (along Western avenue)... groups of "day laborers" seem to congregate in search of a job. The HILL maintains a natural baricade in some regards, and they won't be any trouble as individuals while enroute to and from that area. Also, there is no good reason for you to want to WALK down along Western Avenue where they might be.
During the average Week-END night... (Fri & Sat) there are various nightclubs which may feel "too close for comfort" in some ways. (I doubt they'ed cause significant concern outside of potential 'noise', once you were in your room)
(Google "Belltown nightclubs map" for, (you guessed it) a map marking the exact-ish locations OF the nightclubs there)
I kinda think I'd rather be walking along 1st avenue (IN Belltown) after dark, than along 3rd, 4th, or even 5th avenues (after dark, IN Belltown).
As for the topography in that area... from 1st avenue to the WEST is downhill. And from 1st avenue to the east could be an INsignificant slight incline upward. 1st avenue to the north or south is m-m-m-m-m-mostly level. You would have little need to go west from there, save for perhaps seeing the Olympic Sculpture Park, and maybe finding the Ole Spaghetti Factory. (Touring the Seattle waterfront should be accessed from the Pike Place Market or south of there)
So, getting back... (last I gathered: "10 days.. split with 4 in Seattle and 6 or 7 in Vancouver") It honestly sounds quite appropriate in every sense.
Someone who has never been to Seattle, Vancouver, or Victoria is prooooooooooobably best to stick with Seattle & Vancouver (for the relative simplicity of them, if nothing else).
Can't emphasize enough how easy the ground transportation will be from the Seattle airport into mid-town... (Light Rail arrives in a tunnel beneath 3rd avenue).
Getting from your now-random Seattle accommodations to the train station entails not much more than a free city bus ride within the area south of Bell Street and north of Jackson. The train station is perhaps a block beyond Jackson.
So that puts you at the Vancouver train station, which would prooooooobably require a modest cab ride to wherever you're staying (The West End just happens to be as much across the downtown core as you can get, from the train station)
ONCE there, though, you can start walking care-free, and feel plenty comfortable and cozy about Vancouver.
At least look into the details relating to taking the city bus to the bottom of Grouse Mountain, and paying $40-ish each to ride up the side of the mountain in a gondola, for awesome views, hiking, and eateries. (LOL - should save that for the Canada forum)
Over and out...
Feb 27th, 2012, 07:04 PM
#12
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,005
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thank you so much, that's exactly the kind of info I needed! Arf..such a hard decision to pick the right place. I wish I knew this city better. There's another apartment 2 blocks south of pikes market at the harbor steps, maybe we should just put ourselves in the thick of the tourism since we're only there a few days. Is it as horrible as Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco? Because that area makes me want to run away screaming :/
Feb 27th, 2012, 07:06 PM
#13
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,005
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Um...ok, just googled belltown night clubs per your suggestions, brilliant idea. I see there's a nice male strip joint near one of the apartments, sweet, think we'll pass on that one, yikes.
Feb 27th, 2012, 07:16 PM
#14
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,773
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Heavens no... Seattle waterfront is no where near as absurd as THE WHARF in San Fran.
Thankfully the Seattle Waterfront has the hills as a natural barrier, and it will never be overrun like the Wharf in S.F.
IF the Inn @ Harbor Steps is affordable, then it is fine... you'll just go north on 1st avenue and only THEN east on Pike or Pine, when heading to areas in that direction. You WON'T go south on First, and then due east up the steep-in-places hills.
If you stay at the Inn @ Harbor Steps... the Pike Place Market has a number of options for breakfast each morning... and it's about 2 blocks away. Perhaps the Market can be better appreciated if making repeat visits for breakfast, rather than trying to absorb the whole thing on one trip there.
I'm sure I ***know*** the city in the way you'd like to... but I don't know how to convey what you want to hear.
Thankfully the Seattle Waterfront has the hills as a natural barrier, and it will never be overrun like the Wharf in S.F.
IF the Inn @ Harbor Steps is affordable, then it is fine... you'll just go north on 1st avenue and only THEN east on Pike or Pine, when heading to areas in that direction. You WON'T go south on First, and then due east up the steep-in-places hills.
If you stay at the Inn @ Harbor Steps... the Pike Place Market has a number of options for breakfast each morning... and it's about 2 blocks away. Perhaps the Market can be better appreciated if making repeat visits for breakfast, rather than trying to absorb the whole thing on one trip there.
I'm sure I ***know*** the city in the way you'd like to... but I don't know how to convey what you want to hear.
Feb 28th, 2012, 05:58 AM
#15
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,445
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Don't be deterred by the talk of uphill-downhill...there are plenty of buildings with elevators/escalators to take you up or down. Google "Downtown Seattle Accessible Map and Transit Guide." Specific to the Market and the waterfront: There is an elevator that takes you between these locations.
Feb 28th, 2012, 07:08 AM
#16
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 10,965
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
No minimally fit people (including the elderly) have difficulty navigating the easy grade between the retail core and Homewood Suite on Pike Street.
Please don't over-think where to stay. If you want a family "suite" conveniently located in the downtown, Homewood Suites is the place.
If you fear it will be too noisy, too far away, or whatever, pick a hotel near the heart of the retail core which is 5th Avenue and Pine Street. Your options include the Sheraton, the Hyatt, the Mayflower, the Andra, and several others.
HTTY
Please don't over-think where to stay. If you want a family "suite" conveniently located in the downtown, Homewood Suites is the place.
If you fear it will be too noisy, too far away, or whatever, pick a hotel near the heart of the retail core which is 5th Avenue and Pine Street. Your options include the Sheraton, the Hyatt, the Mayflower, the Andra, and several others.
HTTY
Feb 28th, 2012, 08:23 AM
#17
The Green Tortoise Hostel is across the street from the Pike Place Market. http://www.hostelbookers.com/hostels/usa/seattle/1754/
Probably not what you are looking for but it does have a kitchen. The "free zone" bus is still running until October.
Probably not what you are looking for but it does have a kitchen. The "free zone" bus is still running until October.
Feb 28th, 2012, 11:06 AM
#20
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,773
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hmmmmmmmmmmph...
@ Russian Hill
San Fran likely has more imposing small hills than does Seattle. I guess you could use "Queen Anne Hill" (north of the Space Needle) as a candidate for that title.
You really can walk all around central Seattle without having to face too many steeeeeep inclines, if you survey the lay of the land and strategize.
At any rate, there is probably nothing in Seattle aside from the Pike Place Market on a busy day that could inspire memories of The Wharf. And even that comparison is only due to 100-year-old 'design' and 2000-era foot traffic combined.
It is precisely because The Wharf area is quite flat, that the absurdity keeps building and building to no end. Seattle always has more room, as even the body of water to its east is nothing near to the size of S.F. Bay.
Nothing here and worth seeing is as concentrated into one area as is The Wharf.
@ Russian Hill
San Fran likely has more imposing small hills than does Seattle. I guess you could use "Queen Anne Hill" (north of the Space Needle) as a candidate for that title.
You really can walk all around central Seattle without having to face too many steeeeeep inclines, if you survey the lay of the land and strategize.
At any rate, there is probably nothing in Seattle aside from the Pike Place Market on a busy day that could inspire memories of The Wharf. And even that comparison is only due to 100-year-old 'design' and 2000-era foot traffic combined.
It is precisely because The Wharf area is quite flat, that the absurdity keeps building and building to no end. Seattle always has more room, as even the body of water to its east is nothing near to the size of S.F. Bay.
Nothing here and worth seeing is as concentrated into one area as is The Wharf.
