Yes, The Mayflower Park rocks and is as centrally located as you can get. It's a few blocks from Pike Place Market and less than a mile to the Seattle Center/Space Needle in one direction or Pioneer Square in the other direction.

See my post from a few days ago;) Yes, the Mayflower is in a prime location and is a beautiful hotel. We have stayed there a number of times and absolutely love it.

Yes, HTTY, I have been to the 17th floor of the Russell Investment Center at lunch. The 23,000 square foot deck is magnificent. It's only open on weekdays.

The Columbia Tower deck is a good alternative to the Chinese Room at the Smith tower. I believe they charge a steep admission now, it used to be more reasonable.

Chinese Room at Smith Tower is currently not open.

Thanks, August. The 17th Floor is on my "to do" list. Are there picnic tables up there?

HTtY