Family lodging - Seattle area
 

We've just decided to take a week-long trip to the Seattle area in late August. Assuming this is a pretty popular time to visit, I'd like to book lodging as soon as possible. I'm still at the beginning of my research, but would really appreciate some family-friendly hotel/resort recommendations in the area (kids are 10 & 8). We're considering 3-4 nights in Seattle, then possibly 2-3 nights on San Juan or Orcas Island. <BR> <BR>Also, we really enjoy the outdoors but are not into "roughing" it. We'd like to see as much of the area as possible without overdoing it. In general, is it "doable" to touristy stuff in the city, a whale watching excursion, and one of the national parks (Olympic or Mt. Ranier) in 6-7 days? <BR> <BR>Thanks for any input!

Let's try this again! <BR> <BR>Also, does anyone have firsthand information about the best transportation options to and on San Juan Islands. Do we need a car to experience the islands, or are they small enough to hike? I'm trying to decide whether we can do a passenger-only ferry, which seems more flexible and has less waiting time. <BR> <BR>Anyone??

I think your plan of spliting your time between downtown Seattle and the San Juan Islands is a good choice for a family vacation. I went to Friday Harbor last year for a day and had a wonderful time. I didn't have a car and found that it was easy to get around. Then again I didn't have luggage and wasn't staying overnight. When you book your hotel room ask the hotel staff what they think is best for you.

Thanks xxx! May I ask what mode of transportation you took over to Friday Harbor? <BR> <BR>Also have you, or anyone else, heard of the Victoria Clipper? It goes directly from downtown Seattle to Friday Harbor with overnight and whale-watching packages as well. This sounds much more convenient than driving up to Anacortes.

If you're going to the San Juans for more than a day or so, I would personally want to have a car. Unless you are all VERY strong cyclists, you'll be limited in what you can see on the island if you rely on cabs or the island transit van. My favorite part of going to the islands is grabbing a map and exploring the back roads. And if you go to Orcas (my favorite island), a car is even more necessary. Also, without a car you'll probably need to stay in Friday Harbor, which is definitely not the most scenic place to stay. Taking your car (or renting one there) will give you more options and flexibility. <BR> <BR>Also, for me, part of the charm of going to the San Juans IS the process of getting there by ferry. Yes, waiting for the ferry can be a pain, but so long as you don't go on a Friday or come back on a Sunday, the waits are not generally painfully long (60-90 minutes). <BR> <BR>The Clipper is fine...but it's slow--four hours each way, I think. <BR> <BR>As far as hotel accommodations in Seattle, the Summerfield Suites works well for families. You probably won't have a huge range of choices in the San Juans for August at this late date, but you might look into Roche Harbor on San Juan or Cascade Harbor Inn on Orcas (assuming you decide to bring or rent a car).

Sheri, <BR> <BR>Thanks for the great info! I've booked a room at Cascade Harbor Inn for 3 nights. From the research I've done (on these boards and the bookstore), Orcas Island sounds absolutely wonderful! I hope 3-4 days isn't too long, but I doubt it. <BR> <BR>As for the city, I'm trying to decide between Summerfield Suites and Silver Cloud Inn. Silver Cloud Inn was recommended in a Family Travel book and is very convenient to I-5. We're planning on at least one day-trip out of the city, so that's an advantage. I prefer the name recognition of Summerfield (Wyndham), but the location looks questionable. Any thoughts? <BR> <BR>Thanks again for letting me pick your brain. You seem very knowledgeable about the area. Feel free to e-mail with any additional tips (especially about Orcas!) <BR> <BR>Kelly

Hi Kelly, that's great you got into Cascade Harbor! I think you'll really like Orcas and three nights is a minimum to spend up there, so far as I am concerned. I just was up there for three nights a few weeks ago and didn't begin to do all that I wanted to do--and I've probably been there a good dozen times, at least! <BR> <BR>I think the location of the Summerfield is fine. It's on the eastern edge of downtown and kind of over the freeway, but they have good windows and noise isn't a big problem (if you're really light sleepers, ask for a room facing the courtyard). My mom stayed there when she was in town recently and I certainly wouldn't put her in a questionnable part of town! That whole area uphill from there has become very trendy (although it's definitely "urban" and gay-friendly). <BR> <BR> <BR>

Hi again, Sheri- <BR> <BR>As far as the ferry to Orcas...the first one over in the morning is at 5:40AM!! I don't think we can make it that early with the kids, but will the cars already be backed up for the next one (around 7:40, I think)? <BR> <BR>Also, since we can't check-in until mid-afternoon, what are some activities during which our luggage will be safe in the car? Thanks! <BR>

If you call your hotel ahead of time and tell them that you need an early check-in, they're usually accommodating provided that they aren't full. As far as activities - you can park your car at the hotel and then walk around (I'm assuming you're talking about visiting SEA, right?) Also, take into consideration that the drive along the I-5 from 7 AM - 9:30 AM is hard - you may not get to your hotel that early after all. Go for breakfast, go to Pike Place Market early in the AM (more fun, less crowded, better selections), go to the Seattle Center (take the monorail) and go to the IMAX (check times for the show), Science Center (great butterfly collection), Experience Music Project (go there first - lines during the summer are outrageous!). Then it will be time for lunch and for checking into your hotel. Enjoy yourself here in the NW - BTW, we are VERY laid back here - it's a great time to relax.

Kelly, I wouldn't worry about making the first or second ferry of the day! It'll take about two hours to drive up to Anacortes from Seattle, and again, so long as you're not going on a Friday (or a Saturday morning), getting there about 90 minutes ahead of the ferry you want should be fine. <BR> <BR>If you do end up getting to Orcas before you can check in, I would imagine you can go to Cascade Harbor and ask them to store your luggage for a couple hours if you are more comfortable doing that. I'm probably too laid-back about it, but I never worry about leaving things in my car up there--but that's not to say that a break-in couldn't happen.