Hi there! I'm a college student right now (which means strapped for cash ) and I'm going to Seattle for the first time with some friends and we're kind of lost at the moment. We've been trying to find some affordable hotels in the more interesting districts (Downtown, Capitol Hill, any others?), transportation ideas (we're thinking of renting a car - is that a good choice?), and what we should check-out during our 3 days there. Can someone please help us? Thank you!

If you want something fun, trendy and inexpensive (by Seattle standards), I'd try the Ace Hotel downtown. It's in Belltown, a very happening neighborhood, and it's where a lot of up and coming bands stay. Most of the rooms have shared bath, but that keeps it inexpensive. If you *really* want cheap, then try the hostels--either the AYH one or the Green Tortoise. Both are downtown within a couple blocks of the Pike Place Market.

You might want to rent a car for one of your three days, but you can get around downtown very easily walking or by bus so you can save the expense of the car rental and parking.

As far as what to do, I'd suggest reading as much about Seattle and this area as possible (including doing a search on this forum), then reposting your proposed itinerary once you've had a chance to narrow down the choices. Also, when are you coming? That makes a big difference, especially for day trips.

Hi Angela,

I visited Seattle for the first time about 2 years ago, and had a wonderful time. We were there during the summer months. A few must see's, must do's:

- a trip to mount ranier. one of the most spectacular sites you'll ever see. We drove up there and back in one day.

- a trip to mount st. helen. also, very fascinating, the site of a volcano that erupted not too long ago. you'll see trees twisted into shapes that is not humanly or naturally possible. there's a visitor center up there, and then there's a trail to hike up to get a good view of the volcano's opening. it was smoking last time we were there.

- pike's place, of course

- a visit to microsoft, over the bridge to the other side.

- the space needle, there's a restaurant up there.

hope this helps!

Cuple, having lived in Seattle for nearly 14 years and having worked at the main campus at Microsoft for a couple of those, I can't for the life of me figure out why a visit to Microsoft would be at the top of anyone's list! Please explain, why was it such a highlight for you? It's just a bunch of suburban office buildings, there's nothing to SEE there.

Angela, we enjoyed the Underground Tour which starts down near Pioneer Square - about $8 ea, it's a walking tour that goes underground to the original Seattle town which lies beneath the streets. Very different and fun, with a humourous slant. Cheap too!
You don't need a car in Seattle, we walked everywhere or caught a bus. (By the way, the buses in downtown Seattle are underground.) Pike Place Market is good to check out but there are some pretty seedy areas around there. Just be aware as you would in any large city.
Kay

Actually Sheri, I also found it interesting to see where Microsoft was, just because it's such a major outfit I suppose.

Angela,

Try price line.com. I stayed at a great
hotel for only 60 dollars. It was a four star hotel and price line took my bid. I was booked at the travelodge for 60 dollars. Can't get much lower if you want to stay downtown. No rent a car needed. Public transportation is awesome.

Just don't go in the Spring. The last time I was there, it had rained 90 days in a row !