have narrowed Seattle hotel choices
 

I think I've narrowed my Seattle hotel choices to either the Hotel Andra or the Inn At Harbour Steps. I'm seeking a vote as to which you guys prefer, keeping in mind I'm looking for easy access to the major attractions. Of course, I'll still keep an open mind to other possibilities!

Did you post this just for me? I've narrowed down my choices to the same exact two. I'm leaning towards the Inn at Harbor Steps, despite not being able to get much feedback on it.
I'll wait with you for the responses. We aren't going until July, but. . .

I drove by the Inn at Harbor Steps last night. Just one word to the wise. It is only about 3 blocks from Pike Place Market but there is lots of construction going on as WAMU is building a huge tower on 1st and Union. not sure what the noise level is but be aware that it's a bit hectic down there right now.

Also if you have children or are otherwise interested there is a 'gentlemens' club 1 block from the Harbor Steps called the Lusty Lady. Not a big problem unless you are quite adverse to that.

I think they are both good for accessing attractions.

Both of these places look really nice on the websites, but I am leaning towards the Fairmont Olympic for our Seattle trip, IF I can give up those gorgeous views of Elliott Bay from my Edgewater room!

I just checked the website and they are offering room at the Fairmont starting at $249 or a Bed and Breakfast for $305 which isn't all that bad considering it's THE most elegant property in Seattle.

They just received another AAA 5 Diamond rating for the 21st consecutive year. The place looks so elegant and I love the fact that there is a spa on-site plus a salon, fitness center and two very nice restaurants. I just want to find out if they offer the shuttle like the Edgewater does. ***kim*** :) www.fairmont.com

for the doctor49- Both locations are fine as far as easy access, very central within blocks of shopping, Pike Place, etc. Hotel Andra is fairly recently opened, so although there's a lot of buzz about it, I've yet to hear a report from someone who's actually stayed there. Anyone?

For Kim- you will less need a shuttle staying at the Olympic because it's smack dab in the middle of downtown, therefore in the free Metro bus zone and easy walking to many places.

kimamom, like in Ashland, all bets are off when looking for specials during July!

We're just trying to keep it below $200 a night, which isn't easy.

I read a review from someone who stayed at the Andra, which is partly why I added that to my list and have now narrowed it down to that and the Inn at Market Steps. I think the report was on here, but not sure.

The construction at First & Union is the combined Washington Mutual/Seattle Art Museum project.

Visitors should get used to construction downtown for the foreseeable - new buildings, then the new monorail, then the granddaddy of them all when the Alaskan Way Viaduct (the elevated waterfront freeway) is torn down and the road buried in our own version of The Big Dig.

Visitors to places like the waterfront Marriott or the Edgewater should make other plans starting around 2010 and lasting until, oh, say, 2210.

On the positive front, the "old" monorail, the one closed by a fire in May, has partially reopened. Woo hoo.

Wow, I just spoke with a lady from the Fairmont Olympic and the rates are ON for the entire summer months. Website states the $249 as being offered year round, subject to availability.

When I called the hotel, I asked if they were in the Entertainment book, she said yes and rooms throughout the summer are starting at $225 and $245 for the Executive King room which is 450 sq. ft. with a double sleeper sofa. I want to book asap to get this amazing rate at this elegant, gorgeous property.

Also thinking about booking the Fairmont Waterfront in Victoria as we have yet to see any of Canada. Great rates, Patrick and their book is wide open for all of June, July and August right now!! ***kim*** :)

If the Inn at the Harbor Steps and the Fairmont were the same price, my guess is I'd still prefer the Inn at the Harbor Steps. I'm not a room service, spa, massage, and ultimate luxury type guy when it comes to hotels any more. Been there, done that. I prefer the smaller, less pretentious places these days. Also like "trendier" rather than "luxurious".

Besides isn't the Fairmont a lot further from the Lusty Lady? LOL

I don't know, but I'm considering booking there ASAP at those prices. There must be a reason why it's Seattle's ONLY five diamond hotel!

We'll have to see and the Fairmont in Victoria even has water views, LOL!! ***kim** :) The more elegant the better in my book!! ((l))

BTW, the Inn at Harbor Steps looks very nice, also. The rooms look very elegant and the teddy bears are a nice touch. The Edgewater has those in their rooms also. But I didn't see any furry bear footstools in the front of the fireplaces.

I don't think the Fairmont has fireplaces in their rooms. Believe it or not, we did use our fireplace in August at the Edgewater. It was especially nice in the cool mornings. I would sit in my robe watching the ferries glide by reading USA Today. Now I'm missing Seattle, LOL! ***kim*** :)

Don't misunderstand me, kimamom, I can understand why the Fairmont may be the only 5 star hotel. I'm just saying I'm not usually into 5 star hotels anymore. Unless maybe I'm there for a one night stay and going to be dressed to the nines for a wedding or huge banquet or something. And it sounds lovely for the big weekend you're talking about spending there.

By the same token, here in Naples, THE hotel is the Ritz and I have no desire in the world to stay there. I'd be much more "comfortable" at one of the many less extravagant places.

kim:

I believe that you mean the Fairmont Empress. The Waterfront, which spoiled me in September :), is in Vancouver.

This is a no-brainer. The Andra has the location that fits your requirements and the other doesn't (unless you think the waterfront is the major attraction).

Yes, The Empress. Which place do you prefer Victoria or Vancouver and how far from Seattle are each of these places? We're in the very early planning stages of our first visit to Canada! ***kim*** :)

reply for patrick: I can't believe the coincidence - we both are considering the same two hotels, and we're both going in July! My dates will be 7/11-7/14, and it's my first trip to Seattle. Sounds like the gang is leaning towards the Andra, what do you think?

<i>Besides isn't the Fairmont a lot further from the Lusty Lady? LOL</i>

Yes but when you throw them the room key from the Olympic they know where to go.

Last time we stayed at the Empress (couple years ago) it was - how to say? - shabby unchic. And pricey beyond reason. Maybe Fairmont has whipped them into the consistency of the clotted cream served with the bikkies at the &quot;high&quot; tea. (Actually it's not a high tea, it's a cream tea. The only thing high are the prices. As in sky.)

Kostroma, isn't there also a Four Seasons in Vancouver? So, the Waterfront is nice but the Empress is shabby, huh?

Kostroma, were you really pampered at the Waterfront Fairmont and was it really pricy? ***kim*** :)

LOL=Lusty Old Lady??? :-?

I was in Vancouver a few year back for biddness and can't wait to go back.

Had some really nice hotel, LARGE room, almost suite type, right near the water front with a great view of the harbor.
Wish I could remember the name!

A &quot;clean SF&quot; or a not as &quot;depressing Seattle&quot;.;)

LOK!

Seattle is far from depressing, Kal!! Which place is better, Victoria or Vancouver for a first timer to Canada?

Oh, the Hotel Andra is #8 on Tripadvisor, Olympic #2. Both places sound really nice. I think the Inn at Harbor Steps is too new to be rated there but it's a Four Sisters property.

Now I need to book that King Executive 450 sq. ft. room at the Fairmont for $245!! Merry Christmas to me! LOL ***kim*** ((l))