First, which area would be most interesting to a university student--someplace with used book stores, galleries, funky? Second, where to stay? Looking for a safe and clean hotel for under $175, any ideas? Third, can you think of particular activities that are not uber touristy?
Many thanks.

I think Ballard or Fremont (the self-proclaimed center of the universe) would suit a college student well. What are his/her interests? And will the one night be a weeknight or weekend night?

I love both Ballard and Fremont for the various bars, restaurants, shops, etc. Both also have great markets on Sunday mornings, though I tend to favor the one in Ballard even though I live in Fremont.

An activity that's not uber touristy but that I like to do myself -- head into Fremont and grab some lunch to go (check out Homegrown for sandwiches or maybe even just the deli section from PCC for something) and walk the Burke-Gilman trail to Gas Works Park. The Park has a gorgeous view over Lake Union and is fun to sit with a book and watch the float planes take off and land.

When will the visit be? Timing/season greatly impacts rates in Seattle. I just saw something on twitter about the Mayflower Park having rates starting at $139 but not sure of the dates...but that might be a good starting point. It's a nice hotel in a good area.

If the student would prefer to walk to a neighborhood they might find interesting, the Pike/Pine corridor on Capitol Hill would be my suggestion. Both Central Seattle CC and Seattle U are in the vicinity. If they are interested in staying in the area, then have a look at the Silver Cloud Broadway.

We loved roaming around Pike Place Market, which I'm sure would be considered touristy by some. Also thought the art museum was very good. We had lunch there.

The University District is "funky" and businesses there cater to people of university age.

I would stay at a B&B on Capitol Hill (my own neighborhood). There's many that are in that price range. It's only 2-3 miles from downtown Seattle (where I recommend going to the Pike Place Market, Pioneer Square historic district, and the Waterfront). It's a fun edgy funky neighborhood with loads of bars, shops, stores, interesting crowd of people. Pike/Pine Corridor is especially aimed at your age group, but also Broadway & 15th Avenue East are nearby with their own selection of places to hang out.

I'm not crazy about the U-District myself. And Fremont and Ballard are OK for living in, but I don't think they'd really serve a tourist/visitor very well (too far removed).

Many, many years ago, I visited Seattle with a friend and we stayed at the UW in a dorm for one night. The price was right. I don't know if they are still renting rooms in summer, but you might want to check. Who'd have thunk I'd move here 25 years later.

How do you get from Capitol Hill area to downtown and to the airport?
Thanks.

Depends on exactly where on Capitol Hill--you can walk downtown from some parts of it (eg the Pike/Pine corridor that was mentioned), or there are buses. As far as the airport, a taxi would be easiest or Shuttle Express if cost is an issue.

Suze, anyone, suggestions for b and b or hotel near pike corridor? Is the Best Western Pioneer Square in that area?
Thanks.

We stayed at the Best Western Pioneer Square 3-4 years ago on a trip to Victoria, BC and Seattle. They had an extensive included breakfast, staff was pleasant and helpful, and we were very satisfied with our stay there. Our room was tiny (like some European rooms we've stayed in) but there were larger rooms available (we paid about $126/night). Loved the area, but don't know if it is in the pike corridor.

<If they are interested in staying in the area, then have a look at the Silver Cloud Broadway.>

hellokittie - the BW Pioneer Square is not in the Pike corridor, but the Silver Cloud Broadway is. We stayed there for a couple of nights last week (ex-Seattleites home for a visit). It was quite nice, and a steal on Priceline for $80.

Oh, activities - I don't see a mention of the time of year, but if outdoor activities are of interest, Seattle offers a lot of fun stuff. Rent a canoe at the Washington Athletic Center (at Husky Stadium) or a kayak at the NWOC on Lake Union, run around Greenlake, etc.

If you stay downtown/Pioneer Square it's easy to get up to Capitol Hill by bus (or walking, though it's a long walk from PS). You should be able to google or check trip advisor for b and bs on the hill, which might be a nicer place to stay.

I would personally point the person to staying in the downtown core, where access to lots of various sights/neighborhoods is easier, not to mention close to plenty to do right in the center. Pike Market, Pioneer Square, waterfront, etc.; but immediate bus connections to Capitol Hill, Fremont/Wallingford, U District, Madison Park etc.

Staying in one of these neighborhoods means (usually, not always) having to get downtown to change buses to go to another neighborhood. Staying downtown avoids that hassle. Check out the Warwick, Mayflower, Andra, Red Lion, Monaco, Arctic Club, or any number of hotels. Depending on time of year, Priceline users can bag rooms at e.g. the Sheraton or Westin for under $100.

I use a taxi coming & going from SeaTac myself.

No, the Best Western is in Pioneer Square, not on Capitol Hill.

Pike/Pine Corridor is a business district, no B&B's right there, but any on Capitol Hill would be reasonably close. Just Google "B&Bs on Capitol Hill Seattle" there's all kinds of listings.

Personally I would stay downtown at the Mayflower, the Warwick, or Hotel Max. They are all in the price range mentioned. Then I would take a bus UP to Capitol Hill to hang around.


You can get from Capitol Hill to downtown by walking (takes about 45-50 mins, about 2 miles, depending exactly where to where) or you can take Metro bus, routes 7, 10, 43, again depending where to where takes about 20 mins).

Oops, I see I changed my mind (lol).

My first post (staying on the Hill) was trying to accomodate the desire to stay in a funky neighborhood with good vibe for a student. My second post (staying in a hotel downtown) is more what I'd suggest for practical convenience.

How often do buses run? Is there a subway system or light rail?

How often do buses run? Is there a subway system or light rail?

The buses run frequently (obviously different timing on different routes.) In the downtown core they're free.

There's a brand new (as in 2 weeks old) light rail from the airport to downtown - although still a shuttle bus from the airport terminal to a nearby station until the station at the airport is finished. With rolling luggage it's a fast and cheap way to get downtown; there are hotels within easy walking distance (1/2 to 2 blocks) of most every downtown station.

There's also a trolley line from the downtown core to the area on the east shore of Lake Union, and a monorail from downtown to Seattle Center (Space Needle, Experience Music Project, Pacific Science Center etc.) Not all connections (bus > train > trolley etc.) are especially seamless though.

http://metro.kingcounty.gov/

Thanks so much for all the info. Is the downtown core a safe area for a young woman?