My husband and I are heading to seattle this sunday (aug 8). We are going there for a medical appointment at virginia mason hospital-not a real fun thing! However, we are trying to look at this as a chance for a getaway. We would like some hotel advice. It would be nice to stay downtown and had thought of the hyatt or westin. However, we are jeans and sweater people and do not want to dress up. Would we feel out of place at either of these hotels? We also thought about the edgewater or the Marriott waterfront hotel. Any advice? Finally we considered staying in Bellvue and driving into seattle for our appointments. We would prefer to stay in seattle at a hotel that might have transportation to the hospital. We have been to seattle many times but have only stayed in the airport area so any advice would be much appreciated!
Tammy

Hi,
In my humble opinion, you aren't likely to feel out of place at the Hyatt or Westin if you dress down. There are many people in this city who dress in jeans as well, so I don't believe it would be a problem. I would recommend not staying somewhere across Lake Washington (i.e., Bellevue) this weekend, as it is SeaFair weekend and there is a lot of activity on the water, which in turn will create lots of traffic on the bridges. I'm not familiar with the waterfront Marriott, but the Edgewater would afford wonderful views of the Sound. You may want to look up the Virginia Mason Medical Center website to see if they have a hotel that offers transportation to the hospital. The weather this weekend is supposed to be lovely, so you are coming at a good time. Best wishes with your medical appointment.
Jo Ann

We recently moved away from the Seattle area, but one of our favorite things about it is that it is so casual...so jeans and sweaters are fine! We have stayed at the Westin many times and have always been pleased. It is a good location, safe, nice rooms, staff always attentive, etc. JoAnn gave you great advice...stay in the city and double check with VM for shuttles and such. BTW I have quite a few friends and old neighbors that work at VM and they are all wonderful people...hope all goes well!

Inn at Virginia Mason is adjacent to the hospitalI It is a nice small hotel.
Sorrento Hotel is in immediatearea . The latter runs $275 a night The other is little less.
I am afraid your choices may be limited at this later date especially downtown area.
Marriott Renaissance is on 6th and Madison--right next to I 5 and would be easy to get to hospital.
Also, I just returned from Seattle and believe me , jeans, shorts. sweaters,sleeveless blouses, etc
are very acceptable except maybe in a fancy restaurant. Daytimes were in high 80s!!now I think they are having cooler days..
Hope the results of appointmant are favorable..

The Inn at Virginia Mason and another little hotel across the street cater to hospital patients. They are both in 1930ish buildings and I suppose they don't offer much in the way of luxury. Virginia Mason Medical Center is not far from downtown, but it is up a steep hill. Bus Route 2 goes from down town to Virgina Masoon; see transit.metrokc.gov for information.

I think Hotel Monaco, Hotel W, and Fairmont Olympic are conveniently located to Route 2.

There are only a few places in Seattle where jeans and sweaters are unacceptable, and they are hard to find.

I forgot to mention that it would be very inconvenient to stay in Bellevue if your appointments are at Virginia Mason. Also, it is a little early for sweaters in Seattle unless you are used to extreme heat.

We're also thinking about a getaway on say the 30th of August for a few days. Are there any "boutique" hotels that are suggested? Don't want to spend a fortune, but like my creature comforts and a good location. I've last been to Seattle 37 years ago!

I see I am a bit too late to help TammyC.I stayed at the Elliot Grand Hyatt last trip to Seattle. I got an excellent deal on www.luxurylink.com. The hotel was very nice, great bathrooms and comfortable. I definitely felt at ease in my jeans and comfortable clothes. Seattle is a great city for the casual lifestyle.

TammyC - I stayed at the Crowne Plaza hotel in downtown Seattle for $70 a night on Hotwire. It was very nice. New spacious rooms and beds with down pillow tops. I checked in in my sweatpants and my sister's 1982 Volvo. The valets and bell hops were all very nice and not snooty at all.