Any feedback on the Renaissance Madison??Is it a good location?

Frankly, it's my vote for the poorest located hotel in downtown Seattle - across the street from Interstate 5 and also at the top of a very steep hill down to the waterfront. It's convenient to several big office buildings, and not all that far from more pedestrian-friendly precincts, once you get down the hill (gentler grade going north toward the Sheraton and Hilton).

For years the restaurant at the top of the hotel, Prego, was a mediocre Italian place with a great view. More new buildings have impaired the view but I've heard the food is improved, so I guess that helps.

Ask for a room on any side but the east (where you'll have a swell view of lots and lots of cars passing by.)

Hi, we just stayed at the West Coast Grand on 5th and enjoyed it. Not expensive at all, great location for business/dining and tourism (1 block to shopping, movies, the Monorail, etc). Very family friendly and good business hotel too. Not the most exciting but a good safe choice.

I just returned from Seattle. I was going to stay at the West Coast Grand on 5th but elected to stay across the street from Lake Union at the Silver Cloud. Downtown is downtown. During the day downtown is bustling but at night it is dead. The Inn at the market appeared to be a nice smaller hotel 1 block away from Pikes Market. I don't think that area is too safe at night.The tourist hotel of choice is the Edgewater on the bay but again not a great location at night. Basically, I did not find Seattle to have much going on at night near any of the hotel areas. You know all the tourist traps but I highly recommend driving to Woodinville to tour the two wineries and brewery and go to Ballard Locks. It was by far the highlight of the trip.You view huge salmon jumping and swimming.Across from the Silver Cloud are 5-6 restaurants on the water. However, it is located in a commercial/industrial area which was not inviting after dark.

Does anybody know about location of West Coast Vance. It is for my son. Or the Pioneer Square Hotel ? Where would he be better off to stay?

Fran, they're at opposite ends of downtown. The Vance is on a busy street leading into the city center, maybe a block from the Greyhound station (very seedy block), but otherwise isn't terribly located. The Pioneer Square Hotel is in (surprise) Pioneer Square, the historic center of downtown, now a lively area with many bars, galleries, other "old town" things.

Both are old buildings without great amenities, but either should be comfortable enough. I'd pick Pioneer Square for location.

Before that, though, I'd certainly give Priceline.com a whirl for better places at cheaper prices.

Hi Fran, The Vance is much more centrally located than the Pioneer Square Hotel. Rooms are small at the former, don't know about the latter. If it's for your son, he might want to check out the Camlin or Claremont-- older hotels which have good rates and are also centrally located. From any of these three he can get to Pioneer Square free (bus ride free zone) and it is also convenient to Capitol Hill--another center for night time activity.

I just got back from a 2 night stay at the Renaissance. While it was a beautiful hotel, it's location was rather far from all the tourist spots. If I were to go again, I would stay closer to Seattle Center, or even mid-town.