Just booked incredible airfare for a five night stay in Seattle - now I need somewhere to stay. Have been looking at the Inn at Queen Anne. My fiance and I prefer quiet (don't think I would be a fan of the Inn at the Market) places with easy access to the touristy attractions. I am very comfortable using public transportation (when available).
Also - what is the best way to get from the airport into town when not renting a car. I would really like to take a day trip or two to explore the surrounding areas. Can I fulfill my daytripping needs with ferries or should I tyr and get a rental for a day or two (would love to see Mt. St Helen but don't know if it is realistic first week of October)
Thanks!

For airport transportation, check out:

http://www.shuttleexpress.com


For something to do during your five days, check the lunch cruise here:

http://www.spiritofpugetsound.com/seattle/location.asp

GRR! I wrote you a nice long reply, and the Forum gremlins ate it! In any event, I just wanted to correct what I think is a misconception about the rooms on the "market" side of the Inn at the Market. I stayed recently in a waterview 5th floor room and was not bothered at all by noise, either during the night or in the morning. The rooms on the "city" side (First Avenue) are a completely different story, as has been reported.

I'm on my way to Cape Cod--will try to post more when I get back next week if you haven't already received a bunch of good responses (which you probably will, knowing this forum!).

Hi, Erika,
I'd recommend the car for a couple of days. While the ferry is fun, there are only two destinations available from downtown Seattle, Bainbridge Island (Winslow, the town served, is a pleasant suburban burg) and Bremerton, home of the naval shipyard but not much to attract tourism. A car will expand your list of potential destinations enormously - the Cascades for fall color and wonderful views, Whidbey Island or Port Townsend, Mts. Rainier or St. Helens if you want...

Inn at Queen Ann is really nice, this is a" neighborhood" area with resturants and grocery store etc.and seemed like a vewry safe area. It is upthe hill (Queen Ann Hill) from downtown Seattle,however we walked both direction with little effort Public transportation; busses(free in downtown area)& water front trolly are easy to use..
I agree about renting a car for a side trip. (we rented from National which was in the downtown area and quite convenient)
The shuttle from airport is very good. I think it was $8.00 per person and is right out the doors from the baggage area.
Mt. St. Helens = Seattle to Castle Rock on highway 5 will take 21/2 to 3 hrs depending on traffic.At Castle Rock you turn off and go toward the Visitor Centerne at Johnson Ridge and a newer on further up the road where you look right into the volcano. (I can't remember how long it takes to drive to Johnson Ridge-- hour? little more?? but the drive is remarkable.Weather that time of year is unpredictable..We usually travel to the Northwast in October-- in 5 trips; 3 were cool but with sunshine 90%, one cloudy a lot, one rain 50%..None were really cold--40 degrees or below and no snow.Johnson Ridge is "up-there" in elevation but there is a hot line you can call for weather.
As for Inn at the Market noise level=="bad' on the CITY side but not bothersome in rooms facing the market which usually have a view of the bay.However,with the prices of Market view room(start at $250)I would rather stay at Inn at Queen Ann and spend the money on other things.
I know you'll have a great time.