We're a family of 5, 3 kids under 7. Will be visiting Seattle & other areas in WA for a 2 week vacation in July. Didn't realize how pricey the hotels in downtown Seattle were (upwards 150 to 200 per night), let alone trying to find a vacancy for that time period. Does it make sense to stay in Kent or Bellvue? Hawthorn Suites in Kent looks like a nice property. Logistically, will going into downtown (Pike Place, etc.) be too much of a hassle?

I cannot believe how Bill Gates' industry has caused such a great increase in hotel prices in the Seattle vicinity. Before him, Seattle was relatively cheap. Anyway, these hotels are not worth it. One way to save money is to buy the Entertainment Book (sold by charities or on their website) and get discounts at many hotels. Other than that, it is definitely worth it to stay in Kent, Renton, Bellevue, etc. The freeway system (aside from rush hours) is so good that you do not have to stay downtown. The Sea-Tac Airport and Southcenter region are reasonably-priced and do not take long to get downtown.

Hi,

I'm shocked at how expensive it is to stay in downtown! If you do some research you can find a less expensive places. The Travellodge is right across the street from the Space Needle, and has a pool. Its less that $80 per night too! Good location. Next to a McDonalds. Very close to Pike Place as well. Do NOT stay in Kent or Bellevue, they are not close to downtown at all. With the traffic you would have quite a drive.

My wife and I were in Seattle in April. We stayed at the Ramada-Downtown on 5th and Blanchard. We paid $109 for the room including breakfast. It was somewhat generic but not unattractive and there nice touches like an iron and ironing board in the room.

The hotel is also fairly centrally located. You can follow the monorail line (mostly running above 5th) to the downtown shopping district (maybe 5 blocks)or to the Space Needle, Experience Music Project, and Science Center (maybe 5-6 blocks). Pike Place market and the restaurants of Belltown are also only a few blocks away.

Just one note of caution: Belltown (while apparently up and coming) was a little rough around the edges in parts, such as along the 2nd Street corridor from around the Pike Place Market north/northwest.

I also read on SeattleWeekly.com (after our trip) that Regrade Park at 3rd and Bell (apparently about three blocks from the Ramada) is the "Best Place to Get Mugged." We didn't see the park or any signs of trouble during our stay even though we were out at night a few times. However I would recommend staying away from the park and exercise caution if you are going to be walking around Belltown after dark.

Actually, we are being relocated to Seattle next month so if there is any additional information you need let me know before you come out.

Contrary to some of the other posters, I actually prefer to stay on the eastside instead of right in Seattle WHEN I'm traveling with my family. Quieter, cheaper (get a suite), more access to family restaurants, more kids in the pool to hang with, etc. Our last trip included a stay at a Marriott Residence Inn in Bothell (actually Woodenville). We got a two bedrooom unit with kitchen for the same price we would have paid for a downtown room. Did we drive a little more? Sure - we just tried to avoid rush hour. I'd look at Bellevue, Kirkland, Bothell, Redmond and other Eastside towns.

Diane, I doubt you'll see much in the way of savings if you stay in Bellevue or Kirkland, given that these are business travel destinations. They'll also require that you park your car in downtown Seattle for visits, at a high daily cost (or worse if you float around from one garage or lot to another.) Plus, the commute is pretty unpleasant. Kent is too far IMO, and not very attractive when you get there.

There are a couple of Silver Cloud Inns in Seattle, one near Lake Union, the other near the University of Washington, which may be friendlier to your budget.

An alternative out-of-town possibility might be to try the only hotel on Bainbridge Island, the Island Country Inn (http://www.nwcountryinns.com/) which might be a little cheaper or roomier than in-city alternatives. You could take the ferry into downtown Seattle (enjoyable for all) without the hassle of the car, and/or take plenty of day trips to the Olympic Peninsula, etc. in the other direction. Just a thought.