Hi all, looking for hotels in Seattle over Labor Day weekend (I know, groan) and finding that there aren't many hotels under $200... shocker, I know. Unfortunately that's just not in my budget and I really don't want to rent a car for the entire trip. How is the bus system, or are there any other forms of transportation to downtown from, say, Bellevue, or the University District? Any other neighborhoods you might suggest staying with an ideal budget of around $130 or less if possible? Thanks!

Downtown has a light rail that is pretty good. I do not know about the hotels, sorry.

Yes, there's a very comprehensive bus system. http://metro.kingcounty.gov/

Check out the University District and the Seattle Center area, although Bumbershoot at Seattle Center will make that area crowded and potentially more expensive than usual.

Bellevue and the airport are other possibilities, but obviously less convenient to the city.

Your best bet for a room in your preferred budget is by the airport or in the University District. This would be my choice://www.hotelsone.com/seattle-hotels-us/university-inn-seattle.html?q=dsti:135136;dstt:8;lbl:ggehoeu-bh135136;cur:USD;dstseattle;start:2012-09-01;end:2012-09-04;rad:0;wa:0;rmcnf:1[2,0];sf:1;

University Inn is operated by a good company, it is located in an interesting neighborhood with loads of restaurants, it has good transportation options, and it has favorable reviews on TripAdvisor: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev...ashington.html

If you're interested, you would be wise to book now. Elsewhere at this price range you will find yourself in an inconvenient or unpleasant location or in a dump.

HTTY

Thank you thank you. I knew about the light rail system but unfortunately to take advantage of it, I'd have to book a hotel near the airport or downtown. Doesn't seem to be any options in between so it's not of much use for me, which makes me sad. I've been sort of leaning towards the University district but have heard mixed reviews... but as a recent college grad I'm thinking I'll be ok with it. I'm probably going to go into AAA today and see what their advice is and book tonight. Thank you!!

There is a string of motels along the east edge of the Southcenter Mall served by the #150 bus; there is a Courtyard by Marriot in the shopping mall, and the bus goes right past it. Google "Tukwila + lodging."

The Moore Hotel is right downtown and in that price range. Then you could use Light Rail in and back to the airport, and Metro bus to get around the city.

Oh wow, that's incredibly tempting... the only room left for the dates we'll be there is a room with a shared bathroom. As someone who's been to Europe I wouldn't be entirely against this, especially since the location is incredible and it's only $76/night. My other two options I'm weighing are Four Points by Sheraton at the Seattle Center (convenient because we will be going to Bumbershoot Saturday night) for $142 or the University Inn for $114. Budget is a big issue and as long as we'll have public transportation I don't really mind where we stay as long as it's not a total dump. Dah. Lots to think about!!

Another option is to check the South Lake Union Streetcar line for Hotels located on/near.

South Lake Union is a great neighborhood.

http://www.seattlestreetcar.org/slu.htm

University Inn is a good hotel, but it is not a good location for Bumbershoot. You could take the bus downtown and then take the Monorail to Seattle Center. I would opt for staying closer to Seattle Center so you could go out at night and not worry about catching the bus back. Have you checked Queen Anne hotels? I live in Seattle, so I have not stayed in any hotels other than Hotel Deca. Have you tried Hotwire.com?

One other option you have, which might not work, depending on how late you plan on staying out, is to stay at Northgate and to take the shuttle from Northgate Park and Ride to the Bumbershoot at Seattle center: http://www.hotwire.com/hotel/results...earchTokenId=1.

http://metro.kingcounty.gov/up/spclevent/bumbershoot/

Staying out in University District is not the most convenient if going to Bumbershoot and other downtown spots (Pike Place Market, Waterfront, etc.) is what you plan to do.

Have you checked the Mediterranean Inn on lower Queen Anne?

If budget is a "big issue" personnaly I'd be tempted to go with the Moore.

I did some number crunching and realized, thanks to cheaper hotels in Portland where we will be staying the second half of our trip, that the $142 hotel would actually be in budget. I was hoping for an average of $125/night total and with

If you're at Seattle Center, you aren't close walking distance from the last Light Rail stop (which is Westlake Center downtown).

The hotel is basically on the corner of Mercer and Aurora... assuming you can walk along Mercer it should just be a few blocks to that Light Rail station!

suze is right, that is a loooong walk. You can take the Monorail from Westlake station. The walk is probably close to 2 miles.

OK, not quite 2 miles but still a long walk: 26 minutes, 1.36 miles:
http://goo.gl/maps/fCFB

hmm... are we looking at the same map/station? Google Maps tells me there's a lightrail station at Westlake and Mercer?

There is no light rail station at Westlake and Mercer. I live here, google maps doesn't.

There may be a light rail station planned but it will be not here by Labor Day weekend