I am interested in a small, clean, safe, comfortable B&B. I am planning on driving from Portland to Seattle, then ferry to Victoria and on to Vancouver. Would it be better to stay near downtown Seattle or out in Tacoma, or other places? Thanks. I want to do this in Feb, 2010.

Stay in or near downtown.

I like Capitol Hill (I live here) which is 1-2 miles from downtown as convenient yet quiet and residential.

www.sbmansion.com is a beautiful B&B in the area. Since I live here I have not stayed there myself, but it's a gorgeous mansion in a great location near Volunteer Park in one direction, and the shops and restaurant on either Broadway or 15th Ave East in the other.

The Gaslight Inn and Salisbury House are two other B&B's this same area.

No, I would not stay in Tacoma (which is at least a 30+ mins. drive to the south on I-5, if seeing Seattle is what you want to do).

Seattle is not famous for its B&Bs, and there is none I know of in downtown Seattle, which is where I would stay (eschewing Tacoma).

Unless there is a huge convention in town during your visit, you should be able to get a good rate at a desirable hotel in a great downtown location, such as the historic Mayflower.

First, it's a bit early to be booking for 2010 IMO.

Second, in February you shouldn't have any trouble finding any sort of accommodation you want in Seattle. Not exactly peak season.

Third, if you're going to Victoria, you might consider bypassing Seattle, head from Portland up the Olympic Peninsula (cut over at Olympia) and take the car ferry from Port Angeles. Any car ferry options via Seattle will add quite a few hours to your driving schedule. (There are no direct car ferries; you need to go via Port Angeles or from the mainland via the BC ferry from Tsawwassen just over the border. I'm not sure (and it won't be known for over a year) if the WA State ferry from Anacortes to Sidney BC will be running in Feb. 2010 - they sometimes suspend international service during the winter.

Are you coming for the Olympics in Vancouver, is that why you're planning so far ahead?

Are you coming for the Olympics in Vancouver, is that why you're planning so far ahead?

Aha.

This is in my old neighborhood, so I haven't stayed here, but it's a beautiful place. www.wildwoodseattle.com. Suze's recommendations are definitely more central for sightseeing in downtown.

Thank you so much for the recommendations. Yes, I have never been to an Olympics nor to Oregon or Washington (2 of 4 states left to visit) so thought I would combine the experiences.

Any other recommendations?

Here is one B&B that is right downtown near Pike Place Market:
www.pensionenichols.com