I am leaving Saturday for a business class being held at the BW University Tower Hotel. I know it won't be a luxury hotel since it's a BW and the website looks okay but if any of you have been there I would appreciate some advice!
Should I keep my reservation or book somewhere else? I'd like to be within walking distance because I do not wish to rent a car.

I am a mom of three kids 5 and under and this is one chance of very few that I have to be away and relax! So... if there is somewhere a bit more plush nearby or a spa open in the evenings, for that matter, I'd appreciate any suggestions.

45th @ Brookly in the U-District. There may be a few other hotels around but not a huge variety in that neighborhood (since it's the college and residential mostly). And that location is very central to everything in that area.

Not exactly a spa, but a place called "Tubs" on Roosevelt that has great private rooms with jacuzzi, steam, showers, etc. They also offer massage and tan beds. Nearby, you could walk there one evening.
206-527-8827

New Seattle Massage just off "the Ave" is another idea 206-632-5074

Thanks so much for the relaxation suggestions!

I guess if the hotel is clean I'll just have to stick with it!

Anyone actually stayed at this property?

I haven't stayed there but we frequent the bar The District quite often for happy hour. It has a nice art deco look to it.

There are 3 theaters within walking distance (one just across the street) that play both big movies and also smaller indi films which are great. I love the Seven Gables which is currently playing Sideways.

The nice thing about the UDist area is there are tons of busses and you can grab them and go to U village for shopping (they also have InSpa which is open mall hours) or downtown, etc.

The Indian restaurant Cedars in right on 50th and Brooklyn and has fantastic butter chicken!!

In years past we stayed there, had friends/family stay there, hosted and attended conferences and meetings there, eaten there, drink/drank/drunk (never!) there...

It's quite an acceptable hotel, very cute if you like art deco style, good views from most rooms. I wouldn't bother to book elsewhere.

The U district has a fair amount of street life that some folks might find a little off-putting at night or if walking alone. I would probably suggest that you befriend someone in the class if you want to venture out at night to restaurants etc., especially if your destination is on University Way ("The Ave") a block east of the hotel. Not to suggest dangerous conditions, just a percentage of folks who may be having a conversation with invisible companions, things like that. It's my neighborhood (roughly) and it doesn't bother us, but people have different comfort thresholds if you know what I mean.

The Neptune and Metro theatres (across the street and two blocks west respectively) are excellent places to watch current and/or art flix, for daytime lunches there are a ton of fun restaurants/cafes/espresso bars etc. on the Ave, and University Village, 5 min. on the bus, has a ton of wonderful shopping, restaurants, etc. - well worth a visit. My spousal unit goes both to Seattle Massage on the Ave and to InSpa at U Village - prefers the former on cost/benefit basis.

I will respectfully disagree with Stormygirl regarding Cedars. The Tandoor, another Indian restaurant located on the Ave just north of 50th (10 min. walk from the hotel) is superior IMO, plus they'll deliver to the hotel if you want.

Be sure to take the time to walk through the University of Washington campus. Everything is in bloom right now - earliest spring in my memory - and it is drop-dead gorgeous.

It's the best place in the area. You'll be happier staying there than elsewhere. It is near movie houses, Trader Joe's, oodles of restaurants, and busses that leave every 15 minutes for downtown.

Thank you all so much! I did call this afternoon I gave Joe, the reservation guy, my story about being away for 3 nights for work, while really pretending I am on vacation! He was so sweetand "saved" a rrom with a fantastic view of the city lights, since I will only be in the room at night. All of your suggestions are much appreciated and I will post a report when I return... or maybe while I am there!

Gardyloo, thanks for the heads up on the people with invisible friends! I am quite used to that actually from downtown Santa Barbara! I know it can be a bit scary for people who have not encountered that before...thanks again!

Welcome to Seattle & hopefully our gorgeous weather will hold for your visit.