| Gary |
Nov 14th, 2001 11:40 PM |
Sue- I think you've made a good choice. I live in Downtown Seattle, fairly close to Lower Queen Anne, and I usually end up walking by the Marqueen once a week or so. Since I'm a resident, I've never rented a room there, but I can vouch for the cleanliness and desirability of both the hotel and the neighborhood.<BR><BR>The Marqueen was an apartment building up to about 3 or 4 years ago. It's an older brick building that always appears clean and inviting. I really like the coffee shop on the first floor ("Caffe Ladro", in the NW corner of the hotel), which has all the things that make older buildings so charming -- exposed brick, wood floors, and high ceilings. Despite being in a hotel, Ladro is a popular neighborhood coffee house that attracts primarily locals.<BR><BR>The Marqueen has valet parking (I believe), so driving up to the front door shouldn't be a problem (but warning -- driving in Lower Queen Anne, like much of Seattle, can be a chore. The streets are small, curvy, often one way,and, except at odd hours, crowded. To reach the Marqueen's main entrance on Queen Anne AVE N -- which goes southbound only on the Marqueen's block -- you will need to get on to Roy Street [the street on the north side of the Marqueen] and then turn Southbound when you reach Queen Anne Avenue).<BR><BR>As far as recommendations for the neighborhood, I can't say enough good things about Lower QA. It's highly walkable, centrally located, busy (without being too noisy), clean and safe. Unlike parts of downtown, Lower Queen Anne primarily caters to residents, not tourists, so the feel is more user friendly than parts of downtown Seattle. The neigborood is loaded with good restaurants -- walk around the neighborhood and read the menus posted up front. Many of the restaurants are located along Roy Street just east of the hotel (walk PAST the McDonalds on the right side and you will see them). There are also restaurants on the block immediately south of the hotel (along Mercer Street), as well as across the street from the hotel itself on Queen Anne Avenue. Personally, I've enjoyed Bahn Thai, Bamboo Garden (vegetarian only), and Perche' no (best of the 3 for "event dining"). I've also heard good things about Roy Street Bistro, Racha, Nonna Maria, and a new restaurant, Ten Mercer. All are within easy walking distance. There are also two large grocery stores within 2 blocks, should you decide to fix your own meals. Bottom line, you should have no problem finding a good meal with relatively little effort.<BR><BR>As far as activities, there are several night spots in the neighborhood, though none really stand out in my mind. (TS McHugh's or McMinnamins are good pubs). There is also a movie theater,The Uptown, which shows second-run movies. Most prominently, Lower QA contains Seattle Center, home to Seattle Opera, Seattle Repertory Theater, and Pacific Northwest Ballet (Christmas = Nutcracker).<BR><BR>Finally, if you get the urge to leave the neighborhood, you're right next to downtown and Upper Queen Anne, which offers great views of the city, and has its own set of restaurants and bars (better night spots, IMO, than Lower QA, try Hilltop Ale House or Paragon). Downtown, is esp. nice at Christmas, because the trees in the shopping district (centered around 5th AVE and Pike and Pine Streets) are lit up for the occasion, making for a very festive atmosphere.<BR><BR>I hope this helps. Enjoy your stay in Seattle.
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