Seattle Hotel and Underground
 

Would like to stay in downtown Seattle near the market. Is there a decent hotel that is not too pricey?
Also, is the underground worth a visit?

The underground, via tour, is a lot of fun and very interesting. Do it. I loved the Inn at the Market, but I'm sure you'd call it pricey -- it is.

Yes, the Underground Tour is worth it! It's very interesting. Our tour guide was funny and made the tour very enjoyable.

My family enjoyed the Underground Tour, as well. Some people have reported good luck getting Seattle hotels on Priceline. For budget, we chose the Inn at Queen Ann. The rooms are a little worn but had kitchenettes and the hotel was located in a nice area. We were within walking distance of the Space Needle and took the monorail to the downtown area. We also took the Duck Tour which picked up near the Space Needle so it was a good location for us. We enjoyed the Duck Tour a lot, esp a view of the old Seattle ferry that looks like something out of 1950s science fiction. On another visit to Seattle I would opt for downtown and try priceline.

The tour of Seattle's underground is very interesting if you're into history. If not, you may feel like you're walking through a series of old connected basements. As for lodgings, have you checked the Hotels tab at the top of this webpage? The Wall Street Inn looks like it might be of interest to you, though I have not personally stayed there. You might also be able to get a good rate at a business hotel such as the Crowne Plaza, although most of those facilities will be located several blocks from the market area. Seattle has many transportation options including a free bus zone area downtown and a trolley service along Alaskan Way. You may be able to find an accommodation that fits your budget along one of these transportation lines.

The second part of your question - the one you didn't specify - is when? Many hotels have reasonable off-season rates, but those disappear around the middle of May, when the cruise people and other peak-season visitors start showing up.

Downtown Seattle is quite compact, and most major hotels are within a 10 min. walk of the Pike Market. Some of the less expensive places are close to Seattle Center (Space Needle, Key Arena, EMP, etc.) and are not walkable from the market; however they are accessible by bus and/or the old monorail.

Let us know when you're coming and we can help more.

As for the underground tour, it's okay - scores around a 7 on the hokey scale, but does provide an interesting insight into the city's colorful history. Much depends on the quality of the guide, as usual with most such tours.

Thanks everyone, for your comments.
We will be in Seattle in the middle of August. Do any of you know anything about these hotels: Moore, Commodore and Ace?
Thanks again.

Honestly I wouldn't recommend any of the above places - older properties with lots of street life, not all of it pleasant.

I would absolutely positively try Priceline for a 3-star place downtown or a 2 1/2 star place at Lake Union, either of which will probably come in less than the (one-star or less) places you listed. Use www.biddingfortravel.com for Priceline pointers and previous results.

Use the money you save on buses or taxis if necessary.