Thanks to help from the board, my Seattle area/Cascades trip has come together. I just need a bit more advice. We're in the area for 5 nights.

We'll be traveling back towards Seattle from Leavenworth on the 13th. We have a 10:00 am flight the next day and will need to return a rental. I originally thought we might stay in Woodinville, but now I'm considering Downtown or maybe even an airport hotel. I'm concerned about making the flight, and don't know what traffic is like to the airport. Is staying downtown in Seattle (never been, thought we could dip a toe in) for one night not worth the hassle? I've never before elected to stay at an airport hotel, but after a 2.5 hour drive from Leavenworth and with an early flight, would this be the way to go? Or is it no biggie to get from downtown to the airport? Or hey, any other ideas welcome for the last night.

Itinerary
Sept 9: Everett: Inn at Port Gardner (going to Everett Events Center to see Oasis/Jet concert.)
Sept 10: Driving to Mazama, reservation at Freestone Inn.
Sept 11-12: Then on to Leavenworth, two nights at Hotel Pension Anna in the " Stubaital" room.
Sept 13: downtown or airport hotel?

Not that you asked, but your hotel location in Everett is perfect! There isn't much to Everett, and you will be right on the water and there are some good restaurants right there if you can eat before the show. Also, Pension Anna is wonderful! The owners are so nice, and each room is so fun.

As far as where to stay that last night, I would stay in downtown Seattle. It is not far from the airport at all. One of the downtown exits is 265 and the airport is 254, so you can see how close it is. Stay in downtown and enjoy the city.

If you decide to stay at airport hotel you might consider taking the dinner train to Columbia winery on your last night. It leaves from Renton which is very close to airport and would be something to do away from airport.

When we were in Seattle last month, a LOT of highway construction was underway. Portions of highways and exits are closed off on a rotating basis, it seems, especially on weekends. We had a heck of a time following detour signs from our downtown hotel to the airport on a Sunday morning. We had gotten on the highway, in accordance with the excellent directions of the hotel doorman, only to have to get off at the very next exit. Thankfully, we were able to get the attention of a police cruiser and the officer said "follow me". What a relief!

It's I-5 that was undergoing construction, but from downtown, you'd take Hwy 99 (aka the Alaskan Way Viaduct) to Hwy 509 to the airport. It's a very easy 15-20 minute drive, and you shouldn't encounter much traffic. So, I'd stay downtown, unless you don't plan on heading back into town until later at night. Otherwise, you could have a nice dinner and walk around a bit. I would, though, try to get back into Seattle to your hotel before or after rush hour.

Thanks for the replies, all. I think we'll stay downtown, then. I was looking at the Hotel Andra for the last night. Would this be a good choice? Tripadvisor reviews were ranked high.

I agree about staying downtown your last night. However, when I make this trip I prefer to stay in Winthrop at River Run or Wolf Ridge Lodge and dine at Topo Cafe or the Brewery in Twisp. Also, rather than stay in Leavenworth, I prefer to stay in Chelan in a lakeside room at Campbell's or the Best Western.

Hotel Andra's getting great buzz these days. I haven't stayed there since I live in Seattle but it's a great location with several fantastic restaurant options within a couple blocks. A taxi to the airport in the morning should be ~$30 and take ~1/2 hour.

I'm curious, why 2 nights in Leavenworth and only 1 in the North Cascades? Personally, I'd switch the two...but I guess it depends on what you're going to the area for. I'm a hiking fanatic and prefer hiking in N Cascades to the Leavenworth area. Both places you're staying are nice but the Freestone is nicer IMO just because it's out in the middle of nowhere as opposed to in town.

For what it is worth--
We took a taxi from Inn at the Steps at 7:30 AM --cost us 40 $$ and took over an hour...

wow-interesting. i am guessing that must have been the rush hour commute that you got stuck in?

since i live here i go back and forth to SeaTac fairly often and have never paid that much or had it take that long. but is always good to give warning of 'worst case scenario' i guess.

Last month we spent a night at Inn at Harbor Steps. It was very nice. But then we spent three nights with friends in two rooms at the Andra. We LOVED the Andra. Great choice.

Wow, that's amazing, traveler24! Was there an accident or something? That sounds very unusual, even during morning rush hour, since you're going against traffic.

plus taxis (Yellow Cab) have $28 downtown to airport posted as set a set rate painted on their window.

We'll be dropping a rent car, so cabs won't matter. Thanks for the info, though.

We don't hike, more into pretty drives, some walks, wine tasting, eating, shopping, etc. So I guess I thought Leavenworth area might have more to offer for the two night stay portion?

Is it the consensus that the best route (8 am, during the work week) to the airport is 99 to the 509? I would have just got a 5 based on a map of the area...

Thanks.

Based on your interets, Leavenworth will be a fine stop for two nights. Walking around Blackbird Island is quite enjoyable, and you do not even need a car to get to it. From your pension, it is about a block or so. The river runs through it, and if it is warm then take a towel and sit on the beach. You could also head (in a car) down Icicle Creek Rd and there is a hike, but I hate to even call it that it is so easy, that goes along the river and is very pretty. You could wander along til you felt like turning back. It is flat and very scenic. There are plenty of things in the area to do!

Geez, I meant "interests"!

The 99/509 route is shorter in both distance and time no matter what time of day, but especially during rush hour. Mapquest your hotel (or any downtown location) to the airport and see what comes up.