The conference we are attending in a few months is at the Sheraton (I think it's 1400 Sixth Ave) but the Sheraton has gotten so-so reviews on this site. Can any of you recommend another hotel VERY close by that might be nicer? Conference rate at the Sheraton is $200.

Would be great if we could find something smaller, posher, that might even serve breakfast included with the room rate?

topping - anyone?

There are sevweral Kimpton properties in downtown Seattle (Monaco, Vintage Park, etc.) that probably would fill the bill. Price will depend on exact timing, events in town, cruise line bookings (May-Sept.) and other factors. The Sheraton is quite central, and buses in downtown are free, so there's really no place that's terribly inconvenient to the conference. Use Expedia, Priceline, or other online resources. My first choice would be Inn at the Market but if the Sheraton conference rate is $200 then it must be a big conference or conflicting with other activities; that's a lot for a convention rate in Seattle.

The Seattle Hilton is at 1301 6th Ave., but I don't think it's gotten rave reviews. Maybe it's cheaper, though.

I think the Westin has gotten great reviews, but it's obviously not that close - at 1900 5th Ave. When I've walked that distance, though, it seemed to go quickly.

The Crowne Plaza has gotten pretty good reviews and it's at 1113 Sixth Avenue.

I haven't stayed at any of these.

However, I have stayed at the Summerfield Suites (1011 Pike Street) and I highly recommend it. You get a nice suite that is as large as many 1-bedroom apartments and a pretty good buffet breakfast. It's several blocks away, but again the walk is fast.

I should add - if you are interested in trying to save as much as possible while controlling your location, Hotwire might work for you. Check out betterbidding.com if you want assistance figuring out what the hotel matches on Hotwire are. Priceline's 4* hotels in Seattle are more expensive than many other cities (although probably still a good deal) and of course you do not have any control over where you end up.

Also, check out seattlesupersaver.com - there are pretty good rates and you can select your hotel.

We stayed at the Elliott Grand Hyatt when my husband attended a convention last summer (2003) at the convention center & Sheraton. The Hyatt is not small but it is very nice and it is essentially next door to the Sheraton. We got a better rate on Orbitz than what the "convention" rate was (the conference had room rates negotiated at several nearby hotels). I have heard that people have also been able to get this hotel on priceline. Highly recommend.