Hi,

Am considering 4 hotels at which to stay in Seattle next month (want a downtown location). Here are the choices and rates:

Paramount Hotel ($110-139/night)
Hotel Vintage Park ($135/night)
Warwick Hotel ($119/night)
Summerfield Suites ($129-143/night)

I have a few meetings at the Washington Athletic Club (1325 6th Ave), so being in walking distance of there is a plus, as is being able to walk to the waterfront.

Would appreciate your comments on which places you like (and why), and which represent good/best value.

Many thanks in advance.

John H.

John, I just faced a similar situation.
I'd suggest you check one other place first: the new Grand Hyatt at 7th and Pine. Appears they're having trouble filling rooms and the rates are outstanding, especially considering the quality of the hotel. Rack rates are usually around $250 but standard rooms can be had for $130+ if you're aggressive, even on weekdays.
It's a far better hotel than any you listed.
First check their internet specials for your dates (at hyatt.com). Then call the local hotel reservationist and tell him/her you are in town regularly on business and you have a rate of $135 at the Vintage Park, but you've heard from a friend that the Hyatt is really worth checking out and you'd like to stay there this time to see for yourself.
This may not work at most hotels, and won't work there if they're close to booked on your dates, but biz has been way off in Seattle, and they are hungry.
I'm pretty picky about hotels and I'm sure this one would enhance your stay in Seattle.

Thanks, Brian. Great idea! I have stayed all over the world at Hyatts, but thought the one in Seattle much too costly. Nothing ventured, nothing gained, I guess -- will give it a try both now and in the days before I will be staying).

Many thanks for the suggestion.

John H

People are hitting 4-star hotels (including the Hyatt) downtown on Priceline for $40-$75. Check at www.biddingfortravel.com for pointers and recent successes.

If you're a member of some other athletic club, check out the WAC for reciprocal deals - the rooms there are great and the location excellent.

John H:
Brian is quite right. My wife and I stayed at the Grand Hyatt on Pine Street in July. Prime location. We're seniors and paid well under $100 for a Friday night stay.
We booked on the Hyatt web site.
John
Jackson, TN

Thanks, John and John.

John H

I like the Vintage Park. They have a great wine reception each night.

Thanks, Jabez.

john h

The following is a list of 4* hotels that have appeared for past winning bids on Priceline - all are in dowtown Seattle. In recent months the Elliott Grand Hyatt has appeared more than any others and usually at really low winning bids - $40-50 range. It's Priceline so of course there is no guarantee that you'll get the Hyatt or even any of those on the list but you will get a good hotel at a good price and there's a high likelihood that it will be the Hyatt, based on recent winning bids. I stayed there for five days this past August and it's a fantastic property - really incredible and a treat to stay in. Also - very convenient location - close to the monorail and Pike's Market and a fairly easy walk to Capitol Hill.

Sheraton Hotel and Towers
Westin Hotel
W Hotel
Hotel Vintage Park
Hotel Monaco
Elliott Grand Hyatt
Alexis Hotel

The Vintage Park would be my choice. The location is perfect for being close to the WAC, shopping, and the market. They have a wonderful restaurant in the hotel called Tulio that we eat at quite often, and the rooms are beautiful.

The Paramount or Westin are my choice. Both are downtown and close to the Market, Water, Space Needle if you take the Monorail from westlake center. Check out www.expedia.com they show pictures, maps, and other details.

Thanks for the continuing suggestions.

John H

The Westin is very old and in need of a big refurb. It looks like a snapshot from 1967.

I have stayed in downtown Seattle at the Alexis more than once, and have been thrilled each time. Staff and accommodations are fantastic!

Hi,

I'm over from the UK in early December and have been recommended the 6th Avenue Inn which is downtown and I see on the street near your meeting. $80 a night.
Mike

I would certainly try Priceline before staying at a motel like the 6th Ave. Inn.

I want to thank Brian and anyone else who recommended the Grand Hyatt. we stayed there for 2 nights just after Christmas and WOW!. We had 2 roms, one with a a king size bed in what I would call a suite (although I don't think it is actually a suite) and a double for the kids. Rates were $140 and $89 for the kids's room.
This has to be one of the most beautifully decorated and comfortable rooms we have seen in this price range. The finishes and appointments, fabrics, woods, marble, granitie and onyx were just magnificent. Beautiful views from wall to wall, ceiling to floor windows, with remote control drapes. Comfortable beds! Great location. Only problem, I did not want to leave the hotel to go sightseeing.
Thanks for the recommendation.

Hi,

I am planning a trip to Seattle in July (1st - 4th in the city). I see Hilton Homewood Suties on Western Avenue on Expedia for $110/night (bay view). I have tried some of the others recommended (Sheraton, Grand Hyatt, etc.), but I have not seen anyhing like the rates talked about here. I see $200+/night, which is a lot more than I want to spend.

So, any opinions of the Homewood Suties? I am not particularly interested in a "boutique" hotel but rather a clean, spacious room with a waterview close to downtown -- and I guess near the "Waterfront." Since I've never been to Seattle, I'm not exactly sure where to look.

Any advise would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

Celiaanne, the bad news is that the location is some distance from downtown. There are some restaurants within walking distance, but not many, although tere are buses convenient to the hotel. If you have a car it's no big deal, without one it's a consideration.

The good news is that it's a new property and that's an excellent rate for July. The really good news is that if you're staying over the night of the 4th, and have a water view room, you'll have a box seat for an enormous fireworks display, shot off from a barge parked in the bay directly in front of your hotel. I'm honestly tempted to get a room for ourselves, even though we live in town, and invite all our friends over for a great view of the "4th of Jul-Ivars" show.

Took many people's advice and tried priceline for the grand hyatt. I went as high as $75 where others had succeeded. I am trying for first weekend in May-does anyone have any ideas?
thanks!!