Seattle in May
 

I have reservations for a suite at the Moore Hotel. Does anyone know anything about this place? I am wondering what the weather is usually like in May, and which of the ferries is the most scenic. Any thoughts on the views from the Space Needle vs. the Columbia Seafirst Center Bldg? How about the trip to Tillicum Village, is it worth the trip? Any suggestions would be great. We also want to take a side trip for 2 days, which would be better, Leavenworth or Vancouver. Thanks for your responses.

Not that it's been that much of a winter, but the weather usually is pretty decent in May. One of the best views is from the top of Queen Anne Hill - don't really need to pay to see it. Sidetrips depends on what you want. Vancouver is a very nice cosmopolitan city about 4.5 hours away. Leavenworth is a fake quaint Germanic village over the Cascades. Driving over the mountains is worth the trip though. Look into Sun Mountain Lodge in Winthrop. Don't bother with Tillcum Village. Any of the ferries are scenic. But it really all depens on what you want to see!

Why the Moore? It's kind of seedy, and I think that's why the rates are so low compared to other downtown hotels. An acquaintance of mine landed there a few years ago (drawn by the low rates) and he was definitely not happy...he moved after one night. I think you'd be better served getting a regular room somewhere else rather than springing for a suite there. It does have a great location, though, so if you're a backpacker type traveler and are using it as an alternative to staying at a hostel, it might be just fine for you. <BR> <BR>To be fair, this was a few years ago, and I haven't stayed there personally (although I did see the room back then). Maybe they've done a renovation or something since then.

Call the HI-Seattle Hostel. <BR>1 block to Pike Place Market, <BR>1 block to Seattle Art Museum, overlooks Elliot Bay(and the Ferries). <BR>Small dorms are about $16 and private rooms are about $40. No smoking or drinking. <BR>1-888-622-5443 <BR>www.hiseattle.org

You'll find the scenery to be equally beautiful on either but the Seattle-Winslow (Bainbridge Island) ferry is only an hour round trip vs. two for the Seattle-Bremerton run. Weather will probably determine your choice here. It will almost certainly be grayish with temperatures ranging from 45 to 65 degrees. Vancouver might be a better bet than Leavenworth if you're looking for more to do. Couple of other recs: the Elliott Bay Bookstore in Pioneer Square; the Folklife Festival (sometime in May); and if you're outdoorsy check out the REI flagship store complete with climbing wall. Have a great time.