Hi All,
I'm planning a trip to Seattle and I'm planning on staying at the Seattle Marriott Waterfront. Does anyone have any feedback on this hotel?

Also, I've never been to Seattle and would like to go up to the mountains. Going to rent a car and planning on driving up to Mount Rainier for a day trip. Is it possible to drive up to Mount Rainier and spend the day there and return to my hotel in the city the same night?

I also read about driving to Sunrise. As you can tell, I'm completely lost and would like an idea for a 5 day de-stresser trip in Seattle. I like scenic drives so I don't mind a 6+ hour drive - as long as I can come back to Seattle to sleep

Thanks in advance.

Hello---it is quite possible to drive up to Rainier and back in one day; we do it all the time. It's an hour and a half to two hours each way if there is no traffic.

You mentioned Sunrise; that is also on Mt. Rainier, on the eastern side. Paradise is on the southwestern side. Both are beautiful high meadows, covered with wildflowers in July.

When are you coming? There is still a lot of snow up there right now.

Be aware the road to Sunrise doesn't open until mid-July-check www.nps.gov/mora for more info.

Rainier is still an easy day trip, but it's been a very long time since I made it to Paradise or Sunrise in 1.5-2 hours. Due to the sprawling suburbs and traffic, I would budget at least 2.5 hours each way, and that assumes you won't be driving during rush hour.

The Marriott Waterfront is a beautiful hotel. Our room had a view of Elliott Bay. It was incredible! The room was very nicely decorated. The lounge (if you have access) has an incredible view of Mount Ranier (if it decides to "come out" that day!)
It is very close to the elevator that will take you up to Pike Place Market.
The restaurant is supposed to be very good, but I don't eat much seafood so I did not try it. Many people recommended it to me. THe bar was nice; it had some good pizza!
If you don't mind driving, you could drive to Vancouver for a day. It was a nice ride up and Vancouver seems like an interesting city (the day we went it was pouring so we did not get to see much!).
You will have an excellent time. Seattle is a great city!

I find the hotel's location a little out of the way for downtown activities, but may be worth it if you get a room with a view and plan on having a rental car anyway.

I would go across the street to Anthony's or up a few blocks somewhere in Belltown, rather than eat at the hotel restaurant. I know it gets some good comments but you can do better for your meals imo. We just had an office lunch there yesterday and it was lack-luster.

Mt Rainier is an easy 2 hour drive each direction, so a fine day trip returning to downtown.

Welcome to Seattle!

I agree with what suze has to say about the Marriott--it a very nice (but out-of-the-center) place. The hotel restaurant--Fish Cafe--is good and there are other good places nearby, such as The Waterfront and Bell Street Diner (which is cheaper).

Mt. Rainier is very doable in one day, but it is a tiring day if you drive to Sunrise and Paradise and visit other attracations in the park (waterfall, gorge, etc.).

Thanks so much for your responses. It was really helpful. I'm going to be in Seattle for the July 4th weekend so I guess I would not be able to make the trip to Sunrise
No problem though, I can always go back a little later.

Some mentioned the location of the Marriott was not that great. Could you recommend another Marriot hotel? One of the reasons I picked the Marriott is I am a platinum member so I have a better change of getting a room upgrade. Plus I will have access to the concierge lounge. Good way of banking points for a future hotel stay.

I welcome your recommendations though - I'm willing to stay at a Hilton or Sheraton hotel.

One more thing - the url posted states the road to Sunrise will be open July 1st. Would driving at that time be safe? The idea of driving in snow is not my kind of vacation.

Very nice hotel...we stayed there a few weeks ago before a cruise. They were so nice and let us check in about 10 hours early when our cruise docked...also very kind in pointing out local places to see/eat.
If you walk a block there is a elevator that takes you up....take a right and you are directly in front of the market. From there you can walk anywhere downtown.
There is also a seafood resturant across the street that was pretty good.

don't quite understand the other posts....we walked a few blocks and were right downtown.

The heart of Seattle's retail core is at 4th and Pine--about one mile from the Marriott Waterfront. The Rennaisance is a Marriott property closer to the center; however, considering everything, you will probably be better off with the waterfront location.

the Marriott Waterfront is on Elliott Bay--where there will be a big fireworks display, and it is a much newer and "classier" hotel than the Rennaisance.

Have fun.

We stayed at the Marriott Waterfront two years ago in August and LOVED it! Walking distance to lots of things, across the street from Anthony's Fish Bar (great fish & chips!), on the street car line if you want to ride for fun, great views. My husband is also platinum and they gave us a wonderful room and access to the concierge lounge which offered complimentary snacks, beverages, breakfast and desserts. We would definitely stay there again.

The name of the restaurant in the hotel is Fish Club, not Fish Cafe.
I stayed at the hotel in October and I thought the location was great. As I said earlier (and other people have said), there is an elevator that leaves you off practically at the market. I don't think location is an issue.
By the way, we were also platinum when we stayed and our room was great! They bent over backwards for us!

Your location is fine, especially for Fourth of July.

I apologize for the mistake-if the park's website said the road will open July 1st, then that is correct (this does change from year to year, and I always remembered it opening mid-July). Anyway, the driving will be perfectly safe-there will still be much snow AT Sunrise, and plowed up along the road's edges, but they keep the road clear. You will find a link, right on the park's main page, to snow levels at Paradise-I see they still have 78" of snow today, and keep in mind that Sunrise is 1000' higher up than Paradise, so you'll find more snow if you choose Sunrise. But, both places will likely still have much snow so maybe it doesn't really matter which place has more.

Good point about the 4th of July & that particular hotel!

If you can get a room and u/g at the Marriott on the 4th, I'd definitely go for it.

BTW, the Fish Club celeb chef, Todd English (not usually in residence) was selected by Cunard for the premium restaurant operation (Todd English Restaurant) on the Queen Mary 2.

Expect the city to be chock full o' human beans on the 4th.

Thanks so much for your responses. You guys definitely removed the stress of planning a vacation.

Any help for Hawaii ? I'm leaving end of August.

I stayed one night a the hotel and it was fine. I'm fussy!