Seattle questions
Jan 22nd, 2002, 10:37 AM
#1
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Seattle questions
A couple of us are flying to Seattle for a Kings/Sonics game - thank you southwest for the great fares ! 
Are there any good moderately priced hotels near the arena or near good public transport to the arena?
Also - we don't plan on renting a car but are staying an extra day for some sightseeing. If someone only has one full free day in Seattle - what should we plan?
thanks.
Are there any good moderately priced hotels near the arena or near good public transport to the arena?
Also - we don't plan on renting a car but are staying an extra day for some sightseeing. If someone only has one full free day in Seattle - what should we plan?
thanks.
Jan 22nd, 2002, 11:12 AM
#2
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Jan 22nd, 2002, 11:18 AM
#3
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Jan 22nd, 2002, 12:04 PM
#4
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The Marqueen is a hotel that is 3 blocks from the Key but I don't know what the rates are. Any hotel downtown will run you about a $7 cab ride to the Key.
For your day of sightseeing it really depends on what your interests. Some things that I think are fun are exploring Seattle Center, the Space Needle, EMP if you like music; Monorail to Westlake Center; Pike Place Market- browse the vendor stalls, shops, have lunch at Cafe Campagne, Etta's or Place Pigall down there; depending on the weather a ferry ride out to Bainbridge Island is relaxing and beautiful; head up to Queen Ann hill and eat at the 5 Spot- head north from there and wander around the shops- stop for gelato; if you are into art check out the Frye or the SAM. Wander along the waterfront- grab a bite at Ivars or the Fishermans for good seafood and great views.
Have a great time in Seattle and enjoy the game! I'll be there too! Ten Mercer is a great restaurant/bar to hit before or after the game. Appetizer menu, good cocktails and within walking distance.
For your day of sightseeing it really depends on what your interests. Some things that I think are fun are exploring Seattle Center, the Space Needle, EMP if you like music; Monorail to Westlake Center; Pike Place Market- browse the vendor stalls, shops, have lunch at Cafe Campagne, Etta's or Place Pigall down there; depending on the weather a ferry ride out to Bainbridge Island is relaxing and beautiful; head up to Queen Ann hill and eat at the 5 Spot- head north from there and wander around the shops- stop for gelato; if you are into art check out the Frye or the SAM. Wander along the waterfront- grab a bite at Ivars or the Fishermans for good seafood and great views.
Have a great time in Seattle and enjoy the game! I'll be there too! Ten Mercer is a great restaurant/bar to hit before or after the game. Appetizer menu, good cocktails and within walking distance.
Jan 22nd, 2002, 06:59 PM
#6
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Yes, Key Arena is at Seattle Center. You can ride the monorail (stops at 11 PM) back downtown after the game, passing through Paul Allen's EMP blobazoid. Hotels downtown are likely to be more costly than the small ones and chain places near Seattle Center, but you might check on deals - lots around. I assume you're coming for the Jan. 31 game?
For your free day, visit the Pike Market and take a ferry over to Bainbridge Island or Bremerton (might see a carrier arriving) and just stroll around the city. Another good reason to stay downtown rather than at the Center.
For your free day, visit the Pike Market and take a ferry over to Bainbridge Island or Bremerton (might see a carrier arriving) and just stroll around the city. Another good reason to stay downtown rather than at the Center.
Jan 22nd, 2002, 07:24 PM
#7
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Janis:
You're right, Key Arena is at Seattle Center, near the Space Needle. Seattle Center borders downtown along Denny Way. Both Downtown and Seattle Center are compact and easily walkable.
As to whether you should stay Downtown or in Lower Queen Anne (next to Key Arena) depends on personal preference. The Marqueen Hotel and The Queen Anne Inn are within a few blocks of the Key. QA Inn is literally kitty-corner from Key Arena, and the Marqueen is only a 3 minute walk away, tops. Both are older properties that have websites for you to take a closer look. Lower QA is primarily a residential neighborhood, so it's quieter than downtown, but it has everything a short-term visitor needs: several restaurants, bars, grocery stores, and a 24-hour drug store. Because it's not downtown, you'll likely pay less to stay in this neighborhood, but you can get to downtown fairly easily for site seeing, etc.
Downtown has more shopping and entertainment options (movie theaters, bars, etc.), and is generally more exciting for visitors.
Wherever you stay, I would recommend NOT wasting money on a cab just to go to Key Arena. If you're in downtown, Key Arena is about a 15-minute walk from Westlake Center (heart of downtown). If you don't want to walk,(understandable if the weather is bad) at Westlake Center you can board the Monorail for a quick 90-second ride to Seattle Center. I believe it's under $2 one-way. This is your best option, because the service runs every few minutes, and it is not delayed by street traffic. Also, several Metro buses can drop you off in front of Key Arena (the #s 1, 2, 13, among others). You can catch these on Third Avenue, heading northbound.
Finally, be forewarned that if you do take a street option (either bus or cab) traffic gets bad around game time. Most games start around 7pm, and commuter traffic combines with game traffic to form a bottleneck along 1st Avenue (the street Key Arena is on). When I lived on Upper Queen Anne, I took the bus past the Key every night, and I always knew when a game was scheduled because of the standstill traffic. Save yourself the hassle and aggravation by either taking the Monorail or walking.
Go Sonics!
You're right, Key Arena is at Seattle Center, near the Space Needle. Seattle Center borders downtown along Denny Way. Both Downtown and Seattle Center are compact and easily walkable.
As to whether you should stay Downtown or in Lower Queen Anne (next to Key Arena) depends on personal preference. The Marqueen Hotel and The Queen Anne Inn are within a few blocks of the Key. QA Inn is literally kitty-corner from Key Arena, and the Marqueen is only a 3 minute walk away, tops. Both are older properties that have websites for you to take a closer look. Lower QA is primarily a residential neighborhood, so it's quieter than downtown, but it has everything a short-term visitor needs: several restaurants, bars, grocery stores, and a 24-hour drug store. Because it's not downtown, you'll likely pay less to stay in this neighborhood, but you can get to downtown fairly easily for site seeing, etc.
Downtown has more shopping and entertainment options (movie theaters, bars, etc.), and is generally more exciting for visitors.
Wherever you stay, I would recommend NOT wasting money on a cab just to go to Key Arena. If you're in downtown, Key Arena is about a 15-minute walk from Westlake Center (heart of downtown). If you don't want to walk,(understandable if the weather is bad) at Westlake Center you can board the Monorail for a quick 90-second ride to Seattle Center. I believe it's under $2 one-way. This is your best option, because the service runs every few minutes, and it is not delayed by street traffic. Also, several Metro buses can drop you off in front of Key Arena (the #s 1, 2, 13, among others). You can catch these on Third Avenue, heading northbound.
Finally, be forewarned that if you do take a street option (either bus or cab) traffic gets bad around game time. Most games start around 7pm, and commuter traffic combines with game traffic to form a bottleneck along 1st Avenue (the street Key Arena is on). When I lived on Upper Queen Anne, I took the bus past the Key every night, and I always knew when a game was scheduled because of the standstill traffic. Save yourself the hassle and aggravation by either taking the Monorail or walking.
Go Sonics!
Jan 24th, 2002, 09:32 PM
#9
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Thanks for all the info. I had no idea everything is so close together. Since the monorail only takes 90 secs., I assume there are no stops along the way. So you can only get on/off at the two ends - correct? Do you need exact change and how often does it run?
