Hi, My husband and I are traveling across the country to Seattle and would like to know what we should plan to do to make the most of our three full days there. We'd like to really get to know the people, so I wondered if there was a bed & breakfast...or local hotel (not a chain hotel) to really get a feel for the area. We've never been to that area of the country before and are really looking forward to it! Thanks for any info!

Sure you can come to my neighborhood(!) Capitol Hill.

There are loads of B&B's around. Put "Seattle B&B" in a Google search and lots of listings pop up. Including a couple huge old mansions now converted.

Capitol Hill would be perfect for what you describe. Plenty of shops, restaurants, cafes, a nice park, etc. It's only 2-3 miles from downtown but has a very neighborhood-y feel about it.

If you'd rather stay right downtown, The Mayflower Park Hotel is classic. Great location reasonably priced. Just a few blocks from Pike Place Market.

I don't think you'll get to know the locals by staying in a B&B or local hotel because they tend to be frequented by out-of-towners.

However, the location of a hostelry would be a factor in getting to know the city, and The Mayflower (and other hotels near The Mayflower) are good for that.

You'd likely be able to chat up some locals in any of the many independent coffee houses though.

I'll check out the Mayflower. That's a great idea... to talk to locals in coffee shops. Thanks.

You can 'chat up' locals right here on Fodors...lots of us from Seattle. My thought would be to walk along the waterfront (interesting parks and shops), then hike the stairs to Pike's Street Market, then , if there's time, walk on down to the Acquarium (are you a walker?) or the other way to the Ferry Terminal and 'walk on' to Whidbey Island, or drive up to Snoqualmie Falls and have a wonderful breakfast, go to the Museum of Flight if you are interested (it's wonderful) and have a look at our way of life, then decide, if you want to live here, most days are overcast, but cool,we have terrible traffic but low crime, damp in winter and dark in evening, summers are absolutely glorious...just depends on what you like...lots of people love it, some can't wait to get away to sunnier climates. Hope you enjoy your visit.

We took Suze's recommendation for the Mayflower and stayed there this weekend. Loved it! We knew the location was good as we used to live in the area. But the hotel itself was perfect in every way. We even have it booked for another upcoming stay.

mms~~ THANKS so much for posting that!! i'm happy to hear things worked out at the Mayflower. i don't know why exactly, but something about that hotel is just perfect. since i live here i've not stayed in the rooms, just walk by it often, and have spent a lot of time in the bar (lol) and at parties in the lobby lounge, etc.

Suze--Our room was very, very nice. Beautifully decorated, absolutely no wear and tear, fantastic layout, truly no complaints at all. Oliver's made a really good cappuccino, and then later I had few really good Razz Cosmo's. We already booked the hotel for another stay, lol! Next time we come, you can come visit our room

you're funny, thanks for the invitation. i have a friend who stays there on business and he did mention some of the rooms were nicer than others (he got a noisy one by an elevator shaft one time, but they moved him when he asked).

oops sorry to hijack your thread... Musictub, but then again here you are getting to know locals already!

No problem Suze, I enjoyed reading it! (It made me smile!)

I've got a new favorite to add to the list of "must do" places in Seattle.

The Smith Tower. You can go to the Chinese Room and observation deck on the 35th floor ($7.50 adult). I was there for the first time ever at a party this weekend and it was FANTASTIC. WhA unique treat! Check it out www.smithtower.com

Suze--Is that the place with the womens bathroom with a view?

Not Suze, but no - the famous loo with a view is in the Tower Club at the Columbia Center aka BofA Tower.

Thats right, Gardyloo, thanks! I have not been there, but family has told us about it.

Are you guys serious? A women's room with a view?
PS How's my husband supposed to see that?!?

Well, when my law firm used to have parties there, after a few drinks, we'd let the guys come in with us to see. Obviously we weren't the only ones doing that because eventually the club put up a sign on the door of the ladies' room that said "please, no men allowed" or something like that, it was pretty funny.

Absolutely serious I know my brother checked it out, lol!

Been to that loely ladies room...and it has full length glass in front of the 'throne'...but is only one way, i.e., can look out but not in..lots of people try to get in to that room for a 'look/see' but they are pretty controlling about whom they let in. We were there for a Company function...what a trip.

http://www.bestrestroom.com/rest_fame_ctower.html