Seattle Visit April
Mar 9th, 2015, 07:29 AM
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Seattle Visit April
My husband and daughter are headed up to Seattle in April for a college visit (Seattle Pacific U). They will be in town for 4 days/3 nights.
The school has a list of hotels it recommends for the visit - of those I was wondering if there was any feedback on these hotels and if there are any recommendations for their off time?
They would like to explore the city ... both have been to Seattle a few times but it has been a number of years for my husband. (Our daughter has gone with my parents...)
A recommendation for a dinner place with good seafood/view for their Friday night would be great!
Lake Union Courtyard Marriott
925 Westlake Ave. N.
Seattle, WA 98109
206-213-0100
800-321-2211 (toll free)
Two miles from campus.
Marriott SpringHill Suites,
Downtown Seattle
1800 Yale Avenue
Seattle, WA 98101
206-254-0500
Three miles from campus.
Marriott Residence Inn-Lake Union
800 Fairview Avenue North
Seattle, WA 98109
206-624-6000
800-331-3131 (toll free)
The school has a list of hotels it recommends for the visit - of those I was wondering if there was any feedback on these hotels and if there are any recommendations for their off time?
They would like to explore the city ... both have been to Seattle a few times but it has been a number of years for my husband. (Our daughter has gone with my parents...)
A recommendation for a dinner place with good seafood/view for their Friday night would be great!
Lake Union Courtyard Marriott
925 Westlake Ave. N.
Seattle, WA 98109
206-213-0100
800-321-2211 (toll free)
Two miles from campus.
Marriott SpringHill Suites,
Downtown Seattle
1800 Yale Avenue
Seattle, WA 98101
206-254-0500
Three miles from campus.
Marriott Residence Inn-Lake Union
800 Fairview Avenue North
Seattle, WA 98109
206-624-6000
800-331-3131 (toll free)
Mar 9th, 2015, 07:49 AM
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We did 2 of these:
http://www.seattlefreewalkingtours.org/
This was great -
http://www.empmuseum.org/
Interesting and fun -
http://undergroundtour.com/
Pike Market is a must
We like Kimptons, there are several in the city to pick from.
http://www.seattlefreewalkingtours.org/
This was great -
http://www.empmuseum.org/
Interesting and fun -
http://undergroundtour.com/
Pike Market is a must
We like Kimptons, there are several in the city to pick from.
Mar 9th, 2015, 07:59 AM
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Chihuly Garden and Glass , Space Needle and the Music experience are all near each other.
If they have a full day free - a drive to Mt Rainer is wonderful too.
An amazing dinner with excellent food and unbelievable [at least to this desert girl] views -
http://www.edgewaterhotel.com/seattl...estaurant.aspx
For a fun boat ride and a great brunch or any meal --
Salty's on Alki Beach
http://saltys.com/seattle
If they have a full day free - a drive to Mt Rainer is wonderful too.
An amazing dinner with excellent food and unbelievable [at least to this desert girl] views -
http://www.edgewaterhotel.com/seattl...estaurant.aspx
For a fun boat ride and a great brunch or any meal --
Salty's on Alki Beach
http://saltys.com/seattle
Mar 9th, 2015, 08:05 AM
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Mar 9th, 2015, 08:09 AM
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A couple of comments...
First, the hotels listed are fine, nothing remarkable. The Courtyard and Residence Inn are both located at the south end of Lake Union, a mile or so north of the main downtown retail core; the Springhill property is a little closer to "the action," but in a rather trafficky and under-developed part of downtown with respect to restaurants etc.
Second is the question of transportation. While Seattle's public transportation system is pretty good, it's very much a "hub-and-spoke" setup, with everything converging on downtown and radiating out from there. There are a number of "cross-town" bus lines to be sure, but many visitors find it annoying to have to travel downtown to change a bus to go anywhere else. So big question, do they plan on having a car for the visit?
In my view, given that they want to "explore," I'd recommend getting a car. Another reason for having a car is that while this has been a VERY weird winter - unusually warm, no snow in the mountains - April can be wet, and a car provides both shelter and transport. You can certainly survive in Seattle for three days without a car, but the car can be cost-effective too, considering the cost of taxis or limos from the airport to the city and back, plus dropping $5 for every one-way bus ride, never mind the time suck.
So back to the hotel. Parking at downtown hotels is pricey, but there are a couple that have free parking AND local shuttles.
The first one that comes to mind is the Silver Cloud on Lake Union. http://www.silvercloud.com/seattlelakeunion/ The Silver Cloud (a highly regarded regional chain) is a couple of blocks north of the Residence Inn on Lake Union. Most rooms have nice views of Lake Union (houseboats, float planes) and there are several decent restaurants on the lake shore across the street from the hotel (and mayba a block's walk.) Down the street (in front of the Residence Inn) is the terminus of the South Lake Union Streetcar which goes to the downtown core (walk to Pike Place Market, Seattle Center/Space Needle monorail, etc.)
The Silver Cloud has free parking and a free local shuttle bus that will take you downtown and to Seattle Center if you don't want to drive and pay for parking.
The same goes for another good hotel, the Maxwell, in the Lower Queen Anne district - http://www.themaxwellhotel.com - free parking, local shuttle. Also an excellent property; it's walkable from any number of cafes and restaurants in the neighborhood, and a block from Seattle Center.
The Silver Cloud or Residence Inn will be around a 10 min. drive from SPU's campus; the Maxwell a little less, both depending on traffic.
As for a Friday night dinner place, with a car (and quite close to SPU) I'd go for Chinook's - https://www.anthonys.com/restaurants...-at-salmon-bay - a fun and affordable place at Seattle's Fishermen's Terminal. You can look out on the commercial fishing fleet (a lot of Alaska boats moored here) and walk out the piers after your meal.
Here's a map showing the various locations. There are various driving route options, of course. http://goo.gl/maps/vJ585
A car would also allow them to do a little exploring if they're interested. Maybe head up to the tulip fields in the Skagit Valley an hour north of town (early bloom this year but probably still quite showy in mid-April) or maybe Whidbey Island (or both for a long day.) Snoqualmie Falls is impressive in the spring (well, most springs) and is only 40 min. from Seattle, or they could visit Bainbridge or Vashon Islands, both reached by ferry from Seattle. Lots to see and do.
Hope this helps.
First, the hotels listed are fine, nothing remarkable. The Courtyard and Residence Inn are both located at the south end of Lake Union, a mile or so north of the main downtown retail core; the Springhill property is a little closer to "the action," but in a rather trafficky and under-developed part of downtown with respect to restaurants etc.
Second is the question of transportation. While Seattle's public transportation system is pretty good, it's very much a "hub-and-spoke" setup, with everything converging on downtown and radiating out from there. There are a number of "cross-town" bus lines to be sure, but many visitors find it annoying to have to travel downtown to change a bus to go anywhere else. So big question, do they plan on having a car for the visit?
In my view, given that they want to "explore," I'd recommend getting a car. Another reason for having a car is that while this has been a VERY weird winter - unusually warm, no snow in the mountains - April can be wet, and a car provides both shelter and transport. You can certainly survive in Seattle for three days without a car, but the car can be cost-effective too, considering the cost of taxis or limos from the airport to the city and back, plus dropping $5 for every one-way bus ride, never mind the time suck.
So back to the hotel. Parking at downtown hotels is pricey, but there are a couple that have free parking AND local shuttles.
The first one that comes to mind is the Silver Cloud on Lake Union. http://www.silvercloud.com/seattlelakeunion/ The Silver Cloud (a highly regarded regional chain) is a couple of blocks north of the Residence Inn on Lake Union. Most rooms have nice views of Lake Union (houseboats, float planes) and there are several decent restaurants on the lake shore across the street from the hotel (and mayba a block's walk.) Down the street (in front of the Residence Inn) is the terminus of the South Lake Union Streetcar which goes to the downtown core (walk to Pike Place Market, Seattle Center/Space Needle monorail, etc.)
The Silver Cloud has free parking and a free local shuttle bus that will take you downtown and to Seattle Center if you don't want to drive and pay for parking.
The same goes for another good hotel, the Maxwell, in the Lower Queen Anne district - http://www.themaxwellhotel.com - free parking, local shuttle. Also an excellent property; it's walkable from any number of cafes and restaurants in the neighborhood, and a block from Seattle Center.
The Silver Cloud or Residence Inn will be around a 10 min. drive from SPU's campus; the Maxwell a little less, both depending on traffic.
As for a Friday night dinner place, with a car (and quite close to SPU) I'd go for Chinook's - https://www.anthonys.com/restaurants...-at-salmon-bay - a fun and affordable place at Seattle's Fishermen's Terminal. You can look out on the commercial fishing fleet (a lot of Alaska boats moored here) and walk out the piers after your meal.
Here's a map showing the various locations. There are various driving route options, of course. http://goo.gl/maps/vJ585
A car would also allow them to do a little exploring if they're interested. Maybe head up to the tulip fields in the Skagit Valley an hour north of town (early bloom this year but probably still quite showy in mid-April) or maybe Whidbey Island (or both for a long day.) Snoqualmie Falls is impressive in the spring (well, most springs) and is only 40 min. from Seattle, or they could visit Bainbridge or Vashon Islands, both reached by ferry from Seattle. Lots to see and do.
Hope this helps.
Mar 9th, 2015, 10:27 AM
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We stayed at the Marriott Residence Inn-Lake Union several years ago. Typical Residence Inn, but we had a room with a small balcony facing Lake Union and enjoyed watching the sea planes landing on the lake.
We spent three days in Olympic National Park and dropped off our car as soon as we arrived in Seattle. We used the South Lake Union Streetcar which Gardyloo mentioned above to get to the downtown area.
Deb mentioned Etta's which was probably my favorite lunch stop.
We spent three days in Olympic National Park and dropped off our car as soon as we arrived in Seattle. We used the South Lake Union Streetcar which Gardyloo mentioned above to get to the downtown area.
Deb mentioned Etta's which was probably my favorite lunch stop.
Mar 9th, 2015, 11:40 AM
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The Hampton Inn at 700 5th Avenue North is worth considering. There are many restaurants in the area and it is also near Seattle Center (where the Space Needle is located).
Some of our best seafood restaurants do not have water views. Those with water views include McCormick and Schmick's Harborside, Ponti, Ray's Cafe, Ray's Boathouse, Salty's on Alki Beach, Six Seven, and Anthony's Pier 66.
Anthony's Pier 66 and the more casual Anthony's Bell Street Diner (which we prefer) are on the Seattle waterfront and free parking is provided.
HTtY
Some of our best seafood restaurants do not have water views. Those with water views include McCormick and Schmick's Harborside, Ponti, Ray's Cafe, Ray's Boathouse, Salty's on Alki Beach, Six Seven, and Anthony's Pier 66.
Anthony's Pier 66 and the more casual Anthony's Bell Street Diner (which we prefer) are on the Seattle waterfront and free parking is provided.
HTtY
Mar 9th, 2015, 12:23 PM
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Restaurants: Chinook's is an excellent recommendation. (are you in my neighborhood, Gardyloo?) It is our neighborhood restaurant. While it is owned by the same people who one Anthony's, the food is much, much better. The worst Anthony's I've been to is Pier 66 and the Bell Street Diner.
Ponti's is close to SPU, but I find their food - and service - to be very inconsistent. Ray's is another good recommendation.
Salty's on Alki has a nice view, but their food is mediocre.
Hotels: I'd go for one of the hotels in the Lake Union area. The SIlvercloud is a good recommendation as is the Residence Inn. The courtyard has seen better days, though I'm sure it is fine.
The Maxwell or other hotels on Lower Queen Anne are good options, though the neighborhood is a bit rough at night with drunks stirring up trouble, though usually not until after midnight. In the day time it's a vibrant, walkable area.
Things to see: It all depends upon your interests, of course, but if they've been to Seattle previously, they've like been to the Market. The relatively new Chihully Glass museum is truly stunning. Do choose a day when the rain is light as the garden is perhaps the most beautiful part.
Ponti's is close to SPU, but I find their food - and service - to be very inconsistent. Ray's is another good recommendation.
Salty's on Alki has a nice view, but their food is mediocre.
Hotels: I'd go for one of the hotels in the Lake Union area. The SIlvercloud is a good recommendation as is the Residence Inn. The courtyard has seen better days, though I'm sure it is fine.
The Maxwell or other hotels on Lower Queen Anne are good options, though the neighborhood is a bit rough at night with drunks stirring up trouble, though usually not until after midnight. In the day time it's a vibrant, walkable area.
Things to see: It all depends upon your interests, of course, but if they've been to Seattle previously, they've like been to the Market. The relatively new Chihully Glass museum is truly stunning. Do choose a day when the rain is light as the garden is perhaps the most beautiful part.
Mar 9th, 2015, 01:24 PM
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How much free time will they have? Are they doing just one college tour at SPU or hitting some of the other local universities?
One thing we enjoy doing is kayaking, and Kayak Alki opens their West Seattle location in time for their trip. If they can book an evening sunset tour, I highly recommend it! SO much fun! Maybe also do a SUP rental.
When we have visitors, they all seem to really like Ivar's Salmon House. If it is a warm day (April is usually iffy, but like this weekend, it was unseasonably warm, so who knows), you can sit outside. Even if you are inside, it is fun to watch the seaplanes come and go, and of course boats pull right up to the dock at the restaurant.
The Chihuly garden is amazing! They have tickets where you can combine that with the Space Needle, so they may enjoy doing that.
The Great Wheel is fairly new, and fun. I would only recommend it if it is a clear day though.
Have they done an Underground Tour?
What about a Seattle Mariner's game? Those are a lot of fun!!!
One thing we enjoy doing is kayaking, and Kayak Alki opens their West Seattle location in time for their trip. If they can book an evening sunset tour, I highly recommend it! SO much fun! Maybe also do a SUP rental.
When we have visitors, they all seem to really like Ivar's Salmon House. If it is a warm day (April is usually iffy, but like this weekend, it was unseasonably warm, so who knows), you can sit outside. Even if you are inside, it is fun to watch the seaplanes come and go, and of course boats pull right up to the dock at the restaurant.
The Chihuly garden is amazing! They have tickets where you can combine that with the Space Needle, so they may enjoy doing that.
The Great Wheel is fairly new, and fun. I would only recommend it if it is a clear day though.
Have they done an Underground Tour?
What about a Seattle Mariner's game? Those are a lot of fun!!!
It is the Acres of Clams that is temporarily closed.
Mar 9th, 2015, 02:45 PM
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Argh! It must be the Acres of Clams then as I am sure it was Ivar's.
Thought of another great spot -
http://www.jazzalley.com/www-home/
Thought of another great spot -
http://www.jazzalley.com/www-home/
Mar 9th, 2015, 07:55 PM
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oh this is all great! thank you so much!
I should see if the Mariners are in town for that Friday night. They get in late on Wed. - she has only been accepted to SPU up there so they are not going to any other schools.. it is an "Admitted students" preview. She will hear from the UC schools this week... (15th) and is still waiting on one other private school but SPU seems to remain her number one choice (she LOVES Seattle)...
They will rent a car...I am super sad I cannot make the trip..but if she ends up doing there I will certainly get to visit!!
the kayaking is right up their alley - I will share about that!
No they have not done an underground tour... I will check that out too.
I should see if the Mariners are in town for that Friday night. They get in late on Wed. - she has only been accepted to SPU up there so they are not going to any other schools.. it is an "Admitted students" preview. She will hear from the UC schools this week... (15th) and is still waiting on one other private school but SPU seems to remain her number one choice (she LOVES Seattle)...
They will rent a car...I am super sad I cannot make the trip..but if she ends up doing there I will certainly get to visit!!
the kayaking is right up their alley - I will share about that!
No they have not done an underground tour... I will check that out too.
