Specific Hotel & Activity Help Seattle - Sheraton or Switch?
 

Hello - looking for advice and I always find it here. I will be in Seattle for work for a week in mid-March and will be flying in a few days (Sat-Mon) early to sight-see on my own. For our conference we are staying at the Sheraton. I am wondering if I should book my two first nights at the sheraton and just extend my stay there, or if I should book my two solo nights over the weekend at the Alexis and then move to the Sheraton on Monday.

I am also looking for activity ideas for my solo weekend in the city. I am a very active 30 yr. old female - I love history, great food and drink, and exploring new places. I know that my cowrorkers have some sights in mind and that we won't always agree on what to do so I figure I can see the kinds of things that I like before they arrive.
I also thought about possibly renting a car and finding a place to ski but now with the short amount of time that I have I am thinking of staying in Seattle and saving money.

ANy thoughts, opinions, and help will be appreciated - Thanks!

I LOVE the Alexis! We spent our honeymoon there and went back for our 8th anniversary. They know how to treat their clients!

It is an excellent location with a great little pub/bar for grabbing a drink or some food.

If you don't already belong, join Kimpton's free Loyalty program for some lovely perks, including possible last minute deals at the Alexis!!

guests, not clients! LOL, too early in a.m.!!

Ok great - thanks! So maybe I will move on Monday...

I should have also mentioned that I am open to other suggestions, not just the Alexis. Especially being alone, I would prefer to be very close to things. I have just read great recommendations here about the Alexis, but have also read some negative reviews elsewhere so I am not sure what to think.

Another big fan of the Alexis. We loved staying there a couple of years ago. It was a great base for exploring that part of Seattle.

The Alexis is a very nice hotel. But honestly for such a short stay, I'm not sure I would want to bother packing up and moving in the middle of it. Sheraton is in a fine location (actually a bit more 'central' than Alexis even).

Not sure if it will apply as its always subject to availability, but the Last Minute Deals at Alexis may make it worthwhile $$ wise to do a fairly easy move.

Great - thank you all for the advice!

I have stayed at both, FWIW, and they are both great. Our stay at the Alexis was several years ago, and then this summer we were at the Sheraton when we flew my mom here to visit us. I would say it is a complete toss up, so perhaps go with the one that you can get the best deal on.

For your question about activities: First, unless you or someone else is a huge ski fan, I wouldn't bother. It'll probably take a full day to get a car, drive out (I'd go to Crystal Mountain, personally, although I know Snoqualmie is a little closer), rent skis, ski, and then get back into Seattle. I think that time would be better spent in town, since you don't have much time.

You should definitely go to Pike Place Market. Wander around and get small bits of food from various vendors - our favorites are the donuts on the south end near DeLaurenti's, smoked salmon from either of the major fish vendors (they'll give you tastes - pick your favorite before buying!), chocolate covered cherries and nuts from Chukar Cherries, as well as Beecher's Cheese and Piroshky Piroshky (the smoked salmon one is the best!), both of which are on the street facing the market, not in the market itself. Many people also enjoy the Starbucks facing the market - it's (sort of) the first one.

Since you mentioned history, I'd recommend you do the Underground Tour. It's a really interesting (but funny!) history of Seattle. You'll probably be okay in March without reservations, especially since you'll be by yourself.

You might also look into the Olympic Sculpture Garden (related to the Seattle Art Museum, which I don't love) and the Space Needle and the awesome glass museum there.

Those are all great suggestions. Thanks Margotheangel!

There will be no skiing this year....sorry. the snowpack is seven percent of normal (had to spell it out to emphasize the point in case you thought I mis-typed and meant 70%) and where there is snow it is in isolated patches separated by large areas of dirt.