sludick

I know that prices for hotels rocket up in summertime in Seattle, but I've been stalking hotel prices for quite a while for September 20-22 downtown and it's just out of sight. Had been hoping to get something Priceline for under $100 for a 4 star (based on reported bids), but am failing at closer to $200. Likewise even at the airport 10/7-8, while normally I can get an airport hotel on Priceline for around $50-60.

So, just curious - is there some special event around that time? I am seeing hotels sold out even at rack rates. Just no inventory. You guys partying?

happytrailstoyou

There is a Seahawks game on September 22, and there may be other events during this desirable time of year in Seattle.

HTtY

Gardyloo

The Mariners will be in the last days of their pennant run.

sludick

I've booked the Roosevelt as a back-up hotel at a $161 rate. But, given its (I think) closeness to the Light Rail and general area, and also that it is (again, I think) more of a boutique hotel with some character, maybe this is better than saving some money on Priceline.

Any thoughts? Are my thoughts correct? Not sure how much better we are likely to do on Priceline, although we have a lot of time yet.

P.S. In my vacation planning I do like to include one historic hotel with character, although not to the point of sacrificing cleanliness and basic comfort for the sake of authenticity.

SeaF

I stayed at the Roosevelt a few years back (5?) in Aug about $145 a night, so you're price is not bad. Bumbershoot was going on at the time. It was a really good location, very close to shopping/dining & not far from Pike Place Market. I would stay there again. The staff were nice.
I used quickbook.com to reserve.

happytrailstoyou

The Mayflower is a hotel to check out for history.

The nearby Warwick sometimes has good rates.

HTtY

sludick

SeaF - thanks for the insight and the quickbook.com idea. I am torn between sticking with this and bidding again on Priceline as the date comes close. Temptation may win out, but I will set my high bid low enough to make it worthwhile.

htty - appreciate that recommendation as well, thanks. I almost booked the Paramount, but backed off as the rate was higher and I was really looking for a back-up. But those two look very nice, and the Warwick has some good package rates going. We shall see.

Thanks!

cferrb

Thanks for the chuckle, Gardyloo.

sludick

Hey, btw - we stayed at Roosevelt Hotel (a Coast property). It is a historic hotel in a great location, maybe a block from the Light Rail. Easy walk to Pike Place Market, directly across from an indoor mall. Just didn't find much in the way of breakfast or good seafood places.

We got our rental car from a Budget site on 7th, an easy walk also - no hills or traffic challenges.

Priceline never worked out for this timeframe. In retrospect I would recommend getting a "safety hotel" earlier, for a bit of a better price. Otherwise, no car needed and this is a great spot to catch public transportation when needed.

happytrailstoyou

Thanks for the update. I understand the problem finding breakfast downtown, but I'm surprised you didn't tap into any of the great seafood which abounds here.

HTtY

sludick

We ate at the Athenian in Pike Place Market - ok but a bit disappointing. DH was having some foot pain, which ended up limiting our wandering a bit (he just went to the podiatrist and it turns out he has to have foot surgery).

The best close place for breakfast was in the nearby Sheraton (Daily Grill, I think). Had blueberry pancakes that were so stuffed with fresh berries that the batter was basically just holding them all together. Very good, but still a hotel restaurant.

The best seafood on our trip? Alderwood smoked salmon from Pike Place Market, steamed clams and raw oysters at Rodneys in Vancouver, halibut at the Blue Crab in Victoria and cioppino at the Schooner in Tofino. Yum....

Katzgar

the Athenians oyster omelette is great.

sludick

Would that be a Hangtown Fry? I haven't had one of those for years! Sorry I missed that one.