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Seattle TRAVEL GUIDE AND DEALS

Contrary to popular belief, Seattle is not the rainiest U.S. city (it ranks a lowly 44th in terms of rainfall). And while it may be home to Starbucks and Microsoft, it’s more than coffee and computer bytes too – the city is also rich in arts, recreation, shopping, and restaurants.

Why Go

 For coffee culture, cutting-edge architecture, and a nature-meets-steel setting that feels like a low-key version of San Francisco.

Seattle Travel Deals

Seattle Hotels

Seattle doesn’t disappoint when it comes to hotels: the city’s more than 11,000 rooms offer a variety of experiences ranging from basic to exclusive. Watch for the return of the Four Seasons in 2008 and the five-star, eco-friendly 1 Hotel & Residences in 2009. Until then, here are our favorites:

= Smart Splurge = Great Value

Ace Hotel
One of the few budget properties with personality, young hipsters love this funky, clean-lined, Belltown hotel. Warning:... budget | hostel

Days Inn Seattle Downtown
It’s clean, it’s affordable and it’s walking distance between Seattle Center and the downtown core. They... family | great location

Barclay Court
This striking, contemporary hotel is located less than a mile from downtown Seattle, across the street from Seattle... extended stay

Edgewater Hotel
Famous for its locale on the bay, the Edgewater feels like a world away from the busy city with its rustic country vibe on the... landmark | waterfront

Hotel Andra
Only a few blocks away from Pike Place Market, Hotel Andra, née the Claremont Hotel, was totally renovated (in April... boutique

Inn at the Market
Cute and quiet, yet smack dab in the middle of one of Seattle’s main attractions, Pike Place Market, the Inn at the... boutique

Silver Cloud Hotel Stadium
Just steps from Safeco and Qwest stadiums, with an outdoor pool overlooking Safeco field, this property is a sports-lovers... great value | great location

Bellevue Club
One of the major perks of staying here, especially if you are a health fanatic, is that all guests have access to the many... gym

Hotel 1000
Seattle’s hottest hi-tech hotel has 40-inch LCD TV’s (featuring your choice of art when off) and tubs that fill... expensive | modern

Hotel Monaco Seattle
This whimsical boutique, exceptionally located by Pike Place Market and Pioneer Square, is a cutting-edge business hotel that...

Hotel Sorrento
Located high on First Hill, this extravagant boutique, dating back to 1909, was built to resemble an Italian Villa. Besides... smart splurge

The Fairmont Olympic Hotel
Two words: World class. Without being over-the-top flashy or stuffy, the Fairmont Olympic (listed on the National Register of... smart splurge | history | expensive

W Seattle
Dark wood and subdued colors define 426 sophisticated, city-view rooms, each well-appointed with creature comforts (Bliss bath... expensive | pet-friendly | business center

Ace Hotel
One of the few budget properties with personality, young hipsters love this funky, clean-lined, Belltown hotel. Warning:... trendy | hostel

Days Inn Seattle Downtown
It’s clean, it’s affordable and it’s walking distance between Seattle Center and the downtown core. They... family | great location

Ace Hotel
One of the few budget properties with personality, young hipsters love this funky, clean-lined, Belltown hotel. Warning:... budget | hostel

Barclay Court
This striking, contemporary hotel is located less than a mile from downtown Seattle, across the street from Seattle... extended stay

Edgewater Hotel
Famous for its locale on the bay, the Edgewater feels like a world away from the busy city with its rustic country vibe on the... landmark | waterfront

Hotel Andra
Only a few blocks away from Pike Place Market, Hotel Andra, née the Claremont Hotel, was totally renovated (in April... boutique

Inn at the Market
Cute and quiet, yet smack dab in the middle of one of Seattle’s main attractions, Pike Place Market, the Inn at the... boutique

Silver Cloud Hotel Stadium
Just steps from Safeco and Qwest stadiums, with an outdoor pool overlooking Safeco field, this property is a sports-lovers... great value | great location

Bellevue Club
One of the major perks of staying here, especially if you are a health fanatic, is that all guests have access to the many... gym

Hotel 1000
Seattle’s hottest hi-tech hotel has 40-inch LCD TV’s (featuring your choice of art when off) and tubs that fill... expensive | modern

Hotel Monaco Seattle
This whimsical boutique, exceptionally located by Pike Place Market and Pioneer Square, is a cutting-edge business hotel that...

Hotel Sorrento
Located high on First Hill, this extravagant boutique, dating back to 1909, was built to resemble an Italian Villa. Besides... smart splurge

The Fairmont Olympic Hotel
Two words: World class. Without being over-the-top flashy or stuffy, the Fairmont Olympic (listed on the National Register of... smart splurge | history | expensive

W Seattle
Dark wood and subdued colors define 426 sophisticated, city-view rooms, each well-appointed with creature comforts (Bliss bath... expensive | pet-friendly | business center

Seattle Restaurants

Seattle benefits from the fresh seafood and bountiful harvests of the Pacific Northwest. Today’s menus go way beyond the surf ‘n turf days of old with young chefs incorporating European and Asian influences alongside their own unique touches. Enjoy Seattle’s cuisine with a glass of Washington’s award winning wines.

= Smart Splurge = Great Value

Aqua Verde Paddle Club and Café
Enjoy healthy Mexican food before or after you go for a paddle on Portage Bay. Lunch is served cafeteria style –... family | mexican

Dick's Drive-In Restaurants
Even Bill Gates is known to make a pit stop at this burger joint from 1954. Now with five locations, their burgers, fries, and... family | burgers

Lark
Named 2007 Best Chef – Northwest by the James Beard Foundation, John Sundstrom turns out savory, smallish-plates in this... notable chef | contemporary

Sea Garden Restaurant
Enjoy Cantonese-style seafood dishes before or after a Seahawks or Mariners game (the stadiums are nearby). Dim sum is served... family | chinese

Tavolata
Ethan Stowell has another hit on his hands (Union being the first one) at this Italian eatery. Come for homemade pasta dishes... italian | communal dining

The Oceanaire Seafood Room
This retro, casually sophisticated supper club flies in fresh fish from around the world. Waiters with big platters serve... smart splurge | seafood

Aqua Verde Paddle Club and Café
Enjoy healthy Mexican food before or after you go for a paddle on Portage Bay. Lunch is served cafeteria style –... family | mexican

Dick's Drive-In Restaurants
Even Bill Gates is known to make a pit stop at this burger joint from 1954. Now with five locations, their burgers, fries, and... family | burgers

Lark
Named 2007 Best Chef – Northwest by the James Beard Foundation, John Sundstrom turns out savory, smallish-plates in this... notable chef | contemporary

Sea Garden Restaurant
Enjoy Cantonese-style seafood dishes before or after a Seahawks or Mariners game (the stadiums are nearby). Dim sum is served... family | chinese

Tavolata
Ethan Stowell has another hit on his hands (Union being the first one) at this Italian eatery. Come for homemade pasta dishes... italian | communal dining

The Oceanaire Seafood Room
This retro, casually sophisticated supper club flies in fresh fish from around the world. Waiters with big platters serve... smart splurge | seafood