RevNeal, RuthC, SakeDad, and Anyone ELSE who's been to Seattle!

[AlohaPride]

Ok, so I've been searching and searching for where to stay while in Seattle. I vaguely remember that the three of you have sailed out of Seattle a few times. So....

WHERE oh WHERE did you stay pre and post cruise? How did you get around the city?

I'm asking on the HAL boards, because I know you have first hand experience with sailing with HAL out of Seattle.

[Barek]

There's a Seattle Q&A/FAQ on the West Coast Departures board, plus some other threads on that board where this has been discussed.

http://cruiseforums.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=413

The real question would be what type of stay do you want? Bare-bones bargain place (near the airport is less expensive, but then you're 20-30 minutes from downtown activities), or do you want a luxury hotel, or an affordable main-stream hotel, or a beautique hotel (which themselves range from basic to luxury).

With some guidelines on what you want, suggestions that would be a better fit can be provided.

[AlohaPride]

There's a Seattle Q&A/FAQ on the West Coast Departures board, plus some other threads on that board where this has been discussed.

http://cruiseforums.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=413

The real question would be what type of stay do you want? Bare-bones bargain place (near the airport is less expensive, but then you're 20-30 minutes from downtown activities), or do you want a luxury hotel, or an affordable main-stream hotel, or a beautique hotel (which themselves range from basic to luxury).

With some guidelines on what you want, suggestions that would be a better fit can be provided.

I've gotten lost on that thred a few times, and am really looking for some HAL specific information. Plus, I trust the people on the HAL boards :D ;)

I remember a picture that Greg took from his room he could see the ship (I think it was Seattle). I want THAT room :D lol

The price isn't that big of a deal (under $250 would be ideal, though). 3 star and up.

[AlohaPride]

I guess my question wont do me any good anyways, if they are moving the cruise terminal to another location for the 2009 season. . .

Back to square one.

[betonic]

In May we stayed at the Sheraton Downtown. It didn't have a view of the ship but it had a great location for walking around Seattle and the price was right, $149 a night.

[Travalerie]

I guess my question wont do me any good anyways, if they are moving the cruise terminal to another location for the 2009 season. . .

Back to square one.

If all goes well, we plan to be on this cruise with you! I was checking for hotels too and there is already limited availability at some of the hotels I checked out-The Fairmont is sold out, at least for 2 adults and 2 kids...Marriott Waterfront is also sold out. There are some cool boutique hotels that have availability but if I could not get the Fairmont, I figured I would save money. I have read that a lot of folks stay at the Residence Inn/Lake Union pre-cruise. There are good reviews on trip advisor and seems close enough to Seattle sights, but I have no idea how close it is to the pier. I made reservations just to make sure I had a place. I guess that is coming in Memorial Day weekend and people are booking hotels early.

[Zyzygy]

post-cruise. It is a very nice property, and Expedia was running a 20%-off special for $140 plus tax. We stayed at the Fairmont Olympic pre-cruise with in-laws who had a free night from HAL due to a suite special. The Fairmont Olympic is an outstanding, classic urban hotel, but the going rate is about $330 a night plus tax.

The Hilton and Grand Hyatt looked nice from the outside as upscale downtown hotels.

Downtown is nice, especially if one is staying for a couple of days. There are lots of upscale stores (Nordstrom, Brooks Brothers, etc.), and Pike Place Market is down the hill.

Shuttles between the downtown hotels and the cruise pier are also quite reasonable, and the GrayLine Airporter shuttle to the downtown hotels is only $11 per person.

[Barek]

I have read that a lot of folks stay at the Residence Inn/Lake Union pre-cruise. There are good reviews on trip advisor and seems close enough to Seattle sights, but I have no idea how close it is to the pier.
In Seattle, the nearest hotel to Terminal 30 (where HAL and Princess both currently dock) is about 3/4 of a mile away ... not what most would want to walk with luggage in tow. Once they move to Pier 91, it'll be even further; so anticipate needing to take a cab or a hotel shuttle the day of departure, regardless of which pier they are using next year. (there are hotels directly accross the street from pier 66, which is the other cruise terminal in Seattle - but HAL doesn't use that terminal).

Lake Union is just a little north of downtown Seattle. The hotel you mentioned is only about 3 miles from Pier 91, or 4 miles from terminal 30.

I'm not sure what would be booking up the hotels this far in advance. For Memorial Day weekend, I know there is the Folklife Festival at Seattle Center; but I wouldn't expect that to be causing hotels to book up already. Although it could just be the holiday weekend in general causing them to be booked.

[Travalerie]

In Seattle, the nearest hotel to Terminal 30 (where HAL and Princess both currently dock) is about 3/4 of a mile away ... not what most would want to walk with luggage in tow. Once they move to Pier 91, it'll be even further; so anticipate needing to take a cab or a hotel shuttle the day of departure, regardless of which pier they are using next year. (there are hotels directly accross the street from pier 66, which is the other cruise terminal in Seattle - but HAL doesn't use that terminal).

Lake Union is just a little north of downtown Seattle. The hotel you mentioned is only about 3 miles from Pier 91, or 4 miles from terminal 30.

Thanks for the information! I figured we would be taking some kind of shuttle or cab to get to the pier. 4 miles is not bad at all.

[RuthC]

I'm sorry, Mary. I'm afraid I can't help you with this one. :o It might seem like I've been everywhere, but not yet. I've never sailed out of Seattle. The only time I was there was an overnight to change planes. I stayed at the Hilton Airport---and that was in May '93!

[srm54]

We stayed at the Comfort Suites Downtown, Seattle Center on Roy St. last fall and found it to be very comfortable. It isn't overly fancy but it was clean and the prices were reasonable. It is a couple of blocks from the Space Needle so it is not too far from downtown. The best thing is it has a shuttle that could probably take you to the cruise terminal. If you stay there remember to book the shuttle ahead of time because it does get busy.

[AlohaPride]

I'm sorry, Mary. I'm afraid I can't help you with this one. :o It might seem like I've been everywhere, but not yet. I've never sailed out of Seattle. The only time I was there was an overnight to change planes. I stayed at the Hilton Airport---and that was in May '93!

Wow, I'm shocked! There is a port that Ruth hasn't sailed from! With your zillions of cruises I thought for sure you were a Seattle expert! lol :p Thanks anyway!

[SakeDad]

Like Zyzygy I had a fantastic free pre-cruise room at the Fairmont Olympic on HAL. When I first booked they said it wasn't available but through these boards I found out it was available again and my TA was able to get it for me.
I have stayed in Seattle on business a few times as I have had my tours go there and it's oneof my favorite cities in the country! For a fabulous hotel with LOADS of history try the Edgewater Hotel. A bit of a walk from downtown but not too bad if you are active, folks used to fish from their rooms!:eek:
Here is a link to several Seattle Downtown hotels.... http://maps.google.com/maps?rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&sourceid=ie7&rlz=1I7SUNA&um=1&q=hotels&near=Downtown,+Seattle,+WA&fb=1&view=text&sa=X&oi=local_group&resnum=1&ct=more-results&cd=1 It's easier for you to search and put in dates if you know them. Most downtown Seattle properties are nice, some are quaint and others even have kitchens if you like. On business we always stayed at Springhill Suites but they have changed names and prices from what I remember.
It really does depend on how close you need to be. Even Downtown has some steep hills from block to block and if you aren't willing to hike a bit you need to be willing to pay a bit more $$$. Hope this helps.
Nathan

[AlohaPride]

We also have reservations at the Residence Inn/Lake Union, I just wasn't sure if this was a good hotel.

I've been looking at the Red Lion, Westin, and Warwick hotels.

I'm also worried about transportation between the hotel, air port, and cruise terminal.

[AlohaPride]

Like Zyzygy I had a fantastic free pre-cruise room at the Fairmont Olympic on HAL. When I first booked they said it wasn't available but through these boards I found out it was available again and my TA was able to get it for me.
I have stayed in Seattle on business a few times as I have had my tours go there and it's oneof my favorite cities in the country! For a fabulous hotel with LOADS of history try the Edgewater Hotel. A bit of a walk from downtown but not too bad if you are active, folks used to fish from their rooms!:eek:
Here is a link to several Seattle Downtown hotels.... http://maps.google.com/maps?rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&sourceid=ie7&rlz=1I7SUNA&um=1&q=hotels&near=Downtown,+Seattle,+WA&fb=1&view=text&sa=X&oi=local_group&resnum=1&ct=more-results&cd=1 It's easier for you to search and put in dates if you know them. Most downtown Seattle properties are nice, some are quaint and others even have kitchens if you like. On business we always stayed at Springhill Suites but they have changed names and prices from what I remember.
It really does depend on how close you need to be. Even Downtown has some steep hills from block to block and if you aren't willing to hike a bit you need to be willing to pay a bit more $$$. Hope this helps.
Nathan

Thanks so much! I'm going to look into the Fairmont! It sounds great!

I'm still waiting to read your post about what happened on the Eurodam. My curiosity is KILLING me!

[chrismch]

We stayed in Seattle many times and the most recent in May after a cruise. We booked thru Priceline and requested a 4* for $99 and got the Downtown Sheraton.

Check current accepted bids with www.biddingfortravel (http://www.biddingfortravel). com before making your bid. Priceline breaks down Seattle into 4 sections, so you can choose the area you want to stay in. Transportation system is great in Seattle with the buses and the monorail, plus they have a fareless square for the bus system. It is also an easy walking town, pretty compact if you stay downtown near the main cruise terminal.

[arzz]

If you can afford the Fairmont I would recommend the Edgewater -- we have stayed at both hotels and I far prefer the Edgewater -- smaller and unique in every way. It is built right out on pier 67 so some of the room are literally on the water (sort of like on a cruise ship) and the bar and dining room are also on the water with absolutely stunning views. If you have a waterfront room you will not be able to see pier 30 but you will see your ship come in in the early am and leave the afternoon after your cruise from your room. If you are at pier 91, the Edgewater at pier 67 is much closer to pier 91 than the Fairmont will be. The Fairmont is old world elegance -- the Edgewater is uniquely Seattle. From the Edgewater you can walk down the waterfront and to the Pike Place market -- if you are hearty you could also walk to downtown. Downtown does not interest us as it is nothing special -- Pike place and the Seattle waterfront are.

Of course, that being said, for our next cruise out of Seattle we have booked the Sheraton due to budget considerations.:D When cruising we have also been known to book an inexpensive hotel near the airport and cab to the pier in the morning.

[NorthPhoenixGuy]

A couple of other fabulous hotels in Seattle are W and the Westin Hotel. The Westin has two very tall towers. They are round and the rooms facing Elliott Bay have fantastic views of the bay and the Olympic Mountains. They are both downtown and you can walk all over downtown Seattle from both of them. The Inn at the Market is another fabulous boutique hotel just steps from Pike Place Market. There's really no place to stay really clsoe to the piers and you wouldn't want to anyway. Being right in downtown Seattle is what its all about. Then you can just take a taxi or shuttle to and from the pier.

There's nothing at all wrong with the Farimont or the Edgewater. Both will provide you with excellent Seattle experiences.

First Avenue has some of the most fantastic restaurants in the city and it's easy walking distance from most downtown hotels.

[bepsf]

Mary--

I'm fond of boutique hotels, and I particularly enjoyed staying at Hotel Max.
http://www.hotelmaxseattle.com/

It's a nice central location - We didn't need a car since we could walk and take the monorail wherever we wanted to go, and when we needed a limo to take us to the pier, the hotel was able to take care of that for us too.

On the other hand, if you'd like to stay out where Scotty lives - friends of his have a cozy little B&B http://www.alkisunshine.com/ which is also within walking distance of many eateries on the beach in West Seattle. I suggest booking the Master Suite for the en-suite bathroom...

I hope this helps!
:)

[grannynurse]

Mary,
We stayed at the Fairmont too, mainly because HAL gave us a free room. It was nice but we didn't have much exposure to the surroundings because I had pre-booked an excursion for that evening. tried to cram too much in.
We arrived the day before and took the Dinnner train the evening before sailing. It was wasted though, as we were so tired from traveling all day that we actually fell asleep over dinner.
When we got off the Westerdam we rented a car, drove to Mt. St. Helens, and then on to the Columbia River Gorge for 3 days. It was actually the best part of our trip. The lodge in Stevenson WA was wonderful, and the Oregon side of the gorge with all it's roadside waterfall is absolutely beautiful.
Hope you and Keaka and Hannah are doing well. I was planning to grt ahold of you as we had booked the Zaandam to Hawaii for December of this year but had to cancel as I have 2 surgeries coming up starting next week.
Myra

[AlohaPride]

Thanks so much everyone! I'm going to look at ALL the hotels mentioned!! AND I'm going to look up the shuttle/car/greyline services too!

Myra, I hope your surgeries go well AND I hope you can make it out here sometime soon - OR - join me on a cruise one of these days!

[InTheWASide]

I guess my question wont do me any good anyways, if they are moving the cruise terminal to another location for the 2009 season. . .

Back to square one.

Well, in 2009, you can stay at one of a couple places that's pretty nice that is just a couple miles up the road from the new pier... AND both are also only a short walk from what I was PRETTY sure was the HAL HQ until they put the big Holland America Line sign up there which proved my theory...

About halfway up Queen Anne Hill is a place called the Mediterranean. The rooms are nice and the prices have always been good. Mini fridge (about the size of 2 HAL mini fridges), microwave, Starbucks coffee...and decaf... popcorn and some other goodies in the room. Lots of the rooms have views too and the corner ones are really cool and VERY spacious (stayed here a couple times after late night parties downtown)


Also the Homewood Suites. Haven't been there, but always heard good things.

CLOSER to the pier 91 area I'm not TOO sure, but Ballard's in that direction and has some pretty cool areas and unique food and shopping.

[hulamoon]

Aloha Pride,

My family lived in Seattle for 20 years, if I can help let me know. After all we are in the same time zone.
:)

[HAL92]

Ok, so I've been searching and searching for where to stay while in Seattle. I vaguely remember that the three of you have sailed out of Seattle a few times. So....

WHERE oh WHERE did you stay pre and post cruise? How did you get around the city?

I'm asking on the HAL boards, because I know you have first hand experience with sailing with HAL out of Seattle.

I stayed at the Westin Seattle for 2 nights before an Alaskan cruise in 2005. You can walk from there to most places in the city itself. We rented a car the day after the cruise and drove to Mount Rainer and then flew out on the red-eye at 11 PM so we didn't stay overnight post-cruise. The hotel is very nice and has a good location in the middle of downtown.

[Krazy Kruizers]

We have stayed many times at the Downtown Sheraton. Very handy to walk to Pike's Market. Also easy to get to the Needle.

At the end of a cruise we stay at the Airport Hilton.

[m steve]

in the past and like it. Going again in Sept. and trying Max. It's a great walking around city and you'll love Pike Place Market. You'll want to buy a big bouquet of flowers there to take on board. Also great restaurants especially along 1 st in Belltown. Lot's of eating choices at the market and across from it for lunch, brunch, etc. You'll want to buy a cheap vase along the way. Enjoy!

[dj_crusin]

We stayed at the Mayflower Park which was downtown about 3 blocks from Pike's Market. The cab ride to the pier was less than 10 min and about $10.

Have fun!

[AlohaPride]

See! I know this thread would get me WAY more information that the one in the West Coast forum!!! Thanks again, everyone!!

[Bill S]

We've stayed at two different Seattle hotels: the Downtown Sheraton and the Silver Cloud Inn-Stadium.

The Sheraton was very nice centrally located for walking around Seattle. HAL had a desk in the lobby and we caught the Grayline bus to the pier right outside the hotel.

This past May, we stayed that the Silver Cloud Inn-Stadium. It, too, was very nice. It had a great restaurant and it is located between the NFL football stadium and the baseball stadium and is a mile or so from Pier 30. They offer a complimentary shuttle to and from downtown and also to the pier. It is about a 20 minute walk to Pioneer Square.

We would certainly enjoy staying at either hotel again, but I think the Siver Cloud Inn-Stadium would be our first choice.

[RevNeal]

Hey, Mary. I'm sorry, but I can't help you! I've never cruised out of Seattle before ... just Vancouver. :)

I've been giving thought as to where to stay next year when I take mom to Alaska and one of our two sailings will be out of Seattle. :) So, I'm also looking for this kind of data.

On, and Brian's choices are usually extremely expensive. :D

[RevNeal]

We've stayed at two different Seattle hotels: the Downtown Sheraton and the Silver Cloud Inn-Stadium.

The Sheraton was very nice centrally located for walking around Seattle. HAL had a desk in the lobby and we caught the Grayline bus to the pier right outside the hotel.

This past May, we stayed that the Silver Cloud Inn-Stadium. It, too, was very nice. It had a great restaurant and it is located between the NFL football stadium and the baseball stadium and is a mile or so from Pier 30. They offer a complimentary shuttle to and from downtown and also to the pier. It is about a 20 minute walk to Pioneer Square.

We would certainly enjoy staying at either hotel again, but I think the Siver Cloud Inn-Stadium would be our first choice.

Thanks for the suggestions, Bill!

[bobpatj]

Mary,

Our son & family live in Seattle, and we try to visit them at least once a year. We like to stay at the Silver Cloud Lake Union. We stayed there last fall, before boarding the Amsterdam, and we used their free shuttle to the port. It's not downtown, but a good location with lots of restaurants, nearby, and a very nice complimentary breakfast. :)

[Mari619]

We stayed at the Doubletree post cruise for $110 & we had a great room plus free cookies and lemonade & internet in the bar.
Try
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g60878-d100597-r16623898-Doubletree_Hotel_Seattle_Airport-Seattle_Washington.html

[amusea]

I've stayed at three different hotels - the Renaissance, the Marriott by the water and the Westin. The Renaissance was located at the top of a hill and was a little like mountain climbing. I loved the Marriott but a lot depends on the view. For the best view I would recommend the Westin. Of course the rooms higher up command a higher tariff but the view was amazing. Since the two towers are round, you have to specify if you want to look over the water. We looked south and west so there was a view of the city and the water. At night it was especially magnificent.

[AlohaPride]

Hey, Mary. I'm sorry, but I can't help you! I've never cruised out of Seattle before ... just Vancouver. :)

I've been giving thought as to where to stay next year when I take mom to Alaska and one of our two sailings will be out of Seattle. :) So, I'm also looking for this kind of data.

On, and Brian's choices are usually extremely expensive. :D

Aww man! You too!! I thought for sure you had been to Seattle! :p

I checked out Brian's choices. I LOVED the B&B. The website is great! The two hotels aren't THAT expensive! :rolleyes:

I hope this thread can help you find a place too!!

I'm looking at the Residence Inn, Red Lion, Warwick, Westin, Hilton Bellevue, and Silver Cloud. I'm still tied. And does anyone know if the Silver Cloud will continue shuttle service to the pier once they move the cruise terminal?

[OldCodger73]

Mary, I'd forget the Hilton Bellevue because of its location. To get to Seattle from Bellevue you need to cross Lake Washington on one of the two floating bridges. During mid day the bridges usually are OK, but during rush hour, they run from being problematic to awful. Plus you'd definitely want a car.

The previously mentioned Edgewater, especially the water view rooms, would be nice and it's fairly close to Pier 91. The W and the Hotel Monaco are two downtown hotels that are nice but neither have a view. Both are located in the next block south from the Fairmont. Unfortunately Seattle hotels can be very expensive in the summer.

[Travalerie]

Aloha Pride...I checked availability at the Silver Cloud Stadium and the Lake Union and both were booked, you can check again. I made reservations at two other places based on suggestions here and on trip advisor-the Grand Hyatt (rooms normally $340+) were $219 for Friday and Saturday night. The Sheraton also had rooms.

[ROZO'SBEAU]

As far as I know (and I've scouted the neighborhood), the closest hotel to Pier 30 is the SILVER CLOUD HOTEL on the corner of !st Avenue and Royal Brougham, just on the corner across the street from SAFECO FIELD where the Mariners play (or whatever they are pretending to be doing this year). We are staying there before a September cruise and I figure the cab fare to the pier will hit the meter at about five bucks or so. I should point out that the Mariners are away that night, so no hubbub.
The hotel is across the street from the Pyramid Ale House and micro-brewery with good local food, and the hotel is about a three block walk up to Pioneer Square. If you are there during the middle of the day you can eat a communal lunch at SALUME: Mario Batali's Dad founded it and now I think his sister owns it. Best salamis and cold meats I've had outside of Italy. Try the finnochiona (a Tuscan fennel salami).

Hope this helps.
Bob

[ROZO'SBEAU]

I should have pointed out that the correct name of the property in question is SILVER CLOUD-STADIUM.
It seems there is another SILVER CLOUD with the name SILVER CLOUD- BROADWAY.

I don't anyone to get into the wrong location.
Bob