Hotels

Seattle is close on the heels of San Francisco as a West Coast summer-in-the-city destination, so its hotels stay pretty much booked solid for July and August. Keep in mind that if you aren't on an expense account, you may be faced with sticker shock when you see what these places are charging. But if you're willing to head out a bit from downtown, you'll find prices a little easier to swallow.

As the city has grown more affluent in recent years, the hotel scene has also become increasingly sophisticated. San Francisco's hip aesthetics have spilled over into Seattle, and as a result you'll find several chic, postmodern hotels around town. There are also several historic properties and lots of characterless convention hotels. This all adds up to plenty of options for the traveler planning a trip to Seattle.

Seattle's largest concentrations of hotels are downtown and near the airport, with a few good options in the University District and also over in the suburbs of Bellevue and Kirkland (on the east side of Lake Washington). If you don't mind high prices, downtown hotels are the most convenient, but if your budget won't allow for a first-class business hotel, try to stay near the Space Needle, in the Lower Queen Anne neighborhood, or in the University District, where prices are more reasonable.

Be sure to make reservations as far in advance as possible, especially if you plan to visit during Seafair or another major festival.

In the listings, price categories are based on rates for a double room in high season, which runs from June through September (most hotels charge the same for single and double rooms). Keep in mind that the rates listed do not include taxes, which can add up to around 16% in Seattle. Also be sure to factor in hotel parking fees--about $30 per day in downtown Seattle.

For comparison purposes, I list what hotels call "rack rates," or walk-in rates -- but you should never have to pay these highly inflated prices. Various discounts and specials are often available, so make it a point to ask if any are being offered during your stay (and be sure to check the hotel's website for online specials). At inexpensive chain motels, discounted rates are almost always available for AAA members and seniors.

Room rates can be considerably lower from October through April (the rainy season), and downtown hotels often have substantially reduced prices on weekends throughout the year (while budget hotels generally charge more on weekends).

A few hotels include breakfast in their rates; others provide complimentary breakfast only on certain deluxe floors. Most Seattle hotels offer nonsmoking rooms, while most bed-and-breakfast inns are exclusively nonsmoking. The majority of hotels, but few inns, offer wheelchair-accessible rooms.

Helping Hands

If you want to get a great deal on a great hotel (don't we all?), get in touch with Sheri Doyle at Pacific Northwest Journeys (tel. 800/935-9730 or 206/935-9730; www.pnwjourneys.com). This company specializes in itinerary planning, and also offers a reservations service. The charge is $45 per reservation; however, you can usually make that up in savings on just a 2-night stay. If you're going to be in town for longer than that, you'll definitely save money. Last-minute reservations are often possible, too. A consultation service is also available for people who would like a little assistance with an itinerary.

When planning your trip, you might also want to check with Seattle Super Saver (tel. 800/535-7071 or 206/461-5882; www.seattlesupersaver.com), a reservation service operated by Seattle's Convention and Visitors Bureau. Rates are comparable to what you might find at online booking sites.

Seattle is a city of diverse neighborhoods, many of which contain fine B&Bs. Often less expensive than downtown hotels, these B&Bs provide an opportunity to see what life here is like for the locals. I've listed some of my favorites, but to find other good options, contact the Seattle Bed & Breakfast Association (tel. 800/348-5630 or 206/547-1020; www.lodginginseattle.com). A Pacific Reservation Service (tel. 800/684-2932 or 206/439-7677; www.seattlebedandbreakfast.com) books rooms at dozens of accommodations in the Seattle area. A wide range of rates is available.