Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 206-529-3700;
www.belltown-inn.com
; 2301 3rd Ave; s/d $159/164; ; Rap-
idRide D-Line)
Can it be true? The Belltown is such a bargain and in such a prime loca-
tion that it's hard to believe it hasn't accidentally floated over from a smaller, infinitely
cheaper city. But no: clean, functional rooms, handy kitchenettes, roof terrace, free
bikes and - vitally important - borrow-and-return umbrellas are all yours for the price
of a posh dinner.
LOYAL INN BEST WESTERN
HOTEL
$$
(
206-682-0200;
www.bestwestern.com/prop_48062
; 2301 8th Ave; r from $149;
;
Westlake & Denny)
More plush than other similarly priced options in the area, this
chain hotel is in a convenient location for both Seattle Center and Belltown, and has a
Jacuzzi and sauna, a small exercise room and free continental breakfast. Beds are
enormous and rooms are relatively spacious; some include mini-refrigerators and mi-
crowaves. Self-parking is a reasonable $10 a night.
ACE HOTEL
HOTEL
$$
( 206-448-4721;
www.acehotel.com
;
2423 1st Ave; r with shared/private bath $109/199;
; 13)
Emulating (almost) its hip Portland cousin, the Ace sports minimal, futuristic
decor (everything's white or stainless steel, even the TV), antique French army
blankets, condoms instead of pillow mints and a copy of the
Kama Sutra
instead of the
Bible. Parking costs $15.
BEST WESTERN EXECUTIVE INN
HOTEL
$$
( 206-448-9444;
www.bestwestern.com
;
200 Taylor Ave N; r from $144; ;
Seattle Center)
In the shadow of the Space Needle, the Executive Inn has a terrifying, al-
most brutalist facade but is perfectly decent inside. Pillow-top beds, in-room coffee and
tea, microwaves and refrigerators, room service, a fitness room and a sports lounge are
available, and it's a pickup point for the Quick Shuttle to Vancouver.
INN AT EL GAUCHO
HOTEL
$$$
( 206-728-1133;
www.elgaucho.com
;
2505 1st Ave; ste from $269; ; 13)
In 18
suites decorated ̓50s-style, above the type of anachronistic steakhouse that harks back
to the good ol' days when vegetarians were eaten by the wealthy as snacks between
