Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(closed Jan). Suggested donation is $2. This museum is operated by the Steila-
coom Historical Museum Association, which also maintains the nearby
Nathaniel Orr Pioneer Home and Orchard,
1811 Rainier St., which was built
between 1854 and 1857 and contains original furnishings. Between April and
October, this house is open on Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 4pm. At the
Steilacoom Tribal Cultural Center and Museum,
1515 Lafayette St. (
&
253/
584-6308
), you'll find an old-fashioned museum with displays on the area's
Steilacoom tribe. It's open Tuesday through Saturday from 10am to 4pm; admis-
sion is $2 for adults and $1 for seniors and students.
Steilacoom is also the site of the ferry landing for the small ferry that runs to
Anderson Island,
a quiet rural island that is popular with bicyclists. There are
several parks on the island and enough scenic Puget Sound vistas to make the
island a pleasant place for a leisurely afternoon drive.
WHERE TO STAY
Chinaberry Hill
Located amid the stately old homes of the Stadium His-
toric District, this grand Victorian home features luxurious guest rooms and
commanding views of Commencement Bay. For sheer opulence, it's hard to beat
the Pantages Suite, which features a beautifully dressed bed, harbor views, and a
whirlpool tub tucked into an alcove under the eaves. The Carriage Suite, in the
former carriage house, has a hot tub for two tucked into what was once a horse
stall. Above this suite is a room in what was once the hayloft. Beautiful century-
old trees shade the grounds. Classic Northwest elegance makes this one of the
finest inns in the state.
302 Tacoma Ave. N., Tacoma, WA 98403.
&
253/272-1282.
Fax 253/272-1335. www.chinaberryhill.com.
5 units. $125-$195 double; $295 cottage. Rates include full breakfast. MC, V. Children 12 and over welcome
in main house, all ages welcome in cottage. In room:TV/VCR, dataport.
Sheraton Tacoma Hotel
This 26-story downtown high-rise is Tacoma's
biggest, best, and only downtown business hotel, and because it is attached to
the Tacoma Convention Center, it stays busy most of the year. Guest rooms are
none too large, but are both comfortable and tastefully decorated. Be sure to ask
for a room with a view of Mount Rainier (these are the even-numbered rooms).
For more personal services such as evening turndown, morning newspaper, and
a continental breakfast, opt for a room on one of the concierge floors. Up on the
26th floor you'll find an Italian restaurant with one of the best views in town.
1320 Broadway Plaza, Tacoma, WA 98402.
&
800/325-3535
or 253/572-3200. Fax 253/591-4105. www.
sheratontacoma.com. 319 units. $109-$139 double; $149-$350 suite. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet parking $15.
Pets accepted.
Amenities:
2 restaurants (Italian, American); lounge; exercise room and access to nearby
health club; concierge; business center; limited room service; laundry service; dry cleaning; concierge level.
Inroom:A/C, TV, dataport, minibar, coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron.
Silver Cloud Inn Tacoma
Built out over the waters of Commencement
Bay, on a pier on the Ruston Way waterfront, this hotel offers water views from
every room. There's not a bad room in the hotel, but you should try to get a
third-floor room in order to maximize your views. If you're in the mood for a
splurge, the corner Jacuzzi suites are very romantic. The tub is in a corner with
two walls of bay-view windows, and there are also gas fireplaces. Within 2 blocks
of the hotel, you'll find the restaurants of Old Town Tacoma, and along the Rus-
ton Way waterfront pathway, you'll find several good seafood restaurants. Don't
miss the Belgian waffles at breakfast.
