Seattle - Washington State - page 63

A few hotels include breakfast in their rates; others offer complimentary
breakfast only on certain deluxe floors. Most Seattle hotels offer nonsmoking
rooms, while most bed-and-breakfast inns are exclusively nonsmoking establish-
ments. Most hotels, but few inns, also offer wheelchair-accessible rooms.
If you're having a hard time finding a room in your price range, consider
using the services of Pacific Northwest Journeys ( & 800/935-9730 or 206/
935-9730; www.pnwjourneys.com). This company specializes in itinerary plan-
ning, but also offers a reservation 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 avail-
able for people who would like a little assistance with their itinerary.
Every year from November through March, more than two dozen Seattle
hotels offer deep-cut discounts on their rooms through the Seattle Hotel Hot-
line 's ( & 800/535-7071 or 206/461-5882) Seattle Super Saver Package. Room
rates under this plan are generally 50% of what they would be in the summer
months. Any time of year, you can call this hot line for help with making hotel
reservations.
Seattle is a city of diverse neighborhoods, and in many of those neighbor-
hoods, you'll discover fine B&Bs. Often less expensive than downtown hotels,
these B&Bs provide an opportunity to see what life in Seattle is like for the
locals. We've listed some of our favorites in the pages that follow, but to find out
about other good B&Bs in Seattle, contact the Seattle Bed & Breakfast Asso-
ciation ( & 800/348-5630 or 206/547-1020; www.seattlebandbs.com). Alter-
natively, you can contact A Pacific Reservation Service ( & 800/684-2932 or
206/439-7677; www.seattlebedandbreakfast.com), which represents dozens of
accommodations, mostly bed-and-breakfast homes, in the Seattle area. A wide
range of rates is available.
DOWNTOWN & FIRST HILL
Downtown Seattle is the heart of the city's business community and home to
numerous business hotels. Although these properties are among the most con-
veniently located Seattle hotels, they are also the most expensive choices and are
designed primarily for business travelers on expense accounts, not vacationers.
Many of these hotels do offer discounted weekend and winter rates, however.
The area has plenty of good restaurants, but they tend to fall into one of two
categories—cheap lunch spots and expense-account dinner places.
VERY EXPENSIVE
Alexis Hotel The Alexis is a sparkling gem in an enviable location
halfway between Pike Place Market and Pioneer Square and only 3 blocks from
the waterfront, the Seattle Art Museum, and Benaroya Hall. In the middle of
the lobby is a massive Dale Chihuly chandelier, and throughout the hotel there's
an extensive art collection. The pleasant mix of contemporary and antique fur-
nishings, and cheerful and personalized service give the Alexis a very special
atmosphere. In the guest rooms, classic styling with a European flavor prevails.
Almost half of the rooms here are suites, including very comfortable fireplace
suites with whirlpool baths. The spa suites are the real winners, offering
whirlpool tubs in exceedingly luxurious bathrooms. The hotel has complimen-
tary evening wine tastings.
1007 First Ave. (at Madison St.), Seattle, WA 98104. & 800/426-7033 or 206/624-4844. Fax [phone].
www.alexishotel.com. 109 units. $299-$319 double; $419-$599 suite. Children under 18 stay free in parent's