Seattle - Washington State - page 79

this is the place). The hotel backs onto a small lake, but only a few rooms have
lake views.
18220 International Blvd., Seattle, WA 98188. & 800/RED-LION or 206/246-5535. Fax [phone]. www.
redlion.com/seatac. 146 units. $89-$135 double. Children under 18 stay free in parent's room. AE, DC, DISC,
MC, V. Valet parking $14; free self-parking. Pets accepted. Amenities: Restaurant (American); lounge; out-
door pool; exercise room; Jacuzzi; sauna; courtesy airport shuttle; limited room service; laundry service; dry
cleaning. In room:A/C, TV, dataport, coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron.
THE EASTSIDE
The Eastside (a reference to this area's location on the east side of Lake Washing-
ton) is Seattle's main high-tech suburb and is comprised of the cities of Bellevue,
Kirkland, Issaquah, and Redmond. Should you be out this way on business, you
may find that an Eastside hotel is more convenient than one in downtown Seat-
tle. Surprisingly, two of the most luxurious hotels in the entire Seattle area are here
on this side of Lake Washington. If it isn't rush hour, you can usually get from the
Eastside to downtown in about 20 minutes via the famous floating I-90 and Wash.
520 bridges. During rush hour, however, it can take much longer.
VERY EXPENSIVE
Bellevue Club Hotel In its gardens, architecture, and interior design,
this hotel epitomizes contemporary Northwest style. Beautifully landscaped gar-
dens surround the entrance, and works of contemporary art can be found
throughout the public areas. The “club” in this hotel's name refers to a state-of-the-
art health club that includes a full-service spa. Guest rooms are the most elegant
anywhere in the Seattle area and are extremely plush. The high-ceiling garden
rooms have a floor-to-ceiling wall of glass, massive draperies, and a private patio
facing onto a beautiful garden. Luxurious European fabrics are everywhere, giving
rooms a romantic feel. Bathrooms are resplendent in granite and glass, and most
have whirlpool tubs. Because this is Microsoft country, the hotel offers both wire-
less Internet access and T-1 lines.
11200 SE Sixth St., Bellevue, WA 98004. & 800/579-1110 or 425/454-4424. Fax [phone]. www.bellevue
club.com. 67 units. $255-$315 double ($130-$230 weekends); $575-$1,650 suite ($325-$895 weekends). AE,
DC, DISC, MC, V. Parking $5. Amenities: 2 restaurants (Pacific Rim); lounge; espresso bar; 2 indoor pools and an
outdoor pool; expansive health club with Jacuzzi, saunas, steam rooms, 11 tennis courts, racquetball courts,
squash courts, and aerobics studios; children's programs; game room; concierge; business center; 24-hr. room
service; massage; babysitting; laundry service; dry cleaning; executive-level rooms. In room:A/C, TV, dataport,
minibar, hair dryer, iron, safe.
Willows Lodge Located on the banks of the Sammamish River
(actually little more than a shallow canal) about 30 minutes north of Seattle and
adjacent to the much-celebrated Herbfarm Restaurant (see below), this lodge is
a beautiful blend of rustic and contemporary. The abundance of polished woods
(some salvaged from an old building in Portland) gives the lodge something of
a Japanese aesthetic. It's all very soothing and tranquil, an ideal retreat from
which to visit the nearby wineries. In the guest rooms, you'll find beds with
lamb's-wool mattress pads, European linens, and down duvets; slate tables made
from salvaged pool tables; and all kinds of high-tech amenities (including digi-
tal shower thermostats).
14580 NE 145th St., Woodinville, WA 98072. & 877/424-3930 or 425/424-3900. Fax [phone]. www.
willowslodge.com. 86 units. $260-$320 double; $375-$750 suite. Rates include continental breakfast. Children
under 18 stay free in parent's room. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Pets accepted ($200 refundable deposit). Amenities:
2 restaurants (Northwest); lounge; exercise room; full-service spa; Jacuzzi; sauna; bike rentals; 24-hr. room serv-
ice; massage; laundry service; dry cleaning. In room:A/C, TV/DVD, dataport, fridge, coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron,
safe, free local calls.

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