Seattle Q&A/FAQ

[advancescout]

What is your hotel budget? If you can afford $300 or so per night and/or have Marriott loyalty points, I would stay at the Marriott Waterfront, which is directly across the street from Pier 66, where NCL leaves from. It is relatively central to all of the major tourist attractions, and within comfortable walking distance or easy bus transport. If your budget is less than this, let me know an approximate and I will give you some additional suggestions.

 

 

Thanks, Karen!

 

I will stay away from booking with NCL.

 

I do have some points thanks to business travel, so we will probably stay at the Marriot pre-cruise. Any suggestions for $150-$200 range just in case my points don't work out?

 

Thanks again.

[Lois R]

Thanks, Karen!

 

I will stay away from booking with NCL.

 

I do have some points thanks to business travel, so we will probably stay at the Marriot pre-cruise. Any suggestions for $150-$200 range just in case my points don't work out?

 

Thanks again.

 

Hi:) , I am not Karen, but most of the nicer hotels are in the 200.00 and

up range. Try the Sheraton downtown. It is well known and in

a good location too!

[SeattleCruiselover]

Thanks, Karen!

 

I will stay away from booking with NCL.

 

I do have some points thanks to business travel, so we will probably stay at the Marriot pre-cruise. Any suggestions for $150-$200 range just in case my points don't work out?

 

Thanks again.

 

 

You might get the Sheraton on priceline in that range. Homewood Suites (about 1 mile from the pier) is in that range this year, but who knows how any of them will be next year between the economy and other factors.

[bbombaci]

Here is what I am planning on transfers. From airport to Renaissance on Madison - the Grayline (it looks like the first stop from the airport is our hotel). From Renaissance to Pier 30, a taxi (I'm planning on asking the hotel to take care of this for us - is that sufficient?). From dock to airport, a taxi. we dock (RCI) at 6 am; our flight is at 12:15 pm.

 

Any of you very knowledgeable and helpful Seattlers, does this sound reasonable and cost efficient? Anything you would change?

 

This thread has been so helpful!

 

Thanks,

Barb

[bbombaci]

I should add that there are 4 of us and each of us will have one larger suitcase plus a backpack. Do you think we can do this in 1 taxi?

 

Thanks,

Barb

[SeattleCruiselover]

Here is what I am planning on transfers. From airport to Renaissance on Madison - the Grayline (it looks like the first stop from the airport is our hotel). From Renaissance to Pier 30, a taxi (I'm planning on asking the hotel to take care of this for us - is that sufficient?). From dock to airport, a taxi. we dock (RCI) at 6 am; our flight is at 12:15 pm.

 

Any of you very knowledgeable and helpful Seattlers, does this sound reasonable and cost efficient? Anything you would change?

 

This thread has been so helpful!

 

Thanks,

Barb

 

Barb. that is the way that I would do it, since RCI is not eligible for the Cruise Express from Terminal 30 to the airport (only HAL and Princess, unfortunately).

[SeattleCruiselover]

I should add that there are 4 of us and each of us will have one larger suitcase plus a backpack. Do you think we can do this in 1 taxi?

 

Thanks,

Barb

 

If you get a sedan taxi you should be able to (though you will probably have to hold the backpacks in your laps). If you get one of the hybrids, though, not so much....since they are consziderably smaller.

[seafun]

Even though I'm an everyday reader of Cruise Critic, I just stumbled onto this thread today. And after living here in Seattle for 30 years, I have to commend you for the wonderful job you've done for people answering all these questions! :eek:

Surely all this amassed Good Karma will help you find a new job quickly and as painlessly as possible!

I love Seattle dearly, but like most of us, I like to get away to faraway places for my vacations. Fortunately for all of us on Cruise Critic there are lovely people like you (in many locations) helping out with "the answers to the questions."

Thank you, for all your efforts in making other peoples Seattle visits and vacations better, happier, thriftier and more pleasant! :D

[SeattleCruiselover]

Even though I'm an everyday reader of Cruise Critic, I just stumbled onto this thread today. And after living here in Seattle for 30 years, I have to commend you for the wonderful job you've done for people answering all these questions! :eek:

 

Surely all this amassed Good Karma will help you find a new job quickly and as painlessly as possible!

 

I love Seattle dearly, but like most of us, I like to get away to faraway places for my vacations. Fortunately for all of us on Cruise Critic there are lovely people like you (in many locations) helping out with "the answers to the questions."

 

Thank you, for all your efforts in making other peoples Seattle visits and vacations better, happier, thriftier and more pleasant! :D

\

Thanks so much, your sentiments are greatly appreciated. Seriously, I am starting to give some consideration to another poster's suggestion about a Seattle concierge service. It might just work......:o

[sunneesmile]

Thanks, Karen!

 

I will stay away from booking with NCL.

 

I do have some points thanks to business travel, so we will probably stay at the Marriot pre-cruise. Any suggestions for $150-$200 range just in case my points don't work out?

 

Thanks again.

 

Advancescout, I got the Sheraton for Sept 2008 for $109 per night on Hotwire. I bid for downtown 4 star.

[mslamtntv]

Hi Karen!

 

I must say that your advice is beyond amazing! I have really enjoyed reading this entire thread! You are a real star!

 

We are taking our first cruise on July 14th out of Vancouver, north bound to Alaska. My husband has never been to Seattle, so we are spending a few days pre-cruise in Seattle. We arrive at 4:12 p.m. on Friday, July 11th. We were considering renting a car from the airport and going to the Kirkland Costco (via 405), then touring around a bit. I have a great love for Costco stores and enjoy seeing the local items in each store. However, I am worried about the traffic, could we make it from the airport to Kirkland by 7 p.m.? I am wondering if we would be better taking a cab from the airport to our hotel - Seattle Westin (1900 5th Ave), then a cab to the Costco in the downtown area (4401 4th Ave South - 4.3 miles from the hotel). The other thing about renting the car is that we would have to keep it overnight and return it downtown on Saturday morning, so parking could be an issue. So my question is - rent a car or cab it? Or a third option - bus it?

 

Also, we have an 8 a.m. flight on Monday, July 14th to Vancouver. What time do we need to leave the Westin to get to the airport in time? Also, do you recommend a cab, bus or shuttle?

 

Good luck with the job search and I think the concierge idea is superb!

 

THANK YOU!!!

[SeattleCruiselover]

Hi Karen!

 

I must say that your advice is beyond amazing! I have really enjoyed reading this entire thread! You are a real star!

 

We are taking our first cruise on July 14th out of Vancouver, north bound to Alaska. My husband has never been to Seattle, so we are spending a few days pre-cruise in Seattle. We arrive at 4:12 p.m. on Friday, July 11th. We were considering renting a car from the airport and going to the Kirkland Costco (via 405), then touring around a bit. I have a great love for Costco stores and enjoy seeing the local items in each store. However, I am worried about the traffic, could we make it from the airport to Kirkland by 7 p.m.? I am wondering if we would be better taking a cab from the airport to our hotel - Seattle Westin (1900 5th Ave), then a cab to the Costco in the downtown area (4401 4th Ave South - 4.3 miles from the hotel). The other thing about renting the car is that we would have to keep it overnight and return it downtown on Saturday morning, so parking could be an issue. So my question is - rent a car or cab it? Or a third option - bus it?

 

Also, we have an 8 a.m. flight on Monday, July 14th to Vancouver. What time do we need to leave the Westin to get to the airport in time? Also, do you recommend a cab, bus or shuttle?

 

Good luck with the job search and I think the concierge idea is superb!

 

THANK YOU!!!

 

If it is me, I take the cab and go to the 4th Av Costco. The Mariners are out of town this week, so 4th Av won't be a major traffic issue on Friday evening. Parking downtown is very spendy (about $30.00 for an eight hour day, $15-20 for overnight (and that includes in the Westin's own structure).

 

As for Monday morning to the airport, I take the Airporter directly from the Westin. You have to be there by 6 am for check in, I believe, though it might be earlier if they consider that an international flight (not sure if they do, you need to double check). You can catch the Airporter at the Westin at 5:21 am and it is scheduled to arrive at SEA-Tac at 5:55 am.

 

http://www.graylineseattle.com/airportexpress1.cfm

 

If you need to get there earlier. you will need to take a taxi.

 

Thanks for the input on the concierge idea. I will use you as part of my informal market survey.....:-)

[ginagirl]

We will be arriving in Seattle Airport at 9:30 AM the day of departure on the Golden Princess. We were wondering if you could suggest a place for us to have a taxi stop, on the way to the pier, so that we could buy some of our favorite wine to bring onboard. With the limited luggage allowed on airlines, we will need to pick it up once we arrive in Seattle. Karen, thank you so much for your kind assistance.

[SeattleCruiselover]

We will be arriving in Seattle Airport at 9:30 AM the day of departure on the Golden Princess. We were wondering if you could suggest a place for us to have a taxi stop, on the way to the pier, so that we could buy some of our favorite wine to bring onboard. With the limited luggage allowed on airlines, we will need to pick it up once we arrive in Seattle. Karen, thank you so much for your kind assistance.

 

Do you belong to Costco? Their store on 4th Av is right on the way to Terminal 30. There is also a store in the SEA-Tac terminal (I don't know the name, since I neither drink nor frequent the airport--but anyone who works there could tell you) that is reputed to sell good quality wines.

[Got2Cruise]

Hi Karen,

I saw on the Today Show weather that Seattle is 82 and sunny today.:) What's up with that. . . I went out and bought a gortex windbreaker to wear.:D

[ginagirl]

Oh, thank you so much, Karen. Yes, I do belong to Costco AND Sam's and anyone else that will have me.:D You made a great suggestion and will definitely do as you suggest. You are a real sweetie.:)

[Coconet]

Do you belong to Costco? Their store on 4th Av is right on the way to Terminal 30. There is also a store in the SEA-Tac terminal (I don't know the name, since I neither drink nor frequent the airport--but anyone who works there could tell you) that is reputed to sell good quality wines.

 

 

Hi SeattleCruiselover,

 

As many people have said...thanks for your wealth of info!

 

We will be staying at the Westin on 5th...is the Costco on 4th within walking distance from this hotel? We are going through terminal 30 on the Star Princess.

 

Also...we are flying in on Friday evening the 25th...would the shuttle through greyline be our best ticket to get to the Westin from the airport? There are 4 of us...2 teens and DH and myself...thanks so much for you input!

 

Kathy:D

 

PS...A Seattle Concierge Business sounds like something you were born to do!:rolleyes:

[SeattleCruiselover]

Hi Karen,

I saw on the Today Show weather that Seattle is 82 and sunny today.:) What's up with that. . . I went out and bought a gortex windbreaker to wear.:D

 

It's near 80 now. By the end of the day I would think it would be nearer 90. We are going through our annual hot spell about a month early this year for some unknown reason.

[SeattleCruiselover]

Hi SeattleCruiselover,

 

As many people have said...thanks for your wealth of info!

 

We will be staying at the Westin on 5th...is the Costco on 4th within walking distance from this hotel? We are going through terminal 30 on the Star Princess.

 

Also...we are flying in on Friday evening the 25th...would the shuttle through greyline be our best ticket to get to the Westin from the airport? There are 4 of us...2 teens and DH and myself...thanks so much for you input!

 

Kathy:D

 

PS...A Seattle Concierge Business sounds like something you were born to do!:rolleyes:

 

Kathy: No, Costco is South of Safeco Field in SODO. You COULD walk it if you were of a mind to, but it is about 3+ miles. You have a couple of options closer than that for spirits. If you want wines only, there are a couple of places in the Pike Place Market that have them, and the market opens at 9 am on Saturday, so you could run down there and grab before going to Terminal 30. Other option is the State Store at 2nd and Seneca, who sell both wines and hard liquors. They are open M-Sat 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. Also the IGA at 3rd & Pike has a reasonably good selection of local WA wines, including Chateau Ste. Michelle, which is considered to be one of the state's premiere wineries. (This store is kind of hidden downstairs in that building, but is only about 5 blocks from the Westin).

 

Yes, I would use the Airporter if it were me. With a party of 4 adults and probably a fair amount of luggage you will be much more comfortable that way, and they stop right at the Westin.

 

http://www.graylineseattle.com/airportexpress1.cfm

 

Thanks for the input on the concierge idea. I'm doing some deep digging to see if people would use a service like that. Have a great trip.

[BarbaB]

Karen You have said in previous posts that there is a problm getting taxis to show up whn you have called for them, would it be to my advantage use a taxi service from the airport ( Iassume they hang around there) to my hotel and then to arrange for one of the shared ride vans for my return trip. My flight leaves at 6pm, so I would need to be out there by 4. BTW, I can't wait to see your beautiful city again

 

Thanks

Barb

[SeattleCruiselover]

Karen You have said in previous posts that there is a problm getting taxis to show up whn you have called for them, would it be to my advantage use a taxi service from the airport ( Iassume they hang around there) to my hotel and then to arrange for one of the shared ride vans for my return trip. My flight leaves at 6pm, so I would need to be out there by 4. BTW, I can't wait to see your beautiful city again

 

Thanks

Barb

 

Barb: Yes, they do "hang around" the airport. If you are staying at the MAJOR hotels (Fairmont, Westin, Hilton, W, Renaissance), they also "hang around" closely to those properties most of the day and night. If you are staying at the off brands, then you have to call and wait for them to show up, so ShuttleExpress might work out better, or the Gray Line Airporter.

[BarbaB]

Thanks. We are staying at the Springhill Suites on Yale. From what I can tell, the cost is the same, but for peace of mind...

[SeattleCruiselover]

Thanks. We are staying at the Springhill Suites on Yale. From what I can tell, the cost is the same, but for peace of mind...

 

Indeed, yes. It might take a while to get a cab up there.

[tam308]

 

Thanks for the input on the concierge idea. I'm doing some deep digging to see if people would use a service like that. Have a great trip.

 

Karen,

We are staying at the Westin in a few weeks. When I first booked our room, I emailed the hotel a question about transportation (in case they had an airport shuttle). I got a reply back from the concierge that was maybe a total of five words. His suggestion was grayline - (same as your response to me and others) but no personality in the email. I'm sure you could get a concierge position at one of the higher end hotels in Seattle. You would be such an asset to the hospitality industry. Just print some of these threads as your references!

[SeattleCruiselover]

Karen,

We are staying at the Westin in a few weeks. When I first booked our room, I emailed the hotel a question about transportation (in case they had an airport shuttle). I got a reply back from the concierge that was maybe a total of five words. His suggestion was grayline - (same as your response to me and others) but no personality in the email. I'm sure you could get a concierge position at one of the higher end hotels in Seattle. You would be such an asset to the hospitality industry. Just print some of these threads as your references!

 

Tam: Oddly enough, those positions don't come open very often for some reason. Not all of the hotels have them. My youngest daughter is looking for such a position right now as well, since she was a concierge for a casino hotel in Reno, and she is not having much luck, and we have about four new luxe hotels opening here in the next year. It's a thought, though, and I appreciate the sentiments.