Seattle Q&A/FAQ

[kbr]

We are going to be in Seattle for 4 nights before our Alaska cruise and will be using Hilton points for the hotel. Do you recommend the Hilton, Arctic Doubletree, or one of the two Homewood Suites?

 

Also, we are planning to take the train to Vancouver one day, hang around all day, then rent a car and return very late at night. Is this doable? I don't want to check out of the Seattle hotel, into Vancouver, then back into Seattle, so hadn't planned to stay overnight in Vancouver to save all of the hassles. Thoughts....

 

Thanks for your help!

[TravelWise101]

 

I should also say that Pier 91 was very well organized and we had no trouble getting in or out, plus there were employees every 15 feet or so, telling you where to go next. They were all smiling too!

 

:D Smiles are good! :D

[mapleleaves]

We are going to be in Seattle for 4 nights before our Alaska cruise and will be using Hilton points for the hotel. Do you recommend the Hilton, Arctic Doubletree, or one of the two Homewood Suites?

Also, we are planning to take the train to Vancouver one day, hang around all day, then rent a car and return very late at night. Is this doable? I don't want to check out of the Seattle hotel, into Vancouver, then back into Seattle, so hadn't planned to stay overnight in Vancouver to save all of the hassles. Thoughts....

Thanks for your help!

 

I would definitely overnight in Vancouver. The 'commute' will be 8 hrs round trip which will really detract from your enjoyment.

My suggestions is to check out of your Seattle hotel the day before your cruise (they'll hold your luggage o/n), take the morning train to Vancouver, spend the day and night, then drive to Seattle, collect the luggage and board the ship. Just take one small case to Vancouver.

[Dan G]

We are going to be in Seattle for 4 nights before our Alaska cruise and will be using Hilton points for the hotel. Do you recommend the Hilton, Arctic Doubletree, or one of the two Homewood Suites?

 

Also, we are planning to take the train to Vancouver one day, hang around all day, then rent a car and return very late at night. Is this doable? I don't want to check out of the Seattle hotel, into Vancouver, then back into Seattle, so hadn't planned to stay overnight in Vancouver to save all of the hassles. Thoughts....

 

Thanks for your help!

 

of the hotels you list the Homewood on Pike would put you in the heart of everything you'd want to see or do and is the most central. The Hilton would be 2nd, Arctic third and Homewood on Western would be way down the list for convenience.

 

Re: the car rental, go on Hotwire and price out a one way rental, hopefully you can put in downtown Vancouver vs YVR. I think its an ok plan but unless you know where your going perhaps doing the hop on bus is the best deal for this sort of plan. If you use the Vancouver Trolley which in my opinion is the best they have a stop at the Edgewater Casino which would be very close to the train station. You could also just take a cab to Canada Place and you'll be able to catch one there as well. I like this company for their HOHO's since they are the only one that goes completely thru Stanley Park with a few stops vs the others that only stop once.

[kbr]

of the hotels you list the Homewood on Pike would put you in the heart of everything you'd want to see or do and is the most central. The Hilton would be 2nd, Arctic third and Homewood on Western would be way down the list for convenience.

 

Re: the car rental, go on Hotwire and price out a one way rental, hopefully you can put in downtown Vancouver vs YVR. I think its an ok plan but unless you know where your going perhaps doing the hop on bus is the best deal for this sort of plan. If you use the Vancouver Trolley which in my opinion is the best they have a stop at the Edgewater Casino which would be very close to the train station. You could also just take a cab to Canada Place and you'll be able to catch one there as well. I like this company for their HOHO's since they are the only one that goes completely thru Stanley Park with a few stops vs the others that only stop once.

Thanks...just made the reservation for the Homewood on Pike. Also booked a car rental from downtown Vancouver to downtown Seattle. I hadn't heard much about the Trolley yet. I thought I had read that from the train station in Vancouver there was "some sort of" transportation system to Canada Place. The research continues....

[JBM1946]

Hi all,

I want to share our experience with a terrific transportation service in Seattle. Seattle Shuttle (link below) was the best in pre-arranging transport from Sea-Tac to downtown hotel, hotel to cruise ship pier, and reverse. Family-owned business, great communication, reliable and the price is right.

http://www.seattleshuttle.net/

 

Stayed at Travel Lodge by the Space Needle. Great location, friendly staff, clean, would stay there again.

 

Nice place to eat in walking distance from TL and Space Needle, http://www.sportrestaurant.com/. Happy Hour 3:30 - 6:30 daily, great hamburger!

 

Happy travels to all!

[Janer1999]

Yes, it was a town car (driver and four passengers; if you had a fifth passenger, you'd have to do to an SUV).

 

The airport to downtown was $45, and from Pier 91 back to the airport was $55. It was all prepaid ahead of time. You can either tip the driver at the time of service, or if you don't do that, they will add the standard 20% tip. Each of the charges was made to our credit card on the day of service. Both drivers never even mentioned payment, so I think most people must let the tip be added on.

 

I should also say that Pier 91 was very well organized and we had no trouble getting in or out, plus there were employees every 15 feet or so, telling you where to go next. They were all smiling too!

 

Thank you for posting regarding about the town cars. We have booked them for our transfer in Sept.

 

It's also nice to hear that the pier is very organized.

[happylady]

Hi all,

I want to share our experience with a terrific transportation service in Seattle. Seattle Shuttle (link below) was the best in pre-arranging transport from Sea-Tac to downtown hotel, hotel to cruise ship pier, and reverse. Family-owned business, great communication, reliable and the price is right.

http://www.seattleshuttle.net/

 

Stayed at Travel Lodge by the Space Needle. Great location, friendly staff, clean, would stay there again.

 

Nice place to eat in walking distance from TL and Space Needle, http://www.sportrestaurant.com/. Happy Hour 3:30 - 6:30 daily, great hamburger!

 

Happy travels to all!

 

We also used Seattle Shuttle and had great service. They even monitor your in bound flight and was calling me for pick up as I was taxing up to the gate!!

 

We stayed a block or so away from the Travel Lodge and saw the Sports Restaurant on one of our walks to the Space Needle. It looked like a nice place, but our timing was always off and we never stopped.

[TravelWise101]

Hi all,

I want to share our experience with a terrific transportation service in Seattle. Seattle Shuttle (link below) was the best in pre-arranging transport from Sea-Tac to downtown hotel, hotel to cruise ship pier, and reverse. Family-owned business, great communication, reliable and the price is right.

http://www.seattleshuttle.net/

 

Stayed at Travel Lodge by the Space Needle. Great location, friendly staff, clean, would stay there again.

 

Nice place to eat in walking distance from TL and Space Needle, http://www.sportrestaurant.com/. Happy Hour 3:30 - 6:30 daily, great hamburger!

 

Happy travels to all!

 

Thanks for the links. I went to Seattleshuttle but they do not list any prices. Do you mind me asking what you paid for the airport to hotel transfer? Right now we've booked Acesforhire @ $35 one-way cost.

[happylady]

Thanks for the links. I went to Seattleshuttle but they do not list any prices. Do you mind me asking what you paid for the airport to hotel transfer? Right now we've booked Acesforhire @ $35 one-way cost.

 

It was $21 each way from the hotel to pier 91 and $38 each way from the Airport to the hotel (this was for 3 people). The van was dedicated to us, so we didn't have to make stops at other hotels.

 

They were very nice and easy to work with. When waiting in our hotel lobby for the pickup from the hotel to the pier, another couple was asking the desk clerk about transportation to the pier. I mentioned that we were waiting for a shuttle and it was $7 per person. They were welcome to share the van with us. When the shuttle arrived, we asked the driver if it was okay (which we knew it would be since it would be a higher fare :D).

[JBM1946]

We paid $33 for 2 from airport to downtown hotel (same price back to airport) and $14 for 2 from hotel to pier. I would suggest emailing Melinda to get an accurate quote. Melinda Miller [melinda@seattleshuttle.net] . She is a pleasure to communicate with.

 

Enjoy Seattle!

:)

[CrimsonTide]

I would avoid the LaQuinta.

 

Do you mind if I ask why you would avoid LaQuinta on 8th Ave? "

 

We did stay at the La quinta on 8th ave. It was a nice hotel, the staff was outstanding and the rooms were clean. The breakfast was fine and there was a nice variety, something for almost everyone. I would not hesitate to stay there again. We are in our 60's and walked to both Pike Place Market and the Space Needle with no problems. I will include photos of the area & room in my trip review or if you email me I will be glad to share any info I have. Also, it was a beautiful visit with no rain on June 12, 13, or 14th. Lovely city!

[rwstout]

I am driving to Seattle and on a ship out Peir 91 we need to Park the car long term and get to the Peir does anyone have any ideas other than Peir parking.

[mapleleaves]

I am driving to Seattle and on a ship out Peir 91 we need to Park the car long term and get to the Peir does anyone have any ideas other than Peir parking.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1361130&highlight=smith+cove

[FOOTAY]

Is there a place to stop off at to pickup soda, beer, on the way to pier 91 from seatac. We will using already there towncar or royal coach town car.:cool:

[BayStateguppy]

I guess I should ask here too. My 19 y/o son needs a hotel for 3 nights but I am finding most have 21+ restrictions. Does anyone know of a hotel in Seattle that will allows under 21 to check in? Thx

[TravelWise101]

I guess I should ask here too. My 19 y/o son needs a hotel for 3 nights but I am finding most have 21+ restrictions. Does anyone know of a hotel in Seattle that will allows under 21 to check in? Thx

 

How does he feel about Hostels? I know there is one in the downtown area. If nothing else, maybe they can direct you to a hotel that may accept someone under 21 for check-in. Or, if you are a rewards customer of one of the chains - you maybe could ask them as a member if they would accept your son under a registration in your name. Good luck and keep us posted.

[ceetee]

We are still looking for something to do on the 4th. I did look into Argosy lock tour to Lake Union but $78 is too steep, might have considered if it was a dinner cruise, but that one was even more. If we go to the Gas Works Park, what is a good way to bus back to Seatac to our hotel.

[gacruiser5]

Please forgive if this is already answered, but this thread is so long... Is there a limo service you would recommend to pick up at SEATAC and transport to downtown Vancouver? Thanks.

[mapleleaves]

Please forgive if this is already answered, but this thread is so long... Is there a limo service you would recommend to pick up at SEATAC and transport to downtown Vancouver? Thanks.

It would be a very expensive limo ride from SeaTac to downtown Vancouver. Why would you do that?

Or do you mean 2 separate rides? one ride is SeaTac to ?? and the other ride is ?? to Downtown Vancouver.

Please explain.

[gacruiser5]

Yes, trying to get from SEATAC to Vancouver. Thought about train but group doesn't want to haul luggage from airport to train and then to hotel in Vancouver and then to cruise port. Would be easier to just go from Seattle airport straight to Vancouver. Thought about renting a car but it is hard to get six adults and the amount of luggage we would have for a week cruise in one vehicle. Someone suggested quick coach and I need to do more research on it. Thought a limo might be nice and none of us have ever taken one. I know it would be a long ride and not sure it would even work with all of us and the luggage, but I knew I would get some advice when I asked on this site.

[bracket_mom]

Yes, trying to get from SEATAC to Vancouver. Thought about train but group doesn't want to haul luggage from airport to train and then to hotel in Vancouver and then to cruise port. Would be easier to just go from Seattle airport straight to Vancouver. Thought about renting a car but it is hard to get six adults and the amount of luggage we would have for a week cruise in one vehicle. Someone suggested quick coach and I need to do more research on it. Thought a limo might be nice and none of us have ever taken one. I know it would be a long ride and not sure it would even work with all of us and the luggage, but I knew I would get some advice when I asked on this site.

 

 

Here is the site for quick coach. http://www.quickcoach.com/. I saw it listed somewhere for rides from SEATAC to Vancouver. I looked it up and it appears the fare is $54 pp.

[Dan G]

this is a very good limo company. Plan to spend about $5-600 for a limo to Vancouver. Its 3 1/2 hrs plus border crossing so most companies would charge for about 8 hrs at about $80 per hr.

 

Quick coach is efficient but not as comfy as a pvt van or limo. You might also call

 

shuttleexpress.com

 

and price out a towncar, limo, van or minibus. They are based at Seatac as well.

[vbmom87]

Yes, trying to get from SEATAC to Vancouver. Thought about train but group doesn't want to haul luggage from airport to train and then to hotel in Vancouver and then to cruise port. Would be easier to just go from Seattle airport straight to Vancouver. Thought about renting a car but it is hard to get six adults and the amount of luggage we would have for a week cruise in one vehicle. Someone suggested quick coach and I need to do more research on it. Thought a limo might be nice and none of us have ever taken one. I know it would be a long ride and not sure it would even work with all of us and the luggage, but I knew I would get some advice when I asked on this site.

 

How about renting two cars?

[mapleleaves]

davidgmg, did you want to provide the name of a limo company ??