Hotel #2- Quality Inn and Suites, Seattle, Washington

Though amenities weren't a concern for our one-night stay in Spokane Valley, it was another story entirely for Seattle. For accommodations during the main part of our trip I had three key factors to consider: price, location, and amenities, in that order. I spent literally hours online searching for reasonably-priced lodging, near attractions that we were interested in, preferably with a pool and hot tub. I went to all the major travel resource websites: Priceline, Expedia, Travelocity, Hotels.com, and Hotwire, but eventually found the best deal on a website called Quikbook.

On Quikbook I was able to reserve our three-night stay at Quality Inn, only three blocks away from the Space Needle at Seattle Center, for just under $100 per night, almost $35 per night less than the offers I found on all the major travel sites. Even better was Quikbook's book now, pay later policy. Not only can you settle your bill when you arrive at the hotel, but you can make changes or cancel your reservation without incurring any fees.

So only five hours after checking out of Crossland Economy Studios in Spokane Valley we pulled up to Quality Inn and Suites Seattle Center, which was easy to find thanks to some on-target Mapquest directions. We were able to park for free in their parking garage, a feature that not all Seattle hotels offer. Check-in was quick and painless, and before we knew it we were out exploring the town.

The lobby was attractive and inviting, featuring a large television, coffee, computer with high-speed internet access, copies of USA Today, and probably the most comfortable couch on which I have ever had the pleasure of sitting. The folks at the front desk were friendly and helpful, answering my many public transportation-related questions.

Our room was a standard room, good-sized with two double beds that were quite comfortable. There was also a fridge, microwave, and table in the room which made it possible to bring home left-overs from all the delicious restaurants we visited. The first night we opened the curtains expecting to see a parking lot, or maybe the back side of the next door Travelodge, but were instead treated to a perfectly-framed view of the Space Needle. Awesome!

Since there is no smoking inside any buildings in Seattle, or even 25 ft. from entrances and exits, there was a large patio on our floor where smokers could duck out for a quick puff. Though I'm a non-smoker myself, the patio was really delightful on the first day we were there, the only day that it didn't rain!

On the main floor there was an indoor pool, hot tub, and electric sauna that was great for relaxing away the aches and pains of our fast-paced, adventure-filled days exploring the city. The pool, hot tub, and sauna area was open from 6 a.m. to midnight so it was usually open and available when we dragged ourselves back to the hotel in the evening. There was also a nice workout room with all the standard workout equipment in just the next room, but as we were always exhausted from walking all over the city we didn't take advantage of it.

Free continental breakfast was served in the quiet little breakfast room. Breakfast featured all the standard continental fare: bagels, toast, muffins, assorted pastries, boiled eggs, cereal, yogurt, and my favorite- waffles made in those pour and rotate waffle makers. All in all a great way to start your day.

As the days of our trip went by we were reminded again and again what a good choice Quality Inn and Suites had been. Not only did we get a great value, but the location was perfect, only a stroll away from Seattle Center and the Monorail Terminal where we could easily access the rest of the city. We were very, very pleased with every aspect of our stay and will surely stay there again on our next trip to Seattle.