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.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Hotel #1- Crossland Economy Studios, Spokane Valley, Washington
The drive from Great Falls, Montana to Seattle, Washington is a long one; just over 645 miles. Since we were leaving on a Saturday after work we didn't want to have to drive the whole way in one shot. I consulted Mapquest to find a half-way stopping point and decided on Spokane, Washington, which only left four and a half hours to be driven the next morning. Since amenities and exact location were not a concern for this particular stay I decided to use Hotwire to make my reservation.
For those of you who are not familiar with Hotwire, they are an operating company of the much larger travel website Expedia. Hotwire specializes in selling opaque hotel accommodations, airline tickets, and car rentals. Opaque meaning that the specific hotel, airline, or car rental agency is hidden until your purchase is complete. Because of this, they are able to offer deep discounts and higher star-rated properties at lower star-rated prices. While this type of arrangement occasionally comes in handy it can feel a little like playing Pin the Tail on the Donkey with your travel plans.
I found a one-star property in Spokane Valley for $33 for our one-night stay and booked it immediately. Overall, my Hotwire gamble worked out fairly well with only a couple of snags. The first problem we encountered was finding the hotel. The sheet I printed out from Hotwire listed the hotel as an Extended Stay America, and then underneath said Crossland/Spokane Valley. We drove right past it the first time expecting to see Extended Stay America. After checking the address we went back and saw that it was actually Crossland Economy Studios, and in really small print, an Extended Stay America Hotel.
We didn't arrive at the hotel until around midnight. When we tried to check in at the office we saw that it was closed, with a sign instructing after-hours guests to use the phone out front to dial a number for assistance. The sign further advised that it may take up to an hour for someone to arrive after hours. I was slightly irritated that not only did the information I received from Hotwire not mention that special arrangements would have to be made for after hours check-in, but when I called the hotel directly the day before to confirm my reservation it wasn't mentioned either. So I was really relieved when a woman showed up to let us in about five minutes later. Problem solved.
Our room at Crossland Economy Studios was nice. It was obviously a budget hotel, but things were nice and clean, and there was a full kitchenette complete with mini fridge, stove, microwave, and cabinets stocked with pans, dishes, and silverware. The pillows were plump, the bed comfortable. We got a great deal for the price we paid so we took the mini glitches in stride. Crossland Economy Studios is perfect for budget-conscious, business, or long-term stay travelers. If given the opportunity I wouldn't mind staying with them again.
As for Hotwire, I would recommend the site for people who are just looking for a great deal and aren't too focused on the particulars of their accommodations. I will probably use them again to book travel reservations for short trips where specific amenities are not a concern.
For those of you who are not familiar with Hotwire, they are an operating company of the much larger travel website Expedia. Hotwire specializes in selling opaque hotel accommodations, airline tickets, and car rentals. Opaque meaning that the specific hotel, airline, or car rental agency is hidden until your purchase is complete. Because of this, they are able to offer deep discounts and higher star-rated properties at lower star-rated prices. While this type of arrangement occasionally comes in handy it can feel a little like playing Pin the Tail on the Donkey with your travel plans.
I found a one-star property in Spokane Valley for $33 for our one-night stay and booked it immediately. Overall, my Hotwire gamble worked out fairly well with only a couple of snags. The first problem we encountered was finding the hotel. The sheet I printed out from Hotwire listed the hotel as an Extended Stay America, and then underneath said Crossland/Spokane Valley. We drove right past it the first time expecting to see Extended Stay America. After checking the address we went back and saw that it was actually Crossland Economy Studios, and in really small print, an Extended Stay America Hotel.
We didn't arrive at the hotel until around midnight. When we tried to check in at the office we saw that it was closed, with a sign instructing after-hours guests to use the phone out front to dial a number for assistance. The sign further advised that it may take up to an hour for someone to arrive after hours. I was slightly irritated that not only did the information I received from Hotwire not mention that special arrangements would have to be made for after hours check-in, but when I called the hotel directly the day before to confirm my reservation it wasn't mentioned either. So I was really relieved when a woman showed up to let us in about five minutes later. Problem solved.
Our room at Crossland Economy Studios was nice. It was obviously a budget hotel, but things were nice and clean, and there was a full kitchenette complete with mini fridge, stove, microwave, and cabinets stocked with pans, dishes, and silverware. The pillows were plump, the bed comfortable. We got a great deal for the price we paid so we took the mini glitches in stride. Crossland Economy Studios is perfect for budget-conscious, business, or long-term stay travelers. If given the opportunity I wouldn't mind staying with them again.
As for Hotwire, I would recommend the site for people who are just looking for a great deal and aren't too focused on the particulars of their accommodations. I will probably use them again to book travel reservations for short trips where specific amenities are not a concern.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
The Reason
My husband, Ty, called me at work one day to excitedly tell me that his favorite band Opeth was playing in Seattle, Washington, as part of the metal Progressive Nation tour. Living in conservative central Montana metal acts, especially death metal ones, don't come near us often. As I said before, Opeth is Ty's favorite band, and has been for years. The opportunity to see them live defined this trip as, not just a vacation, but the culmination of a dream for him. Around the same time that we decided to go to Seattle, Ty started writing for the metal website metalunderground.com. They arranged for Ty to interview Opeth guitarist Fredrik Akesson, making the trip even more meaningful.
Though my brother, Matt, and I aren't really fans of heavy metal, we definitely wanted to come along for the experience. Besides, out of all the music my husband listens to Opeth has to be one of the bands that I enjoy more than most.
For me, the main draw to Seattle were all the museums, restaurants, shopping, and attractions. Also, being really passionate about eco-conservation, I couldn't wait to visit such a diverse, green-friendly city.
Though my brother, Matt, and I aren't really fans of heavy metal, we definitely wanted to come along for the experience. Besides, out of all the music my husband listens to Opeth has to be one of the bands that I enjoy more than most.
For me, the main draw to Seattle were all the museums, restaurants, shopping, and attractions. Also, being really passionate about eco-conservation, I couldn't wait to visit such a diverse, green-friendly city.
Seattle Adventure Planning
When planning a trip I like to do my homework, so a couple of months before we set out on our journey I went to the library and checked out all the Seattle guidebooks they had. Then I spent some serious time online gathering all the information that I could. The following are resources that I found especially useful.
Guidebooks
Frommer's Seattle 2007 by Karl Samson
Frommer's Seattle 2008 by Karl Samson
Lonely Planet's Seattle City Guide by Becky Ohlsen
Fodor's Seattle (4th Edition)
Websites
Seattle's Convention and Visitor's Bureau
www.visitseattle.org
Visiting Seattle, the Official Site of the City of Seattle
www.ci.seattle.wa.us
Emerald City- Seattle Washington
www.seattle.net
Hotels, Restaurants, Attractions, and More
www.seattle.com
Seattle, Washington Vacation Travel Guide
www.go-washington.com
Seattle City Pass
www.citypass.com
Maps
MapEasy's Guidemap to Seattle
Once in Seattle you can find free city maps in hotel lobbies, visitor's centers, and retail stores.
Guidebooks
Frommer's Seattle 2007 by Karl Samson
Frommer's Seattle 2008 by Karl Samson
Lonely Planet's Seattle City Guide by Becky Ohlsen
Fodor's Seattle (4th Edition)
Websites
Seattle's Convention and Visitor's Bureau
www.visitseattle.org
Visiting Seattle, the Official Site of the City of Seattle
www.ci.seattle.wa.us
Emerald City- Seattle Washington
www.seattle.net
Hotels, Restaurants, Attractions, and More
www.seattle.com
Seattle, Washington Vacation Travel Guide
www.go-washington.com
Seattle City Pass
www.citypass.com
Maps
MapEasy's Guidemap to Seattle
Once in Seattle you can find free city maps in hotel lobbies, visitor's centers, and retail stores.
Seattle!!
My husband, brother, and I recently went to Seattle to see Dream Theater's Progressive Nation tour. It was not only a glorious respite from the terrors of our customer service jobs, but it turns out that Seattle is just as awesome as all the guidebooks promised. Though I'm a fairly seasoned traveler, every city is a different experience, and I plan to outline for you the good, the bad, and the ugly of our Seattle adventure!
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