Searching for Seattle Hotels?

What’s so great about Seattle? Well, everything! From its natural beauty and mild weather to its culture, art and, of course, its coffee, Seattle has it all. The good news is that travelers can stay at Marriott Seattle hotels and experience the best Seattle has to offer without blowing through their travel budgets. Here’s a little inside information on just how to do that.

Travelers seeking an affordable Seattle vacation should choose a Marriott Seattle hotel that is near all of the Seattle attractions they’re interested in seeing. This won’t be difficult, with Marriott’s several Seattle hotels - five in close proximity to Seattle’s city center alone! Along with convenient locations and world class service, travelers can rely on Marriott Seattle hotels meeting their travel needs with everything from the latest in business technology for work to the ultimate in spa luxury for vacation pampering.

With so much to see and do in Seattle, getting the most out of every dollar isn’t too tough for travelers in the know. Seattle has a variety of options for meeting the entertainment needs of even the most budget-conscious visitors. Here are just a few ideas that are big on entertainment but easy on the wallet.

Olympic Sculpture Park – From the sublime to the ridiculous, there is something for everyone at the Seattle Art Museum’s Olympic Sculpture Park. This nine-acre industrial space, on the edge of Puget Sound, was on the verge of being sold to a developer and turned into condominiums. Saved by Seattle residents, this park is open to the public and offers the beauty of art and nature.

Visit Museums – The first Thursday of every month, Seattle Museums offer free days for the general public. Seattle museums are local treasures and can be expensive on normal days. On the list of “must see” museums are the Frye, the Wing Luke Asian Museum, the University of Washington Burke Museum, the Experience Music Project and the Science Fiction Museums (the building alone is worth the trip).

Pike Place Market – Even the most seasoned travelers are sure to be thrilled by the Pike Place Market. Since 1907, people have enjoyed strolling through and marveling at the gorgeous produce, flowers, antiques, exotic goods, works from local artisans and views of the water. Alive and colorful, the ambiance alone is worth the visit. Travelers should be sure to take in the most famous site at the market, the fish throwing guys. The Pike Place fishmongers throw fish and have fun with visitors!

Check out the view at the Top of the Smith Tower – While everyone else is waiting in line for the pricey ride up the elevator to the top of the Space Needle, head to the Smith Tower. It offers a spectacular view of downtown Seattle at less than half the price. Half the crowd too!

Experience the Arboretum – It is one of the most popular attractions in Seattle, and it is absolutely free. Maintained by the University of Washington, this two hundred thirty acre park is open year-round. Incidentally, it has great parking that seldom fills up. Come enjoy the over 20,000 trees, shrubs and vines, including 139 that are on the endangered species list. The Arboretum is open from dawn to dusk seven days a week.

Take a Walking Tour – Travelers should put on a pair of comfortable shoes, grab an area map at the front desk and see Seattle up close. Downtown Seattle is compact and easily explored on foot - that is if travelers don't mind a few hills. A popular stroll is along the waterfront from Pioneer Square to Pike Place Market. Another great place to walk is the International District (also known as Chinatown), next to the stadiums. And if time allows, travelers can hike the Burke Gilman Trail from Ballard to Kenmore for a backyard view of Seattle.

Cheap Eats – In the mood for some authentic international food at a great price? The best deals on a good meal can be found at the international eateries located throughout the International District (also known as Chinatown), and the U-District. The U-District is the neighborhood surrounding the University of Washington. You will also want to keep an eye out for happy hour specials at the more upscale restaurants and smaller bars.

Marvel at the Locks – You can’t help but marvel at the boats’ maneuvering the system of locks between the Puget Sound (saltwater) and Lakes Union and Washington. The Army Core of Engineers took advantage of Seattle’s abundance of water when they built the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks. Kids of all ages will enjoy the lock’s fish ladder. It was designed to allow salmon to pass between fresh and saltwater. Watch the fish through glass panels as they navigate their way through the ladder, adjusting to the different levels of salt at each step.

Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour – Roam the subterranean passages beneath the streets of Seattle that once were the main roadways and first-floor storefronts. This guided tour reveals the real “dirt” on the city’s unclean past. Learn a little history with a twist! Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour starts in Pioneer Square, and tours are reasonably priced.

Believe it or not, this is just a small sampling of all there is to do and see in Seattle. For even more fun and economical ways to fill the days and nights of a Seattle vacation, travelers should visit the Concierge at the Marriott Seattle hotel they are staying at.