Anyone willing to spend $150 or more will find a wide range of options close to the heart of the action, including many of the large chain hotels. Note, however, that you are paying dearly for the location; the same room in Edmonds (a 15-mile drive) would cost half these rates.

Finding a Room in Seattle

The Seattle-King County Convention and Visitors Bureau offers a free Seattle Hotel hotline (206/461-5882 or 800/535-7071, www.visitseattle.org), through which you can make reservations at local hotels. It’s a good one-stop place to find a room in your price range. Its online lodging guide is categorized by location and price, with direct links to hundreds of local places; it’s an excellent starting place if you have Web access.

In addition, the Convention and Visitors Bureau publishes a free calendar of events booklet with discount coupons for many local hotels. Find it at visitors centers or call to request one prior to your arrival in Seattle. Many hotels and motels offer special discount rates for business travelers or members of various organizations (such as AAA), so be sure to ask.

Summer travelers to Seattle should make advance hotel reservations. For longer-term accommodations, check the Yellow Pages or local newspapers for places offering apartments and other rentals.

Finding a Seattle B&B

Seattle has a number of outstanding B&Bs, particularly in the Capitol Hill neighborhood, home of many stately historic mansions. If you want to simplify your search, contact a reservation service.

Two good ones are the Seattle Bed and Breakfast Association (206/547-1020 or 800/348-5630, www.seattlebandbs.com) and A Pacific Reservation Service (206/439-7677 or 800/684-2932, www.seattlebedandbreakfast.com).