Under $100

College Inn (4000 University Way NE, 206/633-4441, www.collegeinnseattle.com [1], $55–85 d) is a historic 1909 University District [2] hotel with down-the-hall baths and a European feeling. The owners are friendly. A generous continental breakfast is included, but there are no elevators in this four-story building, so pack light. You'll also need to find a nearby lot to park your car overnight.

University Motel (4731 12th Ave. NE, 206/522-4724 or 800/522-4720, $93–121 d) has dated motel accommodations that will do just fine for visiting students. All rooms contain full kitchens—a real plus for travelers—and parking is free, but there is no elevator at this three-story motel.

Eastlake Inn (2215 Eastlake Ave., 206/322-7726, $89 s or d, suites $160 for up to six people) is a little family-run motel just five minutes by car south of the University, near Lake Union [3]. The decor is rather plain in this older motel, but all rooms contain kitchenettes.