FEATURED Seattle hotels

In comparison to other US cities, Seattle has pretty much defined its own unique culture and identity. A major contributing factor is its location in the Pacific Northwest, which has forged a history of trade and commerce between continental America, Vancouver and Alaska. The main departure point for those visiting the northernmost reaches of the continent, the city itself can provide access to some stunning natural environments, urban arts, music, cultural, and social interaction. Seattle hotels put guests right in the middle of the action, and are flexible enough to house both families, and business travelers.

The largest of the Washington State cities, Seattle had fairly inauspicious beginnings. Founded in the 1850s, it soon established itself as a port and grew from the timber trade and considerably more so as a result of the Gold Rush. This set a pattern for a certain entrepreneurial spirit that is very much a defining factor in Seattle business today. A major place for aerospace, the city is also at the forefront of technology industries, attracting many people for the work opportunities and the high levels of training and education available. The city is one of the most literate in America and enjoys its reputation as a smart city and cool place to be.

Many people come with business in mind and require hotels in Seattle ready to meet the demands for corporate life. Seattle hotels are certainly up for the challenge, and most of the larger hotel establishments will have a full range of business features and facilities, from meeting rooms to boardrooms. The rooms and suites will be well prepared for the corporate visitor, with the latest in telephone and internet communications as well as satellite televisions which in addition to all the standard entertainment channels will provide access to business-oriented information.

Many more come to the city for the culture, which has largely been defined by arts and music. The superb art galleries and classical venues are very highly regarded and the old regions, which have come together to form the city, celebrate their own unique take on Seattle culture through various street events and popular entertainment spaces. Great art aside, the city is perhaps better known for two main cultural contributions to the world, that of coffee and grunge music. Coffee shop culture was invented in Seattle and thanks to local brand Starbucks, its influence has reached far and wide. Suffice to say, a good cup of coffee in pleasant surrounds will certainly be a feature of most Seattle hotels.

It is not just about a good selection of coffee of course, and many of the coffee shops will host accompanying entertainment, which can be anything from live music to a poetry recital or open mic comedy night. Those looking for some music of a harder edge will not be disappointed, as there are many live music venues in the city which continue a long and well established tradition. The grunge music phenomenon of the early '90s, with local bands like Pearl Jam and Nirvana, placed the city on the map for many music fans. But the roots of such guitar driven music date back further to Jimi Hendrix, who spent his formative years perfecting his skills on stage in Seattle.

Seattle hotels can't promise international star performances, but some do incorporated live entertainment and most will provide a superb, comfortable, and well equipped base in the city close to all the attractions. Luxury hotels will have all the features their status demands, from room service to exquisite fine dining, and the larger ones will have the best range of leisure facilities, from swimming pools to gyms and spas. A luxury environment can help too, and as a city built between the Puget Sound of the Pacific Ocean and Lake Washington, there is plenty of scope for wonderful lakeside living within some of the best hotels in the city.

A Seattle hotel will cater equally well to the leisure or business visitor, but certainly those looking for the best business hotels will find the greatest choice in the downtown business district and near the airport, which is situated on the outskirts of the city. An airport hotel will have additional features useful for air travel, such as express check-in, long stay parking and a flight information service. Many hotels in the city will offer such services too, for executive guests, as well as other privileges like access to executive lounges and office equipment.

Other Seattle hotels offer something different. There are many that fall comfortably within the boutique hotel classification and these will exude all the style and culture of the local environment, often with some of the most fashionable bar, lounge, and dining spaces too. Others are small, independent hotels which offer convenient no-frills accommodation ideal for those on a tight budget but who still want to enjoy the best aspects of the city. The significant student population of the city means there is always good value accommodations available.

A city of opportunity, in culture and in business, and with easy access to outstanding natural environments, Seattle is a popular place to live, to work, and to visit. For those who choose to stay a while and enjoy the best of the city and its hospitality, they will find both within Seattle hotels.