Seattle Hotels
RECOMMENDED HOTELS
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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 which is very much a defining factor in Seattle business today. A major centre for aerospace, the city is also at the forefront of high technology industries attracting great numbers for the work opportunities and the high levels of training and education available. The city is 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 and boardrooms to fully equipped hotel business centres. The rooms and suites too will be well prepared for the corporate traveller, 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 high arts and low music. The superb art galleries and classical venues are very highly regarded and the old neighbourhoods which have come together to form the city celebrate their own unique take on Seattle culture through various street events and popular entertainment spaces. High art aside, the city is perhaps better known for two main cultural contributions to the world, that of coffee and guitar 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 such as 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 multi-gyms and spa centres. 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. Most Seattle hotels will cater equally well for the leisure or business traveller 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 such as access to executive lounges and office equipment and services. Smaller Seattle hotels offer something different. There are many which 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 for money accommodation 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. |
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