About Seattle

Culture

Seattle is an exciting city surrounded by unmatched natural beauty on the West Coast. With an estimated 662,400 residents as of 2015, Seattle is the largest city in both the state of Washington and the Pacific Northwest region of North America. It is situated on an isthmus between Puget Sound (an inlet of the Pacific Ocean) and Lake Washington, about 100 miles (160 km) south of the Canada–United States border. A major gateway for trade with Asia, Seattle is the third largest port in North America in terms of container handling as of 2015.

The sea, rivers, forests, lakes, and fields surrounding Seattle were once rich enough to support one of the world's few sedentary hunter-gatherer societies. The surrounding area lends itself well to sailing, skiing, bicycling, camping, and hiking year-round.

The city itself is hilly, though not uniformly so. Like Rome, the city is said to lie on seven hills.

The Seattle area was previously inhabited by Native Americans for at least 4,000 years before the first permanent European settlers. The settlement was moved to the eastern shore of Elliott Bay and named "Seattle" in 1852.

The local Boeing company established Seattle as a centre for aircraft manufacturing. The Seattle area developed as a technology centre beginning in the 1980s, with companies like Microsoft becoming established in the region. In 1994 the Internet retail giant Amazon was founded in Seattle.

Tipping

Tipping is a common practice in America. As a general guideline:

Waiter: 15 to 20 percent (pretax)

Valet: US $2-$5

Doorman: US $1-$2 for carrying luggage; US$1-$2 for hailing a cab; US $1-$4 for going beyond the call of duty

Housekeeper: US $2-$5 per day, left daily in an envelope or with a note clearly marked for the maid

Taxi driver: 15 percent, plus an extra US $1-2 if he/she helps with bags

Electricity

  • Voltage: 110-120 Volts
  • Primary Socket Type: North American Grounded
  • Multi-voltage appliances (laptops, etc.): Plug adapter
  • 220-240V appliances: Plug adapter + step-up transformer

Don't forget to bring your travel adapter!

Weather

The temperatures drop further in October in Seattle, with the onset of autumn.

The skies become more overcast, with less expectation of sun shining through, there is a greater expectation of wet weather and the hot days of summer are at an end.

The average daily temperature expected in Seattle in this month is 16°C (61°F), dropping to an average temperature of 8°C (46°F).

Safety

Seattle’s crime statistics show that it is relatively safe for its size. Still, there are some common-sense precautions to keep in mind when visiting Seattle or any other new city.

Just use the same street smarts you would use at home. Do not carry valuables in a backpack on your back (especially on public transport), and keep your camera close to you.

Smoking

All hotels, restaurants public places in the U.S. are No Smoking zones. Smoking is prohibited in all parts of the hotel except in designated bedrooms and public areas.

Tours

For bus tours we recommend: http://toursnorthwest.com/

Bookings at the special congress rates can only be made ONLINE directly with „ToursNorthwest“ via the online link above. The promotional code for the special rate will be given in the confirmation email of your registration.

For cruises, we recommend: www.ClipperVacations.com

Bookings at these special congress rates can only be made directly with Clipper Vacations via this link.

Currency Exchange


Restaurant suggestions

Within walking distance to the hotel

Matt’s in the Market

http://www.mattsinthemarket.com/

Great ambience and view of both Pike Place Market and the Puget Sound. Mostly seafood, a little more high end. Will likely need reservations here.

  • Starters from US $16
  • Main course from US $33
  • Dessert from US $6

Pink Door

http://thepinkdoor.net/

Delicious Italian food, nestled in the famous Pike Place Market. It’s a little tricky to find, as the entrance is down an alley at a low-profile door. Will likely need reservations here.

  • Starters from US $12
  • Main course from US $22

Ivars

http://www.ivars.com/locations/acres-of-clams

Right on the Seattle waterfront pier overlooking Puget Sound. Unfortunately, the area is under construction (a massive road project), but Ivars is an iconic Seattle seafood brand.

  • Starters from US $6
  • Main course from US $11
  • Dessert from US $4 

Steelhead Diner

http://steelheaddiner.com 

This diner is a place of no pretensions where locals hang out, chat with others, watch the kitchen fun and have a great meal. It’s the perfect place for out-of-town visitors. They’ll get a real Seattle experience—great local food in the historic Pike Place Market setting with a view of the Market, Elliott Bay and the Olympic mountains.

  • Starters from US $9
  • Main course from US $19
  • Dessert from US $8

Capital Grill

http://www.thecapitalgrille.com/locations/wa/seattle/seattle/8030 

African mahogany paneling and Art Deco chandeliers provide a warm, stately setting for the nationally renowned dry-aged steaks, fresh seafood, and acclaimed world-class wines. 

  • Starters from US $17
  • Main course from US $30
  • Dessert from US $9

Lowell’s

http://eatatlowells.com/

Located in Pike Place Market, it’s usually bustling in the lower level, there is an upstairs space where you can sit down and take your time.

  • Starters from US $9
  • Main course from US $13 

Various Tom Douglas restaurants

http://tomdouglas.com/

Within a few blocks of the hotel.

Tom Douglas is one of the best-known chefs in Seattle.

Starbucks

http://roastery.starbucks.com/

The iconic Seattle coffee company, has a cool store and tasting room about a 10 minute walk from the hotel.

Other options include Lola, Dalia Lounge, Palace Kitchen, and many more!

  • Starters from US $9
  • Main course from US $25
  • Dessert from US $8
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