Official Seattle information thread Updated 5/28/2014-Oso update

[Caropooh]

How far is it from the Westlake light rail station to the Monorail station?

just upstairs. The monorail station is on the 3rd or 4th florr of Westlake Center and the light rail staion is below ground underneath Westlake Center.

 

[mellers]

How far is it from the Westlake light rail station to the Monorail station?

Take one of the two Westlake Center Elevators (not the ones to get you to Westlake from the tunnel, but the one actually inside the mall or outside by the outside bus stop) to the top floor of Westlake Center. That's the monorail station. A hardy soul without a wheelchair or heavy luggage could climb the stairs.

 

[eandesmom]

Thanks everyone on the light rail info. We are staying in the Hyatt @ Olive 8 and looks like it's a short 3 blocks from the Westlake Station. We are traveling in July so weather should be decent. The shuttle charges ~ $20 per person and with 3 it adds up. I guess we'll decide when it gets close but your info definitely gives me something to think about (slow, late evening, et.)! Thanks again!

There is a shared ride shuttle at the airport that is less, it should run closer to $35 or so for 3 I think. However it will make multiple stops. You do not need a reservation although you can make one ahead of time if desired. To catch it you just go to the main taxi pick up area on the bottom floor of the garage (across the street from the terminal, you'll take a bridge across and then escalator or elevator down) and the shuttle desk is there. Other shuttles are caught in a different location, along with all the rental car shuttles. It's either called super shuttle or seattle super shuttle, it will pop up if you google it. We only make reservations from home to the airport, not in reverse.

Can anyone recommend a good shuttle service from the Seatac to Pike area?

I want to save some $ so I don't want to hire a town car, but I don't want to waste over an hour using the light rail since our time is precious, and I want to get right into site seeing!

See above. I'm sure there are others but this is the one we often use if we aren't parking at the airport as it's right there and due to the shared nature, on the less expensive side

Take one of the two Westlake Center Elevators (not the ones to get you to Westlake from the tunnel, but the one actually inside the mall or outside by the outside bus stop) to the top floor of Westlake Center. That's the monorail station. A hardy soul without a wheelchair or heavy luggage could climb the stairs.

There are also escalators inside the mall however it is generally a rather crowded mall but with wheeled luggage would be fine. The monorail entrance is inside so at some point you have to go in regardless of stairs (closest and least crowded) elevator or escalator. We always use the stairs but are not dealing with luggage.

 

[Grumpymom73]

I read in an earlier post that the liquor laws were changing in June. Will it be possible to stop on the way to the port and pick-up some adult beverages? Wine and maybe something stronger?
Thanks!

 

[mellers]

I read in an earlier post that the liquor laws were changing in June. Will it be possible to stop on the way to the port and pick-up some adult beverages? Wine and maybe something stronger?
Thanks!

Given that it's a holiday, maybe or maybe not. You can get wine at any grocery store, but anything stronger may have to be purchased at a different location, and I'm not sure about hours restrictions--maybe someone else will know.

 

[Stinasmom]

Beginning June 1st, you will be able to buy spirits at the grocery stores here just like California, Hawaii and many other states. NOT, however at "convenience" stores like 7-11 or gas station mini marts.

The prices will be noticibly better for us too.

Costo will be the biggest beneficiary (they basically funded the campaign) as prices there for even the "top shelf" stuff will be WAAYYY less than they are now at the liquor stores.

As far as hours during which the grocery stores can sell the stuff...
I haven't heard that it will be any different than the rules already in place for wine and beer ---- which is NO sales from 2am to 6am. (althought, now that I think about it, not having tried to buy anything during those hours, it's only a guess that this rule still applies.)

So, yea for anyone who appreciates the convenience and reasonable pricing of getting your beverages of choice from a grocery store.

 

[DizDays]

Subscribing

 

[LdyMags]

Beginning June 1st, you will be able to buy spirits at the grocery stores here just like California, Hawaii and many other states. NOT, however at "convenience" stores like 7-11 or gas station mini marts.

The prices will be noticibly better for us too.

Costo will be the biggest beneficiary (they basically funded the campaign) as prices there for even the "top shelf" stuff will be WAAYYY less than they are now at the liquor stores.

As far as hours during which the grocery stores can sell the stuff...
I haven't heard that it will be any different than the rules already in place for wine and beer ---- which is NO sales from 2am to 6am. (althought, now that I think about it, not having tried to buy anything during those hours, it's only a guess that this rule still applies.)

So, yea for anyone who appreciates the convenience and reasonable pricing of getting your beverages of choice from a grocery store.

Awww I cruise May 28th! Where can you buy harder liquor prior to then?

 

[DisSarahK]

Awww I cruise May 28th! Where can you buy harder liquor prior to then?

Only in state run liquor stores.

 

[eandesmom]

Awww I cruise May 28th! Where can you buy harder liquor prior to then?

Not that this may help you feel better but there really aren't any grocery stores near the port anyway. There is a liquor store downtown at 2nd & Seneca I think. It can be, I'm told, a little sketchy around there but I've never been. That said, it was said by people who go there more than once and have survived just fine and apparently think they have a decent selection of scotch (attorneys lol). It's not so much the area but perhaps some of the local loiterers shall we say.

Personally it might be easier to buy it at home and pack it in your luggage if you are checking a bag and then just transfer it to your carryon to board with. We do that for Orlando trips.

 

[Grumpymom73]

Thanks for the replies everyone!

We are sailing June 11. We are staying out by the airport the night before and have a Town Car service picking us up and bringing us to the port. Is there a grocery store that we could ask them to stop at between the airport area and the port? Thanks for all your help!!

 

[mkladypink]

I posted this question on the Vancouver thread but didn't get a solid answer: I am on the trip before this one...the one that leaves from Vancouver and returns to Seattle. I am flying into Seattle but will not be there during normal business hours as we leave early for Vancouver via Amtrack. We arrive in Vancouver on Sunday (no liquor) and sail on Monday, which is a Canadian holiday (no liquor). Where/when am I going to get 'a little something' to add to my Diet Coke?

 

[Stinasmom]

I posted this question on the Vancouver thread but didn't get a solid answer: I am on the trip before this one...the one that leaves from Vancouver and returns to Seattle. I am flying into Seattle but will not be there during normal business hours as we leave early for Vancouver via Amtrack. We arrive in Vancouver on Sunday (no liquor) and sail on Monday, which is a Canadian holiday (no liquor). Where/when am I going to get 'a little something' to add to my Diet Coke?

Dang. Bacardi's Rum comes in plastic bottles. I think I'd pack it in bubble wrap and put it in the checked bag until boarding the ship where you can the put it in the carryon.


As for grocery stores or other between SeaTac and Downtown Seattle -
TONS!! but I would look around the Southcenter Mall area. There is a Costco, but also lots of other things.

Marcy

 

[mkladypink]

I have to go through Canadian customs...think it will be a problem?

 

[Stinasmom]

oh, customs into Canada... this just keeps getting more complicated!

But, it is legal to bring some into Canada...:

"you are allowed to bring in, free of duty and taxes, either 1.5 litres of wine, or 1.14 litres (40 ounces) of liquor, or 24 x 355 millilitres (12 ounces) cans or bottles (8.5 litres) of beer or ale."

Got this from "ask.com"

The amounts are per adult over 19 years old (Canada's drinking age).

Hope that helps!!

 

[Bunless]

My quoting isn't working right....

The closest grocer to the port is Whole Foods, actually, very very close. No word about wether Whole Foods will be selling liquor at this time.

If you are on the May 28th cruise, don't worry, the state run liquor stores will still be highly stocked. Most vendors have signed a buy-back contract with the state liquor stores. May I also suggest that you try the local whiskey, vodka, and gin. Very, very high quality from the several local distillers. Just ask the employees there, they have a lot of knowledge on the local product.

 

[Doingitagain]

What a great thread!

We are staying at the Fairmont Olympic. Is that walking distance to many attractions? What about to Port 91?

Is Beth's Cafe a good place to eat?

Thank you for your help!

 

[Bunless]

What a great thread!

We are staying at the Fairmont Olympic. Is that walking distance to many attractions? What about to Port 91?

Is Beth's Cafe a good place to eat?

Thank you for your help!

The Fairmont is a great location! Walking distance to Pike Place and many other downtown attractions. If you want to go to Seattle Center, I would suggest walking to Westlake and taking the monorail.

It is not in walking distance to Port 91. Personally, I would take a bus, but most people would take a taxi.

Beth's Cafe is excellent, but not in walking distance. Don't get sucked into the 12 egg omelet.

 

[queenbee99]

Does anyone know anything about the Maxwell Hotel or Mayflower Park? Dh found these and was looking at them. Also what would be the best way to get to the American Girl store? We will not have a car. This is the address.
Alderwood, 3000 184th Street, Lynnwood, WA 98037 Thanks!

 

[Stinasmom]

Does anyone know anything about the Maxwell Hotel or Mayflower Park? Dh found these and was looking at them. Also what would be the best way to get to the American Girl store? We will not have a car. This is the address.
Alderwood, 3000 184th Street, Lynnwood, WA 98037 Thanks!

Can't answer much about the hotels above except to check tripadvisor or similiar sites.

But, the American Girl store is in the Alderwood Mall which is 17 miles north of Downtown Seattle.
That may not sound like far, but that is on the I-5 freeway which can be a major traffic mess at anytime of the day or night in Seattle.
You could taxi but think that would be a pretty penny.
The city bus is also an option, but that would take all day to get up there, shop, and get back.

Don't want to be a downer...Maybe you could rent a car for one day?

Good luck!