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

[pixie08]

I was also looking for a grocery store, near Westlake. We are staying at the Sheraton. I saw a Kress IGA about a block away on google maps. Can anyone confirm that this is realor is there another? TIA.

 

[eandesmom]

I was also looking for a grocery store, near Westlake. We are staying at the Sheraton. I saw a Kress IGA about a block away on google maps. Can anyone confirm that this is realor is there another? TIA.

Yep, it's real, used to go there all the time when I worked across the street from it! From the Sheraton I think it's a little farther though, probably closer to 2-3 blocks I think. It is below grade, you'll take an escalator down.

 

[eandesmom]

There is a Costco in the SODO area as well that is easily on the way to the port from the airport.

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!!

This is true, we drove over with more than this but sshh don't tell! I would pack it in your luggage as well and then just move it to your carry on for boarding.

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.

I had no idea there was a whole foods down there, good to know! Interesting about the local, I've heard varying opinions on it. Not a big hard alcohol drinker so it's nice to hear that.

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!

I posted a bit of info on the Maxwell earlier in this thread, would pop up if you did a search I think. It's a nice hotel but not remotely close to the port or downtown, it's in Queen Anne. It is close to some great dining though. Mayflower is ok, it's a little further away from the main shopping but near several good restaurants and certainly walkable to most things.

If you are going for boutique (guessing by the two options) I personally prefer the Monaco, Alexis, Inn at the Market or Edgewater. Different pro's and cons to each.

Alderwood is 15 minutes in good traffic from downtown, 30+ in bad and a very pricey cab ride. If you have a car, no big deal but bus would probably take an hour (we have horrid bus service) and involve at least one bus transfer.

 

[stitch_mama]

What a great thread! Thanks for all of the info!

Just wondering if anyone can recommend a good towncar service. My parents are flying out at 11:45 am on our debarkation day (which also happens to be Memorial Day). The timing is a little tighter than we'd like (but doable, I think) and they want a car service to get them to SEATAC on time. Anyway, when I google "seattle towncar service" a gazillion websites come up. The only one I can find mentioned on other sites is Shuttle Express. Any opinions??

Thanks!

 

[mellers]

What a great thread! Thanks for all of the info!

Just wondering if anyone can recommend a good towncar service. My parents are flying out at 11:45 am on our debarkation day (which also happens to be Memorial Day). The timing is a little tighter than we'd like (but doable, I think) and they want a car service to get them to SEATAC on time. Anyway, when I google "seattle towncar service" a gazillion websites come up. The only one I can find mentioned on other sites is Shuttle Express. Any opinions??

Thanks!

Seattle Green Limo http://www.seattlegreenlimo.com/

 

[stitch_mama]

Thanks so much - I'll look into that one!

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

What a great thread! Thanks for all of the info!

Just wondering if anyone can recommend a good towncar service. My parents are flying out at 11:45 am on our debarkation day (which also happens to be Memorial Day). The timing is a little tighter than we'd like (but doable, I think) and they want a car service to get them to SEATAC on time. Anyway, when I google "seattle towncar service" a gazillion websites come up. The only one I can find mentioned on other sites is Shuttle Express. Any opinions??

Thanks!

I can't answer your question but just wanted to point out that the term "shuttle" usually involves picking up others as a shared ride to save costs. If timing is tight, it's probably better to pay a little extra to have more personalized private car service. It's so frustrating when you're on a tight schedule and have to wait for others who seem to be in no hurry at all.

 

[Epcotopia]

Hello all,

I have done some searching recently and cant find the answer to my question.

We are trying to go to a Mariners game and heard about a public bus that goes from the airport. We will be staying at an airport hotel for the night so we will not be bringing our luggage but would like anyones thoughts and advice on taking this bus to the game.

Thanks!

 

[MillauFr]

You want to take the light rail. It drops you off very near the Stadium.

 

[pixie08]

Yep, it's real, used to go there all the time when I worked across the street from it! From the Sheraton I think it's a little farther though, probably closer to 2-3 blocks I think. It is below grade, you'll take an escalator down.

Thanks.

 

[sarahmarie]

I can't answer your question but just wanted to point out that the term "shuttle" usually involves picking up others as a shared ride to save costs. If timing is tight, it's probably better to pay a little extra to have more personalized private car service. It's so frustrating when you're on a tight schedule and have to wait for others who seem to be in no hurry at all.

I can't provide any actual recommendations as to town car services, but I can clear this up a bit. Shuttle Express (www.shuttleexpress.com) DOES have private car service with options of sedans, limos, luxury vans, etc, so they would be an option.

They got their start doing the traditional "shuttle" shared-ride service, and have branched out a lot over the years. I've used them many times in the past for transportation to the airport, and don't have any complaints about them.

Not sure if this has been mentioned previously in this thread, but for others looking for transportation to/from the airport & the cruise terminal, they do offer scheduled (shared van) service between SeaTac Airport, Downtown Seattle and Cruise Terminals, leaving the airport approximately every 30 minutes from 4 am - 8:30 pm, on-demand service from 8:30 pm - 4 am. ($18 per adult one way; kids 12 & under free)

HTH

 

[eandesmom]

I can't provide any actual recommendations as to town car services, but I can clear this up a bit. Shuttle Express (www.shuttleexpress.com) DOES have private car service with options of sedans, limos, luxury vans, etc, so they would be an option.

They got their start doing the traditional "shuttle" shared-ride service, and have branched out a lot over the years. I've used them many times in the past for transportation to the airport, and don't have any complaints about them.

Not sure if this has been mentioned previously in this thread, but for others looking for transportation to/from the airport & the cruise terminal, they do offer scheduled (shared van) service between SeaTac Airport, Downtown Seattle and Cruise Terminals, leaving the airport approximately every 30 minutes from 4 am - 8:30 pm, on-demand service from 8:30 pm - 4 am. ($18 per adult one way; kids 12 & under free)

HTH

I've used them many times as well, with no issues. In fact had amazing service last January, landing in a snowstorm and the driver actually got me home when cars were stalling out all around us. Very impressive!

 

[mellers]

Hello all,

I have done some searching recently and cant find the answer to my question.

We are trying to go to a Mariners game and heard about a public bus that goes from the airport. We will be staying at an airport hotel for the night so we will not be bringing our luggage but would like anyones thoughts and advice on taking this bus to the game.

Thanks!

There's a light rail which will take you directly from the airport to the game--easy-peasy.

 

[LeslieG]

Sorry, I can't seem to find the official Seattle thread that's on this board somewhere.

We are flying into Seatac on Saturday 5/19 at around 9 p.m. We are going to stay at Best Western Pioneer Square and take Amtrak to Vancouver Sunday morning for our cruise.

Do you think it's safe between 9 and 10 p.m. on a Saturday night for us to take the light rail to Pioneer Square and walk to the Best Western?

 

[Bunless]

I think it would be fine.
On occasion there are problems in the area around 2pm (when the bars close), but between 9 and 10 things it's ok, especially if you're in a group.

 

[shburks]

I think it would be fine.
On occasion there are problems in the area around 2pm (when the bars close), but between 9 and 10 things it's ok, especially if you're in a group.

I haven't lived in the Seattle area in about 7 years so I won't comment specifically, but I'm quite sure the PP meant 2am when the bars close!!

 

[rgrovr]

The area does get sketchy in the wee hours of the morning (2am on) around Pioneer Square. The early evening not so much since there are lots of bars/activities happening on a Sat night.

If there is a night game at Safeco that day then its really no prob as there will be tons of ppl around the area.

 

[JoshAndEvsMom]

If it was just me and my husband, I'd be fine with walking around that area at night but if I were with my young kids or alone I'd want to take a car or shuttle directly to the hotel. I guess I've always been on the over-cautious side but I think if you have little ones you may like the convenience as well as safety.

 

[jilljill]

Sorry, I can't seem to find the official Seattle thread that's on this board somewhere.

We are flying into Seatac on Saturday 5/19 at around 9 p.m. We are going to stay at Best Western Pioneer Square and take Amtrak to Vancouver Sunday morning for our cruise.

Do you think it's safe between 9 and 10 p.m. on a Saturday night for us to take the light rail to Pioneer Square and walk to the Best Western?

Found the thread on page 10 and merged your thread with the Seattle info thread.

 

[LeslieG]

The area does get sketchy in the wee hours of the morning (2am on) around Pioneer Square. The early evening not so much since there are lots of bars/activities happening on a Sat night.

If there is a night game at Safeco that day then its really no prob as there will be tons of ppl around the area.

I checked the schedule for Safeco, and there doesn't appear to be any events. I guess I'll think about it for awhile. I probably wouldn't do it if I was alone, but it will be my DH and DS12 and DS10. We will each have a rolling carry-on, so no big pieces of luggage.