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Seattle SnapshotBy Suzanne HallIf you find yourself headed to Seattle for a meeting at the Washington State Trade and Convention Center, consider booking a suite at Summerfield Suites Hotel (formerly Plaza Park Suites). Located just a few steps from the convention center, it isn’t the most luxurious hotel in town nor is the scenery outstanding. But the hotel is loaded with special amenities that make business traveling more pleasurable, especially if a guest is accompanying you.
Near the lobby, there’s small room where a complimentary continental breakfast is served and a store where you can buy frozen foods, wines, newspapers and other sundries. Other amenities include an outdoor pool and fitness center. Summerfield’s best service by far, however, is its complimentary shuttle to and from the downtown area. Members of the hotel staff will take you quickly by van or limousine to wherever you want to go from early morning until about 10 p..m. at night. When you’re through shopping or dining, just give them a call. They’ll come pick you up. Seattle’s downtown department stores and Pike Place Market draw visitors by the thousands, if you’re looking for a little offbeat shopping, though, head for the Pioneer Square area where you’ll find boutiques, antique shops and the Seattle Mystery Bookshop (117 Cherry St.) and Bud’s Jazz Records (102S. Jackson at First Ave. S). The bookstore offers a huge selection of new and used mysteries. Bud’s is jammed with jazz records, tapes and CDs, ranging from the old classics to New Age. The store is below street level. Just open the metal gate and walk down the stairs. Be sure to chat with owner Bud Young. He’s friendly and very knowledgeable. Dining in Seattle is varied and always pleasurable. If you’re looking for a quick snack near Pike Place Market, head for Le Panier at Pike Place and Stewart St. Sit at the counter by the window and watch the people go by as you enjoy French bread, pastries or a sandwich and a good cup of cappuccino or espresso. Oyster lovers don’t want to miss The Brooklyn Seafood, Steak & Oyster House (12 12 Second Ave., 206-224-7000). A Seattle tradition, the restaurant has a clubby atmosphere and is always quite busy. Start out with an oyster sampler (You’ll get a sheet describing each type of oyster and will be surprised how their taste varies.)Then go on to some wild Pacific red king salmon with mashed potatoes, pan-fried oysters, Thai seafood stew or a great steak. The Brooklyn also has a good wine list as well as a nice selection of single malts and martinis. Other good bets for dining in Seattle are all of Tom Douglas’ restaurants, including Dahlia Lounge (1904 Fourth Ave., 206-682-4142), Palace Kitchen (2030 Fifth Ave., 206-448-2001) and Etta’s Seafood, (2020 Western Ave., 206-433-6000). Contacts: Summerfield Suites Hotel, 1011 Pike St., Seattle, WA 98101; 800-426-0670. |
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Summerfield
offers several different kind of suites beginning at about $200 (convention and
corporate rates are lower). The door of the deluxe one-bedroom suite opens into
a spacious living area complete with sleeper sofa, television, dining room
table, set with dishes, linens and wine glasses. Adjacent is a Pullman kitchen
equipped with a full-size refrigerator, range, oven and microwave. The cabinets
are well stocked with cooking utensils and more dishes. A small hall separates
the living area from the bathroom and an adequately sized bedroom with a
king-sized bed, television and closet. (There’s a second closet in the hall).
Some of these suites have a balcony. Others have a jetted bathtub.