Oops, forgot to mention a few more things. The absolute best and cheapest way to stay in Seattle is to use Priceline.com. Just pick a 3 or 4 star rating in DT Seattle and go for it! You can't miss, they will often upgrade your room for nothing, and it's possible to get a really really nice place for $79-89 a night. You have to pay out front and don't know the specific place until you are approved, but the high star rated places are all fantastic. My sweetie has been flying up from Phoenix since January and we always use priceline. We have stayed at the Edgewater (our favorite!), the Alexis, the Westin and Hilton this way, all for under $100. Good luck!

About the coast: our favorite spot is Ocean Crest Resort. The rooms are a bit outdated but overlook the ocean, and the restaurant is FANTASTIC! Do not miss eating there!!!!! It is not crowded like Ocean Shores, but do drive out to the tip of ocean Shores to enjoy the pounding surf. Also, it is an easy drive up to the Rainforest/Quinalt Lodge from Ocen Crest which is at Moclips. (There really is NO Moclips, though! Just a bar or 2!)

Kathleen