August, 2014 - Seattle, WA

NOT SO SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE -- THANKS TO THE MOTIF HOTEL!

This beautiful, modern hotel just switched ownership a couple of months ago -- it was a Red Lion (which we enjoyed on our last Seattle trip) -- but lots of positive changes have been made since Destination Hotels took over.  It's now The Motif, managed by very capable Shannon Sheron.  The décor is beautiful with lots of artwork, the service is very welcoming, housekeeping is terrific (always remember to tip -- they deserve  it!) and our room on the 20th floor was out-of-this-world!  It was large and modern with the most comfy bedding we've ever slept in.  And a good night's sleep was just what we needed after a 2 night stay in this amazing city.  We had a marvelous view of the Bay, the retail area and the ferris wheel -- beautiful at night!  The Motif is our "Go To" hotel whenever we visit Seattle.




Mary K in our gorgeous and "roomy" room

Peggy showing off the view from the Motif's 20th floor!

We loved the treats the Motif offers to guests in the evening.  A staff member knocks on your door and offers delicious cookies and sometimes Fran's chocolates as a little pre-bedtime surprise -- a wonderful, surprising touch and much appreciated!






Cookies served on little trays, hand delivered to our room!

We arrived in Seattle by ferry from Bainbridge Island on Friday afternoon and quickly decided to jump on the Emerald City Trolley -- a great idea since one of their stops is close to the ferries.  A 2 day pass was perfect for us -- we could hop-on, hop-off at several important stops in Seattle.  The drivers and guides were friendly and helpful -- we'd definitely do it again.  Thanks to the trolley, we were just in time to check into The Motif Hotel and head to Pike Place Market for the Savor Seattle Tour we ordered on the internet.

We met our tour guide, John, at the Pike Place Theater with the chewing gum wall.

The famous chewing gum wall

John equipped each person in our group with listening devices so we could hear him giving us details and great, funny stories about the Market.  We then followed him through the Market, always mindful of his pink umbrella.

And our first stop was my personal favorite -- Daily Dozen Doughnuts.  We sampled the cinnamon sugar HOT mini doughnuts -- they melt in your mouth.  We went back later in the day to buy a dozen of the frosted maple and bacon doughnuts but they were sold out -- TRAVEL TIP:  Be sure to buy them early in the day!  We gorged ourselves on a dozen powdered sugar and cinnamon ones instead....you've been wondering why I look so heavy in the pictures??

Market Place Tea

Daily Dozen Donuts 

We leisurely walked through the Market (Thank God, this was on Friday -- a lot less crowded than on the week-ends) and sampled Market Place Tea (delish), samples of salmon and fruit (love the doughnut peaches -- we can't find them in Florida), cheese, chowder, salmon bisque, beef and lamb kabobs, and fabulous crab cakes from Etta's, owned by world famous chef, Tom Douglas.  We also liked Pears Deli and had a delicious, reasonably priced lunch at Pears the next day.

Pike Place Fish Market

We bid a fond goodbye to John (again, remember to tip -- these guides earn it!) and headed back to the Market to make our purchases.

Back to The Motif for alittle relaxation and a tour of our hotel!

View from our room.

Great location!  Marvelous sitting area just outside the hotel front, with a cozy fire and live music some evenings!  Great way to relax after a long day of sightseeing, shopping, business!

Our lovely room.

Beautiful Frolik for dinner and drinks.

Wonderful large 5th floor terrace, at Frolik

 (view from our room!)

   

Day 2 - Seattle

One of the best traveling tips we can pass on to you...If available, take a hop on-hop off bus!  You get a great view of the city and wonderful guide information!  We like to take the complete tour first and then go back to hop on - hop off at our favorite (usually all stops) spots!  

In Seattle, we found The Emerald City Trolley.  We very much appreciated the excellent drivers and guides; however, we did not appreciate that service stops around 5:30 PM.  The price is reasonable.  Just be sure to start early (9:00 AM) so your get a full day and time to do and see everything!  

Trolley starts at 9:00 AM and makes stops every half hour to 45 minutes.  Price is reasonable:  

One day - adult-$28; child-$15; senior-$24

Two day - adult-$35-; child-$15; senior-$30

We opted for the two day tour and definitely got our money's worth...especially since we would be taking a ferry to Bainbridge Island on our last Seattle day and a trolley stop was near our terminal!  (Saving again on taxi cabs)

 Visible signs at all stops