As a long time Bellevue resident, and hostess to many events on both sides of the floating bridges.. I have to slightly disagree. I will say that if you plan to spend most of your waking moments in downtown Seattle, weren't interested in renting a car, or you're into the late night activities ...then yes, its probably a good idea to stay in the city. The attraction of staying in Bellevue is not necessarily Bellevue itself. However, if parts of your trip are going to take you outside of the downtown and you're going to have a car anyway... then the cheaper prices for hotels, cheaper parking, and vicinity (without crossing a floating bridge) to many of the areas other attractions, make it a great base. 4 blocks from the Hyatt is the Transit center which will get you to or from downtown Seattle on a PRICELINE EXPRESS bus for $2. Snoqualmie, the winery area in Woodinville .. including the Herbfarm restaurant, and Mt. Rainier are all more easily accessible from Bellevue.