Hotwire Hotel: 3* Seattle (Downtown-Pike Place) Summerfield Suite

[Lux]

(Not sure where to put this info so I'll put it here...)

Downtown - Pike Place. Selected amenities include: Complimentary Breakfast, Pool(s), Fitness Center, High-Speed Internet Access, Laundry Facilities (self-service).

With my bids not getting accepted through Priceline, I tried Hotwire for the first time without really understanding how it worked. However, with the GIFTCARD06 coupon I scored this hotel for three nights at $47 + taxes and fees per night for a Weds through Friday stay in mid March (quoted price was $57; when checking for two nights, was quoted $63 a night).

Customer recommendations were alarmingly high, three sets of 5/5, and I'm not that great an advocate. However, the Summerfield Suites are reasonable and I would stay again at this price. I'd previously spent a night at the Holiday Inn Express through Priceline for $50, and the Summerfield's location is more central, the area a little less dodgy.

Hotwire rates this as a 3 star, although Expedia rates is 2.5 and this is probably more accurate. Wireless and wired internet access is $10 for 24 hours through the Wayport network; valet parking is around $17 a day, can't remember exactly, although there are other lots and garages in the area.

The hotel is on the corner of 10th and Pike, sold as being in Downtown and this is just about true. It's ten blocks from Pike Place Market, which you can see at the bottom of the gentle hill. The entrance to the Metro Tunnel and start of the free ride area is just a block away so access to all parts of the city is easy. There are few eating options nearby, room service is provided by the Tapas bar opposite which is good but pricey.

I turned up early for checkin, before dropping off my rental car, and no rooms were available. However when I returned just before midday a room was ready, a delay which was fine given I'd turned up very early. Although I was given a no-smoking room and signed a $200 smoke cleaning disclaimer, the first room I went into definitely smelt of smoke. However, it was a quick and easy change to a room at the back of the building overlooking a small garden. There are around 200 rooms here but all the staff have been friendly and helpful.

Being from Europe room size is not an issue, but the rooms here are definitely on the small side. Squeezing in a fridge as well (is that what makes is a suite? :) ) leaves little floorspace. Bathroom fittings are a little tired but nothing to complain about. Elsewhere in the hotel there's a small gym with two treadmills, one cycle, some free weights and a small pool; vending machines, a shop in the lobby; and a coin-op laundry.

Biggest downside here (apart from room size and lack of free internet access) is noise. The first room I saw had a nice view of the I5 from the balcony and was not quiet even with the door shut; the room at the back of the hotel is nearly as noisy. Don't expect to sit with the windows open here.

Overall, for the price I'd certainly recommend this property. It's not the best and is really 2.5 star rather than 3 star, but is much better than taking the risk that you'd end up in one of the decaying Travelodges near the Spaceneedle...

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

The first part of your thread goes right where you posted it, the second part you may want to copy/paste and add to our HOTEL REVIEW section.

Nice to see you kept your options open and tried HOTWIRE after having no success with priceline.

Thanks for sharing and glad to hear you enjoyed your stay.