Tell me about Seattle

[Buff]

We're looking to see at least one game when the Blue Jays are in Seattle in July. I have been doing preliminary searches for hotels and it is all super expensive that weekend. They know the Canadians will take over the stadium, it is their long weekend, and The big soccer thingy is happening too.


I'm wondering where are good areas to rent a place to stay. When we go only one of my 3 kids will be under 18 and my oldest will be bringing his girlfriend. So we're looking at either a 6 person family suite or two queen rooms - one for the girls and one for the guys.


We plan to take in a few other things like the Aquarium, Space Needle and maybe something else.


Which area should I look to stay? I was looking downtown but that's usually the most expensive. By the Airport is cheaper but it is 20-30 minutes to the downtown area where we want to do most of our stuff. I know some of you have done the trek to watch the Blue Jays, what do you do?

[bc-chris]

when my wife and i went to seattle (15 years ago?) we stayed at a hotel in Kent that was suuuuper close to the "c-train" (whatever it's called there). it was waaay less $ than staying in seattle.
we got daily transit passes and it was great - take the train into seattle and do the rest of our travel on city busses. this also ensured my wife wouldn't buy too much becuz anything she bought she'd have to lug around all day!

maybe check out the seattle citypass
it's pricey, but it gets you into a TON of cool stuff. (we also did this)

Admission to 5 attractions
Includes:
Space Needle
Seattle Aquarium

Plus choose 3 of the below attractions. No need to decide now — pick later.
Chihuly Garden and Glass
Argosy Cruises Harbor Tour
Museum of Pop Culture (MOPOP)
Woodland Park Zoo
Pacific Science Center

adult (13 yrs+) $186CAD
kids (5-12 yrs) $143 CAD

https://www.citypass.com/seattle?mv_...nid=1560850232

[bc-chris]

a couple other older seattle threads...


https://forum.calgarypuck.com/showth...hlight=seattle


https://forum.calgarypuck.com/showth...hlight=seattle

[bettercallbettman]

I pasted your post into AI:




This is a "perfect storm" weekend in Seattle for 2026. You’ve correctly identified the major hurdles: the Blue Jays series (July 3–5), the Canada Day/July 4th double holiday, and the FIFA World Cup (Seattle is hosting a Round of 16 match on July 6).
Because of the World Cup, "expensive" is going to be the theme for anything in the city center. To keep your group of six together without paying a fortune, you’ll want to look at neighborhoods connected by the Link Light Rail.
Top Neighborhood Recommendations

1. North Seattle (Roosevelt or U-District)

This is your best "compromise" area. It is residential, safer, and significantly cheaper than downtown, but highly accessible.

• The Vibe: Student-friendly (University of Washington), plenty of cheap eats (ramen, burgers, cafes), and very safe for walking.
• Transit: The Light Rail takes about 15 minutes to get to the downtown core (Aquarium/Space Needle) and 20 minutes directly to the Stadium station.
• Stay: Look for rentals or hotels near the Roosevelt Station or U-District Station. The Graduate Seattle or Residence Inn by Marriott Seattle University District often have larger suite configurations.

2. Bellevue (Across the Bridge)

By 2026, the East Link Extension light rail should be fully operational, connecting Bellevue directly to Seattle.

• The Vibe: Very clean, upscale, and safe. It’s a corporate hub, so on holiday weekends, you might find better deals than the tourist-heavy downtown.
• Transit: Direct rail access to the Stadium area (SoDo) and Downtown.
• Stay: Look for "Extended Stay" hotels here (like Residence Inn or Homewood Suites); they are built for families and often offer two-bedroom suites with a pull-out couch that fits 6 people perfectly.

3. SeaTac / Tukwila (The Airport Area)

You mentioned this is "20-30 minutes away," which is true by car, but the Light Rail from the airport to the Stadium is actually very efficient (about 35 minutes).

• The Vibe: Typical airport hotels, but many offer free breakfast and airport shuttles.
• Why it works: It is the most budget-friendly option. If you stay at a hotel near the Tukwila International Boulevard Station, you can park your car for free at the hotel and ride the rail in.
• Stay: Embassy Suites by Hilton Seattle Tacoma International Airport is a classic choice for groups of 6—they have true suites and a legendary free breakfast.

Strategy for Your Group of 6

Since you have a mix of adults and one minor, a 6-person suite is often cheaper than two rooms, but they are rare in downtown boutique hotels.

• Search Tip: Use "Filter by Room Type" on booking sites and select "Two-Bedroom Suite."
• The "Split" Option: If you do two rooms, check Pioneer Square. It is walking distance to the game, but be aware it can be "gritty" at night. If you want a more "vacation" feel for the girls' room, Lower Queen Anne (near the Space Needle) is much prettier and very walkable to the Aquarium.

Important Dates for Your Trip

DateEventImpactJuly 1Canada DayExpect heavy border traffic if driving.July 3-5Blue Jays @ Mariners"Rogers Centre South" effect; tickets will sell out.July 4US Independence DayMassive fireworks over Lake Union; downtown will be packed.July 6World Cup MatchPrices will likely peak this night; leave town by the 6th if possible!

[DoubleK]

Look for an Airbnb in West Seattle, that's where I live. Look for something in Alaska Junction.

Take the C or the H rapid bus downtown and walk to pretty much everything.

I highly recommend the locks cruise, specifically the South Lake Union to the Seattle Waterfront. We do it once a year.

The Aquarium, MoPoP and Chihuly gardens are all excellent. I have yet to hit the zoo or the Space Needle.

There were not as many Canadians down for the Jays game this year as in years past.

Feel free to ask me any questions you have.

[Locke]

I understand that if you're looking for reasonably priced accommodations you can bring your own tent. Dont bother bringing your own Meth, its rather plentiful once you get there.

Otherwise I hear its nice. Say hi to Frasier when you get there.

[RichieRich]

If you have time and are interested in flight then the Boeing museum is quite interesting.

[Amethyst]

Chihuly Glass and Gardens is my top Seattle recommendation by far.

I don't think I'm much help for where to stay. I love the Mayflower Park Hotel, but it's downtown, expensive, and probably not a great option for a big group.

I was planning another trip there this past summer, before I decided to boycott US travel.

[MRCboicgy]

I just checked and the place I always stay when I went down for games is totally blocked from booking, but not sold out, from June 12 to July 8. I only add that for context around the World cup might just make it super hard this year for y'all.

[troutman]

Do a tour of KEXP - near the Space Needle and the hockey arena.

https://www.kexp.org/visit/tours/

472 1st Ave N, Seattle WA 98109

KEXP at Seattle Center is home to our audio and video broadcast studios, the KEXP Live Room and Viewing Gallery, as well as the Gathering Space, a community hub for music lovers. Join us at KEXP for a cup of coffee from Caffe Vita, shop for music at Light in the Attic Record Shop, listen to the live radio broadcast, experience special events, and access free live performances.

KEXP is located in the Uptown Arts District. You'll find us at the northwest corner of Seattle Center's campus just north Climate Pledge Arena and a short walk from the Space Needle, MoPop, Chihuly Garden and Glass, McCaw Hall, Seattle Center Armory and more.

Locust Cider:

https://www.locustcider.com/

Taproom located in the Market Place building just a block north of Pike Place Market in Market Hall serving hard cider and craft beer alongside a full food menu. Oversized field games (giant Jenga and Connect 4, cornhole) are a focal point in the space for both young and old to enjoy and when weather permits, the walls open up to let the sea air in.

My friend went to Seattle during a Blue Jays weekend and Taylor Swift concert. No rooms anywhere. You might be staying in Bellingham if there are big concerts going on too.

Disgruntled Mariners radio host sounds off on Blue Jays fans in Seattle
https://www.sportsnet.ca/mlb/video/d...ns-in-seattle/

[Buff]

My wife and I both have family in the area. Tacoma and Auburn. However I don't want to see hers and she doesn't want to see mine.... j/k. We are making it a short trip and want to be tourists and Jays fans and not miss out on any of that because we have to see family. So it's going to be a trip on the downlow and we don't want to reach out to them for help with where to stay.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by Buff

My wife and I both have family in the area. Tacoma and Auburn. However I don't want to see hers and she doesn't want to see mine.... j/k. We are making it a short trip and want to be tourists and Jays fans and not miss out on any of that because we have to see family. So it's going to be a trip on the downlow and we don't want to reach out to them for help with where to stay.

They'll never find you in the Tent City...

[afc wimbledon]

The zoo there is great, your kids might be a bit old for that but it is world class

[Jiri Hrdina]

My favourite hotel is the Andra but it can be all over the place price wise
If you are looking for a fun couple hours check out the Pinball Museum in the international district right near the stadium.

[jayswin]

Wow, literally any year but this year if you want to go see the Jays play there. That AI generated response that called it a "perfect storm" nailed it.

[Mr.Coffee]

If you’re a huge fan of homeless people, Seattle is wicked.

[Bill Bumface]

Originally Posted by Locke

I understand that if you're looking for reasonably priced accommodations you can bring your own tent.

This part is important, because any single spot of public space that is sheltered from the rain, such as under someone's balcony, a freeway, or a shop doorway will already be occupied by someone sleeping. I was there before COVID, I can't even imagine now.

[Buff]

Originally Posted by Bill Bumface

This part is important, because any single spot of public space that is sheltered from the rain, such as under someone's balcony, a freeway, or a shop doorway will already be occupied by someone sleeping. I was there before COVID, I can't even imagine now.

Oh, don't be stilly. Rain in Seattle is a myth. It is going to be sunny and warm when we're there.

[topfiverecords]

Insomnia is prevalent.

[Buff]

Well, looking at the costs for hotels, its 2-3x as much for that weekend than any other time. I don't think it is feasible. With the political climate the way it is I'm also not too keen on doing that trip either, but at best I think I'll only convince them to wait a year.