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Post by WillTravel on Oct 9, 2009 2:00:43 GMT -5
I decided to go to an event in Seattle: www.infocamp.infoI couldn't get any extraordinary hotel deal (nothing cheaper than about $60 USD per night all-in), so I decided to try out the new hostel in Seattle. www.hiusa.org/seattleA dorm bed in a 4-woman room is pretty expensive comparatively - $35 USD - but it turns out the location works really well for me. Although I have stayed in hostels in private rooms lately, it has been several years since I actually stayed in a dorm. But given how much I have traveled lately, I really wanted to save money, even if I couldn't resist another trip  . |
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Post by Eagle on Oct 9, 2009 16:10:53 GMT -5
WT,
It's great to hear that you have an opportunity to get to Seattle for a quick trip, and also that you'll be staying at the HI Hostel there. I stayed at the HI property downtown a few years ago, but unfortunately the building was sold and the Hostel was "evicted". I wasn't aware that they had opened another Hostel in that location. I imagine the facilities will be really good, as all HI properties have to meet certain standards. Be sure to give us a report.
I usually stay in Dorm rooms as I travel "solo" (some have been co-ed) and don't really mind that. I often meet some interesting people!
I'll be heading back to Seattle in January for a European Tour reunion in Edmonds, hosted by a well know Travel writer (won't mention any names, but I'm sure most of you know who I'm referring to). That's an easy one hour flight from Kelowna, which is nice.
Happy travels!
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Post by jennifer on Oct 11, 2009 10:38:44 GMT -5
Happy travels! Let us know how it went |
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Post by WillTravel on Oct 11, 2009 21:45:50 GMT -5
I'll be taking the bus back in an hour. The hotel where I am waiting out to take the bus has computers available to use.
The hostel is fine. It's a renovated old hotel (I'd guess early 20th century), and quite pleasant.
The first night I had a room all to myself, although I had only paid for a dorm. (The price ended up being about $40 USD/night, with tax included, and I did not have an HI discount.) I couldn't get the window shut - it was open an inch or two - and it was going down nearly to freezing. As you may or may not remember, I had dealt with a freezing room in Mexico last winter by wearing my coat to bed. Luckily I decided to take my nice soft coat rather than a pleather one, so it was very comfortable, and sufficiently warm.
The second night, I did have a dorm-mate, but she was very quiet, and I saw her for only a couple minutes before I crawled into bed and closed my eyes. But it was still very cold, although the window had been shut. I decided to just layer up, but I should have worn my coat again, as it was still cold in the room. My dorm-mate was wearing a hoodie with the hood up, which would have worked too.
I realized on this trip how much of Seattle I have not seen, although I have made numerous visits. The Georgetown area where the event venue was held is quite interesting, with arty stores, restaurants, and old architecture. The hostel is in the International District, which is a little run-down looking, but is a sort of Chinatown with Asian stores and restaurants, among others.
Anyway, I did have a great trip and now I am planning for my next trip, which is probably going to be Oaxaca, Mexico (and a few other stops) after Christmas.
On this trip, I took two changes of clothes, a tiny bottle of shampoo, toothpaste/toothbrush, deodorant, and a thick softcover book, in addition to what I was wearing. This was all carried in a gym bag and was very light. I have to admit, this was so super-easy that I am tempted to try this for a longer trip. The hostel wanted $5 to store the bag, and I decided it was practically as easy to carry it around with me, and indeed it was no problem.
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