By: Carl Morrison,
MoKnowsPhotos.com
E-Mail: Carl@TrainWeb.com
Seattle
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Seattle is a great Rail
Destination. Served by the Coast
Starlight to and from the South, and the Empire Builder to and from the
East, Seattle is the gem of the Northwest. After our arrival, we
got a cab from the Amtrak Station in the wee hours of the morning, and
were soon on the doorstep of the Best Western Pioneer Square Hotel,
about a $5 ride for two with luggage. The cabbies know when the
train arrives so they converge like bees at a hive. Even though
it was about 1:30 a.m., I counted 20 cabs ready for detraining
passengers.
Be sure you have hotel reservations, "guaranteed for
late arrival." We used the Best Western Pioneer Square Hotel for
a couple of reasons: It is probably the closest to the train
station, (except for the homeless mission) about 6 blocks from the
station.
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Across the
street is a fine restaurant. Views from our room (left) and th
entrance of the hotel.
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I would
not suggest
you walk from the station to the hotel, but rather take one of the
cabs. Offer them $5 and tell them they can quickly get back for a
big fare. The cabbie that took us made this offer and he
was back in line for another fare.
What to See in Seattle.
Within walking distance of the Pioneer Square Hotel (less than 2
blocks, Pier 52 ), you can walk aboard a Washington State Ferry for a
ride to either Bainbridge or Bremerton, Washington. We chose the
35 min. ride to Bainbridge, only $6.50 round trip!
You can get some nice Seattle skyline shots on the ferry out to
Bainbridge. We had an especially nice day!
We spent an hour or so in
Bainbridge. They have cafes, shops, art galleries, and a neat
coffee shop at a gas station on the hill down to the ferry where many
commuters get coffee before boarding each day.
Bainbridge Map (above)
After a full day in Seattle, about 8:30
a.m., we walked to the station and the Coast Starlight from the Pioneer
Square Hotel, with our luggage on WHEELS, since it is abouut 6 blocks,
for a 10 a.m. departure. Since the walk is past a couple of
missions, and accompanying clientele, you may choose to take a taxi
back to the station.