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No matter where you are in Seattle, it's a short drive to a body of water. With Puget Sound to the west, Lake Washington to the east and Lake Union and the Ship Canal dividing the city in half, there are endless opportunities to play on or near the water. The same holds true for choices in accommodations. The major hotels on or near the water in Seattle are clustered in the downtown area. If you want to stay away from the urban core, bed-and-breakfast inns are the way to go. You can also rent private residences located on or near water that function as bed-and-breakfast inns.

Downtown

In 1964, The Beatles stayed at The Edgewater Hotel (edgewaterhotel.com), causing an enormous local sensation. The Edgewater is the only hotel in Seattle built on a pier jutting over Elliott Bay, and you can stay in the suite that The Beatles occupied. The rooms have views of the water or city skyline, and the hotel is pet-friendly. An award-winning restaurant is located in the hotel. The Seattle Marriott Waterfront (marriott.com) faces Elliott Bay in the heart of the waterfront district. It is across the street from the cruise ship terminal at Pier 66; the Pike Place Market is a short walk away. The hotel has a program for kids, but pets are not allowed.

South Lake Union

The houseboats and vistas of Lake Union, on the northern border of downtown Seattle, were made famous in the movie, "Sleepless in Seattle." The Marriott Courtyard Seattle Downtown/Lake Union (marriott.com) looks out over Lake Union from the southwest corner, just a short walk to a streetcar that will take you into the heart of downtown. Most of the rooms in the seven-story building have views of the lake, and the hotel is across from the waterfront Lake Union Park. The Silver Cloud Inn (silvercloud.com) is located on the southeast side of Lake Union. Most of the rooms have views of the lake, which is across the street. Restaurants and recreation spots are within walking distance, as is the streetcar into downtown. The hotel offers free shuttle service.

Pioneer Square

Pioneer Square is an historic district located at the south end of downtown. Old brick buildings, restaurants and art galleries rub shoulders with clubs and community service organizations. The Best Western Plus Pioneer Square Hotel (pioneersquare.com) is the only major hotel in the area and is located one block from the waterfront. It is within easy walking distance to the ferry terminal and waterfront attractions. The four-story building is on the National Register of Historic Places and offers three suites and 72 guest rooms, with views of the city but not the waterfront. Pets are not allowed.

Bed and Breakfasts

Staying at a bed and breakfast will get you out of the downtown core and into neighborhoods located near the water. Green Lake is a popular recreation spot in the north part of the city, ringed by a park and paved trail. The Greenlake Guest House (greenlakeguesthouse.com) is a bed and breakfast that sits directly across the street from the lake. Three of the four bedrooms offer a view of the lake and a full hot breakfast is served every morning. In West Seattle, a fully furnished, two-bedroom house called The Cove (seattlebedandbreakfast.com) sits directly on a sandy beach near the Fauntleroy ferry terminal. It comes with a kitchen and minimal breakfast items.

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About the Author

Since 1997, Maria Christensen has written about business, history, food, culture and travel for diverse publications. She ran her own business writing employee handbooks and business process manuals for small businesses, authored a guidebook to Seattle, and works as an accountant for a software company. Christensen studied communications at the University of Washington and history at Armstrong Atlantic State University.

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