Sheraton Seattle Hotel

Seattle Central Library
It isn't often that the library is considered one of the coolest joints in town, but Seattle's new downtown library, opened in summer 2004, is such an architectural wonder that it has been the talk of the town. Now, not all that talk has been positive -- but I'll leave it to you to decide whether you love it or hate it. There doesn't seem to be any middle ground with this giant glass cube and its diamond-patterned steel girders and strange angles. Regardless of your reaction to architect Rem Koolhaas's design, you can't help but notice that in a town known for its gray skies, this library abounds in natural light. There are also colorful spongy chairs, floors of bamboo and brushed metal, carpets printed to look like plants, and a garden designed to meld with the carpets. Oh, and if you need to use the Internet, this place has hundreds of computer terminals, too.

Hiram M. Chittenden Locks
There is something oddly fascinating about locks. No, not the locks on doors -- the locks that raise and lower boats. Locks don't provide panoramic views and aren't nearly as dramatic as waterfalls, but for some strange reason, a lot of people are intrigued by the concept of two side-by-side bodies of water on two different levels. Consequently, the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks in the Ballard neighborhood are among the most popular attractions in the city. These locks, operated by the Army Corps of Engineers, consist of a small lock and a large lock. The latter accommodates barges, commercial fishing vessels, and the like, while the small lock stays busy shuttling small private boats (including sea kayaks) between the saltwater of Puget Sound and the freshwater of the Lake Washington Ship Canal, which connects to both Lake Union and Lake Washington. It's a slow process locking boats back and forth, but none of the onlookers seem to mind, and people onshore and those on the boats often strike up conversations.When the gates of the lock are closed, it's possible to continue to the far side of the ship canal to the fish ladders and fish-viewing windows that provide opportunities for salmon viewing during the summer months. The chance to see salmon in a fish ladder is as much of a draw as the locks themselves, and in the past the fish runs have also attracted hungry sea lions that at times become regular salmon-swallowing pests.Also here at the locks, you can stroll the grounds of the Carl S. English, Jr., Botanical Gardens, a city park filled with rare and unusual shrubs and trees. There are free tours of the grounds Monday through Friday at 1 and 3pm, Saturday and Sunday at 11am and 1 and 3pm.The locks are located a 10- to 15-minute drive north of downtown. Follow Elliott Avenue north along the waterfront from downtown Seattle; after crossing the Ballard Bridge, drive west on NW Market Street.

Henry Art Gallery
The focus of the Henry Art Gallery, located on the west side of the UW campus, is on contemporary art with retrospectives of individual artists, as well as exhibits focusing on specific themes or media. The museum benefits from large, well-lit gallery spaces illuminated by pyramidal and cubic skylights that can be seen near the main entrance. Photography and video are both well represented, and for the most part, the exhibits are the most avant-garde in the Seattle area. The museum's latest cutting-edge installation is Skyspace, by James Turrell, who uses light to create his artwork. The Skyspace is a small room with an oval opening in the ceiling to frame the sky. At night, the outside of the glass Skyspace is illuminated by an ever-changing light show. The museum also has a cafe and a small sculpture courtyard. Parking is often available at the Central Parking Garage, at NE 41st Street and 15th Avenue NE. Expect the unexpected here -- and prepare to be challenged in your concept of what constitutes art.

Doubletree Guest Suites Seattle Airport/Southcenter
Excellent airport location, across from Westfield Shopping Town, Southcenter, featuring more than 150 fine department stores, specialty shops and restaurants. Just 5 minutes to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, the Boeing Company, and Alteon. 15 minutes from beautiful downtown Seattle attractions and cruise ship arrivals and ...

Best Western Evergreen Inn
'From: Interstate 5 Northbound. Take Exit 174. Turn left on 130th Street and then right on Aurora Avenue, (Highway 99). The Best Western Evergreen Motor Inn is next to Sams Club. 'From: Interstate 5 Southbound. Take Exit 175. Turn right on 145th Street and then turn left on Aurora Avenue, (Highway 99). The Best Western Evergreen Motor Inn is next to Sams ...

Grand Hyatt Seattle
Located downtown, 14 miles from Seattle Tacoma airport, 5 miles from Boeing Field, located in the heart of the Financia and Business district. Close to the city's most distinguished shops, department stores and boutiques. Next to the Washington State Convention and Trade Center. 3 blocks from the Greyhound bus ...