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Welcome to the Seattle section of Discount Hotel Group. Imagine you walk out the front door of your hotel, taking a deep breath you smell the hint of salt on a cool breeze coming in off the water. It’s a balmy 70 degrees and the sky is as blue as a swimming pool. Across the water you see the mountains, everywhere you turn are eclectic shops, restaurants, cafés, antiques, folk art, finely crafted pottery and hand-blown glass. A few blocks away a farmer’s market features fresh seafood, produce, exotic imports and finely crafted jewelry. Soaps and specialty foods made from local ingredients are displayed on tables alongside Native American art and smoked fish. A busker plays music as a small crowd gathers and tosses change at an open guitar case.

Amid whoops and hollers, the fishmongers toss 30 lb. Salmon back behind the counter to be cleaned and packed in ice, and with little encouragement bring people in to get the best camera shot as they display their dazzling teamwork.

Street performers are scattered here and there along the cobblestone alley where the crowds drift in and out of shops. The smell of fresh baklava and baked goods drifts through the air. This is an everyday experience in downtown Seattle during the summer months, and it’s the reason you don’t hear any locals arguing over the fact that we’re known for our rain and umbrellas.

After a morning spent wandering through the maze of boutiques and collectibles shops, there are still more choices to be made. A nature lover might want to ride a ferry across the sound to experience a walk on one of our pristine beaches, and the slower pace of peninsula culture. For the music or art connoisseur a trip to the EMP, or Seattle Art Museum might be the ticket. It you’re lucky, you’ll be in town on the first Thursday of the month and get the opportunity to participate in one of our Pioneer Square Art Walks, where gallery owners throw open their doors and unveil their newest shows to the public. This is a great way to explore some of the nooks and crannies of this historic district, while getting a chance to meet some of our local artists and view their work up close. While you’re in the neighborhood, take a tour of Underground Seattle and learn a little bit about the city’s early history.

Throughout the summer there are great events going on, such as the Seattle Folklife Festival, Bite of Seattle, Bumbershoot, and Seafair and the Hydroplane races. It is helpful to take notice of these events and the huge crowds that attend them when planning a trip, as you may want to join in or take advantage of the smaller crowds at other local attractions.

No matter what part of the city you want to explore, there are great accommodations available, as well as a variety of restaurants, shops, museums, theaters, parks and landmarks. Whether it’s the exotic foods and culture of the International District, the incredible views and quaint neighborhood feel of Queen Anne Hill, or a base camp from which to explore the surrounding mountains and beaches that you are looking for, Seattle has a side to suit any traveler.