Hotel at a Glance: Staypineapple at University InnStaypineapple at University Inn sits in Seattles University District, within walking distance of the University of Washington and UW Medical Center. The hotels rental bikes and local shuttle give guests more options for getting around the neighborhood. Distance from downtown: about 4 miles, roughly a 15-minute drive In-room amenities include WiFi and mini fridges; traditional king rooms add microwaves. Rainy days are no trouble thanks to umbrellas in every guest room. Cheers! Wine and beer are available for purchase at the front desk. Pineapple Cafe—located at nearby sister property the Watertown Hotel—serves local pastries for breakfast and housemade soups for lunch.Downtown Seattle, Washington: Art, Architecture, and Famous Coffee in Coastal Urban CenterStreet performances, flowers, and fresh-caught fish find a common home at Seattle’s Pike Place Market. Founded in 1907, its where both sightseers and locals shop. Drop into the Fish Market to watch the staff tossing salmon, halibut, and cod—a famous tradition. There are plenty of nonperishable goods as well, including jewelry and other crafts. And you might want to take a picture in front of the market’s iconic sign, which now rivals the Space Needle as the city’s most recognizable symbol.The original Starbucks coffeehouse has operated out of Pike Place since the 1970s. You can stop here for a pick-me-up before taking the half-mile walk to Seattles Central Library. Whether you love books or architecture or both, this futuristic-looking library is worth a visit. The 11-story glass-and-steel structure consists almost entirely of diamond-shaped windows arranged to look like a geometric net. The otherworldly interior is a playground for book lovers. Be sure to check out the library’s “living room” in the morning, when sunlight creates a kaleidoscopic shadow on the floor.
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