On the Road: Seattle, Washington
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We know there are a million travel guidebooks out there, but we’ve created a handful of destination mini-guides designed specifically for working girls on the go. So, whether it’s a quick stopover for a meeting, or a weeklong conference, here’s everything you need to know about…
Seattle, Washington
Where to Stay
Expense Account: Fairmont Olympic Hotel
This historic hotel was built in 1924 and is both opulent and fabulous. You’ll feel like you’re on a European vacation even though you’ve still got to wake up at six to meet with accounts. Queen rooms from $339; Deluxe Executive Suite for $409.
411 University Street; 800.223.8772; www.fairmont.com/seattle
Romantic Weekend: The Sorrento Hotel
The phones at the Sorrento sport an “I want” button that connects with the concierge desk. How can this minor detail not make for an excellent start to a romantic getaway? Add in the French press coffee in your room each morning and Mr. Mori waiting at your beck and call for shiatsu massage, and things are looking very, very good. Deluxe rooms from $199; Junior Suites starting at $249; and the 1,850-square-foot penthouse is so expensive you have to personally call to book.
900 Madison Street; 800.426.1265; www.hotelsorrento.com
On the Cheap: Ace Hotel
The Ace is the trendy budget hotel in Seattle. Rooms are simple but super-stylish, with white coverlets and modern accents. Despite its low price tag the hotel serves breakfast, has high-speed Internet, and is pet-friendly, so don’t hesitate to bring Fido along for the ride. Deluxe room with bath: $140–199; Standard room with shared bath: $75–99.
2423 First Avenue; 206.448.4721; www.acehotel.com
Where to Eat
Business Dinner: Canlis Restaurant
You have to admire a restaurant that’s been serving and defining Pacific NW cuisine since 1950. Start with the Dungeness crab cakes with carrot coriander butter, scallions, and beet greens. Move on to the ubiquitous Canlis salad with romaine bacon, Romano, fresh herbs, and a coddled egg. Then it’s on to surf or turf: king salmon, halibut, Australian lobster tail, or a perfectly cooked steak. Pick from one of 15,000 bottles of wine and you’re in for an evening that is sure to be impressive and enjoyable.
2576 Aurora Avenue North; 206.283.3313; www.canlis.com
Hot Spot: Wild Ginger
Though it’s been open for years, people are still talking about this large restaurant specializing in pan-Asian cuisine. Head to the bar and start with the satays—young mountain lamb with peanut sauce or the Saigon scallop with soy and black vinegar dipping sauce. Hungry for more? Wild Ginger has numerous curries (try the vegetarian monk’s curry with farm-fresh veggies), or you could go for the famous fragrant duck served with small steamed buns and sweet plum sauce. For dessert, the coconut gelato will make you swoon—or at least make you wish you’d eaten a little less satay.
1401 Third Avenue; 206.623.4450; www.wildginger.net
Eating Alone: Matt’s in the Market
This tiny restaurant was recently remodeled to make it just a touch bigger. Luckily, they’ve kept the charm intact. Matt’s is a simple, homey place where everybody feels like a friend. The menu is small and nonintimidating. Don’t miss the Penn Cove mussels, steamed with chorizo, charmoula, and cava. And don’t worry about less-than-fresh produce: The folks at Matt’s pick theirs from Pike Place Market, located just downstairs. 94 Pike Street, Suite 32 (First and Pine); 206.467.7909; www.mattsinthemarket.com
Coffee and Internet: Starbucks
Seattle is home to the Starbucks coffee empire, and you can visit the original storefront in all its historic glory.
1912 Pike Place Market; 206.448.8762.
For a bit quieter atmosphere and delicious European-style coffee (strong and dark), try the true local’s pick, Caffe Ladro. 801 Pine Street; 206.405.1950; www.caffeladro.com
Where to Shop
Business Critical: Nordstrom
Flashback to 1901 when department store Wallin & Nordstrom was born, specializing in shoes. Over 100 years later, Nordstrom is still in downtown Seattle, but now they have a lot more than shoes. Some people call it “The Mother Nordstrom”: floor upon floor of the style and customer service you can rely on, especially helpful if you are in a clothing pinch. And did we mention they still have shoes?
500 Pine Street; 206.628.2111; www.nordstrom.com
Date Night: Les Amis
Darling Les Amis is tucked away in the funky yet fashionable Fremont neighborhood. The store has the same vibe. It’s rustic and almost creaky, but the racks are lined with exquisite clothes from Erica Tanov, James Perse, Dosa, Rozae Nichols, and Nanette Lepore. Need a little something for underneath? Les Amis stocks beautiful lingerie (the sassy but still sweet kind) from Only Hearts and Hanky Panky.
3420 Evanston Avenue North; 206.632.2877; www.lesamis-inc.com
Techie: Office Depot
In case you haven’t heard, the Seattle area is also home to this little company called Microsoft. Which means that the dude eyeing you in the coffee shop might be able to help you with your wireless issue. But just in case he can’t, hit up Office Depot.
1423 Fourth Avenue; 206.748.9777; www.officedepot.com
Where to Play and Primp
One-Stop Shopping: Pike Place Market
Around 1907, an ambitious city councilman in Seattle proposed a public market that would allow growers to sell directly to the public. Hundreds showed up the first day, and Pike Place Market was born. Each day 120 farmers, 190 craftspeople, 200 small businesses, and numerous street performers keep it real and local at the market. Visit for a true look, taste, and smell of Seattle.
Main entrance is at Pike and First; open seven days a week; www.pikeplacemarket.org
Best Yoga Studio: Samadhi Yoga
You’ve never had yoga like this before. The method is based on yoga and dance, and the vigorous, athletic classes also feature lots of stretching, breath work, chanting, and meditation. Samadhi means “supreme sense of bliss,” and by the time you leave, this is exactly what you’ll be feeling.
1205 East Pike Street, Suite 1B; 206.329.4070; www.samadhi-yoga.com
Best Day Spa: Spa Noir
As its name implies, Spa Noir is just a teensy bit dark, but in that utterly French boudoir sort of way. The attitude is sassy yet relaxed, and the services are reasonably priced and convenient—they offer before-and-after-hours appointments. For once it really is possible to work a full day and be pampered. On the last Tuesday of every month, try a specially priced Brow Shaping with Eye Bright Treatment for only $25 (regularly $38).
2231 Second Avenue; 206.448.7600; www.spanoir.net
Best Blow-Dry: Gary Manuel Salon
The stylists at Gary Manuel Salon are highly trained and überstylish. Rumor has it they’re so good, people fly back to Seattle for appointments. Now, that’s dedication. 2127 First Avenue; 206.728.1234; www.garymanuel.com
How to Get Around
Preferred Airport: Seattle International Airport (Sea-Tac) is conveniently located about 30 minutes south of the city. The airport is older than most but functional and relatively easy to maneuver.
Hit the Road: One thing Seattle doesn’t have is great public transport. Because of this, rent a car or—better yet—keep yourself centrally located in downtown and walk or take taxis. Both taxi and limo services are located on the third floor of Sea-Tac’s parking garage. A taxi to downtown costs about $33; a car or limo goes for around $45. Two centralized numbers will help keep you organized.
Call 206.246.9999 for cabs; 206.431.5904 for limos or town-car service.
Weather and Wardrobe: Oh, Seattle. It’s pretty much famous for the plethora of raindrops that fall nearly year-round. Pack a raincoat and a sweater, as it can be cool. Stylewise, Seattle is funky and fashionable. In the birthplace of grunge anything goes.
Business Critical
Where to Host a Meeting: Bell Harbor International Conference Center
Only blocks from Pike Place Market and downtown Seattle, this convenient conference center is a beauty. Rooms feature high ceilings, natural light, outdoor terraces, and comfortable gathering places for conversation. The conference rooms feature Herman Miller ergonomic chairs that keep your audience comfortable and alert—although they may have trouble paying attention with views of Elliot Bay, the Olympic Mountains, and the city skyline.
2211 Alaskan Way, Pier 66; 888.772.4422; www.bellharbor.com
Best Place for Printing and Copies: Swifty Printing & Digital Imaging
Copies abound in metropolitan Seattle, but if you’re the type to root for the little guy, visit Swifty Printing. Two brothers run the copy-friendly store, and the service is reliable even if the piles of papers throughout the store indicate otherwise.
2001 Third Avenue; 206.441.0880; www.swiftydi.com