Exclusive | Women's Travel: U.S. West Part Six

SEATTLE

STAY
Hotel Monaco (1101 4th Ave; 206-621-1770 or 800-945-2240; $195+) Raspberry and cream striped walls and (temporary) complimentary goldfish are a couple of the attractions on offer from this downtown hotel, ideally located at the corner of 4th Avenue and Spring Street. Packages for women include 'Refresh Your Mind, Body and Soul' which offers accommodations, private palm and tarot card readings, in-room massages, champagne and cheese plate upon arrival; $455 per room/per night.

Ace Hotel (2423 1st Ave; 206-448-4721; $75+) The perfect Belltown address for those who've come to play in the Emerald City. Rooms feature stark 'prison chic' minimalism -- white painted brick walls and a lack of any unnecessary extras. Standard rooms have shared baths. Not recommended for anyone planning on getting to sleep before 2 a.m. when the bar downstairs turns off its sound system.

Alexis Hotel (1007 First Ave; 866-356-8894; $249+) One of the most elegant downtown addresses is this art-adorned Kimpton property with Aveda Spa. The 109 rooms feature antiques and classic furniture. Suites include the former residence of the Sultan of Brunei and the John Lennon Suite, which features Beatles-related memorabilia. The Alexis underwent a $10 million renovation in fall 2007.

The Watertown (4242 Roosevelt Way NE; 866-944-4242 or 206-826-4242; $165+) Clever design and excellent service star at this boutique hotel in the University District to the north of downtown. An easy cab ride from clubs and bars, rooms and suites come with complimentary in-room extras, such as spas, music or games carts (see their online cart menu!). A canteen-style breakfast comes with the room rate and is laden with pastries, fruit, cereals, eggs and cheese. There are also plenty of appealing cafes and restaurants nearby, and pleasant walks through the University.

EAT
Brasa (2107 Third Avenue, Belltown; 206-728-4220; $24-30) The sumptuous Brasa is one of the city's finest eating emporiums. Presided over by lesbian chef Tamara Murphy, food is Mediterranean Rim, wines are astounding and the large room manages to feel cozy and intimate. The menu is laden with Mediterranean influences but produce, such as Oregon rabbit and Cascade beef star. Clever use of warm hues, lighting and drapes make this an ideal spot for a romantic dinner.

Nestled under Pike Place Market, Zig Zag Caf? (1501 Western Ave; 206-625-1146; $9-16) makes full use of its proximity to fabulous fresh produce. Frequently ranked top in Seattle for cocktails, their focaccia sandwiches, salads and solid seafood choices are recommended.

Lesbian chef Christine Keff's adored eaterie, Flying Fish (2234 First Ave; 206-728-8595; $18-38), features excellent seafood with an Asian influence.

PLAY/MEET
Caf?s
Espresso Vivace (901 East Denny Way; 206-860-5869) A cute girl-popular caf? with some of this caffeinated city's best brews. Beans roasted daily. Non smoking. Wheelchair accessible.

Victrola Coffee and Art (411 15th Ave East; 206-325-6520) A hip coffee spot in a hip corner of town, Capitol Hill's Victrola attracts throngs of local women in to sip its percolations.

Bars
Wildrose Tavern and Restaurant (1021 East Pike St; 206-324-9210; $6-8) Women's neighborhood sports bar in Seattle's lesbian/gay triangle. Wheelchair accessible. Bar food served from nachos to full meals. Pool, pinball and games. Drag king shows, dancing and occasional karaoke. Women-owned and operated since 1984.

Clubs
ReBar (1114 Howell St; 206-233-9873) hosts Cherry, every fourth Saturday of the month. Every Saturday, however, is an unofficial women's night. The same promoters also organize the high spirited, lesbian-popular High Five on the rooftop deck of The war Room (722 E. Pike St; 206-328-7666; www.thewarroomseattle.com), summer Tuesdays from 5-9pm.

Girl 4 Girl (Neumo?s, 925 E. Pike St.) is the largest all-women's dance party in town, attracting up to 1,000 women for its slick, professionally run monthly events. Singles are equipped with free neon bracelets to declare their availability. They also throw CD release parties and organize weekend packages for sporty Seattle women to follow their team, Seattle Storm, to away games.

OTHER VENUES
The Hot House (1019 East Pike Street; 206-568-3240) Under the Wildrose lurks the Hot House, a sociable bathhouse for women. It's popular with lesbians, but is frequented by all women. A friendly space where women lounge in twos and threes. Sauna, hot tub, steam room and massage available. Bathing suits may be worn but are not encourages. A quiet and non sexual atmosphere prevails.

EXTRA
Sex
Toys in Babeland (707 E. Pike St; 206-328-2914) A dyke-owned house of womanly delights, open late Monday through Saturday.

RELAX
Denny-Blaine Beach (E. Denny/ Blaine Place) Also known as Dyke kee kee Beach, Lake Washington's Denny-Blaine Beach attracts hordes of Seattle lesbians with picnic areas and a grassy beach surrounded by a stone wall. Denny-Blaine is a pesticides-free park.

Part One | Part Two | Part Three | Part Four | Part Five | Part Six

Related Articles:
Women's Travel: Introduction
Women's Travel: U.S. South
Women's Travel: U.S. East
Women's Travel: Canada/Mexico
Women's Travel: Europe
Women's Travel: Tours & Events
Women's Travel: Travel Safety