Seattle Marriott Redmond

Chances are, if you book a room at the Redmond Marriott Town Center, it’s because you want to be near the Microsoft campus -- that’s the main draw of this seven-story chain hotel located in a sprawling, open-air mall about 30 minutes east of downtown Seattle. It’s actually attached to Redmond Town Center, a shopping-and-dining destination for local “Eastsiders” (those who live on the east side of Lake Washington); which means, on the one hand, there’s easy access to anything you might want to buy or eat. But on the flip side, you’ll have equal access to mall crowds, which may not be as desirable. Somewhat annoyingly, the hotel nickels-and-dimes you for services that other Marriott properties -- such as the Marriott Residence Inn/Redmond, literally a one-minute walk out the door -- automatically include in the price of your room. At Town Center, you’ll pay for parking (even though it’s a mall lot); Wi-Fi (even though the entire mall has free high-speed Internet service); and breakfast (even though it’s free at the Residence Inn across the street). The convenience of staying close to the tech companies can’t be beat, but there are better deals to be had at surrounding hotels.

Scenic, tree-lined Redmond is a beautiful suburb of Seattle…but aside from being home to Microsoft and a really terrific shopping mall, it’s not a town that lends itself to much sightseeing. And that’s why the Redmond Marriott Town Center is a great choice for those doing business on the Eastside, but not so much for those wishing to spend most of their time in Downtown Seattle. If your visit includes excursions to some of the outlying destinations, then this might be a logical place to stay: You’re minutes from Marymoor Park -- a popular summer concert venue -- as well as quick driving distance to Snoqualmie Falls (home of Salish Lodge, which was where the show Twin Peaks was filmed), skiing, and several popular wineries.- Less-than-5-minute drive (or 12-minute walk) to Redmond Transit Center for bus to Seattle

• 7-minute drive to Marymoor Park and concert venue
• 10-minute drive to Microsoft Campus
• 15-minute drive to St. Michelle and Columbia Wineries
• 15-minute drive to Bellevue Center
• 25-minute drive to downtown Seattle/Pike Place Market/cruise terminals
• 35-minute drive to Sea-Tac Airport
• 40-minute drive to Snoqualmie Falls
• 1-hour drive to Summit West Ski Area

The 200-300-square foot rooms here are nothing to write home about. You’ll find run-of-the-mill, outdated decor, smallish bathrooms, and heat/AC controls that have perplexed even the smartest of guests. However, if you’re lucky enough to book one of the four suites on the property -- or a room on a high floor -- you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the Cascade Mountains. Concierge-Level guests benefit from a seventh-floor lounge that offers (in addition to said views) free daily hors d’oeuvres, non-alcoholic beverages, and a pay-bar.- Pillow-top mattress, down comforters, and duvet

• Foam and down/feather pillows
• 37-inch flat-screen LCD TV with cable
• Mini-fridge

• Outdoor pool, open seasonally, and Jacuzzi, open year-round
• Small, but well-equipped fitness room with modern cardio equipment, free weights, and exercise balls
• Business center with four computers, a long work table, and two TVs
• Connected to vertical outdoor mall location
• Free Wi-Fi in public areas, but fees to use in-room
• On-site and off-site parking (fees for both self-parking and valet)
• 10 function spaces, and banquet services availableView full list of amenities

• Sear Fire restaurant serves American cuisine for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and promotes its wine list, which features a number of local wines.
• The Sear Fire Steakhouse Lounge has a bar area and is open for dinner