Explore Affordable Stays in Seattle, WA
Discover budget-friendly accommodations in Seattle that provide comfort and convenience without straining your wallet. Various hotels, inns, motels, and suites are available, ensuring an affordable solution for every type of visitor. These economical options are strategically situated to give easy access to the area's top attractions, including bustling markets, scenic parks, and cultural landmarks. With amenities designed for a comfortable and hassle-free stay, these lodgings prioritize both quality and value. Experience the Emerald City's appeal while staying at welcoming and wallet-friendly accommodations.
Indulge in Luxury Stays in Seattle, WA
Seattle houses an array of upscale accommodations for leisure and business tourists seeking refined experiences. Exclusive hotels, elegant inns, and opulent suites provide premium services and amenities designed to exceed expectations. Guests enjoy plush bedding, gourmet dining options, and state-of-the-art facilities, ensuring a stay that epitomizes comfort and sophistication. Business travelers benefit from high-end conference spaces, while leisure seekers can unwind at on-site spas or sip cocktails at rooftop bars with panoramic city views.
Discover Savings on Seattle, WA Stays
HotelPlanner offers an array of special deals and discounts tailored to meet the needs of both groups and solo travelers visiting Seattle, WA. Groups can take advantage of bulk booking discounts, ensuring significant savings for family reunions, corporate retreats, or wedding parties. Solo travelers aren't left out either, with exclusive promotions like last-minute deals and extended stay discounts that make exploring Seattle's vibrant culture more affordable. Additionally, HotelPlanner often features seasonal promotions, such as reduced rates during off-peak periods and special packages that include complimentary breakfast or parking. With these varied offers, travelers can enjoy the comfort and convenience of top-rated accommodations without stretching their budgets.
The Gum Wall: A Sticky Tradition
The Gum Wall at Pike Place Market in Downtown Seattle is one of the city's most unconventional and colorful attractions. This sticky landmark began in the early 1990s when patrons of the Market Theater, while waiting in line for performances, started sticking their chewed gum on the wall. Initially, theater staff attempted to clean the wall, but the gum kept reappearing. Eventually, the tradition took hold, and the Gum Wall became an unofficial art installation, stretching over 50 feet long and reaching heights of up to 15 feet.
Public reactions to the Gum Wall have been mixed. While some see it as a creative and quirky expression of urban art, others view it as unsanitary and unpleasant. Despite these differing opinions, the wall has become an iconic site, drawing tourists from around the globe who eagerly add their own contributions to the growing mosaic of gum. Maintenance of the wall is a challenging task. It was thoroughly cleaned in 2015 for the first time in 20 years, with over 2,350 pounds of gum removed. Nevertheless, visitors quickly began re-gumming the wall, and it soon returned to its former sticky glory.
The cultural impact of the Gum Wall is notable. It has been featured in movies, music videos, and countless social media posts, making it a symbol of Seattle's eclectic and creative spirit. For many, the Gum Wall represents the whimsical side of human nature and the unexpected ways in which urban spaces can be transformed into communal art. Whether you find it fascinating or a bit gross, the Gum Wall remains a unique and enduring part of Seattle's cultural landscape.
Rachel the Piggy Bank: An Icon of Giving and Good Luck at Pike Place Market
Rachel the Piggy Bank, a beloved bronze sculpture, stands proudly at the entrance of Pike Place Market in Downtown Seattle. Created by artist Georgia Gerber in 1986, Rachel is modeled after a real pig who won the 1985 Island County Fair. Weighing in at 550 pounds, this life-sized piggy bank serves not only as a charming piece of art but also as a significant fundraising tool for the Market Foundation.
The story behind Rachel is one of community support and philanthropy. Designed to collect donations, Rachel the Piggy Bank has raised over $200,000 since her installation. The funds collected go directly to the Pike Place Market Foundation, which supports various community services, including a senior center, a food bank, and a medical clinic. These contributions help maintain the Market's role as a vibrant community hub, providing essential services to those in need.
Tourists and locals alike are encouraged to rub Rachel's snout for good luck and drop spare change into the slot on her back. Anecdotes abound of visitors making wishes or taking playful photos with the iconic pig. Rachel has even been the site of marriage proposals, adding to her lore as a symbol of good fortune and community spirit. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a Seattle native, Rachel the Piggy Bank offers a whimsical yet impactful way to contribute to the well-being of the Pike Place Market community.