Safe areas to stay in Seattle, WA?

Question

We'd like to visit the University District, downtown and Fremont. I've been told not to venture in parts of downtown (besides Capitol Hill) at night. Fremont seems too wierd to be any sort of a problem (center of the universe and all). I can't get a read on the University District.

Any suggestions on where least likely to be carjacked or harassed by vagrants?

Answer 1

Seattle is relatively safe. I haven't heard of many carjackings here. Yes, there are beggars, but they probably exist everywhere. Just ignore them (pretend like you're really busy talking with whoever you're with) and don't give them any money if you don't want to.
There are many people I've seen who change their signs daily from having daughters to sons to they ran out of gas and so on. You just have to be a smart traveler when you visit any place. If you take standard precautions, you won't make yourself an easy target. Anyway, I'm not sure what your budget is, but the Silver Cloud Inn on Broadway is really nice and they have jacuzzi suite rooms (stayed there a couple of nights). We walked around there at night and we weren't really scared. There was actually some sort of club near the hotel and Seattle University is right across the street. Another really nice hotel that we've stayed at is the Sheraton Seattle Hotel. It's in the heart of Seattle, so it's very very very close to shopping and quite close to the waterfront and maybe a 10 minute drive to the University District.
There can be many homeless people in the University District, but I think that is primarily on the "Ave" where many shops/restaurants are.

Hotels in U District=
-University Tower Hotel
-Silver Cloud Inn University

Answer 2

Seattle is a pretty safe city and you're not at all likely to get carjacked anywhere. We do have a homeless population, but all you're likely to get from them is a request for money. It's not like most of them mean you any harm. You'll find them anywhere there's people, even Fremont.

Downtown really is not scary, even at night. Pioneer Square is the "rough" area of downtown and as a woman, I wouldn't necessarily wander around down there alone at 3am or anything. But it's not dangerous if you're in a group.

The U District is, predicatably, populated with a long of young adults. There are homeless people panhandling there, but like I said, no big deal.

Answer 3

Most areas in Seattle are pretty safe, even at night. I'd probably stay away from Pioneer Square and Belltown if you don't want to be bothered by homeless people. Fremont & the U-district should be fairly safe though. I would just recommend using common sense and parking somewhere that is well-lit and seems to be busy with other night owls.

Have fun!

Answer 4

I stayed at a Towne Place Suites near the airport. It was nice, inexpensive and not far to drive into town. Be sure to go to the farmers market shopping area on the west side of town by the waterfront. I can't recall the name of the area right now but I'm told it is awsome. We missed it because my wife found the Sci Fi museum near the space needle instead. That is neat to see also. Have a great trip.

Answer 5

I recommend the Hoilday Inn Express right by the airport. You can see the price and reviews by past patrons for your decision making.
I recommend the 13 Coins Restaurant just north of there on Hwy 99 for a great meal.
Seattle is north of there on I-5. Make sure you make it to the waterfront and Pike's Place Market as well as the Pacific Science Center/Space Needle and ride the monorail to downtown Seattle from there.

http://travel.yahoo.com/p-hotel-380579-holiday_inn_express_hotel_suites-i;_ylt=As6t7oSjtUIfhZxNHx.tStAJ8b8F

http://seattle.citysearch.com/profile/11313542/seattle_wa/13_coins_sea_tac.html

http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-2747069-seattle_things_to_do-i

Answer 6

I happen to live in Seattle so Id say stay away frm the places you mentioned and I dont think you'd get carjacked at all though never happed to me well ummm places near the U Village are nice though right by the University........... hope you find a good place to stay and have fun in the beautiful weather

Answer 7

The U-district is not as bad as they say it is at night. A lot of people means a lot of witnesses means fewer crimes. I've been down there in the early 90's as a kid and nothing bad ever happened to me. Just stay away from Queen Anne Hill and you should be okay.

Also the west side of Seattle used to be somewhat dangerous too back then, so maybe stay clear of there too.

Answer 8

Silver Cloud U District

Answer 9

at the police station

Answer 10

it depends...