Hi--
The hotels around the Space Needle can be hit and miss. That is not the best area in Seattle for hotels, however, some of the hotels are fine. I had a friend that stayed at the Comfort Suites near there and she said it was nice (I think it is newer). The one that I stayed there in about 5 years ago scared me--I think it was a Holiday Inn. I'd probably look closely at somewhere like tripadvisor.com, or travelocity for some recent reader reviews before I booked one.
If you stay near Seattle Center, I have one restaurant suggestion--Perche No, which is near the bottom of the Queen Anne Hill right around the corner from the Seattle Center--wonderful authentic Italian food. I've had some of my best dinners in Seattle there. The owners do all the cooking themselves--if you have a large party they will usually give you a ride to the top of Queen Anne hill in a limo complimentary. I believe they will also pick you up from a hotel in the limo, I think for a small charge. The wife (and hostess) name is Lili, or something like that. It is a very small place, though, so make a reservation if you intend to go there.
The hotels near the airport are pretty uniform--the one that we always stayed at was the Red Lion Seatac (used to be Westcoast Seatac), but that has been about 5 years ago that I stayed,and mostly we stayed there because you could park your car at the airport for free for like 5 days--have no idea if it is nice now or not, but at the time it was like a standard hotel and pretty good size rooms. I think it is still on Frommers recommended list (under Westcoast name), so it is probably fine. It is directly across from airport, and within walking distance to restaurants.
My mom has stayed at the BW executal at the airport, and she said it was nice for the price (i think about $50). I would look for one with free shuttle, and go with a good deal. I probably wouldn't pay more than $75 for a room near the Seattle airport-you should be able to get one for about $50. If you are arriving around 5, you won't hardly be spending anytime there anyways.
Post Edited (12-17-03 11:44)
