WHAT'S NEW? GROUP TOUR IDEAS

HOTELS: RENOVATIONS, EXPANSIONS & NOW OPEN

Hostelling International Seattle
Opens Doors of American Hotel in Downtown Seattle
Hostelling International opened its renovated facility in the historic American Hotel in downtown Seattle on July 31, 2009. The American Hotel is a 90-room, 320 bed hostel with rates beginning at $28 per bed for dorm-style accommodations for Hostelling International members. Dorm-style accommodations for non-members are $31 per bed. Private rooms are available for $86 a night for up to two people, with extra persons in a private room for an additional $9. A continental breakfast and sheets, towels and pillows are complimentary. Other amenities include computers, laundry facilities, a self-serve kitchen and storage lockers. Great option for price sensitive groups! www.americanhotelseattle.com.

Hyatt Regency Bellevue Opens Doors to Second Tower Expansion
The Hyatt Regency Bellevue opened the doors to its much anticipated expansion on July 31, 2009. The expansion introduces a second tower with 43,000 square-feet of meeting and event space, as well as 351 new guestrooms. With the opening of the second tower, the hotel houses 733 luxury guestrooms, 60,000 square-feet of meeting and event space as well as a 7,000 square-foot workout complex. Reservations may be made online at www.bellevue.hyatt.com or by calling Hyatt Hotels & Resorts at (800) 223-1234.

New Bed & Breakfast Member
Bed & Breakfast on Broadway is situated on a quiet, residential block of Broadway, on Capitol Hill in one of Seattle’s most colorful and best-loved neighborhoods. Four rooms, including a lofty attic, all feature en suite bath. Every reservation includes continental breakfast. www.bbonbroadway.com

Art Hostel
Check out Seattle’s newest hostel, City Hostel Seattle, where 47 out of 51 rooms are decorated by local artists. Each room has its own unique paintings and decorations that are unrestricted. This is not your normal everyday hostel. It is very clean, with modern updates, and green practices. Breakfast is served daily. Learn more about City Hostel Seattle at www.cityhostelseattle.com.

Hyatt Regency Bellevue
The Hyatt Regency Bellevue is adding a second 20-story tower to its current inventory of rooms. This addition will include 351 new rooms bringing the total number of rooms to 733. Development scheduled to be complete by July 2009.

HOTELS: COMING SOON

The Maxwell Hotel to Open in March 2010
The Maxwell Hotel, an independent family-owned hotel located at the base of Queen Anne neighborhood adjacent to the Seattle Center, will open its doors to guests in March 2010. The hotel will feature 140 guestrooms, an indoor pool, an exercise facility, an espresso bar, and 3,000 square feet of ground floor retail space. Located just north of downtown Seattle, the Maxwell is just steps away from the Seattle Opera, Pacific Northwest Ballet, SIFF Cinema, Intiman Theatre, Seattle Repertory Theatre, Teatro ZinZanni, Seattle Children’s Theatre, Experience Music Project/Science Fiction Museum, Pacific Science Center and the iconic Space Needle. www.themaxwellhotel.com

Courtyard by Marriott Downtown
A 262 guest room Courtyard by Marriott will occupy the historic Alaska Building in downtown Seattle at Second Avenue and Columbia Street. The new hotel is slated to open May 2010.

Hyatt Place
Development of a mixed-use Hyatt Place hotel is under construction at Sixth Avenue and Denny Way in the South Lake Union Neighborhood. The hotel/condominium project will have 158 hotel rooms and 56 condominiums. Hyatt Place is slated to open February 2010.

MTM Luxury Lodging to Manage New Property Opening in 2012
MTM Luxury Lodging has announced that it will manage the Bellevue Park Hotel, a new property in Bellevue, WA being developed by Hydra Developments, LLC. The 100-room hotel is expected to open in spring 2012. (MTM also manages Alderbrook Resort & Spa, Cave B Inn at Sagecliffe, Hotel 1000, Sorrento Hotel, Willows Lodge, and Woodmark Hotel, Yacht Club & Spa.)

DINING

Hard Rock Café Seattle
Hard Rock Café Seattle opened its first northwest restaurant one block east of the Pike Place Market. Construction and renovation of the 84 year old Liberty Building began fourth quarter 2008 and opened for business February 10th. The 450-seat restaurant features classic American food and includes space for live music, a rooftop deck and signature "Rock Shop" selling themed Hard Rock Café merchandise. www.hardrock.com/seattle

Blue C Sushi
Local Kaiten style sushi dining found in multiple locations. Downtown Seattle on 7th Avenue between Pike and Pine. www.bluecsushi.com

Old School Frozen Custard
This popular carnival treat and Coney Island favorite makes its way across the country to the greater Seattle area. Old School has been proudly serving up delicious frozen custard in the Puget Sound area for years. Made fresh all day from a special custard machine, this tasty treat is simply the finest frozen dessert available today. A step up from even the premium ice creams, the recipe uses only high quality ingredients to create a dessert that is smoother, creamier and more flavorful than the traditional alternative. www.oldschoolfrozencustard.com

Place Pigalle Restaurant & Bar
Tucked inside the Pike Place Market, Place Pigalle is now known for its superior food, wines, service and ambience. Some menu favorites that have been staples of the menu for over 25 years include the Mussels Pigalle (served upright in a cozy oval bed), the Calamari Dijonnaise, the Brandied Apricot Almond Torte and the Mariana Cocktail. www.placepigalle-seattle.com

CanCan Kitchen & Cabaret
CanCan is one of Seattle's most celebrated, award winning nightspots. Located in the heart of the Pike Place Market, CanCan's underground setting is evocative of Paris at the turn of the 20th century. Featuring ever-changing entertainment in addition to a dance troupe, The Castaways. Burlesque, Aerialists, Cabaret, and a Johnny Cash sound-alike. French-Italian inspired cuisine through multi-course meals, fully stocked bar compliments this popular dining entertainment venue. www.thecancan.com

Paddy Coynes Irish Pub
Paddy Coynes Irish Pub is a traditional Irish Pub serving lunch and dinner seven days a week and breakfast every weekend. The Pub is cozy and comfortable, serving comfort food with friendly service along with imported beers and local brews. Enjoy your favorite beverage by the fireplace while Irish music filters through the bar’s ambiance. Traditional Irish Music seisiún’s occur once a week. Private rooms are available for parties. “Enjoy a taste of Ireland in the Pacific Northwest. www.paddycoynes.net

SHOPPING

Luxury Shopping Expands in Bellevue
The Shops at the Bravern bring high-end retail brands Neiman Marcus, Hermès, Jimmy Choo, Louis Vuitton, Salvatore Ferragamo, Tory Burch and many more to the Bellevue Collection shopping inventory. An intimate outdoor European style combined with a Northwest flare provide a shopping experience unique to the Pacific Northwest. www.thebravern.com

SPECIAL EVENTS

Taking Aim: Unforgettable Rock 'n' Roll Photographs Selected by Graham Nash
Opened February 6, 2010 At Experience Music Project
Experience Music Project|Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame opened Taking Aim: Unforgettable Rock 'n' Roll Photographs Selected by Graham Nash, Feb. 16, 2010 . This new exhibition, organized by EMP, showcases some of the most memorable photography in the history of popular music, as chosen by legendary musician Graham Nash of the musical group Crosby, Stills & Nash, who is also known as a photographer, collector and pioneer in digital imaging and printing. As guest curator, Nash brings his rich musical history, keen eye and storytelling skills to an exhibition of 98 rock 'n' roll images taken by 40 of the world's greatest music photographers, including Anton Corbijn, Annie Leibovitz, Jim Marshall, Neal Preston, Mick Rock, Francesco Scavullo and Nash himself. The exhibition includes an audio tour narrated by Nash, sharing insights about the images, artists and photographers, as well as his own connections to them. Taking Aim: Unforgettable Rock 'n' Roll Photographs Selected by Graham Nash will travel to other venues starting in mid-2010. www.empsfm.org.

Craft Beer Aficionados
Seattle is home to some of the best craft beer and microbrews in the nation. Discover why four local residents, passionate about beer brought Seattle together for an annual celebration of Seattle’s excellence of beer. Seattle Beer Week kicks off May 13th and concludes May 23rd. www.seattlebeerweek.com.

Picasso Masterpieces on Display at Seattle Art Museum Beginning Fall 2010
The Seattle Art Museum (SAM) announced that it will present Picasso: Masterpieces from the Musée National Picasso, Paris, an exhibition of the work of Pablo Picasso (1881-1973), Oct. 8, 2010 through Jan. 9, 2011. The exhibition will present iconic works from virtually every phase of Picasso’s legendary career. Drawn from the collection of the Musée National Picasso in Paris, the largest and most important repository of the artist’s work in the world, the exhibition will feature more than 150 original works of art, including approximately 75 paintings and sculptures, complemented by an important selection of prints, drawings and photographs. The opportunity for SAM to present this work is possible because the Musée Picasso has recently closed for renovations, allowing a global tour of this full-scale survey to travel for the first and, very likely, the only time. The presentation at SAM will be the United States debut of these works which follows the Atheneum Art Museum in Helsinki, Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts in Moscow and the State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia. www.seattleartmuseum.org.

NOTE: Want a quick overview of some of the key cultural events happening around Seattle? Our Director of Cultural Tourism publishes a monthly e-mail Calendar "Hot Sheet". Contact us if you would like to be added to the e-mail list or visit the Cultural Tourism website to search for events.

ATTRACTIONS

Current and Future Seattle Art Museum (SAM) Exhibits

• SAM Downtown - Michelangelo Public and Private: Drawings for the Sistine Chapel and Other Treasures from the Casa Buonarroti
  October 15, 2009 - April 11, 2010
• SAM Downtown - Alexander Calder: A Balancing Act
  October 15, 2009 - April 11, 2010

Now Offered at the Pacific Science Center
Below are some unique experiences for student and adult groups.
Contact: Betsy Meacham, Event & Group Sales Manager at 206.443.2899.

• Workshops
  Get hands-on at Pacific Science Center! Your group will take part in a private 1-hour workshop taught by Pacific Science Center educators, all of which includes a take home component. These workshops are not available to the general public and all requests must be submitted at least 2 weeks in advance. Maximum capacity is 30 participants per workshop.
• Pacific Science Center's Scavenger Hunt
  This 30-45 minute trivia challenge will allow participants to put their science knowledge to the test as they discover Pacific Science Center's hands-on exhibits. By the end, you'll learn how much your co-workers weigh on the Sun, who isn't afraid of holding a live insect and much more. Rates begin at $13 per person. Ideal for corporate and high school student groups. Ask about prize packages and adding on an IMAX film or boxed lunch.
• Private Camp-Ins
  Spend the night at Pacific Science Center with your group. A select number of private bookings are available for the upcoming camp-in year. A minimum of 150 people is required and at least 60 days advance notice is required. Please call for pricing and booking details.
• Additional Group Activities
  Perfect for student and adult groups: Tropical Butterfly House, documentary feature IMAX films, private planetarium show, catered box lunch. Fun and educational for student and adult groups: evening laser shows, liquid nitrogen ice cream demonstration.
• Performance Space
  Pacific Science Center is pleased to offer a free performance venue for visiting bands, choirs and orchestras with the purchase of Exhibits + IMAX tickets for all group members. Limited audiovisual equipment is also available at no additional charge.

TOURS

Enjoy Seattle's Sights from the Sky with SeattleHeliTours.com
Classic Helicopter Corporation has announced the inauguration of its new SeattleHeliTours.com flightseeing tours, offering custom or pre-packaged helicopter tours of Seattle landmarks such as downtown Seattle, the Space Needle, Lake Washington, Lake Union and the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks. Tours of sights outside of Seattle such as downtown Bellevue, Snoqualmie Falls and Mount Si are also available. For details on the tours, visit www.seattlehelitours.com

Alpine Adventures
Alpine Adventures specializes in whitewater river rafting on the Upper Skagit River, Wenatchee, Tieton, and Skykomish rivers outside of Seattle. In addition they offer wine tours, power hang gliding and outings for all skill and adventure levels. Visit www.alpineadventures.com to learn more about these and other experiential tours.

Yellow Bear Journeys
Yellow Bear Journeys is an Eco-Tour Company that designs, plans, and guides tours in the Pacific Northwest with a unique focus: Restoring the hope, strength, and joy of the participants, and bringing clarity to their next step in life. Journeys are designed to reconnect every-day people with nature in gentle ways that allow enjoyment without overwhelming participants. The rich, life-giving ecosystems of ocean beaches and rainforests are ideal environments to refresh those beleaguered by a modern lifestyle disconnected from nature, and those who have a nagging suspicion they've lost touch with their truest self and purpose. For group information contact Yellow Bear Journeys today at www.yellowbearjourneys.com

Architecture Tours
Seattle Architecture Foundation offers a unique variety of tours that explore Seattle’s art and architecture scene. Groups are welcome and pricing begins at $200 covering the cost of up to 10 guests. Each additional guest is $20, and a group limit of 24 is recommended. To learn more about the Seattle Architecture Foundation and current tours available visit www.seattlearchitecture.org. For group booking inquiries contact Roberta Miner, Tours Director at Roberta@seattlearchitecture.org

Travel to Sketch Art Tours
Customized architectural sketch and walking tours provide the experience to sketch Seattle's natural and manmade wonders. This three to six hour sketch and walking tour begins at your hotel and journeys through the city allowing you to observe the pulse and culture of Seattle. For ages 12 and up, no sketch experience required. Prices begin at $50 per person for groups, and $100+ per person depending on the length of the tour and size of the group. For more information, contact Melanie Corey-Ferrini at 206.353.1687.

Photography Walking City Tour
Shutter Tours LLC created a sightseeing walking tour tailored to individuals or groups interested in experiencing a visual photography tour while learning about Seattle's history. This walking tour allows provides the ability for travel photographers to work with guides who provide "mini lessons" in composition in helping see and understand Seattle's history and sites without the technical jargon. Available for limited group sizes of eight or less to ensure individualized assistance. Customizable itineraries for groups. Offered daily May through October 4th at 10 AM and 2 PM for a three hour tour. Tours meet at the Pike Place Market Information Booth. For group booking information or questions contact Terry Divyak at 425.516.8838.

Gray Line of Seattle Adds New Tours

• Segway in Seattle
  Seattle has always been known as a green destination, leader in environment-commitment and sustainability. It just got greener with Gray Line of Seattle's new Segway City Tours. The first of its kind in Seattle, this 3-hour self-guided tour departs daily at 9:30 AM May 1 through September 30. Tour pickups from any downtown area hotel. Visit Gray Line of Seattle today to learn more details about this tour.
• Cinema in Seattle City Tour
  Explore the sights and sounds of Seattle's nostalgic moviemaking locations and experience many different highlights through the eyes of a filmmaker. Daily departures of this tour occur at 2 PM from May 1 through September 30. For information or more details about this specific tour visit Gray Line of Seattle.

Twilight in Forks, WA

• New Twilight Community Website Resource
  The Olympic Peninsula Visitor Bureau, and surrounding communities of Forks, Port Angeles and La Push, launched a website for groups and FITs interested in Twilight tours, maps, places of interest and brochures.
• Kenmore Air Takes You to Twilight
  Stephanie Meyer's bestseller Twilight, set in Forks, WA is a quick seaplane jaunt from Seattle's Boeing Field to Port Angeles on the Olympic Peninsula. Kenmore Air's "Twilight Special" provides roundtrip air service from Seattle's Boeing Field to Port Angeles. Effective May 1st a $129 daytrip fare for any pair of flights from Seattle to Port Angeles and back in a single day. The "Twilight Special" is recommended for travelers planning an overnight stay on the Olympic Peninsula.
  

CONTINUING EXPERIENTIAL ADD-ONS

IslandWood - the perfect blend of nature and comfort - just 35 minutes from Seattle
Groups looking for a unique space for conferences, meetings and team-building retreats should consider IslandWood on Bainbridge Island. This amazing facility includes LEED Gold certified meeting spaces and lodges, with great rooms reminiscent of those found in our national parks. With 5-miles of walking trails including a suspension bridge, private pond, two tree houses and a forest canopy tower, groups can come together for meetings and exploration in nature. IslandWood’s acclaimed chefs prepare delicious, healthful cuisine featuring locally grown produce. All proceeds from stays at IslandWood support programs for Puget Sound area school children. We have great options for groups from 10 to 200 and can work with you on designing a program that meets your budget and program objectives. www.islandwood.org/conferences

photo courtesy of Diane's Market Kitchen

Urban Cooking
Looking for unique ideas or add-ons for groups visiting Seattle? Check out the wide variety of cooking and entertaining classes available at Diane's Market Kitchen, located a few blocks south of the Pike Place Market. Twelve person maximum per group.

Dinner Cruise
Experience a private dinner cruise on Lake Washington, operated by Enchantress Cruises. Visit www.enchantresscruises.com to explore other sightseeing excursions.

Downtown Entertainment
Garage Billiards and Bowl provides entertainment space featuring bowling, billiards, bars, and dining options. Private space and venue buy-out available. They have private rooms that can accommodate different group sizes. Learn more at www.garagebilliards.com

The 5th Avenue Theatre

Hairspray at the 5th Avenue Theatre

Discover the secrets of live theatre-backstage! Available to groups: 'Backstage Tour,' 'Post-Show Conversation with Cast & Crew,' 'Broadway Dancing 101,' 'Acting 101,' 'Stagecraft,' 'Brown Bag Lunch,' 'Pre-Show Reception with Producing Artistic Director David Armstrong,' 'Breakfast or Lunch with Producing Artistic Director David Armstrong,' or 'Live Performance, Hosted by Producing Artistic Director David Armstrong.' The 5th Avenue Theatre will do its best to accommodate your group experience. Please be advised group experiences are based upon availability per show and dates.

For more information please contact Joey Chapman at 206.625.1418 x214.

AT SEA-TAC AIRPORT

Delta Airlines Expands Nonstop Flights to Asia
Following the merger between Delta and Northwest Airlines, Delta will begin new nonstop flights to Beijing and Osaka five times a week beginning June of 2010. Both routes will use Boeing 767-300 aircraft. www.delta.com

Delta Airlines Expanding Service to Amsterdam
Existing service to Amsterdam seven times a week will increase to 10 weekly flights utilizing both Airbus A330-300 and Boeing 767-300 aircraft. www.delta.com

Delta Airlines Expanding Service to Japan
Delta Airlines has filed for Seattle – Tokyo Haneda International Airport service where status is pending. www.delta.com

Icelandair Inaugurates Reykjavik-Seattle Service
On July 22nd, Icelandair will inaugurate nonstop Seattle-Reykjavik service four times a week. This new service addition will provide even more convenient connections to Europe. Icelandair is the only Nordic carrier serving the U.S. West Coast. Flights will depart Seattle at 4:30 PM PST and arrive in Reykjavik at 6:45 AM, local time. Flights will depart Reykjavik at 6:00 PM PST and arrive in Seattle at 5:45 PM PST.

Alaska Airlines Adds Two New Seattle Routes!
Alaska Airlines inaugurated new daily non-stop service to Houston on Sep. 23, 2009 and new daily non-stop service to Atlanta, beginning Oct. 23, 2009.

Alaska Airlines Begins Two New Seattle Routes Beginning in Fall
Alaska Airlines inaugurated new daily non-stop service to Houston on Sep. 23, 2009 and new daily non-stop service to Atlanta, beginning Oct. 23, 2009. www.alaskaair.com

SEATTLE ON THE MOVE

As Seattle continues to grow and offer more art, culture, and activities for locals and visitors alike, we would like you to keep the following changes in mind as you continue to plan exciting Seattle travel experiences.

Northwest Sky Ferry
This new CVB member provides an alternative to ferries and commercial airlines by connecting the Puget Sound area, to eastern Washington, Oregon, northern California and Canada. Northwest Sky Ferry is an air charter company with client retrieval at SeaTac International Airport or Boeing Field with service to the San Juan Islands or anywhere between northern California, eastern Washington and Canada. Three planes total: (1) 5-passenger Cesna and (2) 3-passenger Cesna’s. www.nwskyferry.com.

Link Light Rail Reaches Completion from Downtown Seattle to Airport
Sound Transit’s Link light rail line from downtown Seattle to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac) reached completion on Dec. 19, 2009. Now travelers will be able to traverse the 15.7 miles between downtown Seattle and SeaTac International Airiport seamlessly. Downtown stations are located at Westlake Center, the financial district, Pioneer Square and the International District. The train makes stops in several neighborhoods south of Seattle before reaching the SeaTac Airport Station, an approximately 35 minute trip. The SeaTac Airport Station connects to the airport through the airport parking garage via a pedestrian walkway. The fare for the trip from downtown Seattle to the Airport is $2.50 for adults, $1.75 for youths 6-18 and free for riders under six when accompanied by a paying adult.