Accommodations/Transportation
Note that the Sheraton is located in downtown Seattle, which is a 20 minute drive from Seatac airport. For those who are flying in, we recommend taking Link light rail from the airport for $3 (buy Link tickets from the ticket vending machine with cash or a credit card). It takes less than 40 minutes and trains arrive every 15 minutes during off-peak and much more frequently at times; more info here. You would exit at the Westlake stop and from there, head to the 5th and Pine exit near Nordstrom. Once you emerge from the underground, get your bearings and take a hard left on Pine then turn right on 6th; the Sheraton is about two blocks from the Westlake stop. Don’t forget to book your room by September 29.
If you don’t need to rent a car, don’t do it. It’s easy to get around Seattle with public transportation, although that’s understandably intimidating for visitors. Uber and Lyft are quite active in the city, and if you’re familiar with Car2Go or RightNow, those are great options as well.
We recommend using Uber or taking a cab to go from the downtown (hotel) area to the Saturday evening celebration on Capitol Hill. However, it’s walkable and on a bus line, so feel free to explore the travel option that’s most convenient for you.
As far as traveling to/from Seattle, Alaska Airlines is obviously the superior airline, but you do what you think is best.
Oh — and for those driving or who really do want to rent a car, there’s a nearby parking lot for only $32 / 24-hours that allows you to come and go. It’s at 2020 5th Ave. The Sheraton also offers overnight valet parking for $57 / night.