Frequently Asked Questions

Climate
Contrary to popular belief, it doesn't rain in Seattle as often as you might think. In fact, Seattle actually ranks 44th in the nation for average rainfall, well behind cites such as Miami, Boston, Atlanta and New York. Most of the regional rainy weather is enjoyed November through February. Though you'll rarely see locals carrying umbrellas, they are available for out-of-towners at our Concierge desk and Valet Parking.

Blessed with a mild climate year round, Seattle enjoys subtler seasonsal weather than most of the country. Winter temperatures average in the high 30s, while spring and fall average highs in the 50s and 60s. July, August and September are Seattle's warmest months with an average high in the upper 70s. (Please note that all temperatures are in Fahrenheit).

Clothing
Seattle well deserves its signature reputation as a laid-back city, and often dresses to match its attitude. While stylish dress and designer clothes are by no means shunned - especially in the downtown core - jeans, fleece, and Gore-Tex are common and welcome just about anywhere-even at the symphony and theatre. 

If you are planning to sightsee while in town, comfortable walking shoes to face the city's numerous hills are recommended. It's often chillier on or near the waterfront, so layering your clothes is always a good bet. 

When dining out, dressy casual attire is appropriate for almost every restaurant in town. For more detailed dress information, please contact the Concierge.

Credit Cards
Credit cards are widely accepted throughout the Washington state. Bank machines can be found everywhere and debit cards are also widely used. If you are using a foreign card at a bank machine, your money will be disbursed in U.S. funds.

Currency
Financial institutions will provide a credible rate of exchange when switching your currency for U.S. dollars.

Electrical Current
110 Volts, 60 Cycles AC (same as Canada and Mexico)

Health Insurance
The United States has a very high quality of medical care. However, it is a private system and, as such, is very expensive by any standard. You should consider the purchase of your own health insurance a necessity. Even if you are covered by your home country's national health insurance system, your country will probably not pay all costs associated with health care in the U.S., so additional coverage is necessary.

Visitors taking medicine prescribed by a doctor should bring a copy of the prescription in case it needs to be renewed by a doctor in the U.S.

Liquor Laws
In the United States, all states require that you be 21 years of age or older to purchase and/or consume alcoholic beverages.

Public Holidays (2008)

Time Zones
Seattle is in the Pacific Time Zone (3 hours behind Eastern, 2 hours behind Central and one hour behind Mountain). 

Tipping
Tips or service charges are not usually added to a bill in the U.S. The exception to this is when a large group of approximately eight or more are dining together in a restaurant, in which case the establishment may state in advance that a gratuity of 15% will automatically be added to the bill.

In general, a tip of 15% of the sub-total (before taxes) is given. This applies to waiters, waitresses, barbers and hairdressers, taxi drivers, etc. At hotels, airports and railway stations, bellhops, doormen, redcaps (porters), etc. are generally paid $1-2 per item of luggage.