Seattle is known as the Emerald City. Its greenness stems from its abundant rainfall which encourages the growth of lush vegetation and also from its reflection in the clear blue/green waters of the Puget Sound. Visiting Seattle creates a mosaic of colorful impressions that shimmer in the imagination long after the visit ends. Mt. Ranier looks down on Seattle from its majestic heights. Driving through Seattle on a clear day has been compared to floating on a cloud in an emerald sky. Seattle is a city of great beginnings. Nordstrom's, Starbucks, Microsoft, Amazon.com and Eddie Bauer all started there. Seattle is the largest city in the Northwest with more than a half a million residents in the city itself and another two and a half million in the surrounding suburbs, yet it is very clean and beautiful. It is a memorable place to visit, and one to which the visitor will never tire of returning. More on the Seattle Hotel Rooms...