Welcome to the official NANOG 34 Seattle traveler's guide for attendees!

Switch and Data is proud to host NANOG 34!  The spring 2005 NANOG meeting is May 15-17 in Seattle, Washington at the Westin Hotel.  NANOG 34 sessions begin on Sunday afternoon, May 15th, at 1:30 PM and end at approximately 2:00 PM on Tuesday, May 17th.  For NANOG conference information, please visit http://www.nanog.org/.

Switch and Data will also host a Sunday evening welcome reception from 5:30 - 7 PM located at Fox Sports Grill (1522 Sixth Avenue), a short walking distance from the Westin Hotel.  Join us as we kick off NANOG 34 with tasty beverages, delicious appetizers, and plenty of socializing!  You're sure to enjoy Fox Sports Grill with its newly renovated modern space to include large plasma television screens for the sports enthusiast, a peaceful waterfall wall, a cigar lounge, pool tables, and plush seating.  Download welcome reception invitation

In this traveler's guide you will find information about:

The Westin - host hotel
Driving directions and transportation
Local area attractions and things to do
Weather
Dining

The Westin - Host Hotel

Address
1900 5th Avenue
Seattle, Washington 98101
United States

Contact Numbers
Phone (206) 728-1000
Fax (206) 728 - 2259

Directions
Click here for directions

Reservations
Click here for reservation information


Driving directions and transportation

From East
Take Interstate 90 to I-5 North. Exit onto Madison Street (exit 165A). Turn left at the first light after exiting, and then turn right onto 6th Ave. Proceed for 8 blocks down 6th Avenue and cross over Stewart Street. The hotel will be located on the left.

From North
Take I-5 south to the Stewart Street/Denny Way Exit (number 166). Continue right onto Stewart Street. Travel approximately 9 blocks, and then turn right onto 6th Avenue. The hotel will be located on the left.

From Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
Take Interstate 5 North to the Seneca Street Exit (number 165). The exit is on the left side. At the base of the exit, turn right onto 6th Avenue. Continue for approximately 6 blocks and cross over Stewart Street. The hotel is located on the left side.  Read more about Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

Get driving directions

Transportation

Shuttle service is available via Grayline Downtown Airporter Service.  Cost from the airport to the Westin Hotel is $10.25 one way or $17 roundtrip.  Click here to read more about fees, pick up times, and to book your transportation online: Downtown Airporter Service.  Alternatively, taxis are available and cost approximately $28 - 30 one way.

Local area attractions and things to do

Seattle Monorail to the Space Needle - 0.1 mi/0.1 km
Pacific Place Shopping Mall - 0.1 mi/0.2 km
Westlake Center Mall - 0.1 mi/0.2 km
Macy's - 0.2 mi/0.3 km
Barnes & Noble - 0.2 mi/0.3 km
Banana Republic - 0.2 mi/0.3 km
Tiffany's - 0.2 mi/0.3 km
Eddie Bauer - 0.2 mi/0.3 km
The GAP (Shopping) - 0.2 mi/0.3 km
Cascade Adventures - 0.3 mi/0.4 km
Fifth Avenue Theatre - 0.3 mi/0.4 km
Paramount Theater - 0.3 mi/0.5 km
Seattle Symphony - 0.4 mi/0.6 km
Washington State Convention and Trade Center - 0.4 mi/0.6 km
Victoria Clipper - 0.5 mi/0.8 km
Seattle Aquarium - 0.5 mi/0.8 km
Seattle Art Museum - 0.6 mi/1.0 km
International District - 0.9 mi/1.5 km
Safeco Field (Home of the Seattle Mariners Baseball Team) - 1.0 mi/1.6 km
Qwest Field (Home of the Seattle Seahawks) - 1.0 mi/1.6 km
The Space Needle - 1.0 mi/1.6 km
Experience Music Project - 1.0 mi/1.6 km
Marion Oliver McCaw Hall - 1.0 mi/1.6 km
Pacific Science Center - 1.0 mi/1.6 km
Key Arena (Home of the Seattle Supersonics Basketball Team) - 1.0 mi/1.6 km
Seattle Opera - 1.0 mi/1.6 km
Pioneer Square - 1.2 mi/2.0 km
Volunteer Park and the Conservatory - 1.5 mi/2.5 km
Jefferson District Golf Course - 4.0 mi/6.4 km
West Seattle Golf Course - 4.0 mi/6.4 km
Wild & Scenic River Tours - 5.0 mi/8.1 km
Woodland Park Zoo - 5.0 mi/8.1 km
Jackson Park Golf Club - 8.0 mi/12.9 km

Top 5 Things to do in Seattle

Pike Place Market
One of Seattle's most famous landmarks, this is the oldest continuously working public market in the country. Shop for fresh vegetables and fruits. Stop by Pike Place Fish to see fish fly. The market has numerous shops, including a health food and herb store, craft stores, and flower stands. Stop by Sur la Table, where you'll find tools with which to prepare your recently purchased ingredients. Don't forget to pick up fresh-baked pastries for dessert, and stop at one of the restaurants for lunch or an authentic Seattle latte before heading home.

Open Hours: 9am-6pm Mon-Sat; 11am-5pm Sun
85 Pike St, (at First Avenue)

Space Needle
Built for the 1962 World Expo, this distinctive structure, rising 600-plus feet above Seattle Center, has since become Seattle's most famous landmark. Come take in the 360-degree view of mountains, Elliott Bay and Seattle neighborhoods. Stock up on Seattle souvenirs at this gift shop on high. Dine at the refurbished SkyCity rotating restaurant, where every seat has a view. Special events include the New Year's Eve and July Fourth fireworks. The Space Needle also hosts private parties and does catering. Pay parking is available, or take the monorail from downtown.

Admission prices: Adults $12.50; Seniors (65+) $11; Youth (11-17) $10; Child (4-10) $5; Child (3 and Under) Free
Information by Wcities

Open Hours: Observation Deck: 9am-11pm Sun-Thu; 9am-midnight Fri-Sat; SkyCity: Lunch: 11am-3pm Mon-Fri; Dinner: 5pm-9pm Mon-Thu; 5pm-10pm Fri-Sat; Brunch: 10am-3pm Sat-Sun

Experience Music Project (EMP)
It's supposed to look like a broken guitar but "heart" and "lung" have also been used to describe this 140,000-square-foot music museum. Conceived by Paul Allen and designed by Frank Ghery, the museum takes you through music history by immersing you in nearly 80,000 artifacts including photos, sound archives, costumes and musical instruments from notable artists. The Northwest Passage exhibit examines how musicians and groups from the Northwest, such as Jimi Hendrix, Soundgarden, Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Screaming Trees and the rest, helped to shape rock music.

The onsite Turntable restaurant serves basic fare, and the Liquid Lounge has a full bar and hosts concerts.

Museum admission: $19.95, or $15.95 for Seniors and youth ages 13-17. Children ages 7-12 are $14.95 and children under age 6 are free. Adult admission is $19.95.
Information by Wcities

Open Hours: Museum: 9am-6pm Sun-Thu; 9am-9pm Fri-Sat; Restaurant: 11am-10pm Sun-Thu; 11am-11pm Fri-Sat: Liquid Lounge: noon-midnight Sun-Thu; noon-2am Fri-Sat

Seattle Art Museum
This museum is internationally recognized for its excellent collection of Asian, African and Native American art, and for its fine collection of modern art produced by Pacific Northwest artists. The permanent collection includes 21,000 pieces, and while it doesn't have huge collections of European art, it does have plentiful local art and wonderful visiting exhibits. The museum is centrally located downtown near the waterfront and Pike Place Market. Admission: $7 for adults, $5 seniors and students, free for children under 12 (with adult); free general admission the first Thursday of every month; free senior admission the first Friday of every month.
Information by Wcities

Open Hours: 10am-5pm Tue-Wed, Fri-Sun; 10am-9pm Thu

Mount Rainier National Park
This sublime park contains seemingly endless hikes and trails around the mountain. You can come back dozens of times and still find much to explore. If you're a practiced rock or mountain climber, this park has unbeatable climbs. Longmire Museum, and the Jackson, Ohanapecosh and Sunrise visitor centers have varying summer and winter hours. Check the Web site for details.

Park admission is $10 for vehicles, $5 for individuals entering by foot, bicycle, motorcycle or bus. The park honors Golden Access, Golden Age, Mount Rainier Annual and National Parks passes.
Information by Wcities

Open Hours: 24 hours daily, weather permitting

Read more on Yahoo!: Top 10 Things to do in Seattle

Weather

Local weather reports by The Weather Channel

Dining

13 Coins Restaurants
Continental $$-$$$. Seattle's award-winning 24-hour restaurants. Exhibition cooking, huge menu, private booths, banquet rooms, entertainment, free parking. HA
125 Boren Ave N
(206) 682-2513
www.13coins.com

Alfi's Food & Deli
Deli $. You'll love our prices and like our selection! Best sandwiches in town. Easy access from downtown hotels. Open long hours.
1830 Minor Ave
(206) 623-8196

Andaluca Restaurant & Bar
Mediterranean $$$-$$$$. Warm, upbeat atmosphere featuring fresh seasonal Northwest foods combined with Mediterranean flavors and techniques. All major credit cards. Reservations recommended. HA
407 Olive Way
(206) 382-6999
www.andaluca.com

Assaggio Ristorante
Italian $$-$$$. Pamper your soul with the sensual pleasures of fine Italian wines and cuisine while you marvel at the Michelangelo-inspired artwork. Major credit cards. HA
2010 Fourth Ave
(206) 441-1399
www.assaggioseattle.com

Benihana
Japanese $$$. Home of the Hibachi steak. Enjoy watching your chef right at your table! Sushi bar. Lunch M-F. Dinner daily.
1200 Fifth Ave
IBM Bldg Plaza
(206) 682-4686
www.benihanaseattle.com

Brasserie Margaux Restaurant & Bar (view menu)
Northwest Nouveau Continental $$-$$$. It's fresh, it's fun, it's definitely Northwest. Margaux's innovative menu tempts you for breakfast, lunch and dinner. HA
401 Lenora St
(206) 777-1990
www.margauxseattle.com

The Brooklyn Seafood, Steak & Oyster House
Northwest $$$. Featuring Seattle's best oyster bar, stunning fresh seafood preparations and USDA prime grade steaks. Evening valet parking. HA
1212 Second Avenue
Across from Seattle Art Museum & Benaroya Hall
(206) 224-7000
www.thebrooklyn.com

Buca di Beppo
Italian $$-$$$. Immigrant southern Italian fare served in a charming and infectious atmosphere. Giant platters meant for sharing. Dinner M-F at 5pm; Sat-Sun open at Noon. Reservations accepted. HA
701 Ninth Ave N
(206) BIG-A-BUT

Buenos Aires Grill
South American $$$. Authentic, unique Argentine grill. Serving free range beef, lamb and chicken. Buenos Aires atmosphere with passion and grace of tango dancers.
2000 Second Ave
(206) 441-7076

The Cheesecake Factory
American $$. Offers over 200 menu selections and 50 delicious desserts. "There is truly something for everyone!" Lunch and dinner daily. HA
700 Pike St
(206) 652-5400
www.thecheesecakefactory.com

Dahlia Lounge Restaurant (view menu)
Northwest $$$. Dining at the Dahlia Lounge, Chef Tom Douglas' imaginitive and inventive restaurant, has become synonymous with a visit to Seattle. HA.
2001 4th Ave
(206) 682-4142
www.tomdouglas.com

Earth & Ocean
American $$$$. Experience Executive Chef Maria Hines new American cuisine and the delectable creations of our Diva of Desserts, Sue McCown. HA
1112 Fourth Ave
(206) 264-6060
www.earthocean.net

The Elephant and Castle Pub & Restaurant
British $$. An authentic taste of Britain. Great pub food, extensive beer and Scotch selection and all the atmosphere of the old country.
1415 Fifth Ave
(206) 624-9977
www.elephantcastle.com

The Fairmont Olympic Hotel, Seattle
Northwest $$$-$$$$. The Georgian featuring Northwest cuisine; Shuckers for superb seafood; The Garden featuring jazz on Friday and Saturdays. HA TDD
411 University St
(206) 621-1700
(800) 223-8772 in U.S.
www.fairmont.com

The Georgian
$$$$ Northwest. The Georgian features Northwest cuisine prepared by Chef Gavin Stephenson in Seattle's premier dining room. Breakfast and lunch daily; dinner Tues-Sat. HA
411 University St
(206) 621-1700
www.fairmont.com/seattle/

Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant
American $$. Authentic German-style lager beers brewed on-site and contemporary American cooking with international flavors in an upscale, casual and fun setting. HA
600 Pine St Ste 401
(206) 405-4205
www.gordonbiersch.com

The Hunt Club/Sorrento Hotel
Northwest $$$$. Hunt Club offers a refreshing approach to fine dining, featuring award-winning Northwest cuisine with Mediterranean influences. The staff's warm, personalized service makes Hunt Club an inviting oasis in the city. The adjoining Fireside Room is the city's top stop for high tea and classic drinks. HA
900 Madison St
(206) 343-6156
www.hotelsorrento.com

icon Grill
American $$-$$$. Simultaneously elegant and richly whimsical, featuring "aroused Americana" dishes, reviewers report "...Seattle restaurants don't get much more visually or culinarily interesting than icon Grill." HA
1933 Fifth Ave
(206) 441-6330
www.icongrill.com

Il Fornaio
Italian $-$$. Authentic Italian restaurant and bakery. Open every day for lunch, dinner and late night dining. Major credit cards accepted. HA
600 Pine St Ste 132
Pacific Place
(206) 264-0994
www.ilfornaio.com

Lola
Northwest $$$. Tom Douglas' new Lola features the classic produce of the Northwest mingled with the cooking styles of Greece. HA
2000 B Fourth Ave
(206) 441-1430

Mamacita's Mexican Cafe
Mexican $$. Monday-Friday 9am-3pm, Saturday 10am-6pm. Credit cards. 1 1/2 blocks from Market. Affiliated with Mama's Mexican Kitchen. HA
216 Stewart St
(206) 374-8876
www.mamas.com

McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurant
Seafood $$$-$$$$. Fresh seafood, menu printed daily, exhibition kitchen, lively bar, traditional setting. Lunch M-F, dinner daily. VISA, MC, AMEX, CB, DC, Discover. Reservations recommended. HA. Seafood.
1103 First Ave
(206) 623-5500
www.mccormickandschmicks.com

McCormick's Fish House & Bar
Seafood $$$-$$$$. Fresh seafood: 28-35 species available on daily printed menu. Lunch M-F, dinner daily. VISA, MC, AMEX, DC, Discover. Reservations recommended. HA
722 Fourth Ave
(206) 682-3900

Metropolitan Grill
Steakhouse $$$$. Rated one of the 10 best steakhouses in the country. Lunch M-F, dinner daily. Reservations recommended. MC, VISA, DC, AMEX. HA.
2nd & Marion
(206) 624-3287
www.themetropolitangrill.com

Mexico Cantina y Veracruz Cooking
Mexican $$. Real coastal and interior Mexican cooking served in a festival atmosphere in the hub of downtown.
600 Pine St Ste 402
Pacific Place
(206) 405-3400
www.eatatmexico.com

Morton's The Steakhouse
Steakhouse $$$$. Dine on sumptuous USDA Prime steaks to the ageless sounds of Sinatra. Select your favorite wine from our award-winning list as you relish the elegant atmosphere of deep rich hardwoods and overstuffed booths. Private Boardrooms available. Reservations are recommended. HA
1511 Sixth Ave
(206) 223-0550
www.mortons.com

New Territory Restaurant
Asian $$. Featuring delicious Hong Kong and Southeast Asian dishes. Express lunch-time steam table entrees. Lunch and Dinner menu. Dine-in or take-out.
1529 Sixth Avenue
206/223-1826

Nitelite Lounge/Moore Hotel
American $. Belltown neighborhood hangout; full service cocktail lounge, microbrews and sandwiches, jukebox, darts and pool tables.
1920 Second Ave
(206) 443-0899
www.thenitelite.com

The Oceanaire Seafood Room
Seafood $$$. Serving lunch Mon-Fri, dinner daily. For reservations, please call (206) 267-2277. All major credit cards accepted. HA
1700 Seventh Ave Ste 100
(206) 267-2277
www.theoceanaire.com

Pabla Indian Cuisine
Indian $$. Finest cuisine from North India. Curries, samosas, vegetarian and non-vegetarian, sweets. Full bar. Buffet 11am to 3pm. Dinner 5pm to 10pm. Major credit cards. HA
1516 Second Ave Ste 101
(206) 623-2868
www.pablaindiacuisine.com

Palace Kitchen
Northwest $$$. Chef and author Tom Douglas's restaurant serves dinners nightly from 5pm to 1am. All major credit cards. HA
2030 Fifth Ave
(206) 448-2001
www.tomdouglas.com

Palomino
Northwest $$-$$$. Palomino is the upbeat city restaurant and bar famous for its familiar flavors, unique preparations and its friendly ambiance.
6th and Union
City Centre, 3rd Floor
(206) 623-1300
www.r-u-i.com

Pellini Ristorante
Italian $$$$. Regional Italian cuisine with fresh flavors of the Northwest. Spectacular views, 28th floor Renaissance Seattle Hotel. Dinner daily. HA TDD
515 Madison St
Renaissance Seattle Hotel
(206) 267-2201
www.ristorantepellini.com

Pike Street Cafe/Sheraton Seattle Hotel & Towers
American $$$. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Weekend brunch. Reservations recommended. Major credit cards. HA
1400 Sixth Ave
(206) 447-1987

Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery
American $$. Serving hand-crafted ales and food daily from 11:00 a.m. Our spacious full bar includes hourly pool tables and late-night menu. HA.
1333 Fifth Ave
Seattle, WA  98101
(206) 623-3070
www.rockbottom.com

Ruth's Chris Steak House
Steakhouse $$$$. Serving U.S. prime steaks exclusively, live Maine lobster, grilled salmon & tuna. Breakfast, lunch, dinner daily. Reservations recommended. HA.
727 Pine
(206) 624-8524
www.ruthschris.com

Sazerac Restaurant
American $$$. Chef Jan Birnbaum's Sazerac Restaurant features American cuisine accented by contemporary decor to create a restaurant that is serious fun. HA
1101 Fourth Ave
Seattle, WA  98101
www.sazerac-seattle.com

Shuckers Restaurant
$$$$ Seafood. The friendly pub-style setting at Shuckers is an ideal way to experience local seafood. Open daily for dinner; lunch Mon-Sat.
411 University St
c/o The Fairmont Olympic Hotel, Seattle
(206) 621-1700
www.fairmont.com/seattle/

Soups
American $. Gourmet soups to go. Eleven varieties daily. Open 10:30am-3:00pm M-F. Noon to 3pm Saturday. Closed Sunday. MC VISA HA
1420 Fifth Ave
(206) 625-9973

Thai Ginger
Thai $$.The freshest ingredients, brilliantly prepared in an environment reminiscent of Thailand. Open daily for cocktails, lunch and dinner. HA
600 Pine St
Pacific Place, 4th Fl
(206) 749-9100
www.thaiginger.com

Todai
Japanese $$$. All you can eat seafood and sushi buffet. 40 kinds of sushi, hot entrees, salads and desserts. Major credit cards.
600 Pine St Ste 403
Pacific Place
(206) 749-5100
www.todai.com

Top of the Hilton Restaurant
Continental $$$. Spectacular water, mountain & city views. Breakfast, lunch & dinner daily. Reservations recommended. VISA, MC, AMEX, Discover. HA.
Sixth & University
Seattle Hilton, 29th floor
(206) 624-0500 ext 1131

Troiani Italian Grill (view menu)
Italian $$$$. Lunch M-F 11:30am-2:30pm. Dinner nightly. Italian guitar music Mon-Sat evenings. Complimentary valet parking after 5pm. Modern interpretation of a classic Italian grill. HA
1001 Third Ave
(206) 624-4060
www.troianiseattle.com

Tulio Ristorante
Italian $$$-$$$$. Seattle's best Italian cuisine serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Full bar. Reservations recommended. Private dining rooms available. All major credit cards. HA
1100 Fifth Ave
(206) 624-5500
(888) 454-8401
www.tulio.com

Union Square Grill
Northwest $$$-$$$$. Steaks, chops & Northwest seafoods. Near convention center. Lunch Mon-Fri, dinner daily. Reservations recommended. HA
621 Union St
(206) 224-4321
www.unionsquaregrill.com

Von's Grand City Cafe
American $$-$$$. A downtown tradition since 1904. Guaranteed best prime rib in town, and Seattle's best martini. Breakfast, lunch, dinner daily, 7am to 10pm. AMEX, MC, VISA HA
619 Pine St
(206) 621-8667

Wild Ginger Asian Restaurant & Satay Bar
Pan Asian $$-$$$. Seattle's critically acclaimed Asian restaurant features the distinctive cuisines of China and Southeast Asia in a spacious, tastefully designed dining room. HA
1401 Third Ave
(206) 623-4450