Commute to Renton from Des Moines vs Bothell, advice :) (Seattle: hotels, live)

[Raena750]

Hello,

I am planning a mini vacation around going to a Seahawks training camp. Just hoping to get a realistic idea of what to expect commute wise. I will need to get to the landing zone in Renton by about 8:30am on a Friday. I am debating between staying at Red Lion in Bothell or a place in Des Moines... That time of day Google maps and Waze predict about 40 mins from Bothell and 30 from Des Moines, both of which I am fine with. But, dealing with Portland traffic weekly my self, I find Google maps can say 40 mins and I'm in traffic for twice that so hoping to get a locals perspective

I have my eyes open for closer hotels but I haven't found the right combo of quality/price any closer. I will have young children with me so a safer area is my biggest priority. Des Moines we'd be closer to the Marina, which could be cool...? Red lion in Bothell would be the nicer of the two hotels. I only need to get to Renton one day, so things to do are a factor too.

Any advice greatly appreciated! Thanks!

[tobester]

There are lots of hotels by the airport - did you look at those? There's a red lion there too - much closer than bothell

[Raena750]

I got a really great deal on the Red Lion in Bothell. The places closer that are in my budget, seem a bit shady..? The airport Red lion would cost me about $100 more a day. I've been obsessively searching for deals, it'sa peak traveling season :/

I don't mind a little bit of travel, just figuring out realistic expectations

[CrazyDonkey]

Just use the I-405 express toll lanes (running from Lynnwood to Bellevue) - the current toll will be flashing (up to $10). Your license plate will be scanned and you will be billed the toll +$2 by mail.

https://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Tolling/405/usingthelanes.htm

[Inkpoe]

What exactly is your budget for the hotel?

[Raena750]

I would like to keep it under $400 for 3 nights, family of 4 with the ability to cancel, Aug 10th-13th. If I found a place pretty close, I might go up to $450. I have red lion in Bothell at $386 and marina inn at $370 after fees currently.

Hmmm... I did not know about the toll lanes, I will definitely do that

Funny, I have lived in the pnw for over 20yrs but have rarely been in the Seattle area!

[homesinseattle]

Not sure why you need to stay that far away. This Econolodge in North Renton is extremely close to the Hawks training facility, I see pretty good deals at $109. Here is the link: https://www.choicehotels.com/washing...48?source=gyxt

[Raena750]

For the economy lodge, I wasn't as happy with some of the reviews I read. Several brought up the non smoking rooms smelling of smoke. I'll have a baby and toddler with me, otherwise I wouldn't be as picky. We'll only be going to Renton the one day, so proximity isn't as important to me (within reason). Mainly, just wondering if 40 mins to Bothell from Renton at 7:30 on a Friday is a realistic commute or if I should expect longer? It's not uncommon for me to leave Portland with a 50 min estimate on the map but takes closer to 90. Which is why i question the 40 min estimate

Thank you again, I really do appreciate all the responses

[perigee]

Have you tried Airbnb?

[dozerbear]

No, 40 minutes from Bothell to Renton at that time isn't realistic, it's only 20 miles, traffic on 405 is horrible. I'd plan on at the very least an hour, or find a place around Renton or the airport. And have a good time at training camp!