We are SO proud and excited!

Recently we found out we have been singled out as a “Rated Excellent” Property on Trip Advisor’s Flipkey!  This means that we averaged four stars or above in our guest reviews over the last year.  Many thanks to our past guests for making this distinction possible!

Now, we know we offer the best vacation rental experience in Seattle, with beautiful and luxurious condos in the exciting Belltown neighborhood. And we work HARD to make sure each guest experience is second to none, with a smooth check-in process, immaculately clean residences, and recommendations for things to do and ratings of local restaurants available right in the condo.  We are always available for our guests if something goes go wrong, or if they just need a question answered.

It is great to be recognized for all our hard work by those people who have stayed with us in the past.  Thank you!  And believe me when I say, we are striving to be repeat recipients in 2013!

Seattle has a generous amount of open, green areas in its neighborhoods, but as locals, the Washington Arboretum and Japanese Garden is a special place we never get tired of. This large park consists of a collection of over 2,000 botanical species; a true arboretum. It doesn’t matter what time of year you visit, Mother Nature will have something to show you. Cherry Blossoms are dazzling you currently with their sweet frothy pinkness, and the show continues with late April sweet-smelling clethra, rhodies in May for Mother’s Day, all the way through to the Arboretum’s winter garden that boasts blooms even in the dark of January.

The paths through this amazing place twist here and there and take you from open and sunny Azalea Way to woodsy little grottos were you would expect to see woodland fairy creatures, and makes a great place to enjoy the outdoors with your kids.  Let them lead the way, and have snacks and drinks ready when they tire.

Near the visitor’s center (on the hill), they have display gardens, and down toward Lake Washington from there, they have a wetlands trail/boardwalk that you can follow through Foster Island toward Husky Stadium and the Montlake Cut to watch the pleasure boat traffic.This makes a soggy springtime walk, so bring the Wellies, but as the season progresses, it DOES dry out.

A favorite summertime outing includes a blanket and a good book in one of the Arboretums sunny meadows.  Add some snacks, and it makes for the perfect, lazy summer day.

While the large Arboretum is free, the Japanese Garden at the south edge does have an entry fee of $6 per adult and additional $1 to feed the koi (prices subject to change). It’s a lovely little piece of the larger park and an excellent example of Japanese landscaping. The garden took a pretty significant hit from the winter ice storm  but caretakers have repaired and it was ready for its annual first-viewing ceremony in early March.

There is a large pond with turtles and the aforementioned (well fed) koi, and all types of Japanese plants that are beautifully maintained in the Japanese style.  A handout is available that lists the plants and meanings of certain aspects and symbolizations of the garden. There is also a formal Japanese tea ceremony program available here during summer months.

If you had time to see only one thing in Seattle, without hesitation we would say that “one thing” has to be the Pike Place Market!

Believe it or not, the Market was almost torn down in the 1960’s and replaced with “Pike Plaza”, an urban renewal project that would have included a hotel, an apartment building, office buildings, a hockey arena, and a parking garage. Can you imagine?! This was supported by the then mayor, the city council, and unbelievably some of the market property owners. Thankfully, a large contingent of community activities saved the day, most noteably Victor Steinbrueck who is the namesake of the park at the north end of the Market, and the Market lives on as a National Historical Landmark, and the true soul of the city of Seattle.

Over 400 vendors call “the Market” home, and it is actually much bigger than it appears as your approach. The Market is built on the edge of a steep hill, and consists of several lower levels located below the main level. Shops such as antique dealers, comic book sellers, and small family-owned restaurants populate this area, and really should not be missed.

The joy of the Pike Place Market is that it can be something different each time you go. If you are looking for souvenirs to take home, check out the “Down Under” or head to the north end of the main pavilion to check out truly unique items from local craftspeople. Hankering for a casual lunch? From the main Public Market sign, head north. On the right side of the street, at almost every step there is a new taste street waiting for you from the numerous food stalls. Filipino, Chinese, Italian, Russian, a fresh bakery, a cheese maker, produce stands and seafood places all beckon. Many have seating, and tucked into nooks and crannies of the historic buildings are more seating areas, just keep an open eye. Are you planning on making dinner at the condo tonight? Shop the main pavilion for Italian deli delicacies, handcrafted sausage, sustainable seafood, the butcher shop, the tea and spice market, and some of the best produce you have ever laid your eyes on.

The Pike Place Market is truly our favorite spot in Seattle, enjoyable on a warm sunny day or gray and rainy one.  It is a mix of all that we love about our great city; the restaurants, the produce, the people, the sights.

Sakura-Con is one of the biggest conventions to hit Seattle in 2012, and promises to be its biggest one yet for the 15th Anniversary of this annual celebration of everything related to Japanese pop culture. The Washington State Convention Center will be packed to capacity with gamers, amine fans, music fans and more April 6-8, 2012

Sakura-Con is completely volunteer, run by the fans for the fans, and will offer around the clock gaming, special guests in both music and fashion industries, a masquerade ball, fashion shows, fan and industry panels, contests and more.

Besides appearances by STEREOPONY, Kanon Wakeshima and Japanese fashion powerhouses Yuko Ashizawa and Fumiko Kawamura, there will a very special appearance by GoFa. GoFa stands for “Gallery of Fantastic Art” and is a Japanese non-profit organization dedicated to bringing Japanese anime, manga, and SFX to the world. This will be world class Japanese art rarely seen in person outside of Japan.

The highlight of the convention is the Masquerade Ball. A family friendly event, it promises to be a visual delight, with attendees dressing as their favorite (usually anime) character, and masks are required.

Seattle Oasis Vacation Rentals provides the finest accommodations available within walking distance of the Washington State Convention Center, and will give Sakura-Con attendees plenty of room for preparing for the Masquarade Ball, including an ironing board and iron, and washer and dryer in the condos! 

A true treasure in Western Washington is about to close its doors forever on March 1.

Rosalie Whyel’s Museum of Doll Art, located in the downtown Bellevue, is a wonderful place; a unique museum that draws visitors in with history, beauty and fun.  Due to declining attendence, the museum will close its doors for good next Thursday, and I encourage you to make a visit with someone special this weekend.

A recent visit with my own daughter found the museum busy.  While many visitors appeared to be moms and daughters, or aunts and nieces, or grandmothers and grand-daughters, there were men and boys in attendance as well, and all seemed to be enthralled with the displays. 

Dolls range from wax models to Barbies and everything in between.  Displays of tribal wear document garments worn by many Native American and African tribes.  Period dolls display fashions of the day of both men and women, and I myself was fascinated by the early mechanical features in dolls.  There were dolls from the 1800s that walked and ate, but also dolls that played the harp, powdered their nose, or rode a camel!  The museum is interactive, with videos and pull out drawers to add dimension to the displays. 

I highly recommend this fantastic place.  Spend a few hours here this weekend before you lose the chance forever!
 

Picture courtesy of Rosalie Whyel Museum of Doll Art

To me, February is the longest month.  Perhaps it’s because my birthday is the beginning of March, and as a child, the days seemed to drag.  Perhaps because, here in Seattle, February tends to be one long stretch of gray and rainy days.  Whatever the cause, looking to break up this last full month of winter with some fun ways to get out, by staying in.

For an enjoyable afternoon with kids big and small, check out the Seattle waterfront.  Starting at the north end, start your day at the Seattle Aquarium.  A brand new baby sea otter was born January 14, and is unbearably cute and fluffy.  Besides the big draw of a cute baby for your baby, they have a couple large touch tanks, the underwater dome, and octopus feedings daily.

Next, head a few piers south to Miner’s Landing at Pier 57.  At the end of the pier find an indoor carousel.  This is the same place that was featured on Extreme Makeover-Home Edition, and is a joy for kids of all ages, and at $1.50 a ride, feel free to go ’round a couple times.

Finish your afternoon at Ye Olde Curiosity Shop.  Full of tourist-friendly merchandise and curiosities from around the world, including Northwest Native art, Sylvester the Mummy, a two-headed calf, and “real” shrunken heads.

Stop anywhere along the way for a lunch or snack, as restaurants line the piers from start to end.  If the weather breaks, pack a picnic to eat at Pier 58, between Miner’s Landing and the Seattle Aquarium.

On Friday, February 3, one of the most beloved Broadway musicals of all time will open at Seattle’s 5th Avenue Theatre.  Oklahoma! by Rogers and Hammerstein, originally opened on Broadway in 1943 and follows the love story of a cowboy and a farm girl in Oklahoma Territory at the turn of the century.   It won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 1955, and a Pulitzer Prize in 1944.

Seattle is lucky to have the 5th Avenue Theatre, and all of the Broadway touring companies the presence of the venerable theatre brings to town.  Tickets for Oklahoma! are available now, and the show runs February 3-March 4.  As an extra bonus, after the professional version of Oklahoma!, local kids will produce their own version of Olahoma, with local teens doing the on-stage work, plus all the production behind the scenes!  The Seattle Youth Symphony will play the score, and all this will be done under the direction of theatre professionals.  Show dates are March 16-17, 2012.  Whichever you choose, Broadway professionals or the local students, Oklahoma! is sure to be a "can’t miss" show at the 5th Avenue.

Come to downtown Seattle, take in this awesome show, and make a weekend of it in one of our fantastic one or two bedroom vacation condos. 

Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, the smash hit Broadway musical, is coming to Seattle!  Based on the Academy® Award-winning animated film, which was just re-released in 3-D, this is sure to be a Broadway event, and a great reason to enjoy the arts as a mom and daughter night out, girls’ night out, or romantic evening for two.  

Don’t get caught up with BEAUTY AND THE BEAST being a “kids” show, this is a classic love story, with complex and well thought out characters.  Belle is a beautiful young woman living in a small (I always assumed French) town.  The Beast is no beast at all, but really a handsome young prince trapped by an evil spell. The Beast must learn to love and be loved in his ugly form before time runs out for the spell to be broken.  Beautiful costumes, breathtaking sets, and wonderful choreography and music, including songs from the movie, such as “Be Our Guest” round out the experience.

Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST will be playing February 21-26, 2012 at the Paramount Theatre.  Tickets are sure to go fast for this very short run of this wildly popular Broadway show, so don’t delay. 

Are you planning to come into Seattle from out of town to see the show?  Why not make a weekend of it?  Enjoy downtown Seattle before the crowds of tourists come in, have dinner in one of many world class restaurants, and stay with us at  Seattle Oasis Vacations.

The Seattle Chamber Music Society presents its 32nd Annual Winter Festival February 2nd – 5th. The main Winter Season consists of four main concerts featuring Beethoven, Suk, Brahms and Schubert, among others, aling with three pre-concert recitals.  The family concert, on Saturday morning, features the The Bremen Town Musicians. All concerts and recitals are at Benaroya Hall in downtown Seattle.

Enjoy this weekend of world class chamber music by making a weekend of it in downtown Seattle.  Seattle Oasis Vacation Rentals has one and two bedroom vacation condos one half mile from Benaroya Hall.  Our condos come fully equipped for a weekend away, and many offer city or water views.  Take a vacation in the city!

The Children’s Film Festival 2012 is right around the corner, and for those of you who enjoy the Seattle International Film Festival, or used to enjoy SIFF before your own foray into parenthood, this is the event for you.

This year’s edition of the Children’s Film Festival Seattle 2012 opens on January 26 with "Tales of the Night" fresh from this year’s Berlin Film Festival and done by Michael Ocelot, a french aminator regarded as highly as Japan’s Hiyao Miyazaki.

There is a wild blend of live performances (including Casper Babypants, the kids’ band fronted by Chris Ballew of The Presidents of the United States of America), animation, features, film shorts, historical films, and hands-on workshops. 

This year’s festival runs January 26-February 5, 2012 and if you are interested in coming into town to check out an internationally acclaimed field of the best of children’s cinema, check out the availability of our one and two bedroom vacation condos located iin the heart of Belltown and less than a mile from the Children’s Film Festival cinemas on 12th between Pike and Pine.

The Seattle Boat Show is here again, and again it is the biggest boating show on the west coast.  This year’s event will feature more than 1,000 recreational watercraft, seminars and the latest accessories indoors at CenturyLink Field.  In addition, boats afloat will be on South Lake Union.  Free shuttle will run between the two venues (CenturyLink Field and South Lake Union) every 30 minutes every day of the show.  A great plus for this year’s event; January 30th is free admission for women with a pass printed from the website.

Are you coming for the boat show, either as an exhibitor or to attend?  Seattle Oasis Vacation Rentals is perfectly located between the two venues.  Our one and two bedroom condos make a great alternative to a hotel, with a fully equipped kitchen and comfortable living spaces.

Cavalia, delayed slightly because of the terrible weather Seattle has had, is on, and playing through February 19th.

Talk about a magical experience!  It is part circus, part Lippizaner Stallions, and all magic.  It is for horse lovers, and more.  It is a fantastic show!   Playing under the big top in Marymoor Park in Redmond, about the only negative thing is the tightness of the seats.

The stylistic leanings is toward Cirque de Soleil (who is in fact a producer of the show), with drama and theatre.  Acrobats share the limelight with the horses, and breathtakiing stunts and beautiful horse groupings abound.  It’s a show I highly recommend, for a romantic night out (they are doing Cavalia special for Valentine’s Day), or a mom’s special time with the horse crazy daughter.

If you are coming in from out of town, and want to make a weekend of it, Seattle Oasis Vacation Rentals has great availability for both our one and two bedroom vacation condos.  Combine Cavalia with a romantic Valentine’s Weekend and get a free bottle of wine.  Mention our Valentine’s special when booking before January 29th!

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, just a bit more than a month out.  I have suggestions today for both couples and singles to make Valentine’s Day 2012 memorable!

First off, for the couples.  May I suggest a night at the ballet?  Pacific Northwest Ballet is staging Don Quixote February 3-12.  From the PNB website: “Based on an episode from Cervantes’ famous novel, Don Quixote de la Mancha, the story follows its title hero, a middle-aged country gentleman absorbed with tales of chivalry and a dream-lover, Dulcinea. With his squire Sancho Panza, Don Quixote ventures to the legendary city of Barcelona and discovers spirited young lovers Kitri and Basilio. When Kitri’s father plots her marriage to a wealthy fool, the couple hides with a troupe of actors whose play-acting causes the Don to be transported by visions fair and foul. Kitri is eventually discovered and feigns a broken heart when Basilio pretends to stab himself in despair. Don Quixote intervenes for the lovers so persuasively that Kitri’s father must give his consent, and all celebrate the wedding as the Don resumes his quest.”  This is the American Premiere of this ballet, and the actor Tom Skerrit is starring in the title role.  The music is vibrant and the ballet actually has funny bits!  Really!  It sounds immensely entertaining, and I highly recommend it.

Make a weekend of it by booking one of our fantastic 1 or 2 bedroom vacation rentals, and team the ballet with a romantic dinner at Chez Shea (in the Market) or The Coterie Room, plus a peaceful get-away in the heart of Downtown.

For all you singles out there, time to get crazy with it!   Gather some friends and head to your own private karaoke room at  Venus Karaoke in the International District (601 S. King St.).   They are open ’til 4am, and have a HUGE song list.  It is private rooms, so buy a banquet permit from the liquor control board, BYOB, and let the good times roll!  Also, interestingly, food fights are allowed for a $50 fee.  Hmmmmm…..

Being a native, I am most definitely partial to this beautiful city. The water, the mountains, the green trees even in the depth of winter; I even like the rain. Our mild climate means we don’t get the extremes in temperature common in other parts of the country, and that means ANYTIME is a great time to visit this picturesque and trendy part of the country.

Events, festivals, and happenings are year-round. Bring a coat during fall and winter, and be prepared for rain year-round. Here are some highlights to put on the must do list when planning your Seattle vacation:

For the Arts crowd, the Seattle Art Museum has scored a coup with its presentation of Gauguin & Polynesia: An Elusive Paradise, running February 9 through April 29, 2012. Described as a “landmark show highlighting the complex relationship between Paul Gauguin’s work and the art and culture of Polynesia” it is making its only US showing here in Seattle.

In April, paradise can be found 60 miles north of Seattle in the tulip fields of Skagit County. Acres upon acres of fields blooming in every color of the rainbow make the Skagit County Tulip Festival a memorable day trip from the city. Fields can be viewed as a driving tour, or rent a bike and enjoy a mostly flat roll through the fertile Skagit Valley.

In May, the unofficial start of the outdoor festival season occurs with the University District Street Fair. In its 43rd year, this grand-daddy of street fairs features over 350 craft, information and food booths, three main stages and street performers. Last year 50,000 attendees enjoyed this uniquely Seattle rite of Spring.

In June, the Rock n Roll Marathon takes center stage. With a new route that starts and ends at the Seattle Center, participants will be rocking out to bands every mile of the route. We are expecting 30,000 entrants to this year’s event, making Rock n Roll Marathon one of the biggest events on the 2012 calendar.

Visiting Seattle for business or pleasure this cold, rainy month of January?  I have just what you need to bulk up on calories burned shivering in the damp and dodging raindrops; The Chocolate Box Experience.

The Chocolate Box is “celebration of the best chocolatiers in the Northwest” and their Chocolate Box Experience is a tasting experience of the best they have to offer.  Spend a weekend morning learning the best way to melt chocolate (and experiment with dipping media-yum!), learn the best way of making the perfect ganache, and enjoy coupious amounts of samples from Seattle’s premium chocolate producers.  End the experience with a discount in their Pine Street store, where the likes of Fran’s, Theo Chocolates, and Dilettante are sold.  They even have sugar free and vegan varieties to choose from.

Space is limited for this unique foodie experience.  The Chocolate Box Experience tickets run $49 a person, and run weekends from now until April 6.  Store and tour is located at 108 Pine Street.

…or are you an exhibitor looking for last minute accommodations for Wedding Show weekend?  The Seattle Wedding Show is consistantly voted the best wedding show in the Northwest by attendees, so you don’t want to miss it!

Seattle Oasis Vacations is a smart alternative to the big hotels.  If you are traveling with a colleague, our two bedroom condos are perfect, providing you with two private bedrooms, a full kitchen and comfortable living area to plan for the day ahead.

Are you coming in to attend the show from out of town?  Make a weekend of it, and attend both days.  Properties have last minute availability for Seattle Wedding Show weekend.  Staying in our beautiful Belltown condos with mom, or a couple of girlfriends will make this a fun and productive girls weekend out.  Dining and shops are steps away, and the Seattle Wedding Show 2012 is a walk or short cab ride away.

For current availablity, go to Seattle Oasis Vacations.

One of the most frequent questions we receive at Seattle Oasis Vacations as we are welcoming guests to our fantastic 1 and 2 bedroom vacation properties is where is the best place to eat?  Seattle is a foodie paradise, with world class sushi, high end steak houses and eclectic ethnic restaurants all within steps of the front door of our Belltown properties.

WIth that being said, it is still true that almost nothing is as good as a burger done right, and in the January 2012 issue, Seattle Magazine dishes on the best burgers in the city.  No surprise to us, Belltown is well represented with not one, but two, category winners!

Two Bells Bar and Grill:  Two Bells won the best Dive Bar Burger with its Tavern Burger (and don’t be fooled, this really is a tavern, not a bar, so the ambiance may not be for everyone).  Darik, owner of Seattle Oasis Vacations, agrees, and gives this place a big thumbs up.  Burgers are cooked to order (which means you CAN get it done medium, if that is your choice) and served with thick bacon, onions, mayo, mustard, tomatoes, pickles and Tillamook cheddar on a sourdough baguette.  It is a burger that has been around for YEARS, and with good reason.  No fries here, but get the home-made baked beans as your side, free with your burger.  Also, a great selection of beers. Located at 2313 Fourth Ave.

Local 360:  Local 360 places an emphasis on local sourcing of food, with the majority of what they serve produced within a 360 mile radius of Seattle. This tasty version of a burger is on a classic bun and won the Best All American Burger category with a specially seasoned blend of locally produced ground beef that again is cooked to order, and can come with their awesome skin-on thick cut fries.   Standard burger fixin’s here include mixed greens, bread and butter pickles (made here) and aioli.    2234 First

The Modern Language Association is one of the larger conventions to come to Seattle in 2012, and it is starting the year off with a bang, as dates run January 5-8, 2012. This convention is for  MLA members and others involved in the study or teaching of language and literature, and honestly, as a non-MLA member who loves books and the origins of language, I would love to be able to sit in on some sessions that are open to the public!

If you are coming to town for the MLA Convention and are looking for last minute MLA convention accommodations, consider Seattle Oasis Vacation Rentals.  They make a highly attractive alternative to hotels, especially if you are bringing the family or traveling with collegues.  Our one and two bedroom condos in the heart of Belltown offer a fully stocked kitchen, private bedrooms and comfort that the hotels can’t match.  All of our vacation properties are a mile or less from the Convention Center.

For availability and to check out our awesome properties, search Seattle Oasis Vacation properties here.

The holidays are upon us!  We are down to the last minute. Stress levels are rising. Those gifts for the hard to please, or relative-who-has-everything have NOT been checked off the list. Argg! May we at Seattle Oasis Vacations suggest the gift of Seattle, and all it has to offer?

Imagine…your teen-aged or pre-teen daughter has everything she could ever want or need, and you really don’t want to buy her MORE stuff. How about a stay in a modern and luxurious condo in hip Belltown? A trip to EMP, time at the Pike Place Market and waterfront (check out Ye Olde Curiosity Shoppe, a kid favorite for good, touristy fun), or head to the top of the Space Needle for the quintessential Seattle experience. This would be a holiday gift she will never forget, and give you and her valuable bonding time.
Your in-laws are coming in from out of town, and always complain about the noise the kids make. How about a quiet, plush condo near top restaurants, the theatres, and more? Throw in tickets to a show for extra brownie points (for upcoming events, check here for the Paramount or here for the 5th Avenue Theatre)!
You and your honey have been frazzled, and haven’t sat down for a conversation (what’s that?) in weeks? Imagine giving him or her a get-away in the heart of Seattle, complete with romantic dinner at Chez Shea or El Gaucho?  Oh la la!  What a way to relax, recharge, and reconnect with one another.

Give us a call at206.456.5251 or check out the website  Seattle Oasis Vacations and we can help plan a stay at one of our fabulous vacation properties. We still have limited availability the week between Christmas and New Year’s, as well as January, and provide a suitable certificate announcing your gift to the receipient.  We would love to host your holiday gift!

Are you looking to give experiences, rather than gifts, this holiday season? There is no more magical an experience that downtown Seattle during the holidays, and we at Seattle Oasis Vacation Rentals love to share all that our beautiful city has to offer! The glow of the Macy’s star reflecting in the eyes of bustling shoppers along 4th avenue, the holiday carousel at Westlake Center, and the horse draw carriages all add up to a one of a kind experience.

Seattle Oasis Vacation Rentals still has limited availability during this most joyous season. One bedroom properties are available weekend and mid-week in the time leading up to Christmas and New Year’s Day. Are you looking for a quiet get-away with your honey? Or a last minute shopping trip with the girls? Our one bedroom condos are six blocks away from the Seattle Center, and the world famous New Year’s Eve Space Needle fireworks show. What a great way to usher in 2012!

There is so much to do to celebrate the season, I couldn’t possible list everything, but here are some of my favorites, and all are a short walk from our vacation properties:

A Christmas Carol at ACT Theatre: The staging of this classic is a Seattle tradition, and the story of Scrooge and his Christmas Eve transformation serves to remind us what’s really important during special time of year. Some performances are already sold out, but there are still shows with good availability. For more information or tickets, go to ACT Theatre.

Gingerbread Village at the Seattle Sheraton: For 19 years, the master bakers at the Seattle Sheraton have partnered with local architects to whip up amazing gingerbread creations during the holidays to raise money for Juvinile Diabetes. Their hard work is on display until New Year’s Day, and you can vote for your favorite creation. This event is FREE to the public. For more information to go to the Gingerbread Village website.

Ride the Ducks Wine and Lights Tour: I love driving around the neighborhood and seeing the holiday lights, but I have to admit this tour has my little family excursion totally beat! Part one of the evening will have you singing carols and having fun with the wacky Duck captains as you traverse downtown Seattle taking in the beautiful light displays. Part two will find you partaking in the best wine and food the northwest has to offer. 21 and over, please, on this. To book, or for more information, go to Ride the Ducks