mrace

I'll be staying at the Inn At Harbor Steps for several nights next month. I understand the Inn's location is not far from the Market and the waterfront area. Although this certainly sounds desireable, I've also heard that there are a good number of homeless people in this area, which except for aggressive panhandlers, doesn't really bother me. How prevalent is this, and is this generally considered a safe area, if one uses common sense.

suze

I consider it is a safe area. There are unfortunately many homeless people, as you mention. Also some adult entertainment venues are right nearby (Lusty Lady). Mostly what is strange about various parts of downtown IMO is that it really empties out at night, so it's more a deserted feel, not a dangerous one.

magiccarpet

I'm sorry to say that Pike Street, which leads to the Pike Place Market, is inhabited by unsavory characters between Third Avenue and First Avenue at all times of day and night.

Also, the Belltown neighborhood has problems. Last week, when there was a murder at 3:00 p.m. in the afternoon at Third Avenue and Lenora Street, a police officer being interviewed on TV told the reporter that the area is a "problem." This hasn't stopped real estate developers from building luxury codos in the area.

I would feel safe staying at the Inn at Harbor Steps, but I wouldn't book my mother, sister, aunt, or niece into a hotel in that location.

Gardyloo

I think it's a perfectly okay area. In July there will be plenty of life around town until late into the night, and if you behave sensibly you'll be fine. "Unsavory" in Seattle equates to "comatose" in most other places.

Yeah we have homeless people and wacko people (many who live in homes) and street people and lots of other kinds of people. It's a big American city.

SiestaLinda

I have been in a lot of large cities--NYC, SF, Miami, Detroit, but have to say my scariest encounter was in Seattle. I had parked near the Pikes Market, and when getting into my car a homeless person--demanded money from me for a ferry ride. I just ignored him and got in my car and he started pounding on my window. Needless to say I just drove away, but was surprised at how aggressive he was.

That said--I would still go back I loved Washington State and Seattle, just be careful

BetsyinKY

I have a cousin (female) who lives in downtown Seattle and I spent a week there last spring. We walked everywhere and while we did encounter many homeless in the Pike/Pine area, I never felt threatened by them, although they are more aggressive in approaching and asking for money, cigarettes, etc. than the homeless I've encountered elsewhere. The only time I felt the least bit edgy was walking back from the ferry at 10:30pm one night. However, we kept our heads up, walked purposefully, and no one even gave us a second glance. Use your "big city" common sense and I think you'll be fine. I did try to avoid some of the areas where the homeless seem to cluster when I was alone, such as the park just beyond Pike Place Market, because it is harder to ignore them when you are by yourself.

suze

Belltown as referenced by magiccarpet has problems because there are a number of social service agencies located there. The murder referenced was outside the new YWCA facility. Violence is among these less fortunate people. I have never heard of a safety issue for tourists.

While both downtown, also note that this is not the same area as Inn at Harbor Steps.

happytrailstoyou

Harbor Steps, Inn at the Market, the Alexis are all perfectly safe places to stay. However, since you are concerned about rubbing elbows with the homeless and dealing with panhandlers (who are seldom aggressive), I want you to know that these hotels are in neighborhoods where you are most likely to encounter them.

One of my best friends is a man who lived in Belltown a few years ago, and he told me that he was not comfortable walking around the streets there at night.

Nonetheless, it is correct to say that "this is generallly considered a safe area, if one uses common sense."

mrace

thanks for the info and tips!