Family-Friendly Hotel Minutes from Seattle and Tacoma

The old real-estate maxim “location is everything” holds true for Auburn, a suburb set between two rivers, in the shadow of Mount Rainier, and about 25 minutes from both Seattle and Tacoma. But the town has more than strategic placement, as it also boasts an entertainment district that could rival those in its neighboring cities. You can play slots and competitive poker at Muckleshoot Casino, one of the largest casinos in the northwest, or see Broadway musicals at the historical Auburn Avenue Theater. Best Western Plus Peppertree Auburn Inn lies just a stone's throw away from both of these venues and offers complimentary shuttle service to nearby attractions and restaurants.

There’s plenty to do at the hotel, too. You can watch movies in the hospitality room, which has plasma TVs and an old-fashioned popcorn machine, and play pool and Wii games in the PepperZone lounge. The heated indoor pool and spa stays open 24 hours a day, so guests can unwind at their leisure.

In the morning, head down to the lobby for a complimentary breakfast buffet that includes make-your-own waffles, burritos, and breakfast sandwiches. Best Western Rewards members can also enjoy complimentary beer, wine, and appetizers at the hotel happy hour Monday through Thursday. It's free to join, and you can sign up online or at the front desk.

Auburn, Washington: Historic Farming Village with Big-City Entertainment

Back in the 19th century, swamps and forests covered the riverside land Auburn now occupies. Early settlers recognized it as an ideal spot for raising hops, a harvesting tradition that continues today at the historic Mary Olson Farm. Recent efforts have restored the estate—making it the most intact 1880s farm in the county—and visitors can now tour the century-old barn and orchard. It’s also worth it to head to the nearby White River Valley Museum, which manages the farm, to see historical artifacts and photographs that document the area’s pioneers. Other permanent exhibits include a Japanese-American farmhouse and a walk-in model of 1920s downtown Auburn.

Though farming has always been the town’s leading industry, the 1902 railroad built nearby brought in a slew of businesses that helped put Auburn on the map. Visitors today can enjoy that commercial legacy at venues such as Muckleshoot Casino and Emerald Downs, one of the northwest’s premier thoroughbred racing tracks. Head to the SuperMall if you’re in the mood to shop; the indoor hybrid mall houses more than 100 stores, including a Nordstrom Rack and Banana Republic Factory Outlet.

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