I met my sister and her two kids in Seattle for four days of sightseeing. She paid $350 a night for a Courtyard Marriott; I paid a fraction of that for a comfortable bed in a clean, well-furnished room in a charming neighborhood. How awesome is that?

The guest studio is exactly as described and pictured. I am a clean freak, but there is not one single thing I can pick on in that area. I was happy to trade the malodorous, high-traffic carpet of a typical hotel for the clean wood floors of this guest room. I slept comfortably every night and showered in a clean tub. Sheldon himself is a congenial host. He was polite and accessible and respectful of my privacy. The overall personalized attention you get from Sheldon beats the indifference of a hotel any day. Indeed, he scrupulously attended to my comfort and safety.

I came to Seattle to tour the city and do some hiking in the nearby Cascades, but Sheldon's neighborhood turned out to be an attraction in itself. I was charmed by the architecture of the homes, the friendly small businesses, and the overall tranquility. Negotiating the distance between Phinney Ridge and downtown Seattle was a cinch. Here's what you do: get yourself a hearty breakfast at Pete's Eggnest, walk four steps to the bus stop, and get on the #5 bus. Fifteen minutes later you're in the city center. It's as easy as that.

Take my advice. Save your money (you'll need it for the exorbitant price of admission for all the attractions). Rather than feed your hard-earned dollars to the hotel-chain sharks, support the endeavors of this Everyman. Sheldon will take good care of you.