Martin & Bonnie and Marti's place are above and beyond. I have traveled a lot both internationally and nationally, both hotels and airbnbs. It is hands down one of the BEST places I have ever stayed because I believe the place you stay really can make or break your trip. From her hospitality, her sanctuary place, her dog, her amenities, and her location, etc. It ticked every single box I had for traveling.
Check-in was incredible smooth, Marti waited for me by her window and greeted me pleasantly. You can just tell she loves to host people. :)
First of all, it is the cleanest place I have ever stayed which includes hotels, nice hotels, and the room just smelled so pleasant. Right away my eyes were drawn to a snack bowl filled with assortment of Kindbars- who doesn’t LOVE kindbars- totally my thing because I hike a lot and energy bars are my go-to food. Then, she showed me her storage for beverage from sparkling water to milk, half and half in the fridge for my morning coffee, ALL kinds of beverage (coffee, decaf coffee, hot coca, tea, you name it, she has it!). There is also a bowl of chocolate covered almonds by the bookshelf- totally my weakness- you see, she just reads your mind and really knows how to make her guest happy.
Her bathroom I think it might be newly renovated which was so nice and clean. She also prepared a care package including 3 masks (bc I stayed for 3 days), a bottle of hand sanitizer, and a package of alcohol wipes- what a fine touch! She even has a tooth brush and tooth paste if you forgot yours. Of course she has hair dryer and first aid kit- which I needed it.
And her Garden, oh my gosh, a wonderland- I would read and write there in the evening after my big day and just have some time to myself. I wish I could put pictures here, so beautiful and lively!
Her location is AMAZING- only 2 blocks away about 10min by walking to the Discovery park, and 13min driving to Ballard, there is a bus stop right in front of her house that takes you to the city or anywhere- right now all public transportation is free due to COVID so if you have time and don’t mind sharing space, totally could get around for free. The public transportation is very well organized and EVERYONE wear a mask.
Every morning, I would run to the ocean then walk back- about 4.5miles round trip. Then I walk to the Village (I know they call it village there- so cute) about 15min walking to the best bakery place called La Petit Pierre Bakery to get the BEST almond croissant and then sit outside by the village, people watching and read.
Discovery park is one of the greatest parks I’ve ever visited, it has everything from forest to ocean to meadow- everything. Her place is also really close to another great park that I highly recommend called Carkeek- also by the ocean. And, Queen Anne Atop in Kerry park where you can oversee Seattle entirely.
For dinner, I would either go to Ballard, which is a really cool young and fun place that a lot of Seattle locals love, to get the best Thai food from Pestle Rock or Tapas from Ochos or head to downtown to go to best rated restaurants and dessert places.
I wish I had more than 3 days there- Marti really had my trip very special, especially traveling by myself was daunting at first but her warm hospitality and kindness have made me feel so brave and happy.