I was in Seattle for a convention and booked the Shafer Baillie because of its price compared to downtown hotels and its location. Volunteer Park is just a block away and has a great Conservatory (check out their cacti and succulent collection) and Asian Art museum to visit, as well as being a nice place to run or walk. The surrounding neighborhood was also a nice place for running and had wonderful older homes of various architectural styles. The Shafer was convenient for traveling to the downtown area, since Bus 10 has a stop only 1 block away. My meeting was in the Washington Convention Center, and I had no problems catching the bus to and from my meetings both early in the morning and late in the evenings.

All of the rooms at the Shafer are spectacular. They have a really nice sun room next to the dining area and a beautifully decorated and comfortable library and living room. The window on the landing of the front stairs is gorgeous and provides a nice view out of the house. I stayed one night in the Capital Hill room and the rest of my stay in the Queen Anne Hill room. Both are great rooms with very comfortable beds and nice decor. The colors of the decor in the Queen Anne room are soothing because of the sage green walls and comforter. The decor in the Capital Hill room is bolder (yellow, black and cream), but it has a nicer view of the Seattle downtown skyline. In addition it has hardwood floors, a large walk in closet, and a larger bathroom with 2 windows that have a nice view of conifers directly outside. Any of the rooms at the Shafer would be wonderful places to stay.

Ana is very gracious and friendly, and prepared very nice continental breakfasts including fresh berries, yogurt, juice, prosciutto, salmon, cheese, an assortment of breads, cereal, granola, and coffee. She even provided child dishes for a family visiting with their small children while I was there.

I appreciated having wireless internet access for work in the evenings, and was able to use the downstairs computer to print out my boarding passes for my trip home.

My only regret is that I didn't have more time to spend in Seattle after my meeting to enjoy the inn and Seattle. Hopefully next time I will be able to stay here with my family on a more leisurely trip.

This majestic mansion had the civility of the past yet was equipped with very modern conveniences (large flat screen TV in room, convenient high-speed internet in the Library, etc.) My room for two days was Volunteer Park, which was well appointed, immaculate and had a great atmosphere. Breakfast was diversified and of great quality. Ana and Mark have the rhythm of operating a B&B just right and I hope they don't change a thing.

I absolutely loved my stay at the Shafer Baillie Mansion. Its location is discreet, yet convenient. Its decor is magical--antique couches of deep maroon silk offset by dark wood paneling. The accommodations were immaculate, and the breakfast was varied and plentiful. Everything that you need to feel at home when you arrive back after a long day wandering the city--a friendly greeting, a cup of tea, and a warm, comfy room.

Mark and Ana, the owners, are very hospitable and friendly. They will do whatever it takes to make your stay relaxed and special. When I was there, our TV remote had been misplaced. When it couldn't be found, Mark gave us their family's personal TV remote to use.

My mom, and good family friend and I came to the Shafer Bailie in August, and the only thing that was not absolutely perfect was that they were doing renovations on the outside (hey, it has to happen sometime). We picked it because the hotels were mostly booked and more expensive than we wanted to pay. After this experience, I will always look at Bed and Breakfasts before hotels. From the onset, it was a fabulous place to stay. We arrived before our room was ready, so we were able to leave our bags and get some lunch in the meantime (with an excellent restaurant recommendation). Perfect distance from the city - not in the middle, but an easy car ride (5 minutes maybe?). Beautiful neighborhood. Breakfast was wonderful, and there is always water, coffee, and tea available. Other guests were repeat customers. I will always look to go back here when I revisit Seattle, and I will tell everyone I know to stay here when they come. Absolutely lovely.