I recently returned from a weekend trip to Seattle and wanted to share some insights to help future visitors navigate the costs and logistics of the city.

Uber:

While Uber is undoubtedly a convenient way to get around, be prepared for the final price to be higher than what you initially see when booking. There are numerous extra fees that get added to your fare, including:

- Booking Fee

- City of Seattle Accessibility Fee

- Seattle Transportation Network Company Tax

- City of Seattle Regulatory Fee

- Driver Paid Sick Time

I found this to be quite misleading, and I believe Uber should be more transparent about these additional charges upfront.

Restaurants:

Be mindful of the automatic 20% Service Charge at some restaurants. I encountered this at the Four Seasons and Hyatt restaurants.

Transportation:

Seattle's HOV lanes are convenient if you have multiple passengers in your vehicle. However, it's important to note that you cannot use these lanes if you're driving alone, even if you're in an electric vehicle.

Parking:

Parking in Seattle can be very expensive. For instance, when I parked at my hotel, I was surprised by a parking tax of nearly 26%. This significantly added to the overall cost of my stay.

Electric Charging Stations:

I ran into the issue of not being able to charge my car due to the charging stations asking for a Zip Code to use my credit card to pay for the electric charge. I was forced to charge my vehicle at the hotel at a premium parking fee.

Overall, while Seattle is a beautiful city with a lot to offer, being aware of these additional costs can help you better plan your budget and avoid any unexpected surprises. Safe travels!