I assume you mean the Holiday Inn on Dexter Ave rather than the one at the airport. I stayed at both of them about a year ago.

The hotel seemed quite new and comfortable at that time. There is a HI Express right next door on Aurora and other motels nearby. It is a short walk from the Seattle Center (Space Needle, IMAX theatre, Key Arena, etc.). The neighborhood is rather nondescript. I can't recall any major pubs, restaurants or shopping areas nearby. There is a restaurant/bar next door that seems to be affiliated with the motel.

Can't help much with transportation as we were driving. There is a monorail that goes from the Seattle Center to a Shopping Center downtown. I believe the cost was $5 roundtrip. Not sure how late it runs. I'd guess the distance to be around a mile. The waterfront area (Restaurants, ferries) is probably 2 miles away.

JFL