I've stayed a couple times at the Hilton Seattle (the one on 6th Ave) and have been happy. To me it's a nice up scale business style hotel. Big tower, big lobby, etc. I like that stuff but wouldn't mind a little nicer style or a little less business style and a bit more hip... but still usually like a high room, a nice proper lobby that's staffed at all hours, etc.

I've never stayed at the Charter Seattle or any Curio collection hotel but I'm thinking about booking just a one night weekend stay in late October to see a Cirque du Soleil show and Pike Place. I'll be landing at SEA, renting a SilverCar, and then driving to the hotel. Once at the hotel most my day probably will be on foot until at night when I need to drive out of the city for the Cirque show and back. If I recall the Hilton Seattle isn't too bad getting to or getting in and out of the garage, especially for a "normal sized" car like the Audi A4. Walking to Pike Place is do-able for me from the Seattle Hilton, but obviously closer always is nicer.

What's the Charter hotel in Seattle like? What kind of style are the rooms in? I know they only have valet parking, but does anyone know how prompt they are getting the car and how check in works? I'll have a couple heavy bags and am traveling solo.

Finally,
Which do you think would result in better luck getting upgraded as a gold?
Which do you think has better results in late check out as a gold? How late? (I'll be departing at 7pm and probably won't head to the airport till ~4pm)
Even if I do have to check out at the normal time, which could I leave the car at until ~3:30 or 4pm?
Will the front desk of The Charter Hotel hold my bags until I come back for my car? (I know over at the Hilton on 6th I could just put the bags in the car and then leave the car till later in the day if they allow...)

Thanks!