There are several decent places to stay in or near the U district:

- Graduate Hotel (formerly Deca Hotel) - an art deco highrise hotel with great views from the upper floors.

- Residence Inn - a new hotel located very close to the Deca. Typical Residence Inn stuff - units with kitchens, full breakfast included, etc.

- Silver Cloud/University - an excellent local chain; the University branch is located on 25th Avenue NE, close to the terrific University Village shopping center; there are numerous restaurants close by.

- Watertown - part of the regional Pineapple chain - excellent hotel with a great breakfast/lunch café (Portage Bay Café) on the premises. Their sister property, the University Inn, is a block away.

As for Mount Rainier, I'd second the Packwood recommendation. In August one can expect epic crowds as the wildflowers will be emerging.