Same. I've also found that a lot of hotels open up their inventory to third party agents (HotelTonight, Expedia/Orbitz) as heavily discounted non-refundable bookings last minute. These bookings often aren't EQN or tier-point eligible -- nor does your status count for anything fro your stay -- so the discounted rate isn't as appealing to brand loyalists, but for folk looking for a cheap last-minute getaway, they often snatch it up a few days before.

Travel is actually heating up pretty heavily in the SEA area. I have weekly bookings in town for work, and have been seeing hotel rates climb or book out entirely for post-summer stays as business travel and conventions etc. pick up again.