Those searching for a simple room to hang their hat after a night at the fairgrounds would do well to check into Northwest Motor Inn (1409 S. Meridian, 253/841-2600 or 800/845-9490, $59 s or $65 d). This tidy little motel has an outdoor hot tub and is only a few minutes’ walk to the fair.

Standing behind a white picket fence and two giant evergreens, Hedman House (502 9th St S.W., 253/848-2248, www.hedmanhouse.com, $110 d) is also within walking distance of the fairgrounds. Relax on the porch swing or in front of the living room fire in the evening; come breakfast time you'll be treated to a sit-down breakfast in the country-themed dining room. The two rooms in the house share a bath, but for $25 extra you can reserve one room for a private stay. There’s also a fenced-in backyard with a large deck and hot tub.

On the edge of town, Tayberry Victorian Cottage B&B (7406 80th St. E, 253/848-4594, $105–125 s or d) is a modern Victorian-style home with a wraparound porch and hot tub with a view of the valley. All three guest rooms are equipped with TVs and VCRs, and private baths featuring clawfoot tubs and bathrobes. Two-course full breakfasts are served each morning, and the inn caters to special dietary needs.

Best Western Park Plaza (9620 S. Hill Place E, 253/848-1500 or 800/238-7234, www.bestwestern.com, $154–204 d) has the nicest hotel rooms in town, plus an outdoor pool and hot tub, in-room hot tubs, exercise facility, and continental breakfast.