Try this urban getaway in Seattle's U District

Get away without going away. Here are prices* for a special night for two on the town — with a sleepover.

Your room: The nautical-themed Watertown Hotel puts you in the heart of Seattle's University District within a short walk of the University of Washington campus and Lake Union. Studios and suites allow for plenty of room for relaxing, using the free Internet access or brewing a cup of Starbucks. Studios are $199 for two for a Saturday stay in mid-August. 4242 Roosevelt Way N.E. 206-826-4242 or www.watertownseattle.com

Dinner: Ethnic restaurants thrive in the U District. Most are geared to students on a budget, but you can have both an affordable and elegant meal a few blocks north at the Bombay Grill. Dinner for two: vegetable samosas to share ($4.95), Tandoori chicken ($10.95), cilantro salmon ($15.95), and two mango margaritas ($5.95 each): $43.75. 4130 Roosevelt Way N.E. 206-632-5072 or www.bombaygrillofseattle.com. Afterward, browse for bargains next door at Half Price Books (www.halfpricebooks.com) or take in a movie at the cozy Seven Gables theater.

Breakfast: Rooms come with breakfast, but you don't leave the U District without a stop at the Portage Bay Cafe. Breakfast is served all day, so you can make this a "lunch" stop. Go for the flatiron steak omelet with St. Andre triple cream Brie ($11.95), or, on the healthier side, the chai and soy-milk oatmeal ($8.95) and fresh-squeezed organic OJ ($2.95 per glass). $26.80 for two. 4130 Roosevelt Way N.E. 206-547-8230 or www.portagebaycafe.com.

Before checkout: Learn about Washington State's natural history at the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture on the University of Washington campus. Corner of 17th Avenue Northeast and Northeast 45th Street. Open daily 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Admission: $8. 206-543-5590 or www.washington.edu/burkemuseum.

The damage: $285.55 + tax and tips.

— Carol Pucci, Seattle Times travel writer

*Prices may vary by date of stay and date booked. These are current prices found on the Web, by phone or in a recent visit.