Couchsurfing!! Seriously, if she can find a host with something cool in common with her, it’s THE best way to see Seattle. I don’t want to stress out any particular host by putting them on the spot, but there are plenty of awesome people… and it’s free :) (It’s not always on a couch, of course—I’ve stayed in luxury homes on waterfronts here when visiting before I moved here!)

If that’s not a feasible option, the Ballard (Hostelling International) Hostel is great, very affordable but more like a bed and breakfast home feel… http://www.monaco-seattle.com/ is also a neat place downtown if she’s wealthy…

Even if the latter (wealth) is true, signing up on CS and possibly HC (hospitalityclub.org), too, would be good if only to check out what’s going on this weekend or any time wherever she is :)

Well, that’s a broad question but if you’re simply asking for a couple hotel recommendations in the downtown area I’d try these:

Hotel Sorrento

Ace Hotel

But I have to admit that I live in Seattle and I’ve never stayed at either but they look interesting for different reasons: the Sorrento is old-school plush and sits just outside of downtown by a few blocks. The Ace is the hipper choice and always looked like a fun stay (it’s closer to the action of downtown life).

Good luck.

The University district is a fun part of town in which to stay. I suggest the Hotel Deca or Watertown, both are boutique hotels with parking, good amenities, and in the centre of the district. You’re only a short drive or ride from the district to the Seattle centre, downtown, etc.

My wife and I stayed in the Lower Queen Anne area last month at a hotel called… The Inn at Queen Anne. :)
It was very nice. It’s not very fancy… it’s an old building with a lot of history… has a lot of character. Very basic, but it was cheap (stay two nights and your third night is free) and clean. The staff is very friendly (and helpful for finding things to do). The neighborhood has tons of restaurants, coffee shops, and attractions (the Seattle Center is just a block away with the Space Needle, Experience Music Project, Pacific Science Center, and more). If you’re a walker, then it’s a good central location. I walked to Pike’s Place Market and Pioneer Square in less than an hour from there, and I took time to check things out along the way. When we go back to Seattle, I will be staying at the same hotel and neighborhood.
Have a good weekend and have fun where ever you stay!
http://www.innatqueenanne.com/default.asp