For those who need to head up too Redmond, WA to work with Microsoft I have a couple tips:

1. As for a place to stay - there are several really nice hotels.  However, for me during the months where the weather isn't too bad my favorite is the Redmond Inn.  It's a motor lodge so it isn't 5-star service (or price).  However, this particular hotel rents bikes (both Mountain and Road) and we know my preference for bikes.  Since in most cases there is time either in the morning or evening to get in a ride this is my suggestion for a place to stay.  It's reasonably close to the Microsoft offices and has a bed, bathroom, TV and high speed internet.

http://www.redmondinn.com/   - now they just need to post a couple bike maps to show where the best rides leaving from there location are.

2. When working with Microsoft the invariable question of OK you are in Building 41 or 15 or 9 or 32 comes up.  With a little experience you know that there isn't from a location standpoint a pattern to building numbers.  (As I recally the numbers are based on when Microsoft applied or was granted permission to build a given building...) Anyway the key is that if you need to get to building 40 then go to Microsoft Live Maps (http://maps.live.com/default.aspx) and type "Microsoft Building 40"  (Type this on the 'Enter city, address or landmark' textbox - if you enter it on the 'Search for a business or category' textbox it will then ask you if you are really looking for the location of Microsoft Building 40 and you can confirm your entry) The map will then display the location of the building so you can find the building you need to get to.

- btw don't think you  can do this trick for any company - want to find 'InterKnowlogy' type it in and the map will take you to the Philippines with a note: "The closest match for 'interknowlogy' is 'Interinsular Sea [Visayan Sea] (sea), Philippines'. If the closest match is incorrect, enter the complete address including country name and commas, and try again."