If you live at least 60 miles one-way from the U. S. District Courthouse, you may stay in a hotel prior to any day that you are required to report for jury duty. This includes the night before your first reporting date. Please consider spending the night if you are eligible and think you might otherwise be late.
Hotels near the Seattle courthouse | Hotels near the Tacoma courthouse
Reimbursement
The reimbursement rates are variable and are reimbursed in accordance with the GSA Fee Schedule for both Seattle and Tacoma courthouses
We will pay you the scheduled rates to cover your hotel and meal expenses, regardless of how much you actually spend for your lodging and meals. In addition, hotel taxes will be fully reimbursed so please bring your hotel receipt when you report for service. If you choose to stay at a family member or friend's home rather than in a hotel, you will just receive the meal allowance, listed in the GSA Fee Schedule
Immediate reimbursement on the day you report is NOT available. Therefore, it is important that you have enough cash or a credit card available to cover costs. You will be mailed a check to reimburse your expenses within two weeks. Please contact the jury staff right away if you have questions or concerns about the reimbursement of your expenses.
Making hotel arrangements
You are responsible for making your own hotel arrangements. You may stay anywhere you’d like within the city. When making reservations, explain that you are reporting for federal jury duty and ask if a government rate is available. If so, bring your summons when you check-in as the hotel clerk may request to see it as verification.
- Please check out of your hotel on the first morning of jury service since you will not know yet if you'll be chosen to serve on the trial as a juror.
- Do not make hotel reservations for multiple nights until you know for sure whether you are selected to serve on a trial since the hotel may charge you for a late cancellation.
- If you choose to book in advance for non-refundable reservations using any of the online travel web sites, we will only reimburse you for the actual nights you are authorized to stay at a hotel.