Seattle Hotels

Travelers who appreciate the anonymity of high-rise chains can comfortably stay here, while guests who want to feel like family can find the perfect boutique inn to lay their heads.

The newest properties on the scene are stunning: Four Seasons Hotel Seattle brings a modern, Northwest-infused take on the brand, while the Hyatt at Olive 8 offers luxurious green digs as the city's first LEED-certified hotel. The Maxwell Hotel is lower Queen Anne's chic new property with modern styling and great views of the Space Needle.

The budget-minded may notice that Seattle's typically grit-your-teeth-and-bear-it prices are a bit better than in recent years. As travelers have felt the squeeze, hotels have responded with lower prices and special packages. Also, you'll be able to enjoy sensible extras, like free parking or meal vouchers. Many hotel bars and restaurants are also offering happy hours, sometimes twice a day, with an emphasis on food as well as cocktails.

Lodging in Seattle is only getting more and more stylish. All the neighborhoods we list are great options, and prices are generally lower. What's the rub, you ask? Parking, particularly in Downtown, can be a major pain; also, "lower prices" does not translate into low prices. Some hotels charge for Wi-Fi, and, with all the convention and cruise travelers, high season can mean a scramble to find anything in the center of town. Never fear, though—most of the neighborhoods have relatively quick access to Downtown; a couple, like Queen Anne and Capitol Hill, are a quick walk away, and many hotels offer free shuttles to the core. Breathe deep, book ahead, and shoot for the stars—you never know what sort of deals you might find.