Seattle's Most Incredible Hotels By The Water
No matter where you look in Seattle, you're likely to see water, whether it's glittering Elliott Bay or expansive Lake Washington. Not surprisingly, many of the city's best hotels offer top-notch water views and proximity to waterfront activities. We've rounded up the best of the bunch.
Inn at El Gaucho
Why it made the list
It's a five-minute walk from El Gaucho to the Olympic Sculpture Park, a nine-acre outdoor attraction on the waterfront. Stroll past world-class sculptures down to a path that runs along a sandy beach.
Greenlake Guest House
Why it made the list
This B&B in a low-key residential neighborhood is just across the street from Green Lake, a popular park featuring flowering and evergreen trees, grassy seating areas, a small beach, and a 3-mile paved path around the lake for walking and biking.
Alexis Hotel
Why it made the list
It's a three-block downhill stroll from the boutique Alexis Hotel to the Seattle Waterfront, where you'll find the Argosy Cruise Terminal, the Seattle Great Wheel, and the Seattle Aquarium. It's a fun place to spend an afternoon; definitely set aside time to browse Ye Olde Curiosity Shoppe, which is filled with fascinating artifacts along with touristy tchotchkes.
Woodmark Hotel
Why it made the list
Just 20 minutes from Seattle on the shores Lake Washington at Carillon Point, this "Eastside" hotel in Kirkland offers an alternative to Seattle's urban vibe. Boats are moored just steps from the Woodmark; the hotel even offers complimentary kayak use.
Hotel Ballard
Why it made the list
In the heart of historic Ballard, this charming boutique hotel is a few blocks from the working Ballard waterfront. You'll find industrial shipyards and boats big and small; you might spot the occasional crab boat from the hit show Deadliest Catch.
Hyatt Regency Lake Washington
Why it made the list
This new modern property on Lake Washington is just steps from the shore -- and it's the final hotel that will be built so close to the lakefront. The view across the lake of the Seattle skyline and the Olympic Mountains is stunning on a clear day. Be on the lookout for local specimens at the waterfront bird sanctuary next to the hotel.
Inn at the Market
Why it made the list
It's a 10-minute walk from Inn at the Market to the Seattle waterfront, which has popular visitor attractions like the Seattle Great Wheel and the Seattle Aquarium, as well as quirky gift shops and touristy restaurants (among them, Ivar's Acres of Clams is actually worth a visit).
Silver Cloud Inn Lake Union
Why it made the list
It's not the most stylish option, but the family-friendly Silver Cloud Inn Lake Union offers a lot of bang for your buck. Many guestrooms feature waterfront views of Lake Union and guests can take advantage of complimentary parking--a real rarity in Seattle--as well as a free shuttle.
The Edgewater
Why it made the list
The Edgewater, which was built for the 1962 World’s Fair, is perched at the end of a pier. The best rooms look out on beautiful Puget Sound, with the tide gently lapping just below against the pilings. But all guests can enjoy the unbeatable view, which is framed by a bank of floor-to-ceiling windows aside a roaring fireplace in the hotel’s rustic-chic lobby.
Marriott Seattle Waterfront
Why it made the list
An ideal hotel for groups and cruise travelers, this Marriott near the waterfront features expansive views from many rooms. While it isn't trendy, it's close to the cruise terminals, popular tourist spots, and the financial district. Other perks include ultra-plush bedding, an indoor-outdoor connecting pool, and Marketplace, a lobby shop stocked with wine, snacks, and other sundries.
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