Get FREE email communications from Fodor's Travel, covering must-see travel destinations, expert trip planning advice, and travel inspiration to fuel your passion.
Much like the eclectic city itself, Seattle's lodging offers something for everyone. There are grand, ornate vintage hotels; sleek and elegant modern properties; green hotels with yoga studios and enough bamboo for an army of pandas; and cozy bed-and-breakfasts with sweet bedspreads and home-cooked breakfasts.
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.
Two of the newest properties on the scene affirm Seattle's growing status as a world-class city: the Thompson Seattle, a boutique hotel with floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook Pike Place Market and Elliott Bay, and the Kimpton Palladian, a stylish and sophisticated urban retreat in a landmark 1910 building. Meanwhile, a pair of the city's most classic and sought-after Downtown digs have recently undergone dramatic modern transformations: the Fairmont Olympic and the Inn at the Market. A number of other tried-and-true hotels have upped the ante as new competition looms, a boon for visitors to this booming city.
Unfortunately, there’s no getting around the fact that staying in Seattle is expensive. Unless you’re willing to sleep in a hostel, expect to pay at least $130–$200 a night for basic accommodations anywhere in-city. Budget travelers will want to look outside the Downtown core, or try to finagle deals from online booking sites. And as always, the devil is in the details: parking fees, charges for Wi-Fi, and additional costs for view rooms can bump nightly rates $100 or more. As travelers have felt the squeeze, some hotels have responded with lower prices, special packages, and 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.
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, South Lake Union, and Capitol Hill, are a quick walk away, and many hotels offer free shuttles to the core. Take a deep breath, book ahead, and aim high—you never know what sort of deals you might find.
Each of the serene, quiet rooms named after Washington wineries—some of which boast marvelous views of Seattle’s iconic public library—feature a vineyard-inspired palette of burgundy, taupe, and green hues, with a focus on unique interior design and comfortable touches. This oenophile-friendly place also celebrates Washington’s famous wine scene with a daily hosted wine hour.
At this hip Kimpton hotel in a 1910 Belltown landmark, the unpretentious vibe is masculine-chic, from the tufted-leather front desk to the Napoleonic-style pop-art portraits of local icons like Jimi Hendrix, Bill Gates, and Frasier Crane that hang in the lobby and appear again as pillows in the guest rooms. Suites are especially enticing, with eclectic vintage decor, TVs on easels, bedrooms tucked behind barn doors, and marble bathrooms with petite claw-foot tubs.
Though Level is geared toward longer stays—with a full kitchen, washer, and dryer in each room—it offers nightly stays too and all guests share access to the excellent facilities with the property's residents. That includes three pools (one indoor with a cold plunge pool and a hot tub and two on rooftops), complete gym with basketball court and climbing wall, barbecues and fire pits, a playground, and a movie theater.
This restored historic seminary overlooks 326 acres of beautiful parkland, making it an incredible place to relax and take in the lush greenery of the Pacific Northwest. Perched at the top of the lake, it's convenient for getting to Woodinville Wine Country, but works just as well for staying put and wandering the hiking and biking trails. The well-appointed, modern rooms with classic architectural features like arched windows play into the chill vibes. On-site restaurants and bars serve menus inspired by local ingredients, while the library stays stocked with books, games, snacks, and non-alcoholic drinks, free to all guests.
Fans of historic boutique hotels will love this reasonably priced 1918 brick property at the foot of Queen Anne Hill. Formerly an apartment building, the MarQueen has spacious guest rooms, all with kitchens/kitchenettes and seating areas. Patrons of the opera, ballet, and theater will enjoy being just blocks from Seattle Center and Belltown. On-site spa and salon services offer a relaxing break for worn-out guests, while the speakeasy-themed Tin Lizzie Lounge downstairs is a great spot to meet fellow travelers. Note that while the historic building gives the place character, it also means it's not sealed off from street noise and that some of the rooms show their age.
Colorful and funky rooms, with argyle-print chairs and outlines of chandeliers painted on the walls, are the choice for visitors frequenting the Seattle Center for opera or the ballet. The tiled pineapple on the floor of the lively, open lobby is a symbol of hospitality—don't miss the free pineapple-shaped treats and coffee served every afternoon. Among the room amenities are Keurig coffee machines and television and music streaming.
A bit of a walk uphill from Downtown, this high-rise has a calm feel to it, with contemporary decor, inviting common areas, and especially great views of Elliott Bay from rooms above the 20th floor.
Traffic noise can be present throughout, so request a room on the west side for a quieter stay.
With views of Elliott Bay from most rooms (half have small Juliet balconies), proximity to the cruise terminals, comfy beds, and a great location near the tourist spots and the financial district, this property is a hot spot for groups and cruise travelers. The decor in the public spaces is warm, rich, and somewhat interesting, while guest rooms fall back on standard hotel decor. The Hook and Plow restaurant serves casual American fare with local and organic meats and produce.
The north tower has the best view, for a price.
The opulent guest rooms and suites on the second floor are large, with private baths, antique furnishings, Oriental rugs, huge windows, and lush details like ornate four-poster beds; third-floor rooms, while lovely, have a more contemporary country feel, but still have private baths and large windows. Downstairs, guests have plenty of room to lounge and enjoy round-the-clock snacks, coffee, and tea in the library and salon of this gorgeous Grand Tudor Revival mansion, steps from Capitol Hill's Volunteer Park. The expanded continental breakfast includes the standards plus extras like smoked salmon and prosciutto, conveniently served over an extended period of time.
If you want to stay on Capitol Hill and don't like B&Bs, this is your only option—and it does the job. Though it doesn't look like much from the outside, the spacious lobby is comfortable and nicely styled in modern tans, greens, and purples. Guest rooms are smallish and have no views to speak of, but they have nice furnishings like tall wooden headboards and faux granite–top desks. King Jacuzzi rooms have large tubs and faux fireplaces, but have odd layouts and aren't worth the extra cost (unless you really want that tub!). Suites are well laid out and have bay windows—even though the views aren't great, the extra light is a plus. All rooms have microwaves and refrigerators.
With a club-like atmosphere that starts at the VIP-style lobby check-in, the W Seattle goes for a distinct "urban lodge" vibe, with guest rooms that feature a palette of Seattle-inspired grays and blues accented by bright pops of color, as well as headboards made from floor-to-ceiling backlit wood stacks and Northwest touches like plaid pillows and Pendleton-pattern wallpaper. The lobby pays homage to the city's history, from "lodge poles" that nod to Native American culture to a DJ booth crafted from an airplane turbine engine.
Assorted amenities make this University District hotel a great deal, including inexpensive parking ($20), free Wi-Fi, and an afternoon reception with coffee and treats. The welcoming lobby features stylish contemporary furniture and quirky neon-light art, while rooms are clean and simple, with large windows and European-style bedding. Guests can borrow cheery yellow bikes and have free access to the outdoor pool at the nearby University Inn. An on-site café serves breakfast and lunch.
Boat tours, waterside views, and complimentary kayak usage make this Kirkland hotel and yacht club, just 9 miles from Seattle on the shores of Lake Washington, a great bet. You'll pay more for the better views and rooms with balconies, but it's probably worth it. Great views can also be had from the upscale restaurant, Bin on the Lake, which serves tasty Pacific Rim fare like seared salmon and regional oysters. The Beach Cafe is equally good, and more casual.
With views of Lake Union, free parking, and family-friendly services, this property offers great value for guests looking to explore more of Seattle than just Downtown. Rooms are simply and adequately furnished. The hotel is on the southeast corner of the lake, and dining options within easy walking distance are a bit better here than on the west side. Breakfast is complimentary, and free wine and cheese await guests on Tuesday evenings. There is also a complimentary shuttle service to Downtown sights. Book early for summer, as weekends fill up quickly.
Sign up for Travel Tips & News
Thank you for your interest!
