The Fairmont Olympic Hotel
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.
From its jaw-dropping bay views to the fabulous location just steps from Pike Place Market, this is a unique place you'll want to visit again and again; excellent service and dining options make it even more worth the splurge. The inn is well-known for the friendly, helpful staff and excellent room service from Bacco (breakfast) and French charmer Café Campagne (dinner). The contemporary rooms feature a soothing white-and-beige palette, stylish furniture, and incredibly comfortable Hypnos beds. Foodies, romantics, and everyone in between will love the prime location. Rooms are differentiated by the type of view, but if you opt for a City Side room (a good deal even in high season), you can still enjoy uninterrupted water views from the spacious fifth-floor deck perched above Puget Sound. Across the courtyard, you'll find the superb Sushi Kashiba, helmed by renowned chef Shiro Kashiba, who trained under chef Jiro Ono (the subject of the documentary Jiro Dreams of Sushi); it's a splurge but arguably the best sushi in Seattle.
Designed by local star architects Olson Kundig, the 12-story Thompson Seattle (a Hyatt hotel) makes an impression with a contemporary glass exterior and sophisticated guest rooms that feature floor-to-ceiling windows (some framing epic water views), hardwood floors, a crisp white-and-navy palette, and leather and smoked-glass accents. An emerald-velvet sectional in the art book-filled lobby catches the eye, as do the Pacific Northwest–themed touches throughout the design-savvy hotel. The Thompson's Conversation restaurant offers regional cuisine (don't skip the Dungeness crab Benedict for brunch), while the hugely popular rooftop bar, The Nest, serves up craft cocktails and unbeatable views.
Originally called The Roosevelt, this historic Seattle hotel has continuously been in operation since 1929. It maintains that roaring twenties flair despite numerous renovations, most recently in 2016, when it underwent a complete rebranding. Now called Hotel Theodore, visitors enjoy old-school charm along with an updated, contemporary arthouse atmosphere in a central location. Each of the 150 guest rooms features unique artwork, as does the Roosevelt Penthouse suite, previously the owner’s private residence. There are also pet-friendly options.
Located in one of Seattle's most vibrant and transforming neighborhoods, this hotel has undeniable draws, from the attractive and comfortable modern rooms to a happening lobby bar-restaurant serving Northwest cuisine and tapas, to the impressive views of the Space Needle and Lake Union. Even standard rooms feel spacious and feature an elegant palette of browns and blues, along with contemporary furniture and artwork and upscale touches like Hypnos beds, Herman Miller desk chairs, and soaking tubs tucked behind shoji screens. Eco-minded travelers will appreciate that Pan Pacific is one of the greenest companies in Washington. Part of a luxury condo development, the hotel offers guests access to a 24-hour fitness center with a large jetted whirlpool. Also across the courtyard, spa lovers should take note of the Vida Spa, a local favorite that features classic body and facial treatments along with specialty ayurvedic options in a soothing setting. The address is a short haul from the downtown sights so ask about the hotel’s free car service, which can drop you anywhere in a 2-mile radius, or hop on a trolley to get around.
The closest B&B to Downtown offers all the charm of a classic bed-and-breakfast (exquisitely styled with antique beds and Oriental rugs) with the convenience of being near the action. The owner has impeccable taste, and even the small den that holds two public computers and stacks of travel guides, brochures, and laminated menus from the best local restaurants is thoughtfully arranged and decorated. Modest-size guest rooms all have private baths. A full breakfast is served in the elegant dining room. Don't worry about using the wrong fork, though—despite its formal appearance, the inn is a warm, laid-back place. All bedrooms are on upper floors with no elevators.
The Ace is a dream come true for anyone who appreciates unique minimalist decor, with touches like army-surplus blankets, industrial metal sinks, and street art breaking up any notion of austerity; the cheapest rooms share bathrooms, which have enormous showers. Almost everything is white—even the wood floors and brick walls have been painted—making elements like randomly placed tree stumps pop in the gallery-like spaces. A small dining room hosts a continental breakfast and has a vending machine with unusual items like Japanese snacks and hangover cures. This is a very specific experience and aesthetic: if you're not soothed (or stimulated) by the stripped-down quality of the rooms or not amused by finding a copy of the Kama Sutra where the Bible would be, you may want to stay elsewhere.
The stylish guestrooms received a recent top-to-bottom redo at the boutique Alexis Royal Sonesta, which occupies a pair of historic buildings (on the National Register of Historic Places, in fact) near the waterfront; the new design has a contemporary loft vibe, featuring handsome Northwest-inspired hues, textures, and furnishings that complement the hotel's high ceilings and walls of windows.
Outdoorsy types, visitors who want to stay in a low-key residential area, and anyone who wants to feel pampered and refreshed will enjoy this lovely B&B across the street from beautiful Green Lake. Some of the rooms feature private baths with jetted tubs, gas fireplaces, and new furnishings, and all are clean and charming. The full breakfast alternates between made-to-order savory (a spinach-and-feta omelet, for example) and sweet (such as Brie-and-apple French toast), with a few extra options for guests with food allergies or restrictions. Guests also love the complimentary wine-and-cheese hour on weeknights and the outdoor patio with views of the lake.
Scandinavian modern design lovers will swoon over Hotel Ändra, from the striking double-height lobby lounge that still feels cozy thanks to plush seating and a large fireplace, to the freshly renovated rooms, which feature stylish furnishings in an on-trend palette of grays, ochres, and pinks.
In the heart of historic Ballard, this chic boutique hotel features a modern take on baroque style, with gilded mirrors and sumptuous carpeting and furnishings in every room. Even the outdoor chairs are ornately whimsical. If you can, splurge for one of the spacious fifth-floor courtyard suites, which include a fireplace, a pull-out bed, marble bathrooms with a walk-in shower and deep soaking tub, and a small outdoor space. The hotel's rooftop has an outdoor fireplace and offers sweeping views of Ballard and the Olympic Mountains. Guests receive complimentary access to the top-notch Olympic Athletic Club, a 50,000-square-foot facility with multiple exercise studios, classes, and two lap pools.
Built in 1906, the historic and serene Hotel Sorrento hits the perfect note between traditional and modern, with lovely Italianate architecture, carved wood moldings, white marble bathrooms, antique furnishings in sumptuous fabrics, and chic original contemporary artwork in the common spaces. The Sorrento’s stylish Stella restaurant features coastal Italian cuisine to go with the classic black-and-white striped patio umbrellas.
In a city known for environmental responsibility, being one of the greenest hotels in town is no small feat, and green is rarely this chic—rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows flooding the place with light along with enviro touches like dual-flush toilets, fresh-air vents, and low-flow showerheads. From the green roof to the serene indoor pool and huge fitness center with yoga studio, this hotel proves that what's good for the planet can also be luxurious.
Housed in a striking reflective tower that connects to a historic church (now an event space), Lotte Seattle (by the South Korean Lotte brand) debuted in 2020; Philippe Starck--designed, mid-century-inspired interiors feature sleek mirrored surfaces (even in the bathroom), an eclectic mix of contemporary art, faux-bois motifs, and floor-to-ceiling windows, some with lovely views of Elliott Bay and Smith Tower.
Comfortable, old-world charm comes with sturdy antiques, Asian accents, brass fixtures, and florals, and though the hotel's main draw is its central location, street noise isn't much of an issue thanks to the sturdy old construction of the historic 1927 building. There is also a star restaurant, Andaluca, as well as Oliver's, a well-known martini bar, where even locals flock for perfectly poured cocktails.
Good value meets great location at this comfortable boutique hotel with friendly service and tasteful contemporary furnishings, including a decent-size desk for business travelers. It's not flashy, but the Paramount delivers on clean, quiet, tasteful rooms and easy access to theaters, the Convention Center, Downtown shopping, and the Pike Place Market. Dragonfish Cafe, the on-site Pan-Asian restaurant, has impressive happy-hour deals and fabulous sushi.
Timbers salvaged from a 19th-century warehouse are rustic counterpoints to sleek, modern design of this elegant spa hotel in the heart of Woodinville wine country. A stone fireplace dominates the lobby, and contemporary Native American prints and sculptures by local artists are spread throughout. Each large, elegant guest room has a gas-lighted stone fireplace and an oversize soaking tub. Wander the beautifully landscaped grounds, or pay a visit to the excellent on-site spa, which features beauty and rejuvenating treatments, as well as a hydrotherapy pool in a secluded courtyard. The hotel's Barking Frog restaurant is well-liked, while Fireside Cellars, Willows Lodge's casual lounge, often features live music and makes a relaxing spot to sip local wine after a day spent biking through the Eastside.
Though 30 minutes from Downtown Seattle, Willows Lodge is within walking distance to a number of Woodinville wineries and tasting rooms.
A giant indoor pool is a rarity in the Pacific Northwest, making this spot in demand for that reason alone, but the proximity to Woodinville's wine country and location in the sweet lakeside suburb of Bothell are almost as compelling. Like all of the properties from quirky hospitality group McMenamins, the unique art (each room has a name, biography, and custom headboard) and fun story behind the property are part of the draw. However, the sometimes overzealous branding also means the signage is sparse and confusing, so you have to wander to find the brewery, movie theater, and that famous pool.
Taking cues from the tech industry, this hotel aims to be "innovation-inspired." The crisp, attractive rooms include upscale touches like Jonathan Adler toiletries, colorful ombre blinds, and wallpaper meant to look like a birds-eye view of the Space Needle. From upper floor rooms the view looks out at the Space Needle or the city skyline; occupants of the lower floors can catch that view from the rooftop bar.
Travelers seeking an authentic Seattle neighborhood experience will fall hard for this charming budget-friendly inn right in the heart of Ballard, tucked between coffee shops, trendy boutiques, and restaurants. It's got character too: the 1909 property, a former bank, is done in a minimalist, modern Louis XIV style, from the giant black rosette chandelier in the black-and-white lobby to the gold-leaf French provincial dressers, blue walls, and quilted headboards in some rooms upstairs. Other than the deluxe king rooms, the rooms use shared bathrooms. Two of the four suites have separate entrances for a private apartment-like feel.
Serene and traditional, this 1909 Tudor home is surrounded by opulent gardens and is near both Volunteer Park and Broadway—and it also has some rooms and suites that welcome children or pets. The living room is filled with comfortable furniture and lots of natural light. Guest rooms feel homey, though the rooms that haven't been recently updated seem a bit worn. Some rooms have views; some have hideaway beds in addition to the queen-size beds.
The first location of this Dutch hotel to land on the West Coast wears its design-forward mindset on the facade, adorned with a mural by local Native American artist Jeffrey Veregge. Cool, high-tech, and full of amenities, the hotel works well for the kind of young, connected people it aims to attract. Co-working spaces, art, and a 24/7 canteen fill the huge lobby, and a phone app operates everything from check-in to the room lights.
Literally perched over Elliott Bay, the rustic-chic Edgewater has spectacular west-facing views of ferries and sailboats, seals and seabirds, and the distant Olympic Mountains, so don't even think of booking a city-view room. For a romantic splurge, consider booking one of the hotel's premium waterfront rooms, which feature cushy club chairs in front of a fireplace and spacious bathrooms with glass-encased showers and large claw-foot tubs. There's something a little magical about sleeping above gently lapping water, which you can also enjoy in the more affordable regular waterfront rooms. While the small city rooms don't offer much in the way of views and may not be worth the price for some, the hotel's jaw-dropping lobby frames an expansive view of Puget Sound and Seattle's waterfront and is perfect for an hour or two of contemplative relaxation. If you just want a taste of the hotel, stop into the elegant Six Seven restaurant for indoor-outdoor seating with a bay vista (there's also a more casual bar).
The architecture in this historic landmark building, from the fireplaces to the stained-glass windows, makes for a stunning place to stay. A recent ownership change brought much-needed updating to many of the spaces, though some of the details still feel slightly out-of-date, particularly in the rugs and bedding. The large common areas are comfortable and friendly. There's room to move around in here, including a lovely backyard and decks with fabulous views. The Gaslight also has something few other B&Bs can claim: a seasonal heated pool out back.
Adjacent to the Washington State Convention Center, this view-centric hotel with spacious rooms appeals to business travelers, conventioneers, or brand loyalists who want a dependable Hyatt-level stay in a central Downtown location. The decor throughout is masculine-chic and not particularly imaginative but comfortably unobtrusive. Rooms above the 10th floor enjoy vistas of Elliott Bay. Suites are large, with separate sitting rooms, and executive quarters have mini-refrigerators and wet bars. Ruth's Chris Steak House is downstairs.
The Hilton Seattle is a popular site for meetings, conventions, and the summer cruise set, where the newly renovated rooms are tasteful but nondescript—you'll be paying for a brand name here, reliable though it may be. Some rooms have views of the city skyline with a sliver of Elliott Bay in the distance. The best views can be found at Redtrees bar and restaurant, a recently redesigned and attractive contemporary space that serves a delicious tomato-glazed Pacific salmon, as well as other classics throughout the day. An underground passage connects the Hilton with the Rainier Square shopping concourse, the 5th Avenue Theater, and the Convention Center.
A short walk from Pioneer Square, the art museum, and the waterfront, Hotel 1000 features ultra-comfortable rooms with on-trend contemporary design elements and unexpected touches like large soaking tubs that fill from the ceiling.
Hip and art-forward, the Hotel Max (for "Maximalism") blends artsy decor with punchy minimalism for an architect-office effect, and though most of the rooms are on the small side, they come with cushy trimmings. The work of local photographers is hung in the public spaces and paintings by local artists decorate the gray walls of the guest rooms—though accent colors like an orange bedspread or a red cushion save rooms from being drab. The hotel even features a Sub Pop floor, which pays homage to the famous Seattle record label that introduced the world to bands like Nirvana and Death Cab for Cutie; those rooms feature band posters and Crosley record players with a stash of vinyl albums. The downside to the Max is that rooms in the historic building can feel cramped, especially the bathrooms, which sorely lack in counter space.
Near Bellevue Square and other downtown Bellevue shopping centers, the Hyatt looks like any other sleek high-rise but its interior is well-maintained and elegant with marble floors and a grand piano. Rooms are understated, with dark wood and earth tones predominating. Premier one- or two-bedroom suites include bar facilities and meeting rooms with desks and full-length tables. You'll have access to a health club and pool that share a courtyard with the hotel. The restaurant serves breakfast, and 50 restaurants and lounges are within the same sky bridge-connected complex.
Request a room on a higher level for great views.