12 Best Hotels in Seattle, Washington

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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.

THE BEST HOTEL IN SEATTLE

Inn at the Market

4.5
Overall Editor Rating
$$$$ | 86 Pine St., Seattle, 98101, USA
Fodor's Choice
Mark Bauschke

FODOR’S EXPERT REVIEW

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.

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Pros

  • Outstanding views from most rooms
  • Deals on rooms that don't have views, even in peak season
  • Guests have access to the rooftop deck

Cons

  • Not much indoor common space
  • Some street and Market noise
  • Not the easiest to get in and out by car
86 Pine St., Seattle, 98101, USA
206-443–3600
Hotel Details
70 rooms
No Meals

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THE BEST HOTEL IN SEATTLE

The Fairmont Olympic Hotel

$$$$ | 411 University St., Seattle, 98101, USA
Fodor's Choice
Lens Films

FODOR’S EXPERT REVIEW

The lobby and other social spaces (including the hotel's gorgeous The George restaurant) of this sophisticated 1920s icon meld old-world glamour with modern luxury to stylishly complement contemporary guest rooms that feature mid-century-inspired furnishings and all-marble bathrooms with rain showers and designer toiletries. The rooms are airy and inviting, with a gray-and-tourmaline palette, chic furniture, and luxurious bedding. Kids get perks like child-size bathrobes. The well-heeled leisure or business traveler will find everything they need here: afternoon tea at the ornate Georgian with its stunning Palladian windows; fabulous seafood and impeccable service at Shuckers, one of Seattle's oldest oyster bars; a fitness center with an indoor pool; a full-service business center; a day spa; and a shopping arcade. The café, 4th Ave, is the hotel's answer to Starbucks, opening early with espressos and savory bites.

Pros

  • Impeccable service
  • Top-notch fitness center with an indoor pool
  • Great on-site dining and amenities

Cons

  • Not much in the way of views
  • Valet parking is costly
  • Some rooms on the small side
411 University St., Seattle, 98101, USA
206-621–1700
Hotel Details
450 rooms
No Meals

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THE BEST HOTEL IN SEATTLE

Four Seasons Hotel Seattle

$$$$ | 99 Union St., Seattle, 98101, USA
Fodor's Choice
Four Seasons Hotel Seattle

FODOR’S EXPERT REVIEW

Just south of Pike Place Market and steps from the Seattle Art Museum, this Downtown gem overlooking Elliott Bay is polished and elegant, with spacious light-filled guest rooms; after a renovation in 2023, the fresh new design features serene hues that nod to the hotel's surroundings, museum-quality art reproductions, and comfortable high-end modern furnishings. An extensive day spa offers chaise-lounge mini-treatments on the hotel's glamorous terrace, which features an infinity pool perched above the beautiful Puget Sound. At the seriously stylish Goldfinch Tavern, taste fabulous cocktails and Northwest cuisine with stunning Elliott Bay views. 

Pros

  • Fantastic outdoor inifinity pool with views for miles
  • Luxurious marble bathrooms with deep soaking tubs
  • Lovely spa facility offering extensive treatments

Cons

  • Four Seasons regulars might not click with this modern take on the brand
  • Street-side rooms not entirely soundproofed
  • Some water-facing room views are partially obscured by industrial sites
99 Union St., Seattle, 98101, USA
206-749–7000
Hotel Details
134 rooms
No Meals

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Recommended Fodor's Video

THE BEST HOTEL IN SEATTLE

Populus Seattle

$$$$ | 100 S. King St., Seattle, 98104, USA
Fodor's Choice

FODOR’S EXPERT REVIEW

Populus Hotel's embodiment of biophilic design is evident in every detail of this property, which seamlessly blends the abundant nature of the Pacific Northwest with the eclectic urban energy of Seattle. From the moment you step through the doors of the historic, repurposed building, you are enveloped by greenery: a collection of native plants stacked on steps, flowers sprouting from logs, tangles of moss draping from branches. Brick detailing, bold paintings by local artists, and modern aesthetic highlighting hues of blues and greens, accented by driftwood, shells, and mushroom-shaped lamps. Writers and book lovers can cozy up in the library and get lost in a collection of books about the Northwest, or grab a seat in front of the fireplace or along the communal table at the cafe, which serves artisanal drinks until the afternoon. Rooms are modestly sized, featuring luxurious beds, bright prints on the walls, and accents of deep blues in the seating areas, as well as touches like Aesop products and hand-painted flowers and plants from around the PNW on the doors. Zero-waste policies are incorporated into the property's ethos (only the second carbon-positive hotel in the United States), from the building materials to the restaurant's farm-sourced menu. 

Pros

  • Eye-catching blend of local art and native plants
  • Committed to offsetting and reducing carbon footprint
  • Unique restaurant and rooftop bar

Cons

  • Some rooms on the small side
  • No option for water views
  • Far walk from Pike Place
100 S. King St., Seattle, 98104, USA
206-309–1100
Hotel Details
120 rooms
No Meals

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Pan Pacific Hotel Seattle

$$$$ | 2125 Terry Ave., Seattle, 98121, USA Fodor's Choice
Pan Pacific Hotel Seattle, Seattle Center and South Lake Union
Courtesy Pan Pacific Hotel Seattle

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.

Pros

  • <PRO>no touristy vibe like Downtown hotels</PRO>
  • <PRO>feels more luxurious than it costs</PRO>
  • <PRO>award-winning sustainability efforts</PRO>

Cons

  • <CON>long walk to Downtown (though streetcar access and the hotel’s free car service help with that)</CON>
  • <CON>bathroom design isn’t the most private</CON>
2125 Terry Ave., Seattle, 98121, USA
206-264–8111
Hotel Details
Credit cards accepted
131 rooms
No Meals

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1 Hotel Seattle

$$$$ | 2125 Terry Ave., Seattle, 98121, USA Fodor's Choice

1 Hotel Seattle debuted in spring 2025, when it took the place of the former Pan Pacific Hotel, and bridged Downtown and South Lake Union with a design that feels both rooted and rejuvenating. Moss drapes from light fixtures, driftwood lines the walls, and the two-story mural of Mount Rainier—crafted from moss, shells, and reclaimed wood—anchors the lobby in local character. The atmosphere is calm and organic, with plant-filled nooks, wood tones, nature books, and a cozy fireplace inviting you to linger. Guest rooms balance eco-conscious touches and soft luxury: filtered water taps replace bottles, glasses are cut from recycled wine bottles, and many rooms frame Space Needle views. Neutral palettes and plush beds make for a soothing retreat, and deep soaking tubs are a welcome indulgence after a day exploring. Like its sister properties, 1 Hotel Seattle leads with sustainability and wellness—offering a weekly yoga class, an expansive gym, and even a lobby farm stand with local fruit. The on-site restaurant La Loba draws attention for its Catalan–Pacific Northwest menu, but Drift, serving seasonal breakfast, lunch, and cocktails, is just as worth your time.

Pros

  • Green-forward policies and sustainable details throughout
  • Abundance of woods and plants creates a natural and inviting energy
  • Unique wellness and social events

Cons

  • Located in a parking lot
  • Lacks history that other Seattle hotels have
  • Farther from downtown sights than other hotels
2125 Terry Ave., Seattle, 98121, USA
206-264–8111
Hotel Details
153 rooms
No Meals

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Hotel Ballard

$$$$ | 5216 Ballard Ave. NW, Seattle, 98107, USA Fodor's Choice

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,  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 get free access to the top-notch Olympic Athletic Club.

Pros

  • Friendly service
  • Close to Ballard attractions
  • Free access to a full gym

Cons

  • Refrigerators not standard in rooms
  • Some street noise at night, especially on weekends
  • Rooftop event space can be disruptive for guests
5216 Ballard Ave. NW, Seattle, 98107, USA
206-789–5012
Hotel Details
29 rooms
No Meals

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Lotte Seattle

$$$$ | 809 5th Ave., Seattle, 98104, USA Fodor's Choice

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. The hotel's restaurant—Charlotte—is also a splurge-worthy spot to sample regional seafood with views over the Sound. 

Pros

  • Impeccable customer service
  • Design aficionados will drool over the architecture and interiors
  • The soothing, ethereal spa is one of Seattle's best

Cons

  • Valet parking costs $70
  • Mirrored bathroom/shower rooms are love it or hate it
  • A 15-minute walk to some attractions
809 5th Ave., Seattle, 98104, USA
206-800–8110
Hotel Details
189 rooms
No Meals

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Willows Lodge

$$$$ | 14580 N.E. 145th St., Woodinville, 98072, USA Fodor's Choice

Timbers salvaged from a 19th-century warehouse are rustic counterpoints to sleek, modern design in 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.

Pros

  • Complimentary bike use
  • Lovely spa
  • Impeccable service

Cons

  • Not really for families
  • Far from downtown Seattle
  • Rooms a bit dark
14580 N.E. 145th St., Woodinville, 98072, USA
425-424–3900
Hotel Details
84 rooms
No Meals

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The Edgewater

$$$$ | 2411 Alaskan Way, Seattle, 98121, USA

The Edgewater practically hovers over Elliott Bay, its rustic-chic rooms angled west toward ferries, sailboats, seals, and the distant Olympic Mountains, so skip the city view and go straight for the water. For a romantic splurge, book a premium waterfront room with a fireplace, cushy club chairs, and a claw-foot tub overlooking the Sound. Even the standard waterfront rooms capture that subtle magic of sleeping above lapping waves. Since opening in 1962, the Edgewater has hosted music legends from the Beatles to Kurt Cobain, and its lobby—framed by an enormous window onto Puget Sound—remains one of Seattle’s most cinematic spots to linger. The city-facing rooms feel small and overpriced by comparison, but you can still get a taste of the place at Six Seven, the hotel’s elegant restaurant with a bay-view patio and a lively, more casual bar.

Pros

  • One of Seattle's most unique properties
  • Stunning public lobby lounge
  • Complimentary bikes

Cons

  • A long walk from some attractions
  • Rooms without views not worth the expense
  • Thin walls and some noise from the busy waterfront
2411 Alaskan Way, Seattle, 98121, USA
206-792–5959
Hotel Details
223 rooms
No Meals

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Hyatt Regency Bellevue

$$$$ | 900 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, 98004, USA

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.

The Lodge at St. Edward Park

$$$$ | 14477 Juanita Dr. NE, Kenmore, 98028, USA

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.

Pros

  • Free drinks, snacks, and games
  • Beautiful architectural details with modern amenities
  • Easy access to hiking, biking, and park

Cons

  • Dining options can be slow
  • Sound carries in old building
  • Hefty resort fee
14477 Juanita Dr. NE, Kenmore, 98028, USA
425-470–6500
Hotel Details
84 rooms
No Meals

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