16 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

Thompson Seattle

5
Overall Editor Rating
$$$ | 110 Stewart St., Seattle, 98101, USA
Fodor's Choice
Thompson Seattle

FODOR’S EXPERT REVIEW

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.

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Pros

  • Perfect for the style obsessed
  • Very close to Pike Place Market
  • The Nest rooftop bar

Cons

  • Blazing afternoon sun in some rooms
  • Some small rooms
  • Floor beneath rooftop bar can be noisy
110 Stewart St., Seattle, 98101, USA
206-623–4600
Hotel Details
158 rooms
No Meals

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THE BEST HOTEL IN SEATTLE

Hotel Theodore

5
Overall Editor Rating
$$$ | 1531 7th Ave., Seattle, 98101, USA
Fodor's Choice

FODOR’S EXPERT REVIEW

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.

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Pros

  • Cozy multi-level lobby with numerous meeting areas
  • Delightfully designed, pet-friendly rooms
  • Complimentary bike rentals

Cons

  • No spa or pool facilities
  • Small fitness center
  • Room views aren’t the most interesting
1531 7th Ave., Seattle, 98101, USA
206-621–1200
Hotel Details
153 rooms
No Meals

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The Alexis Royal Sonesta Hotel

$$$ | 1007 1st Ave., Seattle, 98104, USA Fodor's Choice

The stylish guest rooms received a 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 sharp Northwest-inspired hues, textures, and furnishings that complement the hotel's high ceilings and walls of windows.

Pros

  • A short walk to the waterfront
  • Chic modern rooms that appeal to design lovers
  • Suites aren't prohibitively expensive

Cons

  • Small lobby
  • Not entirely soundproofed against old building and city noise
  • Some rooms can be a bit dark
1007 1st Ave., Seattle, 98104, USA
206-624–4844
Hotel Details
88 rooms
No Meals

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Recommended Fodor's Video

Hotel Ändra Seattle – MGallery

$$$ | 2000 4th Ave., Seattle, 98121, USA Fodor's Choice

Scandinavian modern design lovers will swoon over Hotel Ändra, where the freshly renovated rooms feature stylish furnishings in a palette of grays, ochres, and pinks. The striking double-height lobby lounge still feels cozy thanks to plush seating and a large fireplace. Dine in for breakfast or dinner at the standout hotel restaurant, Lola. 

Pros

  • Unique boutique hotel style and luxurious touches
  • Lola restaurant on ground level
  • In a walkable area and close to attractions

Cons

  • Some street noise
  • Old building with slow elevators
  • Bathrooms on the small side
2000 4th Ave., Seattle, 98121, USA
206-448–8600
Hotel Details
115 rooms
No Meals

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Hotel Sorrento

$$$ | 900 Madison St., Seattle, 98104, USA Fodor's Choice

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, and the cozy Fireside Room, complete with wooden details, plush leather couches, a piano, and a fire, is a perfect spot to unwind after a day of sightseeing with cocktails and regionally-inspired apps. 

Pros

  • The elegant wood-paneled Fireside Room is perfect for cocktail hour
  • Courteous guest service
  • Comfortable beds

Cons

  • Not central
  • Most rooms are a bit small
  • Ho-hum views
900 Madison St., Seattle, 98104, USA
206-622–6400
Hotel Details
76 rooms
No Meals

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The Arctic Club

$$$ | 700 3rd Ave., Seattle, 98104, USA

Conveniently located halfway between Downtown and Pioneer Square, the history of the Arctic Club extends well beyond its gilded entrance through terra cotta walrus heads. The building (completed in 1917) was originally constructed for the Arctic Club, a social club for those who had experienced the gold rush to Alaska. After undergoing several renovations, the building was transformed into a hotel, and the most recent edition opened in 2022. Nods to its rich history can be found in photos of explorers on the walls of common spaces and guest rooms, and the life-size polar bear statue in the Arctic Bar. Rooms are clean, comfy, and preserve the hotel’s vintage vibe, with views primarily overlooking the city. The real draw is in the hotel’s architecture, most of all the ornate stained-glass dome on the top floor.

Pros

  • Free breakfast
  • Unique history connected to Seattle's Gold Rush era
  • Walkable to Downtown and Pioneer Square

Cons

  • No rooftop and not the best views
  • Breakfast ends early during the week
  • Some of the carpets and room decor feel dated
700 3rd Ave., Seattle, 98104, USA
206-776–9090
Hotel Details
120 rooms
Free Breakfast

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The Charter Hotel

$$$ | 1610 2nd Ave., Seattle, 98101, USA

Part of the Hilton's upscale Curio Collection, the new Charter Hotel features chic, quiet rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, marbled wallpaper, 50-inch TVs, and spacious bathrooms. Don't miss the hotel's 16th-floor Fog Room bar, which has city and water views and outdoor seating.

Pros

  • Quiet and immensely comfortable rooms
  • A treat for Hilton Honors loyalists
  • Great location near Pike Place Market

Cons

  • Not the best water views
  • The on-site restaurant is only so-so
  • Showers only in some bathrooms
1610 2nd Ave., Seattle, 98101, USA
206-256–7500
Hotel Details
229 rooms
No Meals

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Grand Hyatt Seattle

$$$ | 721 Pine St., Seattle, 98101, USA

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.

Pros

  • City-and-water views from upper-floor rooms
  • Large bathrooms with ample counter space
  • On-site brand-name restaurants

Cons

  • Not a ton of personality
  • Some traffic and construction noise
  • No lounge
721 Pine St., Seattle, 98101, USA
206-774–1234
Hotel Details
425 rooms
No Meals

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Hotel 1000, LXR Hotels & Resorts

$$$ | 1000 1st Ave., Seattle, 98104, USA

A short walk from Pioneer Square, the art museum, and the waterfront, Hotel 1000 (a Hilton Honors property) features ultra-comfortable rooms with on-trend contemporary design elements in shades of pale green and white, and unexpected touches like large soaking tubs that fill from the ceiling. Catered towards maximizing relaxation, the hotel features a small spa and a bath butler program. After undergoing an extensive renovation in the summer of 2023, Hotel 1000 now has reimagined art, a bar with seasonal themes, including a Swiss chalet in the winter, and a restaurant specializing in oysters and Mediterranean-meets-Pacific Northwest seafood dishes. Sports lovers and kids alike will love the Top Golf suite, with golf simulation and gaming programs available.

Pros

  • Ideal location between Downtown and Pike Place
  • Golf simulator and lovely small spa
  • Upper-floor rooms have great city and water views

Cons

  • Bar attracts a lot of tourists
  • A handful of no-view rooms look out to a cement wall
  • Expensive overnight parking
1000 1st Ave., Seattle, 98104, USA
206-957–1000
Hotel Details
120 rooms
No Meals

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Hyatt at Olive 8

$$$ | 1635 8th Ave., Seattle, 98101, USA

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. The rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows flooding the place with light along with eco-friendly 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.

Pros

  • Central location
  • Serene indoor pool
  • One of Seattle's best day spas

Cons

  • Standard rooms have showers only
  • Hallway and traffic noise
  • Translucent glass bathroom doors offer little privacy
1635 8th Ave., Seattle, 98101, USA
206-695–1234
Hotel Details
346 rooms
No Meals

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Kimpton Hotel Vintage

$$$ | 1100 5th Ave., Seattle, 98101, USA

Each of the serene, quiet rooms named after Washington wineries—some of which boast marvelous views of Seattle’s iconic public library—features 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.

Pros

  • Truly pet-friendly (dogs get their own beds and bowls)
  • Daily hosted wine hour
  • On-site Tulio is a nice Italian restaurant

Cons

  • A short-but-steep uphill walk from Downtown
  • Lobby is attractive but small
  • Bathrooms aren't particularly spacious
1100 5th Ave., Seattle, 98101, USA
206-624–8000
Hotel Details
125 rooms
No Meals

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Level Seattle

$$$ | 110 Boren Ave. N, Seattle, 98109, USA

Level Seattle–South Lake Union caters to longer stays, with each room equipped with a full kitchen, washer, and dryer, though short-term guests are equally welcome. The property’s amenities feel more like those of a luxury apartment complex than a hotel: three pools (one indoor with a cold plunge and hot tub, two on rooftops), a sprawling gym with a basketball court and climbing wall, outdoor barbecues and fire pits, a playground, and multiple game rooms.

Pros

  • Apartment-like facilities
  • In-room kitchen and laundry
  • Spare, modern design

Cons

  • Limited housekeeping
  • Can feel understaffed
  • Street noise on lower levels
110 Boren Ave. N, Seattle, 98109, USA
206-455–9077
Hotel Details
299 rooms
No Meals

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Renaissance Seattle Hotel

$$$ | 515 Madison St., Seattle, 98104, USA

A bit of a walk uphill from Downtown, this high-rise has a calm feel to it, with contemporary decor, inviting common areas, a gym and pool, and especially great views of Elliott Bay from rooms above the 20th floor. An on-site restaurant, coffee bar, and lounge conveniently offer snacks, libations, and meals throughout the day. Traffic noise can be present throughout, so request a room on the west side for a quieter stay.

Pros

  • Comfy beds
  • Pool at the rooftop health club
  • Good deals are often available online

Cons

  • Freeway noise
  • Some visitors won't enjoy the walk uphill
  • Not much happening in the area at night
515 Madison St., Seattle, 98104, USA
206-583–0300
Hotel Details
553 rooms
No Meals

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Seattle Marriott Waterfront

$$$ | 2100 Alaskan Way, Seattle, 98121, USA

Elliott Bay fills the windows of most rooms here—half even have small Juliet balconies—and the waterfront location puts both cruise terminals and top tourist spots within easy reach. Groups and cruise travelers flock to this reliable favorite for its comfort, convenience, and cushy beds. Public spaces feel warm and polished, while guest rooms are standard but well kept. The Hook and Plow serves straightforward American fare, though better dining waits just outside. For the prime view, spring for a north-tower room; it’s worth the upgrade.

Pros

  • Relaxing lobby
  • Elevator takes you directly to Pike Place Market
  • Outdoor pool

Cons

  • Train noise
  • Expensive restaurant and bar
  • Uphill walk to most sights
2100 Alaskan Way, Seattle, 98121, USA
206-443–5000
Hotel Details
358 rooms
No Meals

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W Seattle

$$$ | 1112 4th Ave., Seattle, 98101, USA

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. 

Pros

  • Lively late-night scene in lobby bar
  • Comfortable beds
  • Great city views

Cons

  • Self-consciously trendy
  • A bit too youthful for some visitors
  • Outrageous room service prices
1112 4th Ave., Seattle, 98101, USA
206-264–6000
Hotel Details
433 rooms
No Meals

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Silver Cloud Inn Lake Union

$$$ | 1150 Fairview Ave. N, Seattle, 98109, USA

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.

Pros

  • Indoor pool
  • Free parking, Wi-Fi, and shuttle service
  • Free yummy breakfasts

Cons

  • Not within walking distance of major sights
  • Feels like a business hotel
1150 Fairview Ave. N, Seattle, 98109, USA
206-447–9500
Hotel Details
184 rooms
Free breakfast

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