Seattle is a stunning city in the northwest of the United States. It’s home to the Space Needle, the University of Washington, a beautiful waterfront, and has a rich history of culture and art. It’s well-worth the visit, so here’s a list of the 15 best hotels in Seattle so that you can find the perfect place to stay in this fascinating city.
Read on for our top picks of the Best Hotels in Seattle
- Best Overall: Hotel Theodore | Review
- Best Luxury: Four Seasons Hotel Seattle | Review
- Best for Families: The Maxwell Hotel | Review
- Best Views: The Edgewater Hotel | Review
- Best for Business: Silver Cloud Hotel | Review
- Best Location: Inn at the Market | Review
- Best Budget: College Inn Hotel | Review
- Best for Couples: Hotel Sorrento | Review
- Best Vibes: Graduate Seattle | Review
Hotel Theodore (Best Overall)
Price: $$$
Stars: 5
The Hotel Theodore has a long history in Seattle. It was built in 1930 and stands in the downtown area. It became a part of the Provenance group in 2015 and has since had some renovations. The hotel now has more of an industrial look compared to its original Art Deco layout, but the charm and elegance remain.
It has always been directed at travelers, even since its creation. There are rooms and suites of all kinds in this 18-storey building, so you can choose the best option for you. Pets are welcome, and there is even a place to charge your electric car.
What makes this hotel so amazing is the collection of all its qualities. It’s a short walk from the waterfront and Pike Place Market, as well as attractions located further inland, like the Paramount Theater and Freeway Park. The prices are quite competitive for such an elegant hotel, and there are so many amenities to make your stay as comfortable as possible.
Four Seasons Hotel Seattle (Best Luxury)
Price: $$$$
Stars: 5
The Four Seasons brand is world-renowned, and for good reason. They offer some of the most magnificent hotels and resorts on the globe, including the Four Seasons Hotel Seattle. Located in the downtown area, it’s a short stroll to the Seattle Art Museum and the waterfront.
There are corner rooms that offer astounding views of Puget Sound and Elliot Bay. You can also book suites that overlook downtown Seattle, so if you prefer the hustle and bustle of city-life, this can be a great choice for you.
Amenities include an infinity pool with views of the waterfront, in-room dining provided by acclaimed local chef Ethan Stowell, and much more. No matter if you’re traveling alone, as a couple, or with family, the Four Seasons Hotel Seattle is the most luxurious place to stay in the city.
Spending a few nights at Four Seasons doesn’t have to break the bank. Just by knowing the best days to book a hotel room you can get yourself a good deal and shave a bit from those room rates.
The Maxwell Hotel (Best for Families)
Price: $$
Stars: 4
The Maxwell Hotel is an amazing family-friendly place to stay in Seattle. It’s close to the Seattle Center Monorail station, as well as other attractions like the Space Needle, the Museum of Pop Culture, and the Seattle Children’s Museum.
You’ll have access to the swimming pool and fitness center, and the friendly staff are ready to answer any questions you may have. The hotel is full of fun pieces of art, including murals in the halls and children’s art tiles. Kids will have loads of fun here, and their pets are invited.
There is parking for a fee, and you have the possibility to rent bicycles, which are a fantastic way to see the city. The hotel also boasts of its fantastically comfortable duvets and robes. It’s the perfect place for families in Seattle.
The Edgewater Hotel (Best Views)
Price: $$$$
Stars: 5
Built for the 1962 World Fair, The Edgewater Hotel is located on Pier 67. This means you’ll be sleeping above the water, giving you stunning views of the bay. The road and rail line on the other side of the hotel mean that there aren’t any skyscrapers blocking your view of the city, so you won’t miss any of the beauty of Seattle no matter which side of the building you sleep on.
The Edgewater has a reputation of having housed some of the biggest rock stars in history, including The Beatles and Led Zeppelin, who fished through the windows of their rooms. Music has become a theme of the hotel as it offers suites inspired by bands and the chance to have guitars and record players sent to your room.
It’s home to the Six Seven restaurant, which offers award-winning cuisine inspired by food from the Pacific Northwest. You can enjoy locally-sourced, natural ingredients while you admire the view of the Olympic Mountains across the bay.
Silver Cloud Hotel (Best for Business)
Price: $$$
Stars: 4
The Silver Cloud chain of hotels is a staple of the northwest’s service industry. There are four locations in Seattle alone, so you can choose which part of the city you prefer. They are all great choices if you’re traveling to Seattle for business, as they come with plenty of amenities that will allow you to work from your room. Having said that, the Silver Cloud Seattle Broadway is the best choice if you want to be near downtown.
There are both wireless and wired internet connections, large screen televisions, electronic safes, complimentary coffee, and much more. You can also book a conference room for larger gatherings.
Once you’re finished with work, enjoy your evening by taking a stroll downtown or relaxing in Jimmy’s on Broadway, the in-house restaurant. There are so many local beverages and fantastic food to choose from.
Inn at the Market (Best Location)
Price: $$$
Stars: 4
If you’re looking for an authentic Seattle experience, you need to visit the Pike Place Market. It’s been open for over a hundred years and is considered the soul of the city. And the best place to stay to get a feel for that soul is Inn at the Market.
The hotel is located in the market, and has suites on the roof, so you can admire the views of the waterfront and the hustle and bustle of the market from above. You’re also close to attractions like Seattle Aquarium, Seattle Art Museum, Waterfront Park, and the Seattle Great Wheel.
Whilst in the hotel, you can enjoy different experience packages like the Romance Package, which gives you complimentary champagne and chocolates, or the Blooms Package, giving you flowers from the market and local wine, among other treats.
College Inn Hotel (Best Budget)
Price: $
Stars: 4
It can be tough to find a good budget hotel in Seattle, but the College Inn Hotel is one of the best. It’s located right across from the University of Washington, which is a beautiful place to wander. The hotel itself is family-owned and has recently been renovated.
There are plenty of dining options right at your door, and it’s just a short walk to the light rail station. The rooms are spacious and have workspaces where you can set up your laptop and get some work done before heading into town.
There are lots of galleries and museums in the neighborhood, as well as the Union Bay Natural Area. This hotel isn’t close to the major attractions, but you can get to them in around 30 minutes using public transport.
Hotel Sorrento (Best for Couples)
Price: $$
Stars: 4
One of the most interesting hotels in Seattle is the Hotel Sorrento. Built in the early 20th century, it has 76 rooms, of which no two are the same. No matter which one you choose, the interior design will be unique and stunning. The hotel has a classic vibe, with lots of dark woods, large windows, long drapes, and everything in between. It feels vintage, but not old.
It’s perfect for meetings, with conference rooms available and a laidback bar and lounge. But it really shines for couples. There’s brunch on the weekends and romantic dinners at STELLA., the hotel’s in-house restaurant. There’s even an aperitif hour during the week.
It’s close to the shopping district and Capitol Hill, a district full of eateries, clubs, and shops. You can hop on the monorail to get to the Space Needle, and the waterfront is a straightforward walk that takes around 15 minutes. Once you get back to the hotel, relax in the white marble bath in your suite.
Graduate Seattle (Best Vibes)
Price: $$
Stars: 4
The University District has some amazing hotels on offer, including the Graduate Seattle. Seeing as it’s not so close to the downtown area as some other hotels, the Graduate has great prices yet is still only around half an hour by public transport to the center.
Its interior has an Art Deco style, which transports you back to the Seattle of the 20s and 30s. This doesn’t mean you’ll lack amenities though. While relaxing on the plaid sofas and feeling the warmth of the fire, you can hook up to the Wi-Fi and work or simply figure out what you want to do next in Seattle. You can also head down to the gym and work out before catching a show at the nearby Neptune Theater.
You can choose from cozier rooms and stunning suites. If you’re staying high enough in the building, you’ll have fantastic views of Lake Union, Lake Washington, and downtown Seattle. Aside from its stunning interior, it’s also full of energy thanks to the mixture of travelers and students from the nearby campus.
Best Hotels in Seattle: the Honorable Mentions
CitizenM Seattle South Lake Union
Price: $$
Stars: 4
The CitizenM hotel in Seattle’s South Lake Union district is an amazing place to stay whether you’re a tourist or traveling for business. It’s located just down the street from Amazon offices and is walking-distance to the Space Needle and Lake Union, where you will find the Museum of History and Industry.
It’s really affordable considering the location and offers comfortable and cozy rooms with huge beds and blackout blinds. You can get the CitizenM app to control the TV, thermostat, and blinds, so you can stay wrapped up in bed for as long as you want.
One of the highlights of this hotel is the living-room-style area in the lobby. It’s full of comfortable sofas and chairs where you can work on your laptop or hang out with friends. There is also a canteen with some basic food options and a bar.
Kimpton Palladian Hotel
Price: $$$
Stars: 4
Another great choice if you want to stay in downtown Seattle is the Kimpton Palladian hotel. It’s close to the waterfront and Pike Place Market, and you have the chance to take bicycles from the hotel to get around more quickly.
If you prefer to stay in, there’s a free yoga mat in every room and a fitness center. And once you’re ready for dinner, you can get a table at Shaker + Spear, the Palladian’s in-house restaurant. Their specialty is seafood caught in the region, and you have the possibility to meet the chef.
There’s also a speakeasy-style lounge bar, which is the hotel’s social center. There is a happy hour from 4pm to 6pm, and you can even book your own private happy hour if you’re traveling with your company for meetings and events.
MarQueen Hotel
Price: $$
Stars: 4
The MarQueen Hotel is located in one of Seattle’s oldest districts, and has a fascinating history. It was originally an engineering school used by the Ford Motor Company. When the school moved to a new location, the MarQueen was founded. It’s still in the same location and maintains the style of the 20s.
The rooms are comfortable and well-designed. They each come with a kitchenette, so if you want to save on food during your stay in the city, you can buy some groceries close by and keep them in your room’s refrigerator. There’s a sink for washing up, a coffee machine, and a microwave, so you can make simple meals or just enjoy a warm cup of coffee.
One of the highlights of the MarQueen is the Tin Lizzie Lounge, a speakeasy-style bar. It specializes in Prohibition-era cocktails and serves tasty snacks. If you feel like taking a stroll after relaxing at the bar, the hotel is close to the Space Needle and some waterfront parks and beaches.
Lotte Hotel Seattle
Price: $$$$
Stars: 5
The Lotte Hotel Seattle has an incredible blend of new and old. A modern 16-storey glass building towers over the Byzantine-style sanctuary next door. When it’s time for weddings, conferences, and parties, you’ll head into The Sanctuary, which was formerly a Methodist church.
The hotel itself has stunning rooms with elegant yet subtle decorations. If you book a suite on the higher levels, you can opt for views of the city or of the bay. It’s about a 10 minute walk from the waterfront but a bit further south of Pike Place Market. This means you can quickly get to some of the main attractions without being surrounded by tourists as soon as you leave the hotel.
Amenities include a fitness center and spa, so you can enjoy a relaxing steam or massage after your workout. And for dining, you can head up to the 16th floor to the Charlotte Restaurant & Lounge, where you will relish the tastes of the Pacific Northwest aided by seasonal cocktails.
Pan Pacific Seattle
Price: $$$$
Stars: 5
The Pan Pacific Seattle is perfectly located so that you can visit three of the best areas in the city. It’s closest to the Space Needle and it is about halfway between the waterfront and Pike Place Market and Lake Union and the Museum of History and Industry. There are also a few green areas close by, including a dog park.
The views are astounding, with some rooms facing downtown and others facing the Space Needle. They all come with luxurious beds and plenty of amenities, including Wi-Fi, dry cleaning, coffee machines, and more. There’s a business center and a fitness center, so it’s a great choice for anyone who decides to visit the Emerald City.
And for a great dining experience, head down to the South Lake Kitchen + Bar, which serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, as well as entrées and tapas at the bar. There’s a selection of regional wines and beers from local breweries. All of this served in a modern and sophisticated setting.
The State Hotel
Price: $$$
Stars: 4
What started as a medical office building is now one of the most stylish hotels in the whole city. The exterior holds the history of early 20th-century downtown Seattle, while the interior is filled with modern rooms, art, and amenities. Most of the rooms have astounding views of the city and the bay area due to the hotel’s fantastic location.
The State boasts of its proximity to the waterfront, and with good reason. It’s a two-minute walk from Pike Place Market, which is clearly visible from the hotel’s rooftop deck. You can enjoy a drink from this level and be astounded by the view of Elliot Bay and the city.
The ground floor is well worth the visit too, as it’s home to the Ben Paris restaurant. You can watch the world go by through the windows as you eat delicious American food and quench your thirst with locally sourced beers and beverages.
Hotel Ballard
Price: $$$
Stars: 4
The Hotel Ballard is a boutique hotel located near Salmon Bay. You will be struck by its elegance and charm as you stroll on its marble floors. It’s full of dark furniture with hints of soft gold which shine even more in the fireplaces located throughout.
The rooms come with sumptuous beds, air conditioning, and in-room coffee machines. You can lounge in the plush robes or enjoy a warm bath if you’re staying in one of the suites. Pick your room carefully and you might even get a fireplace for keeping yourself cozy and a sofa to lounge on.
Guests have access to the Olympic Athletic Club and Spa, where you can delight in massages, skin care, manicures, and more. It’s not the closest hotel to the major attractions, but you may not want to leave once you get comfortable.
The Paramount Hotel
Price: $$$
Stars: 4
The Paramount Hotel will draw you in with its stunning architecture and vintage interior design as you enter. Once you get to your room, you’ll notice the change to a slightly more modern feel. There are 146 rooms and suites, including two with panoramic views on the top floor. You’ll have separate living room space and views of the city up towards the Paramount Theater and its gorgeous neon sign, or down to the waterfront.
You can host an event here, from birthdays to seminars. There’s plenty of space for larger groups, and smaller rooms for more intimate meetings. Wi-Fi is complimentary and available all over the building, plus there’s the Business Kiosk in the lobby if you need to use a computer. It’s open all day and night.
There’s also a fitness center and brand-new dining experiences. The Chan Korean Gastropub and Spruce Cafe are open from this fall and will be serving delicious food and drinks to the visitors of the Paramount Hotel. Even if you’re not staying at this hotel, it will be worth popping in for some scrumptious meals.
Summary
There is so much to see in Seattle and so many hotels to choose from. There are options for everybody, whether you’re looking for somewhere affordable, family-friendly, or for business. Maybe you’d prefer to be in a central location so you can walk to all the amazing attractions the city has to offer. Or maybe you want to find a luxurious room where you can relax and have everything close by. Maybe you come just for a day trip. No matter what you’re looking for, Seattle has it. Just check one of the best hotel booking sites and start planning for your next trip to Seattle now.
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