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Seattle is a cool destination. Right up front you’ve got the Space Needle, which is a super cool architectural icon to have. Then you’ve got Pike Place Market, which is arguably the home of the whole foodie, microbrewery, artisan roastery movement. The views of the bay and the mountains are cool, and the list of cool museums and galleries is long, and… cool. So our Gurus pitched the idea of Seattle’s coolest hotels to us, and we bought it. “Cool” is a bit different for everyone, but there was consensus that these 14 hotels are a good representation of cool hotels in Seattle, and they’re all hotels we already rate by our Gurus’ stringent standards.
For the Views
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- Luxurious and elegant, with incredible views over Puget Sound, the Thompson Seattle is cool, but calm — until you get to the sleek rooftop cocktail bar, which has a pleasant buzz of chatter. Our favourites among the 158 rooms and suites have floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the water. Romantic, and extremely memorable — for all the right reasons.
For a City Break
- The Kimpton Palladian Hotel is an Edwardian grand dame fantastically converted into a cool Belltown base, borrowing from the rock’n’roll vibe of the area: think traditional oil paintings depicting rock legends, well placed black walls, and a speakeasy style bar that appeals to the hip locals as well as guests. The 97 rooms and suites are spacious and simply decorated with plenty of white. And the suites are huge.
- The Hotel Five is a quirky hotel in downtown Seattle with compact, cosy rooms and fun artwork. There are 116 rooms, and most of them can sleep four guests, which makes this a fun pick for families and groups. There’s no restaurant, but you’re surrounded by places to eat and drink, and Pike Place Market is just a few blocks away, as is the Space Needle. And there’s a cafe in the lobby.
For Cool and Original
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- While it’s in the University District, we think it’s cool that the Graduate Seattle has views of the Space Needle from some of its 154 rooms and suites. We also think the blend of Art Deco style and Varsity theme turns out a really original result. The library lobby lounge is elegantly cool, as is the restaurant, and the rooftop bar buzzes.
For the Cool Kids
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- The State Hotel is much loved by the cool kids for its location — close to hot nightspots, next door to Pike Place Market, and 200 metres from the original Starbucks — and for its chic, yet simple decor. It’s all very Instagrammable, especially the views from the roof terrace of Puget Sound, and the bar and restaurant with their eclectic local art and food that makes your eyes feel hungry. The rooms aren’t large, but the decor is right on trend.
- W Seattle has a huge lobby space on the ground floor, with one of the largest fireplaces you’ll ever see, and colourful art installations. It also has a bar with cool DJ sets, and an Asian-inspired restaurant. And it’s big, 424 rooms and suites, for starters, and then the common spaces and meeting rooms, a gym and yoga studio where they offer complimentary classes. Our favourite rooms have huge windows looking out over the city.
For Cool Families
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- Sonder - Solis is a collection of 25 one or two bedroom apartments, decorated with chic simplicity, and with all the essentials in place for a comfortable stay — we’re talking dishwashers and washing machines etc.. Above them all is a cool roof terrace with barbecues and incredible views. It’s a perfect base for families, and for long visits.
- The Hotel Max is a boxy building, in a fantastic Downtown location, with bold, contemporary interiors, confident local artworks, and glorious cityscape views. There are 163 rooms and suites, with a range of shapes and sizes that make it easy to find something for your family, and your dog. The hotel restaurant is popular, and serves Northwest cuisine, but there are restaurants all around.
For Cool Design
- Philippe Starck designed the Lotte Hotel and it’s got his signature blend of functional industrial, and architectural cool about it. Occupying an historic central building, the Sanctuary building, plus a contemporary extension, this is now a large hotel, with 189 rooms and suites, so this isn’t the sort of boutique hotel with individually designed rooms, but they’re certainly designed with aplomb! The Lotte also has a slick spa, a gym, and the 16th floor Charlotte Restaurant, which offers incredible views and fantastic Pacific Northwest cuisine. Many of Seattle’s highlights are in walking distance.
For Romantics
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- With cool green walls, cool mid-century furniture, and interesting local art in all of the 96 rooms and suites — plus a super cool Smeg mini-fridge, the Palihotel Seattle is a cool, central pick. it’s also got a cool bar and restaurant offering fantastic cocktails and Southern-inspired food. And our Gurus think it’s cool that your dog is welcome too.
For Foodies
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- The Inn at the Market is at the market: within Pike Place Market, overlooking Elliot Bay. Even if you don’t stay here there’s a chance you’ll eat in one of its three super cool restaurants — all different and all popular with locals. If you do stay you’ll also benefit from the cool, retro-inspired decor, the incredible views — especially from the roof terrace — and from the spacious-feeling, 70 light, airy rooms.
- The Hotel Andra is a chicly luxurious hotel with a definite Scandinavian flavour: think plenty of wood and rattan, neutral colours and natural fibres, and a huge fireplace in the lobby. The restaurant, Lola, is a big draw here, with a fresh Greek/ Mediterranean menu, and its cooking school, The Hot Stove Society, is well known round town and offers tuition at all levels. You’re also only a short walk from Pike Place Market. Great family options with interconnecting rooms and roll-away beds.
For Great Value
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- The citizenM Seattle South Lake Union is a classic example of the brand, with hip public spaces that really invite you to hang out, and rooms like technologically advanced space pods. The vast hanger of a communal area includes space to work, as well as eat, drink and relax, and you’re within an easy walking distance of the Space Needle and Pike Place Market.
- Seattle’s Ace Hotel was the first in the brand, located in Belltown, within a short walk of the Waterfront, and with views of the Olympic Mountains and the bay. There are just 24 rooms, all comfortable and simply dressed, with white walls and linens, hardwood floors, and original art. There’s no restaurant, but there are plenty around you, and they have a shared kitchen.
Still not sure where to book?