Best Hotels in Downtown Seattle

Downtown Seattle is where you’ll find the Space Needle, Pike Place Market with its coffeehouses and microbreweries, the Waterfront, Pioneer Square, and some of the city’s most famous museums and galleries. And it’s the hub of theatre, shopping, and late night entertainment. There’s a lot more to Seattle than just the Downtown area, but this is a super convenient place to be based, and perfect if it’s your first visit to the city, or you’re not staying long. And our Gurus have come up with a list of the best hotels in downtown Seattle which includes some super affordable choices, as well as some hotels with incredible views, and some really cool ones…Use our guide and start planning your next city break.

For the Album

The Edgewater sits atop Pier 67 on Seattle’s waterfront, with many of the rooms on that side of the hotel featuring balconies over of the water, a bit like a cruise ship. There are 223 rooms and suites, and the suites are big — some with fireplaces and seating areas that allow you to dine privately overlooking the water. So it’s romantic, but also very family friendly, with rubber ducks in the bathrooms and fantastic kids’ menus in both the restaurants. The Edgewater is historically associated with the music industry and they still have regular live music.
The Fairmont Olympic Hotel is an historic icon, taking up a whole block of prime central Seattle. In a hotel this size — it has 450 rooms and suites — and this age, you can expect both all the mod cons and all traditional the features too; so there’s a wonderful afternoon tea, bee hives on the roof terrace, and thoughtful touches for families like tear-free bath products and bath robes of all sizes, plus a state of the art spa and gym, haute couture shopping in house, and fancy TVs.

For the Views

The Thompson Seattle overlooks Puget Sound, with its ‘feet’ on the Waterfront. With floor-to-ceiling windows, and unfussy, stylish decor that doesn’t detract from the impact of the views, this is a peaceful feeling pick. Until you get to the sleek rooftop cocktail bar, when there’s a pleasant buzz of chatter.
The Four Seasons Seattle offers all the perks of the brand, in a wonderful location overlooking Elliot Bay. The simple, stylish decor makes the most of huge windows and lots of light, both in the 147 rooms and suites and in the common areas. The rooftop infinity pool is a highlight, as are the bar and restaurant. The family suites are a great size.
The Hotel 1000 is a sleek, contemporary choice just steps from the Waterfront — and with a sophisticated seafood and oyster bar. We think this is a luxurious pick, but with a friendly starting point for your wallet. The spa has all the bells and whistles, and the corner rooms have incredible views, there’s also a gym, library and business centre, but it’s family, and pet friendly too.

For a City Break

The Kimpton Palladian Hotel has grand dame heritage, but with a trendy makeover. Its Belltown location has influenced the decor, which is striking and cool, with a rock’n’roll edge. There are 97 rooms and suites (the suites are really big!)\ with traditional portraits of contemporary muses, and the occasional black wall. The bar and restaurant are seriously hip too, and popular with the cool local crowds.
The Hotel Vintage is a great base for exploring Seattle. Our pick of the 125 rooms and suites have floor-to-ceiling windows, and some of the suites have four-poster beds. The restaurant, Tulio, is Italian, and popular with locals as well as guests, partly for the regular wine tastings, and both kids and pets of all sizes are welcome.

For Romance

Chic, perfectly located, and reasonably priced, the Palihotel Seattle is our pick for romantics because we think it’s memorable. From the walls, painted a particular shade of green you’re unlikely to see too much of elsewhere, to the original art, vintage and retro furniture, and SMEG min-fridges, this hotel has lots of nice, memorable touches. There’s also a cool bar and laid-back restaurant with a Southern-inspired menu and a fantastic cocktail list.

For City Style

The Alexis Royal Sonesta Hotel is a chic, 121 room hotel in the West Edge neighbourhood, which is close to Pioneer Square, the Waterfront and Pike Place Market. Historic on the outside, but recently refurbished on the inside — with the sort of interiors you see in interiors magazines — this is a great pick for location, views, and city style. Our Gurus especially appreciate the Bookstore Bar and Cafe — which runs whiskey tastings — the spa, and the fantastic gym with climbing wall.
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, plus 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 Foodies

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 restaurants — all different and all popular with locals. If you do stay you’ll also benefit from the incredible views, especially from the roof terrace; from the spacious feeling in the 70 light, airy rooms; and when you’re booking you’ll benefit from the range of room sizes.
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, 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 Cool Kids

The State Hotel is cool from its Art Deco facade, to its incredible roof terrace overlooking Puget Sound — via a trendy restaurant, eclectic local artwork, and 91 unfussily stylish rooms. And you’re right next door to Pike Place Market, close to a collection of iconic live-music venues, and only 200m from the original Starbucks. Expect lots of selfies and Instagram photography.
W Seattle is big, cool and colourful, with a lounge lobby known for its vast fireplace and bold art installations, a bar known for its DJs, and an Asian-inspired restaurant known for its skyscraper views. It also has a sound studio, a gym with complimentary yoga classes, and a very welcoming pets policy.

For Great Value

The Ace Hotel is a small and affordable choice in cool, central Belltown. This property keeps things simple and stylish, with basic, but cool decor, and no restaurant. What it does have is a fantastic location, surrounded by great places to eat and drink, a shared kitchen, and interesting art works.
The Hotel Monaco is affordable, perfectly positioned, and has great facilities for the whole family — including the four-legged members. The restaurant, Sazerac, is well regarded, and our Gurus were impressed with the drinks as well as the food. The decor feels European, and our pick of the 189 rooms and suites have whirlpool baths!

Still not sure where to book?

You could browse our recommendations for all the best places to stay in Seattle
Or peruse our Seattle collections, historic Seattle hotels, for example, or the best hotel views in Seattle
Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.

16 Best Hotels in Downtown Seattle

The Alexis Royal Sonesta Hotel

Seattle (Central business district)

An historic hotel well placed in Seattle's West Edge Neighborhood. Beautifully refurbished interiors are chic and contemporary. Rooms offer vast windows with epic city views, local artworks, and muted hues. With a gourmet restaurant, atmospheric bar, and the city's best gym, this is a luxury stay.

Local exploring - Well located in the city’s historic West Edge Neighborhood with the Waterfront, Pioneer Square, and Pike Place Market nearby
City Style - With the perfect blend of a grand historic building and stylish modern interiors, this is a chic choice for a city stay
Gym - Arguably the city's best gym with a rock-climbing wall, Peloton Bikes, and cutting-edge strength and cardio equipment
Local markets - The city's famed Pike Place Market is a short walk away and a real must-visit

from AU$429 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

16 Best Hotels in Downtown Seattle

For the Album

For the Views

For a City Break

For Romance

For City Style

For Foodies

For Cool Kids

For Great Value

Still not sure where to book?

16 Best Hotels in Downtown Seattle

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