Historic Seattle Hotels | The Hotel Guru

Forward-thinking Seattle is well known for its sleek architecture, lively piers, innovative restaurateurs, and stunning natural setting. However, the city also has some impressive historic buildings. With grand hotels dating back to the 20th century, picking one of these stately stays gives a real sense of place. Our hotel experts have compiled a collection of the best historic Seattle hotels selected on their design, service, location, and amenities. Whether you want a stylishly designed boutique property or a grand luxury stay that harks back to a bygone era, there is plenty to choose from. So why not browse through our collection to start planning your next city break?

For a boutique

Hotel Sorrento is a historic boutique hotel in the heart of First Hill. Vintage rooms and suites feature velvet furnishings and all-white Venetian marble bathrooms. A speakeasy-type bar serves cocktails and there's an outdoor patio with a European-style garden too. A grown-up stay.
The State Hotel is a trendy boutique hotel set in a landmark building dating back to 1904. Expect an on-trend restaurant, happening bar, and eclectic local artwork which adds a real sense of place. Plus there are Puget Sound views from many of the rooms and a very central location.

For luxury

Mayflower Park Hotel is a grand downtown hotel dating back to 1927. The building oozes history from the exterior terracotta tile detailing to the tall ceilings, stained glass windows, and grandfather clocks. Spacious rooms are comfortable with antique tiled floors. A characterful stay with service that matches the surroundings.
Alexis Royal Sonesta Hotel is a historic luxury hotel dating back to 1901 with a downtown location and beautifully updated interiors. The design is urban with warehouse-style windows and exposed brick. The best rooms have enormous two-person soaking tubs but even the entry-level rooms are remarkably comfortable. With a standout gym and spa, this place has it all.

For families

Fairmont Olympic Hotel is a historic hotel and Seattle icon offering a perfect blend of the old and new. Grand public areas hark back to the Edwardian era mixed with Jazz age touches, while spoiling rooms and suites feel surprisingly modern. Unusually for a high-end property, children are very welcome. Expect kids' menus, room amenities, babysitting, and pool access.

Still not sure which to book?

Look at our collection of the best Seattle hotels with a balcony or the best Seattle Waterfront hotels.
Browse through our list of all the best places to stay in Seattle.
Expand your search to include all our Washington State recommendations.
Alternatively, contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.

5 Historic Seattle Hotels

Mayflower Park Hotel

Seattle (Central business district)

1927 downtown hotel oozes history, from the exterior terracotta tile detailing to the tall ceilings; stain glass windows and Grandfather Clock. Spacious rooms are comfortable with antique tiled floors. All the mod-cons are available. Andaluca Restaurant offers a taste of the Med. Great location!

Sights nearby - Seattle Monorail, just outside the hotel, is perfect way to travel to see sights such as The Space Needle.
Local markets - The Pike Place Market is within walking distance.
Full of character
Lively area

from AU$214 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Check availability on Expedia

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

Check availability on Expedia

Hotel Sorrento

Seattle (First Hill)

A historic, boutique Italian style hotel in the heart of First Hill. Vintage rooms and suites feature velvet furniture and all-white Venetian marble bathrooms. A speakeasy-type bar serves delicious cocktails while the outdoor patio, with a European-style garden, is the ideal spot for a quiet drink.

Local exploring - Near downtown landmarks ranging from Seattle Mariners stadium to the Space Needle, The Great Wheel and The Waterfront
Restaurant - European-style garden serving Italian dishes and another refined but casual restaurant
Local markets - Visit Pike place, Seattle’s original farmers market
Sights nearby

from AU$192 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Check availability on Expedia

Fairmont Olympic Hotel

Seattle (Central business district)

Historic hotel & Seattle icon offering a perfect blend of old & new; grand public areas hark back to Edwardian Era mixed with Jazz age touches. Spoiling rooms & suites feel surprisingly modern. Several restaurants, bars & high-end shops make it a destination. One of the city's finest addresses.

Families - Unusually for a high-end property, children are very welcome. Expect kid's menus, room amenities, babysitting & pool access
City Style - City institution with a long history; this is the place for high glamour, great service and luxe amenities
Weddings - A classic choice: the hotel has been the site for grand weddings, events and galas nearly over a century
Restaurant - Beaux Art Olympic Bar serves classic American menu & Afternoon Tea. Breakfast at 4th Ave Espresso Bar or try Shuck's Oyster Bar

from AU$563 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Check availability on Expedia

The State Hotel, Seattle

Seattle (Pike Place Market)

Hip & cool boutique hotel with an unbeatable city-centre location. An on-trend restaurant, happening bar & eclectic local artwork add a real sense of place; there's also a fab roof terrace. Rooms aren't large but offer a great base for exploring; many boast views over Puget Sound. Feel like a local.

Restaurant - A real local favourite, ground floor Ben Paris restaurant features comfort food classics, counter service and great cocktails
Local exploring - The neighbourhood is this hotel's best amenity; walk to all of the coolest spots in the city
City Style - Considered Seattle's best hotel by the millenial Instagram crowd; expect lots of selfies
Local markets - The city's iconic Pike Place Market is literally next door. Try and find the Pike Place Urban Garden

from AU$608 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Check availability on Expedia

5 Historic Seattle Hotels

For a boutique

For luxury

For families

Still not sure which to book?

5 Historic Seattle Hotels

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