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Famously the hometown of Jimi Hendrix, Seattle has long been renowned for its rich musical heritage. Rock icons like Alice in Chains, Pearl Jam and Soundgarden were formed in the city, along with the legendary record label Sub Pop Records – it was even the birthplace of an entire music genre, grunge. A scruffy, arty neighbourhood until the late 1990s, the downtown district of Belltown was once the very heart of it all. Not everyone who visits will be on a grunge pilgrimage, however: today its proximity to the waterfront has seen the development of art and gourmet offerings, including restaurants, bars and cafés, an award-winning park – and yes, fantastic live music venues that hark back to its identity of yesteryear! The best hotels in Belltown cater to a wide range of travellers, including properties that are ideal for business trips or those looking for sophisticated design.
Best value
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- The original of the Ace portfolio, the Ace Hotel, Seattle offers great value if you choose a room with a shared bathroom. Along with fab views of the Olympic Mountains and Elliot Bay, expect comfortable beds, high ceilings and playful artworks.
- The kooky, centrally located Hotel Five has fairly compact but cosy rooms with jolly wall art and generous in-room benefits. Whether enjoying a tipple in the bar, playing games in the lobby or hitting the gym, there's plenty more to take advantage of elsewhere too.
- Housed inside a sleek skyscraper, rooms of The Sound Hotel are intended for long stays. Well-designed, spacious studios are decorated with cool contemporary furniture and modern colours, while a ground-floor café is also available.
Best for waterfront views
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- Brilliantly positioned on Seattle's waterfront, the deluxe lodge-style The Edgewater suits couples and families perfectly. Dine by the fireplace in-room in the sea-facing suites or head to the slick restaurant with a terrace and water views.
Best for chic decor
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- Replete with Nordic design elements, luxury boutique Hotel Andra boasts rooms with light wood finishes, rattan headboards and luxury linens. Don't miss the excellent restaurant, the Greek-themed Lola, headed up by a local celebrity chef.
Best for business trips
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- A hip Belltown base with rock'n'roll stylings inside an Edwardian building, Kimpton Palladian Hotel has chic and unique meeting rooms well-suited to high-end events and gatherings. Cutting-edge cuisine and a speakeasy-style bar attracts a lively local crowd.
Still not sure?