The Hotel Guru
Seattle
13 Best Boutique Hotels in Seattle

13 Best Boutique Hotels in Seattle

Seattle is indy cool. From top to toe. So it makes sense that the hotel scene in Seattle would have an independent or boutique flavour too. Seattle’s boutique hotels don’t tick all the boutique boxes, mostly because they’ve managed to scale up their cool to a degree where it’s not feasible to have individually decorated rooms — but that’s what you get in the city with the first ever Starbucks — and the independent, original vibe runs through them anyway, from the care taken in the decor, to the personalised service, and stylish common spaces. There’s plenty of boutique hotels to choose from in Seattle, but these are our Gurus’ picks of the best.

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 hotel. Until you get to the sleek rooftop cocktail bar, when there’s a pleasant buzz of chatter. Its 158 rooms and suites don’t vary dramatically from each other, but everything has been carefully chosen to create that boutique hotel feel of this being a one-of-a-kind place to stay.
The Alexis Sonesta Hotel is another hotel with fantastic views; it’s in the West Edge neighbourhood, which equates to bay views, and being close to the Waterfront, Pioneer Square and Pike Place Market. The outside is grand and historic, but the interiors have been given a contemporary overhaul, and a colour palette of greens and dark greys against walnut. The art is local. There’s an excellent gym, a gourmet restaurant and an atmospheric bar.

For a City Break

How do you feel about green? it’s an important question to ask yourself before checking in to the Palihotel Seattle, because its walls are a particularly unique shade, which works beautifully with their mid-century furniture, white linens and floral details. And surprisingly well with the hotel’s excellent collection of local art too. In addition to the art, the 96 rooms and suites have Smeg mini-fridges. Downstairs there’s a laid-back restaurant with a Southern-inspired menu and an enviable cocktail list.
Kimpton Palladian Hotel was an Edwardian grand dame, but it’s been refurbished into one of Seattle’s coolest hotels. The Belltown location lends kudos, and rock’n’roll heritage, which the designers have played on really effectively, so you can expect oil paintings of rock legends, pop art, and black walls. There are 97 rooms and suites, and the suites are generously proportioned. The bar and restaurant are super cool too, loved by locals as well as guests.

For City Style

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. 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.

For Romantics

The Hotel Theodore is a chic bolthole in Downtown Seattle, with a firm eye on promoting homegrown talent, whether in produce for the cool restaurant, or the locally handmade furniture, art produced locally, and even down to the smells. It’s a larger outfit than your traditional boutique hotel, and the rooms are cut from the same stylish cloth, rather than individually decorated, but there’s still a feeling of originality.
The Hotel Ballard is a smaller hotel, with just 29 rooms and suites, in the up-and-coming Ballard Docks area. We like the romantic scale: big, light rooms, with big beds and big bathtubs, fireplaces and, in the best cases, mountain views — the suites have private balconies too. The hotel restaurant is popular locally, and serves Mediterranean food and delicious cocktails.

For Design Chic

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 Cool Kids

The Graduate Seattle occupies an Art Deco building in the University District, with views from some rooms that include the Space Needle. This is another hotel where the rooms aren’t individual, but are certainly original, with a great mash-up of styles and shapes starting with the Art Deco heritage, the varsity location, and hip art, patterns and colours. The 154 rooms make this a big enough hotel to have some great extras, like a too-cool-for-school library lobby lounge, a cafe and wine bar, a 24 hour gym, and a rooftop bar where you can regularly hear DJs.

For Families

Sonder - Solis is a collection of airy, self-catering, one and two bedroom apartments in Seattle’s Capitol neighbourhood. Compact, but well designed, so that they feel spacious, these apartments have open plan kitchens and living/dining areas, and they share a vast roof terrace with barbecues. Perfect for families and long stays.
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 Great Value

The Hotel Sorrento is an historic hotel in the heart of First Hill, with 75 elegant rooms and suites. Plenty of boutique details are present: bespoke original wood panelling, marble bathrooms, vintage furniture and details, and decor you might try to replicate at home. However these rooms riff on a decorative theme and aren’t entirely unique — though that does avoid the need to choose so carefully! The old fashioned cocktail bar, and outdoor patio make it a popular spot with the locals too.
Small, and affordable, the Ace Hotel Seattle is in a great spot, in hip Belltown, with views of the Olympic Mountains and the bay. These 28 rooms are simply decorated, with plenty of white, and artworks for interest. There’s no restaurant, but you’re surrounded by great places to eat and drink, and there’s a shared kitchen.

Still not sure where to book?

You could browse our recommendations for all the best places to stay in Seattle
Or our Gurus’ recommendation for the best hotels in Downtown 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.
- Hotel Sorrento Seattle (First Hill) 75 rooms from $125
  
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  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  -  Well located for major sights.
  
  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. See More
  
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- Hotel Theodore Seattle (Central Business District) 153 rooms from $189
  
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  Romantic Break  -  The artisan-equipped suites at this hotel are perfect for a romantic break; book dinner at Rider restaurant to round off the day
  City Style  -  Set in the heart of Seattle with interiors inspired by local crafts, this boutique bolt-hole has lots of local city charm
  Local exploring  -  This hotel is ideally placed for local exploring, with bars, restaurants and tourist attractions within walking distance
  Sailing  -  For a romantic afternoon on a bright day, head to Lake Union to go boating after wandering around the Museum of History
  
  This chic bolt-hole is nestled in downtown Seattle. Interiors pay homage to the artisan history of the city with locally sourced, handmade furniture and Provenance Signature amenities. Hotel restaurant Rider offers unfussy, locally sourced cuisine, the perfect match for this laid-back getaway. See More
  
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- Graduate Seattle Seattle (University District) 154 rooms from $203
  
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  Views  -  For jaw-dropping views over Seattle and beyond book a Skyline View room; spot mountain peaks, iconic sites and lake vistas
  Roof terrace  -  Mountaineering Club, popular 16th floor rooftop bar, offers some of the best views of the city over cocktails and snacks
  Local exploring  -  Perfectly located whether you're in town for the university, game day or simply sightseeing; so much is walking distance
  City Style  -  Plush yet affordable, fun but with great amenities, this cool yet cosy property strikes the perfect balance
  Recommended by  -  Tablet
  
  Trendy boutique-style hotel set in University District. Inspired by the building's Art Deco origins, decor blends chic tassels & scalloped edges with bold varsity colours. Rooms & a buzzy rooftop bar offer pano city views while the library lobby lounge is the heart of the action. Lively yet luxe. See More
  
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- The State Hotel, Seattle Seattle (Pike Place Market) 91 rooms from $395
  
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  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
  
  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. See More
  
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- Hotel Ballard Seattle (Ballard) 29 rooms from $405
  
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  Local exploring  -  Offers an insight into authentic local life; explore independent boutiques, markets, music venues, theatres & trendy restaurants
  Romantic Break  -  Fab romantic retreat for couple's with an on-site restaurant, spa next door, luxurious soaking tubs and beautiful views
  Views  -  Enjoy classic Washington State views over Olympic mountain range across Puget Sound
  Local markets  -  Visit the nieghbourhood's Farmer's Market on Sundays before exploring the unique shops and eclectic eateries of Ballard Avenue
  Recommended by  -  Tablet
  
  Deluxe hotel & Italian restaurant set in up-and-coming Ballard Docks. Tuscan-style rooms boast soaking tubs, fireplaces & mountain views; suites are especially romantic. Attached to the area's Olympic Athletic's Club, guests have access to the pool, gym & spa. An intimate boutique bolthole. See More
  
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- Palihotel Seattle Seattle (Pike Place Market) 96 rooms from $149
  
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  Local exploring  -  Well positioned near Pike Place Market with many of the city's main attractions within walking distance
  Local markets  -  Sample regional favourites at the nearby Pike Place Market
  Restaurant  -  Hart & Hunter Restaurant
  Full of character
  Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, Tablet
  
  Boasting a central location in vibrant Seattle and cool contemporary design. Stylish rooms are decorated in green hues and feature smeg mini-fridges and retro furniture. The laid-backed restaurant serves Southern-inspired dishes and the bar offers delectable cocktails. A chic city base. See More
  
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- Sonder - Solis Seattle (Capitol Hill) 25 rooms from $203
  
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  Groups  -  Two-bedroom suites are ideal for friends and families with fully-equipped kitchens, laundry and plenty of space
  Families  -  One-bedroom suites all come with pull-out sofa beds which work well for couples with a child
  Minimum Stay  -  Two night minimum stay applies on all bookings
  Lively area  -  In the thick of the action.
  
  Airy and contemporary self-catered apartments in Seattle's cool Capitol neighbourhood. One & two-bedroom suites come with open-plan kitchens, dining & living areas plus modern tech and all the amenities of home. Enjoy a vast rooftop terrace with outdoor grills. Super comfortable for long stays. See More
  
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- Kimpton Palladian Hotel Seattle (Belltown) 97 rooms from $321
  
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  Business meetings  -  Chic meeting rooms with unique design make a change from standard hotel offerings; well-suited to high-end events & gatherings
  Local exploring  -  Ideal downtown location means guests are walking distance to the Waterfront, sites, restaurants, shops and nightlife
  Pet friendly  -  Pets are welcome at no extra fee plus welcome amenity. Ask about pet-sitting, grooming and dog-walking services
  City Style  -  Super stylish but doesn't take itself too seriously; ticks all the luxury boxes plus a sense of humour
  
  An Edwardian grand dame turned into a trendy Belltown base. Striking decor reflects the area's rock'n'roll heritage; expect pop art pillows, black walls, European baths & traditional portraits. Cutting-edge cuisine & a speakeasy-style bar attracts a lively local crowd. A playful blend of old & new. See More
  
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- Thompson Seattle Seattle (Pike Place Market) 158 rooms from $546
  
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  Romantic Break  -  With beautifully appointed suites, sea views and a rooftop cocktail bar, book this hotel for an unforgettable couples' getaway
  Local exploring  -  Set a stone's throw from the waterfront, next to the best local bars and restaurants, book this hotel for city exploring
  City Style  -  With boutique interiors and an unbeatable downtown location, book this hotel for chic Seattle style
  Local markets  -  Visit Pike Place Market, a vibrant local market which neighbours the hotel
  
  This luxury hotel is nestled close to the Puget Sound waterfront in Seattle. Beautifully appointed guestrooms have sea views from floor-to-ceiling windows and a nautical-themed colour palette. The sleek rooftop cocktail bar makes this hotel a social hub in downtown Seattle. See More
  
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- The Alexis Royal Sonesta Hotel Seattle (Central business district) 121 rooms from $279
  
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  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
  Recommended by  -  Tablet
  
  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. See More
  
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- Ace Hotel, Seattle Seattle (Belltown) 28 rooms from $129
  
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  Value chic  -  Stylish rooms start from as little as $129 per night if you're happy to share a bathroom.
  Local markets  -  Pike Place Market for a collection of restaurants, bars and shops.
  Short break  -  Great location and with all the facilities to make it your home.
  Sailing  -  Ballard Locks.
  Recommended by  -  Tablet
  
  Situated in Belltown with views of the Olympic Mountains and Elliot Bay this is the original Ace Hotel. Twenty eight comfortable rooms and interiors filled with loft ceilings, hardwood floors and interesting artworks. Plus a shared kitchen for creating your own breakfast. See More
  
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- Lotte Hotel Seattle Seattle (Central business district) 189 rooms from $385
  
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  Local exploring  -  Great central location which means that many of Seattle's best bits are within walking distance
  Views  -  You'll find epic views both over the Elliott Bay and city skyline from floor to ceiling windows
  City Style  -  The Philippe Starck designed interiors ooze sophisticated style and luxury
  Sights nearby  -  Pike Place Market, Seattle Waterfront and the original Starbucks are all within walking distance
  
  Philippe Starck designed luxury hotel with epic views. A stunning mix of old-meets-new is housed in the historic Sanctuary building and its modern addition. Floor to ceiling windows offer jaw-dropping vistas and the interior finish is seriously slick. A spa and superb dining complete the picture. See More
  
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- Hotel Ändra Seattle (Belltown) 123 rooms from $209
  
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  Foodies  -  The onsite cookery school The Hot Stove Society offers a range of classes for amateurs of all abilities!
  Local exploring  -  Hotel Ändra's central location makes it an ideal base for exploring Seattle
  City Style  -  Chic Scandi design in a superb central location
  Restaurant  -  Lola Restaurant offers delicious Greek/Mediterranean cuisine from renowned chef Tom Douglas
  
  Scandi chic luxury hotel with excellent restaurant in Seattle's bustling downtown. Sophisticated interiors offer plenty of Nordic design elements and a large slice of hygge! Rooms are dressed with subtle shades and boast light wood finishes, rattan headboards and luxury linens. A stylish city base. See More
  
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