Wondering where to stay in Seattle? Tucked between Puget Sound, Lake Washington, the Cascade and Olympic Mountains, the rainy city of Seattle has a lot to offer. With a famous music scene known for growing some of America’s most notable artists, world-famous structures like the Space Needle, and a thriving arts and culture trail there’s so much to do in Seattle that it’s difficult to know where to start.
Home of the first Starbucks, a renowned university, the exceptional Pike Market, the largest gay pride festival in the country, and a flourishing food and coffee culture the city has a lot to be proud of and loves to share it. Humbly, of course, because the laid-back vibes here are second to none!
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Where to stay in Seattle
Seattle is easy to get around and benefits from free public transport in central areas making it extremely convenient for visitors. A vibrant city with enough to keep a visitor busy for weeks and it’s known as the Emerald City for good reason.
A collection of neighbourhoods, no two areas offer the same experience so it’s best to base yourself somewhere fairly central and make your way around as many as possible. It’s a big place, with accommodation options for every kind of traveller, so check out or neighbourhood guide and find the best place for you.
Downtown - Central area with world-class theatre and arts
Why stay in Downtown
Seattle is known for its relaxed atmosphere - even in the downtown area, which is far more bustling than the rest of the city, you'll still get that Seattle laidback way of life. This a perfect hub for sightseeing and getting around to other parts of the city, its encircled by Capitol Hill, Pioneer Square, Queen Anne, and Elliot Bay. It also benefits from being within a fare-free travel zone for the city buses. It's an area of high rises, fantastic shopping (including the famous Pike Place Market, Seattle's top tourist destination), world-class theatre and arts, and views of the waterfront and famous Seattle skyline. You can even visit the original Starbucks. There's a wide range of accommodation here including some of the most luxurious hotels in the city.
Why avoid Downtown
It's a buzzing area which could be a bit busy for anyone looking to enjoy the relaxed Seattle life or anyone looking for the hipster scene that the city is famous for. Most of the major attractions are also in Queen Anne, so if you're not in the city for high-end shopping or theatre then this might not be the area for you. It's also one of the most expensive areas in the city.
Where to stay in Downtown
Check Palihotel Seattle on Booking.com
Palihotel Seattle
Palihotel Seattle offers accommodation in Seattle near Pike Place Market and Space Needle. Featuring a 24-hour front desk, this property also provides guests with a restaurant. The property is situated in the Seattle Central Waterfront district.
Compare prices and read reviews, check: Booking.comHyatt at Olive 8
After a day in downtown Seattle, guests can enjoy a sauna and a fitness centre at Olive 8 Hyatt. Styled in a soothing colour scheme, each modern room provides an iPod docking station, a flat-screen cable TV and a seating area.
Compare prices and read reviews, check: Booking.comKimpton Hotel Monaco Seattle
Located in Central Seattle, Kimpton Hotel Monaco Seattle features a morning coffee and tea service. All of the contemporary rooms offer free WiFi, a yoga mat, and luxury bath amenities. The Space Needle and Safeco Field are both 0.9 miles away.
Compare prices and read reviews, check: Booking.comSeattle Centre - The heart of the city and great for getting around
Why stay in Seattle Centre
Just northwest of the Downtown area, whether you stay here or there you'll be able to enjoy the benefits of the other. With the famous Space Needle marking this are like a spire, you'll always be able to find your way back. With easy access to the areas encircling Downtown and the benefit of the fare-free zone, there's a lot on offer nearby/ Specific to the area you can visit the Experience Music Project museum where you can enjoy works from some of the infamous musical artists from the area like Nirvana and Jimi Hendrix. You also have easy access to the Westlake Center shopping mall for all of your shopping needs. If you're looking to be dead centre of the city with easy access to everything, this is it.
Why avoid Seattle Centre
Much like Downtown, it's an expensive and busy area and also lacks some of the character of the rest of the city like the historical and hipster areas.
Where to stay in Seattle Centre
Check Mayflower Park Hotel on Booking.com
Mayflower Park Hotel
Built in 1927, this historic hotel located in the centre of Seattle, within a 10-minute walk to Pike Place Market. It features Andaluca Restaurant and Oliver’s Lounge. All guest rooms are decorated with traditional furnishings, and free Wi-Fi is available throughout the entire property.
Compare prices and read reviews, check: Booking.comRenaissance Seattle Hotel
Tea and coffee-making facilities are provided in each room at the Renaissance Seattle Hotel and the hotel features 2 on-site restaurants, a fitness centre. Warmly decorated, all rooms include a fridge. The Space Needle is 1.5 miles away.
Compare prices and read reviews, check: Booking.comMotif Seattle
Featuring scenic views of Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains, this hotel overlooks the city centre streets of Seattle. Guests here can enjoy the on-site restaurant and bar, or convenient room service.
Compare prices and read reviews, check: Booking.comPin this now
University District - youthful, energetic area with great food
Why stay in University District
As you might guess, this is the district associated with the University of Washington and is the big uni area of the city just northeast of Downtown. It's got a youthful atmosphere that's totally different from the rest of the city and is hugely multi-cultural with an ever-changing list of events in the area (don't miss the historic Sundance Cinema), bookshops, quirky bars, stores and bohemian cafes. There's also a buzzing foodie scene in the area. There are lots of cycle paths which spread through the neighbourhood and Ravenna Park. This is a perfect area for budget travellers or anyone who enjoys vibrant, energetic areas.
Why avoid in University District
Where to stay in University District
Check Staypineapple at Watertown Hotel on Booking.com
Staypineapple at Watertown Hotel
This Seattle hotel is only 4 blocks from the University of Washington. The hotel offers free shuttle service to Westlake Center, University of Washington Campus, and UW Medical Center.
Compare prices and read reviews, check: Booking.comSilver Cloud Hotel - Seattle University of Washington District
The contemporary guest rooms at Silver Cloud Inn - University offer a microwave, a refrigerator and a coffee maker. The University of Washington is a half mile away.
Compare prices and read reviews, check: Booking.comCollege Inn - European-Style Hotel
The College Inn is a 2 minutes' drive from the University of Washington and within 15 minutes' walk to the nearest Link light rail station. It offers a daily continental breakfast. A cafe and a lounge are available at the College Inn.
Compare prices and read reviews, check: Booking.comPioneer Square - Historical area with lots to offer
Why stay in Pioneer Square
If you're looking for a district that has a long and interesting heritage, then Pioneer Square has a lot to offer. Considered the city's first unofficial neighbourhood as it was home to some of the earliest settlers of Seattle. You can even take an underground tour of Pioneer Square and see remnants of structures from 1889 or learn about the Gold Rush at the National Historic Park. The area is well-known for its interesting architecture, being home to the grunge movement when Nirvana and Pearl Jam were getting started (the Central Saloon, Seattle's oldest bar is a great place to visit for music fans). Sports fans will enjoy visiting the CenturyLink Field and Safeco Field and there's more than enough boutique shopping, bistros, trendy bars cafes to make sure you're never looking for something to do. This is definitely an area to get to know everything that makes Seattle what it is today.
Why avoid Pioneer Square
There's a huge nightlife scene here which is known for getting a bit crazy at night which could be a positive depending on what you're looking for. While there's a lot to do Pioneer Square, it also isn't the most convenient area for visiting the major sightseeing spots of the city as it's right on the edge of the downtown area.
Where to stay in Pioneer Square
Check Courtyard Seattle Downtown / Pioneer Square on Booking.com
Courtyard Seattle Downtown / Pioneer Square
Located in the centre of Seattle’s historic downtown, this hotel is a 10-minute walk to CenturyLink Field. Facilities include an indoor pool, on-site full-service bar and rooms with free Wi-Fi.
Compare prices and read reviews, check: Booking.comUpscale Apartments in Stadium District
Upscale Apartments features in each unit a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher, flat-screen TV, a dining area, and/or a balcony. Each apartment is fitted with a private bathroom with free toiletries and a hairdryer. Towels are available.
Compare prices and read reviews, check: Booking.comBest Western Plus Pioneer Square Hotel
Rooms at this Seattle Hotel feature a TV, coffee machine, iron and ironing board, an alarm clock and free continental breakfast. The hotel is only 1.5 miles from the Space Needle.
Compare prices and read reviews, check: Booking.comCapitol Hill - hipster capital full of creativity
Why stay in Capitol Hill
For those looking for the hipster scene that Seattle is legend for then the busy Capitol Hill area is the key area with artisanal cafes and coffee houses, arty shops and independent fashion labels, and thrift stores, and fantastic restaurants. The area is youthful, is famous for its LGBTQ crowd and has a massive music scene including some of the best nightlife in the city, regular gigs, and the Capitol Hill Block Party music festival in the Summer. There's even a Jimi Hendrix statue in the area. If you love art or creative endeavours in general then you'll find lots to do here with galleries, craft and cooking classes, and museums galore including the Seattle Asian Art Museum and the Seattle Japanese Garden. You could easily spend every day in this area and no run out of interesting things to get up to.
Why avoid Capitol Hill
It's one of the most populated neighbourhoods in Seattle and is very busy as a result. Apart from the business, this means that parking is almost impossible if you're using a car and accommodation fills up very quickly. Book early and be prepared to use public transport.
Where to stay in Capitol Hill
Check Mozart Guest House Seattle Bed & Breakfast on Booking.com
Mozart Guest House Seattle Bed & Breakfast
Mozart B&B offers a European breakfast, library and free Wi-Fi in all rooms. Guest rooms are decorated in Victorian style with antique furniture. Each room has cable TV with HBO and a private bathroom.
Compare prices and read reviews, check: Booking.comQueen Anne - Upmarket area with iconic views
Why stay in Queen Anne Hill
A lively area full of wealthy residential buildings, Queen Anne Hill is essentially split into two parts. The lower half which contains most of the contemporary attractions visitors to Seattle are hoping to see like the Space Needle, Seattle Centre, and the Museum of Pop Culture. Conversely, the upper half is filled with historic houses, quaint streets, boutique shopping, and fine dining. You can also head to Kerry Park to catch a fantastic view of the city's iconic skyline. A great transport hub, there's easy access to the monorail and the other attractions in the city.
Why avoid Queen Anne Hill
It's primarily residential and is a bit light on cultural things to do outside of the major tall buildings. It's also quite an expensive area and suited to those who want a quieter, upmarket stay next to the sights that Seattle is famous for.
Where to stay in Queen Anne Hill
Check Staypineapple at The Maxwell Hotel on Booking.com
Staypineapple at The Maxwell Hotel
Located within walking distance of Seattle’s Space Needle, The Maxwell Hotel offers original artwork and colourful interiors. Guests can enjoy free access to the indoor pool and the fitness room. Each guest room features wood floors, free WiFi and a 42-inch flat-screen TV.
Compare prices and read reviews, check: Booking.comCourtyard Seattle Downtown/Lake Union
Featuring panoramic views of Lake Union and the Seattle skyline, this hotel offers rooms with a modern interior. All rooms are equipped with a seating area, a TV, a work desk, and tea and coffee making facilities. Room service is available.
Compare prices and read reviews, check: Booking.comHampton Inn & Suites Seattle-Downtown
Located within walking distance of the Space Needle and within 20 minutes metro ride of Seattle Art Museum, Seattle Piers and the Seattle Aquarium. Guests at the Seattle Downtown Hampton Inn and Suites can enjoy a restful night's sleep on the hotel's signature Cloud Nine beds.
Compare prices and read reviews, check: Booking.comPike Place Market - Bustling market area and Seattle's biggest attraction
Why stay in Pike Place Market
If you'd like to stay in the heart of Seattle's most visited attraction (and 33rd most visited globally) and overlook the beautiful Elliot Bay at the same time, then Pike Market is a great choice. The oldest functional farmer's market attracts over ten million visitors annually and is a vibrant and exciting place to stay. Not just fruit and vegetables, the market is full of family-owned restaurants, crafts, antiques, comic book collections, vintage clothes, antiquarian books - anything you could imagine divided over several levels. You're also close to the downtown area for other things to get up to.
Why avoid Pike Place Market
If you're not particularly interested in spending a lot of time at the market then this might not suit you, there's also a lot of foot traffic since it's so popular. There isn't a big range of accommodation close by so it's best to book early otherwise consider the nearby Downtown or Belltown area.
Where to stay in Pike Place Market
Check Motif Seattle on Booking.com
Motif Seattle
Featuring scenic views of Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains, this hotel overlooks the city centre streets of Seattle. Each room and suite at Motif Seattle comes with NEST Bath & Body products, a JBL Bluetooth alarm clock, and a gourmet coffee machine.
Compare prices and read reviews, check: Booking.comPalihotel Seattle
Palihotel Seattle offers accommodation in Seattle near Pike Place Market and Space Needle. Rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV, a desk, private bathroom and free WiFi.
Compare prices and read reviews, check: Booking.comBelltown Inn
Located 15 minutes walk to the Olympic Sculpture Park which overlooks the Puget Sound, the Belltown Inn features a furnished rooftop terrace. Rooms include a kitchenette, LCD TV and free toiletries in the en suite bathroom. Coffee-making facilities are provided in every room.
Compare prices and read reviews, check: Booking.comSouth Lake Union - Calm and techy urban neighbourhood
Why stay in South Lake Union
Seattle's innovation hub, home to many of the biggest technology companies and local businesses. It's an urban neighbourhood that's fast becoming the place to be in Seattle. Full of food trucks, cafes, local restaurants, and bars there's always something new popping up in the area. The Lake Union Park, a waterside museum is a must-visit for those wanting to know about the history of the area and The Centre for Wooden Boats offers fun sailing related activities including some dragon boat carving. This is a great area for people interested in tech or who enjoy wide open waterside spaces separate from the busier areas of the city.
Why avoid South Lake Union
Geared towards business workers, residents, and upmarket visitors this is a very different vibe from many of the more hipster areas of the city or the bustling downtown. The accommodation leans towards the higher end and so do the restaurants and bars. There's also little to do in the area in terms of tourist attractions but does offer a calmer local space for people watching.
Where to stay in South Lake Union
Check EVEN Hotel Seattle - South Lake Union on Booking.com
EVEN Hotel Seattle - South Lake Union
Set in the South Lake Union district of Seattle, EVEN Hotel Seattle - South Lake Union provides rooms with free WiFi and fitness kits. The property is situated 0.7 miles from Space Needle.
Compare prices and read reviews, check: Booking.comCourtyard Seattle Downtown/Lake Union
Featuring panoramic views of Lake Union and the Seattle skyline, this hotel offers air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi and cable TV. Lake Union Park is 6 minutes' walk away.
Compare prices and read reviews, check: Booking.comSilver Cloud Inn - Seattle Lake Union
Silver Cloud Inn offers free local area shuttle services, complimentary parking. The Space Needle is 1.3 miles away. Bright, spacious rooms include a microwave, refrigerator and coffee facilities.
Compare prices and read reviews, check: Booking.comBelltown - trendy, upmarket area with miles of shopping
Why stay in Belltown
Nearby Pike Market, this a trendy and upmarket area is full of wine bars, boutique shopping, tree-lined streets, and cafes. A walkable area with easy access to downtown, you don't need much in the way or public transport if you're staying here. Known to be one of the coolest areas in the city, the nightlife is glamorous and the entertainment and shopping options area endless - particularly on 1st Avenue which is the main attraction in the area offering miles of retail and dining options along the waterfront area. The historic Cinerama Theatre is also very popular. It's a beautiful area which shows off the very best of Seattle.
Why avoid Belltown
The main downside to this area is that caters towards the high-end visitor so budget travellers may find it difficult to get affordable accommodation in this expensive district.
Where to stay in Belltown
Check The Inn at El Gaucho on Booking.com
The Inn at El Gaucho
This hotel offers suites with stylish handmade furnishings and separate seating areas. The Inn at El Gaucho is in Seattle’s Belltown District, just minutes from the Space Needle.
Compare prices and read reviews, check: Booking.comSpringHill Suites Seattle Downtown
A hot breakfast buffet is available each day at this Seattle hotel. Guest rooms feature free Wi-Fi and a kitchenette. A seating area with a sofa and a flat-screen cable TV is featured in all guest rooms.
Compare prices and read reviews, check: Booking.comThe Loyal Inn Seattle
The Loyal Inn is situated in Downtown Seattle, 650 yards from the Space Needle. Every room at this hotel is air-conditioned and comes with a flat-screen TV, private bathroom, free toiletries and a hairdryer.
Compare prices and read reviews, check: Booking.comWoodinville - Vineyard countryside getaway close to the city
Why stay in Woodinville
If you're not looking to stay in central Seattle and instead are looking for a totally different experience in rolling vineyards than Woodinville might be the perfect getaway. Activities in this area which is located 15 minutes north of Bellvue and half an hour northeast of central Seattle are very different to in the city and involve the areas many wine tasting rooms, hot-air balloon rides, strolling along the river trail, cycling and horseback riding. The ultimate relaxing, luxury experience which is still accessible from central Seattle. Accommodation in the area tends to be quaint and ranges from mid-range to luxury.
Why avoid Woodinville
Mainly if you want to be based near Seattle's attractions or the main city as coming in and out of Woodinville wouldn't be the most convenient place for sightseeing. Accommodation in the area books up fast, particularly in the peak summer season so book early if you'd like to stay here.
Where to stay in Woodinville
Check Willows Lodge on Booking.com
Willows Lodge
Offering accommodation in Woodinville, Willows Lodge provides a Northwest ambience with its massive fireplace, luxurious beds, and 5 acres of gardens. Seattle is 20 minutes' drive of the property and several award-winning wineries are located nearby. On-site a full-service spa and 2 restaurants.
Compare prices and read reviews, check: Booking.comHampton Inn & Suites- Seattle Woodinville Wa
Hampton Inn & Suites- Seattle Woodinville Wa is offering accommodation in Woodinville. This 3-star hotel offers free WiFi. Continental breakfast is served every morning at the property.
Compare prices and read reviews, check: Booking.comHideaway Lodge B and B
Set in Woodinville, Hideaway Lodge B and B offers 3.5 acres of gardens and trails. All rooms feature a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a private bathroom, and garden views. Guests at Hideaway Lodge B and B can enjoy a hot 2-course gourmet breakfast with gluten-free and vegetarian options available.
Compare prices and read reviews, check: Booking.com
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