Looking for where to stay in Seattle? We have you covered in this guide to hotels and which areas and the best Seattle neighborhoods to stay in. Planning to visit one of the most amazing cities in the US’s Pacific NorthWest can be difficult to figure out where to stay, that’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you decide which neighborhood in Seattle is best for you based on your interests and even budget!
Check out our getaway guide for where to stay in Seattle to help you plan your trip like a pro. With tons of amazing Seattle hotel options from artsy hotels, hipster hotels, amazing boutique hotels, and B&Bs you can’t go wrong with which area you choose to stay in.
Be sure to also check out what to do in Seattle for a first time visitor if this is your first trip!
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Best Seattle Areas to Stay in
Downtown Seattle
THE SCENE
Downtown is a great choice for where to stay in Seattle if you want to be centrally located with something always going on. There seems to always be a major event going on in Downtown Seattle and the area is rather lively and the central business district of the city.
Plus this area in Seattle is the heart of the city and where you’ll find alot of the tourist attractions including one of our favorite spots in the city, Pike Place Market! Even though the downtown area isn’t large there’s still alot going on here!
WHO IT’S FOR
Downtown is where to stay in Seattle for business travelers and travelers looking to be in the center of all the action since it’s the busiest neighborhood in the city.
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
Nearby attractions include the famous Pike Place Market, the famous Gum Wall, the gorgeous Public Library, Seattle Art Museum, Benaroya Hall, Paramount Theater, 5th Avenue Theater, Showbox, shopping at Westlake Center, Pacific Place, piers on the waterfront, and Pioneer Square is right next door.
Hotels in Downtown Seattle
$$ Sorrento Hotel
We actually stayed Hotel Sorrento in Downtown Seattle during our visit and LOVED it. This historic hotel feels straight out of a Wes Anderson film and features elegant Italian architecture. Each room is designed uniquely which include antique details and furnishing.
They also have an amazing bar and restaurant on site and even poetry readings or silent readings in the Dunbar Room with a fireplace.
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$$$ Four Seasons Hotel Seattle
The Four Seasons Hotel is where to stay in Seattle if you’re looking for the ultimate luxury experience in the city. The amazing location is just 3 minutes walk to the Seattle Museum of art and only 5 minutes to Pike Place Market.
The amazing rooms come with city or bay views with marble bathrooms with tubs. Upgrade to a suite for a separate living room and panoramic views of the city. Don’t forget to check out the unbelievable rooftop infinity pool too!
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Pioneer Square
THE SCENE
Full of beautiful brick and stone historic buildings this area of town is full of character and considered the birthplace of Seattle itself. We found this area to be the most photogenic spot in the city, but Pioneer Square gets a bad reputation and is considered the first Skid Row. We didn’t feel threatened or scared walking through the area, but as long as you use your better judgment – just as you should no matter where you are traveling to- you should be fine.
This is a Seattle area not to be missed. There are also tons of great galleries and cafes in the area to check out and one of our favorite areas in the city, for more ideas of how to spend your time here be sure to check out our guide to one day in Seattle.
WHO IT’S FOR
Pioneer Square is where to stay in Seattle if you love the aesthetics of old buildings and want to still be walking distance to Downtown Seattle. We think Pioneer Square is perfect for just any traveler since it’s a convenient location and has a lot of history and its one of our personal favorite Seattle areas to explore.
If you’re into ghosts and paranormal activity, you can check out some of the said to be haunted spots around here as well!
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
Nearby attractions include Downtown Seattle, Smith Tower, Merchant’s Cafe, Flatstick Pub, Century Link Field, Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, Occidental Square, and the Seattle underground.
Hotels in Pioneer Square
$$ Kimpton Alexis Hotel
The Kimpton Alexis Hotel is an amazing Seattle Hotel and a historical building from 1901 in Pioneer Square. The rooms are elegant and have antique touches in the decor as well as high end linens and toiletries.
The rooms come with your basic amenities and electronics but also have yoga mats and an upgraded room gives you panoramic city views. A perk to staying here is the complimentary wine hour and access to a rotating exhibit of Pacific Northwest artwork.
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$$$ Fairmont Olympic Hotel
The Fairmont Olympic Hotel is another amazing place for where to stay in Seattle in historical Pioneer Square. This upscale hotel is in an elegant Italian Renaissance-style building dating back to 1924.
The rooms are sophisticated and have gorgeous decor and touches. Upgrade to a suite for separate living areas, marble bathrooms, grand pianos, and floor to ceiling windows overlooking the city, which is one of the best Seattle hotels with a view. Don’t miss out on the spa, indoor pool, and fitness center on site.
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Chinatown / International District
THE SCENE
This is where to stay in Seattle if you want to explore a neighborhood packed with diversity and culture! This neighborhood is actually made up of three micro neighborhoods including Little Saigon, Japantown, and Chinatown.
Which means you can find great food from sushi spots, dim sum, noodle restaurants, karaoke bars, and markets selling imported goods.
So this is one of the best areas in Seattle to explore and stay in if you’re looking forward to a great culinary scene.
WHO IT’S FOR
This is where to stay in Seattle if you’re a budget traveler as the city doesn’t have too many budget-friendly options. You can find hostels here and other affordable hotels while not sacrificing a convenient location still walking distance to downtown. We particularly love how close the International District is to Pioneer Square.
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
Nearby attractions include Pioneer Square, Wing Luke Museum of the Asia Pacific American Experience, Pinball Museum, and Hing Hay Park.
Hotels in the International District
$ Hostelling International Seattle at the American Hotel
The Hostelling International Seattle at the American Hotel is a great budget-friendly option in this relaxed downtown hostel. They offer basic dorms with shared bathrooms or an upgrade to private rooms which some have their own private bathrooms. During your stay you can enjoy complimentary breakfast, access to a 24 hour kitchen, communal dining room, laundry, and a TV lounge and game room you and mix and mingle at with new friends.
Set 1 mile from the Seattle Aquarium, this relaxed downtown hostel is set in an updated 1926 building. It’s also 2 miles from the EMP Museum and Space Needle.
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$$ Panama Hotel and Teahouse
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Belltown
THE SCENE
Loaded with restaurants and bars right next to the heart of Downtown Seattle, Belltown is a lively little neighborhood and the most densely populated area in Seattle. Located on the city’s downtown waterfront you can’t go wrong here if you’re looking for a great food scene, especially since you’re also just a short walk to Pike Place Market.
WHO IT’S FOR
Belltown is where to stay in Seattle if you want to be centrally located near all the tourist hotspots or are looking for a great waterfront hotel. This is great for any visitor.
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
Nearby attractions include Olympic Sculpture Park, the Space Needle, Chihuly Garden and Glass, Museum of Pop Culture, Pike Place Market, Downtown Seattle, and waterfront piers.
Hotels in Belltown
$$ Ace Hotel Seattle
The Ace Hotel Seattle is an incredible option for where to stay in Seattle if you like hipster hotels. Set in former maritime workers’ lodging, this trendy hotel in Belltown district is located halfway between Pike Place Market and the Space Needle, which is why it’s one of the most popular areas in Seattle to stay.
The rooms are decked out with a minimalist style. Some rooms feature shared bathrooms which pays homage to the former maritime worker lodging but upgraded rooms do offer en suite bathrooms. Try to get one of the rooms with water views! Also, staying here includes a complimentary breakfast!
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$$$ The Edgewater
The Edgewater is a supreme 4 star choice for where to stay in Seattle for stunning views. Located on Pier 67, this upscale waterfront hotel is in a prime location and only a 3 minute walk to the Port of Seattle ferries in case you intend on doing any island hopping while you’re here, which are some of the best day trips from Seattle!
The bright rooms come with gas fireplaces and some room even have balconies. Don’t miss out on the swanky restaurant and bar featuring waterside seating or the rustic lobby lounge with a stone fireplace for the perfect ambiance with the chilly PNW weather.
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Queen Anne
THE SCENE
Queen Anne covers a larger Seattle area and is broken down into North Queen Anne, West Queen Anne, East Queen Anne, Queen Anne, and Lower Queen Anne which is home to the Space Needle.
Most of the action is going on in Lower Queen Anne and this is where you’ll find more restaurants, exhibits, and hotels. All of the Queen Anne areas of Seattle offer a mix of commercial hubs and residential neighborhoods.
If you make your way to Upper Queen Anne you can enjoy the 19th-century homes and architecture as well as the stylish cafes and boutiques. Don’t miss out on the viewpoint from Kerry Park while you’re here.
WHO IT’S FOR
Queen Anne is where to stay if you want to be near the Space Needle or want to hit up a hotel that bumps up into a residential neighborhood for a more quiet place to stay.
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
Nearby attractions include the Space Needle, Chihuly Garden & Glass, Museum of Pop Culture, Kerry Park, Museum of History & Industry, and Olympic Park.
Hotels in Queen Anne
$$ MarQueen Hotel
The MarQueen Hotel is a relaxed hotel with sophisticated touches and traditional rooms featuring rooms with kitchenettes and dining tables and pull out sofas for extra guests. This hotel has a more homey vibe in the historic Lower Queen Anne area of Seattle.
Upgrade to a suite for a full living room as well as a full kitchen to make your stay even more home-like. Check out the lounge on site that often has live music.
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$$$ The Maxwell Hotel
The Maxwell Hotel is a fun contemporary, artsy hotel conveniently located walking distance from the Space Needle. The art-filled rooms are decorated with bold accent colors, upgrade for a suite for a living room, kitchenette, and city views!
Don’t miss out on the complimentary pineapple cupcakes in the afternoon and be sure to take advantage of their free loaner bikes with your room. You can also take advantage of the local shuttle service, indoor pool, gym, and business center.
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Capitol Hill
THE SCENE
The bustling, artistic, colorful, and LGBTQIA hub of the city is a great option for where to stay in Seattle. Full of great bars, shops, cafes, and even parks this part of the city will leave you coming back for more. You can’t miss the fun and colorful rainbow crosswalks and signs that indicate this place is an LGBTQIA center as well as an accepting place for everyone.
WHO IT’S FOR
This is where to stay in Seattle for everyone! We especially loved the vibe in Capitol Hill and even though it has a hot going out at night scene it was a little quieter and felt more residential than downtown Seattle. You won’t find tons of options here but the few great options here are more intimate B&B style accommodation.
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
Nearby attractions include tons of amazing restaurants, bars, and boutiques, Starbucks Reserve Roastery, Volunteer Park, Seattle Asian Art Museum, Lake View Cemetery, and Cal Anderson Park.
Hotels in Capitol Hill
$$ Gaslight Inn
Gaslight Inn is where to stay in Seattle if you’re looking for a more intimate, adults-only B&B style accommodation in the city. The B&B is elegant and feels homey with cozy rooms.
Some rooms have their own fireplaces and separate living rooms with views of Seattle or Puget Sound. Breakfast is included and don’t miss the heated outdoor pool! Parking is available and sorry, no kids are allowed.
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Ballard
THE SCENE
Ballard is where to stay in Seattle if you want more of a locals-only experience in a hip waterfront neighborhood chocked full of trendy restaurants, cool independent shops, bars, and craft breweries!
WHO IT’S FOR
This is Seattle area is great if you’re looking for a more quiet trip, not in the hot seat of all the touristy attractions. This is more of a residential area and perfect for a more quiet less touristic getaway.
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
Nearby attractions include Golden Gardens Park, Nordic Heritage Museum, Ballard Locks, and Woodland Park Zoo.
Hotels in Ballard
$$ Ballard Inn
The Ballard Inn is where to stay in Seattle if you want to be in a gorgeous area of the city that is more residential. This boutique hotel is located in a former bank dating back to 1902.
The rooms are contemporary with minimalist decor and most rooms share a bathroom. You can upgrade to a private bath.
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University District
THE SCENE
WHO IT’S FOR
This is for anyone who is visiting the University of Washington, otherwise, there’s not much of an incentive to staying in this part of the city.
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
Nearby attractions include the University of Washington, Henry Art Gallery, Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, Husky Stadium, shopping along University Way, and Portage Bay.
Hotels in University District
$$ University Inn
University Inn is a great hotel option if you’re staying in the University District area of Seattle. Located less than a minute drive to the University of Washington with comfortable modern rooms. Be sure to take advantage of the loaner bikes for guests, free cupcakes and coffee in the afternoon, and an outdoor pool! There’s also complimentary breakfast during your stay.
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Fremont
THE SCENE
Looking for a more hip residential neighborhood away from all the touristy sites and with a more locals-only vibe? If so, this is a great area in Seattle to stay in. Fremont is full of cool bars, independent boutiques, outdoor sculptures, the Fremont Troll, and tons of restaurants. Don’t miss the Sunday Market in Fremont full of art, antiques, and food trucks.
WHO IT’S FOR
This is where to stay in Seattle if you want to remove yourself from the touristy parts of the city and fit in more like a local. There are tons of cool restaurants, bars, and microbreweries that are perfect for foodie and craft beer lovers.
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
Nearby attractions include the Fremont Troll, Fremont Brewing Company, Theo Chocolate, Lenin Statue, Gas Works Park, and across the bridge from Queen Anne.
Hotels in Fremont
$ Hotel Hotel
Hotel Hotel is the perfect place for where to stay in Seattle’s Fremont neighborhood. The hostel has an industrial-chic theme. There are minimalist dorm rooms or private rooms available for an upgrade. Breakfast is included and there is also a full kitchen and TV room for guests to use.
$$ Staybridge Suites Seattle Fremont
Staybridge Suites Seattle Fremont is a great option for the Fremont area in Seattle. This contemporary hotel offers modern studio-style rooms with 2 bedroom suites. Some rooms even have mountain views! Parking is free, breakfast is complimentary, and every Tuesday through Thursday there’s an evening reception. Don’t miss the indoor pool, terrace, BBQ spot, and fitness center.
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South Lake Union
THE SCENE
South Lake Union is the city’s hub for Amazon, hello Jeff Bezos. You can expect to find some great bars, cool restaurants, and food trucks in this business sector of the city. This is also where to go if you want to take a seaplane or participate in water activities on Lake Union!
WHO IT’S FOR
This is where to stay in Seattle if you’re a business traveler but honestly, anyone can stay here as you’re in a great spot still close to Downtown, Queen Anne, and Capitol Hill. Or if you’re a huge fan of Sleepless in Seattle or want to try something different, check out all the best Seattle houseboat rentals.
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
Nearby attractions include Lake Union, Center for Wooden Boats (where you can rent anything on the water from boats to kayaks), Kenmore Air, Museum of History & Industry, and Capitol Hill.
Hotels in South Lake Union
$$ Residence Inn by Marriot
The Residence Inn by Marriot is a great spot to stay in South Lake Union. The hotel features rooms that are modest suites from studios to two bedrooms.
Each room comes with fully equipped kitchens, a dining area, sitting area, and pull out sofas. Some rooms have private balconies with lake views. Breakfast is included and don’t miss the indoor pool and hot tub on site.
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Bainbridge Island
THE SCENE
Bainbridge Island is where to stay in Seattle if you want to enjoy the artistic and nature-filled island just a 30-minute ferry ride from the downtown area in Seattle. Enjoy the Bloedel Reserve with all of its trails and gorgeous gardens or check out the beaches of Fay Bainbridge Park.
There are local galleries, shops, restaurants, and gorgeous sunsets here. We took a day trip but would totally stay the night to see more of the island.
WHO IT’S FOR
Of all the Seattle areas to stay in, this is one of the best escapes from the hustle and bustle of the city if you’re looking to trade it out for a more quiet, small-town island city filled with some of the mesmerizing beauty of the PNW. This is a more quiet experience where there’s nothing to do but relax and enjoy outdoor activities.
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
Nearby attractions include Bloedel Reserve, Fay Bainbridge Park, Bainbridge Island Museum, and shopping and restaurants!
Hotels on Bainbridge Island
$$ Inn at Pleasant Beach
The Inn at Pleasant Beach is where to stay in Seattle’s Bainbridge Island. A small Inn with 12 cozy rooms featuring country chic decor this place feels more like a B&B than anything. Some rooms even come with sun decks and fireplaces. Don’t forget to check out the pool and enjoy the waterfront view from the Inn.
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$ Island Jungalow Tiny Home
Photo Via Airbnb
The dog-friendly Island Jungalow is a lovely tiny house option in Seattle, set in a clearing of cedar trees on Bainbridge Island. With the Seattle ferry terminal just a 5-minute drive away, it’s a great back-to-basics choice for an easy weekend escape from the city.
Two guests can stay in the one-bedroom cabin and wake to a thick forest view, immersed in nature. The heated mattress pad adds an extra cozy touch.
The outdoor fire-heated clawfoot tub is a unique feature, providing views overlooking the woods and seasonal wetland as you bathe.
Sit out on the porch, relax in the hammock or gather by the fire ring at night. A hotplate and kettle can be used by those who like to cook.
The cabin is only a few minutes’ drive from the Grand Forest, Gazzam Nature preserve, beaches, and hiking trails. Book on Airbnb.
Read our guide on the best tiny houses in Washington State including more Seattle properties in our full guide!
Be sure to also check out unique things to do in Seattle and our two day itinerary for Seattle to help you plan your trip.
If you’re into exploring outside of Seattle, be sure to check out the most romantic cabins in Washington for an unforgettable getaway!
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