The misty city of Seattle certainly arrived with a bang in the 1990s when the grunge rock music scene exploded and gave us legendary bands such as Pearl Jam and Nirvana. Nothing has been the same in Seattle since then, with the city’s attractions and natural beauty catching the attention of thousands of travelers. Home to some of the world’s biggest corporations (hello, Amazon and Starbucks), Olympic National Mountains (Mount Rainier, people), and a fabulous craft beer and music scene has firmly placed Seattle in the category of “urban cool.” So, it’s natural that boutique hotels in Seattle Downtown Washington followed. The city has no shortage of amazing boutique properties, ranging from budget-friendly hotels to blow-out-celebration-worthy ones. Whether you love B&B-type lodgings or high-end highrises, there’s a boutique hotel to be found in Seattle’s tree-lined Downtown.
Aside from boutique hotels, there’s no dearth of Top Things To Do In Seattle, which is one of the World’s Top Vegan-Friendly Cities. It’s famously home to Pike Place Market, one of the Top Tourist Attractions In The USA. Seattle is also where the Ovation Of The Seas, one of the World’s Top Biggest Cruise Ships, spends the summer months. And of course, there are natural attractions such as Mount Rainier, the lush forests, and even the legendary Mt. St. Helens, one of the World’s Biggest Volcanos that lies just south of the city. Clearly, exploring Seattle will require more than just a few days. To that end, here are the 11 best boutique hotels in Seattle Downtown.
Table of contents
- Hotel Max
- Hotel Andra
- Kimpton Palladian Hotel
- Ace Hotel
- Palihotel Seattle
- Thompson Seattle
- The State Hotel
- Hotel Theodore
- Hotel Sorrento
- Staypineapple, The Maxwell Hotel
- Inn at the Market
- Recommended Restaurants/Bar in Seattle Downtown
- Recommended Things To Do in Seattle Downtown
- Where To Stay in Seattle Downtown
Hotel Max
11
Travelers who’re artsy and creative will love Hotel Max, one of the best boutique hotels in Seattle Downtown. The hotel’s homage to visual art and music is inescapable; think original works by Kiki Smith and Andy Warhol everywhere. In fact, the fifth floor even has rotating vinyl records and record players in each room! The rooms and suites are on the smaller side, but they’re well-appointed with pillow menus and spiritual menus (for both humans and pets!). You’ll love the thoughtful extras such as vintage Tivoli radios and original paintings. The rest of the hotel is impressive, too, especially amenities such as Shinola bicycles for exploring the neighborhood. However, the highlight is the complimentary craft beer happy hour, which is a great way to mingle with fellow guests. In true Seattle fashion, relish free local coffee in the lobby before hitting the town.
Hotel Andra
10
Honoring the Scandinavian heritage of the Pacific Northwest is Hotel Andra, one of the best boutique hotels in Downtown Seattle Washington. This 119-room luxury boutique Belltown hotel is set in a classic building with origins going back to 1926. Today, modern Scandi-chic decor rules the roost in the well-appointed rooms, which range from studios to sprawling suites. Moreover, all rooms feature luxe touches such as goose-down pillows, while Superia rooms even have a wet bar! The rest of the hotel is impressive too and offers a fitness center and pet-friendly touches, such as a welcome pack with a blanket, mat, and a bowl.
The icing on the cake? The Greek-Mediterranean delicacies dished out at the onsite restaurant, whose brunch has been declared one of the best in Seattle. In fact, the celebrity chef-owned restaurant even has an attached cooking school. Did you know that this is one of the Top Gay-Friendly Hotels In Seattle too? Yes!
Kimpton Palladian Hotel
9
Kimpton Palladian Hotel is one of the best boutique hotels in Seattle Downtown. Cool and quirky style define the vibe at this boutique hotel, which is the smallest of the Kimpton hotels in Seattle. In fact, the other Kimpton outpost in Seattle is one of the Most Romantic Hotels in Seattle! The hotel’s name comes from the Palladian windows that existed in the original 1910 structure in which it sits. Choose from 97 rooms that are modern to boot (think swanky mod-cons) while paying homage to history (think clawfoot tubs). Quirky touches include celebrity pillows that feature current stars as Napoleon-era heroes! What’s more, Kimpton makes well-being a priority, with a 24-hour fitness center, massage treatments, and even an in-room yoga mat. Begin your evenings at the excellent bar, which is the perfect place to drink a shareable punch bowl to jump-start your night around town.
Ace Hotel
8
For budget-minded travelers, the Ace Hotel is one of the best boutique hotels in Downtown Seattle Washington. Having opened shop more than 20 years ago in a former flophouse, this flagship of the Ace Brand is a Belltown trendsetter. Design-obsessed hipsters will love the minimalist decor, wooden floors, original artwork, and high ceilings. However, what makes the Ace so popular with budget travelers is that their Euro-style shared bathrooms. It certainly cuts back on the bill without skimping on basics, for the bathrooms are swish and immaculate. Begin your days with an indulgent waffle breakfast at the ground-floor Cyclops Cafe and Lounge. It serves not only delectable cuisine but also cocktails, wine, beer, and even “blunch” in a funky setting; think an Elvis shrine.
Palihotel Seattle
7
Having opened its doors in 2018, the Palihotel has quickly become one of the best boutique hotels in Seattle Downtown. The picture-perfect rooms and suites all boast emerald green walls, floral patterned headboards, comfy beds, and nautical artwork. Moreover, the fresh flowers, Palisociety bathroom amenities, and the fully stocked vintage SMEG fridges are a great touch. If you’re a group of friends, you can even go for the rooms with bunk beds. The lobby is equally funky, with a stack of vintage luggage that lets wandering souls know they have a home here. Despite being surrounded by some of Seattle’s best eateries, the hotel’s onsite restaurant, with 1950s diner vibes, offers some of the best Southern fare in the city. Don’t forget to try their famous buttered biscuits! The best bit? Both Seattle waterfront and Pike Place Market are nearby.
Thompson Seattle
6
Do you want to stay right next to Pike Place Market? Then the Thompson Seattle is one of the best boutique hotels in Downtown Seattle Washington. You’re greeted with a glass of sparkling wine right when you arrive, making for the perfect start to the vacation! The hotel takes complete advantage of its stunning surroundings with floor-to-ceiling windows throughout. Even the 24-hour fitness center has amazing views of the Olympic Mountains and Elliott Bay. Dig into delicious Pacific Northwest fare at the two onsite restaurants. Of them, the hotel’s rooftop terrace, lounge, and bar are particularly favorite with the younger set. The sophisticated rooms and suites are particularly lovely, with floor-to-ceiling windows, spacious workstations, and mid-century modern furniture. The original artwork and Amazon Alexa are nice extra touches, as are the rainfall showers in the suites.
The State Hotel
5
Located right in the very heart of Pike Place Market, the State Hotel is one of the best boutique hotels in Seattle Downtown. The 91-room lovingly restored boutique hotel sits in a historic 1902 structure but now boasts pleasing Art-Deco-meets-midcentury decor with lots of bespoke and local artwork. In fact, the centerpiece is a splashy five-story mural by famed street artist Shepard Fairey. Creativity abounds at this hotel, right from the whimsical wallpapers throughout to the snazzy cocktail menu at the onsite restaurant. Catch memorable sunset views over Puget Sound at the 8th-floor, guests-only rooftop terrace. The white-walled rooms with cheery houseplants and upscale accents are delightful. Go for ones with west-facing windows that offer striking views of the blue beauty of Puget Sound.
Hotel Theodore
4
Hotel Theodore, which sits in a historic Art-Deco structure, is one of the best boutique hotels in Downtown Seattle Washington. With origins going back to 1930, this downtown Art-Deco landmark exudes tasteful luxury while paying homage to Seattle’s industrial past. In fact, it was one of the city’s tallest buildings for decades! As you step into the lobby, bespoke artwork curated by a top local museum catches your eye. Even the red neon “Hotel Roosevelt” sign on the roof is eye-catching and is a nod to the hotel’s original name. But, that’s not all. Aside from a state-of-the-art gym, the hotel even has an on-demand salon and spa for relaxation. At the end of a fun-filled day, unwind at the hotel lobby’s complimentary craft cocktail happy hour. An onsite restaurant serves delicious Pacific Northwest fare.
The sleek rooms are some of Seattle’s most stylish, with thoughtful touches such as industrial-chic lamps and vintage Tivoli Bluetooth radios. After a long day of exploring the city, unwind in the sexy black clawfoot tubs and get cozy in the plush bathrobes on your plush pillow-top beds. If you want to splurge, go for the signature room, the Seattle Made Suite, whose decor is inspired by the forests and waters of the Pacific Northwest.
Hotel Sorrento
3
Hotel Sorrento is undoubtedly one of the grandest boutique hotels in Seattle Downtown. In fact, it’s famous as the “grand dame” of Seattle and sits in a historic Italian-Renaissance structure. So much so that every square inch of Sorrento simply oozes Italian luxury. Today, this Italianate hotel hits the sweet spot between on-trend design and vintage glamor, right from the spacious front patio with monochrome umbrellas to the moody lobby. Choose from 76 different rooms and studios, all of which have luxury beds with top-notch linens and white Italian marble baths. What’s more, they even have in-room Caffé Vita French press coffee! Depending on the room you go for, lovely touches include gas fireplaces, Italian leather couches, exposed original limestone walls, and even balconies!
During summers, the patio is perfect for dining alfresco at the onsite restaurant, which serves everything from farm-to-table classics and contemporary Australian seafood. Are you here over the weekend? Don’t miss their special Jazz Brunch with bottomless mimosas and live music.
Staypineapple, The Maxwell Hotel
2
The Maxwell Hotel is one of the best boutique hotels in Downtown Seattle Washington for travelers who love hotel amenities. That’s because this hotel boasts amenities that are rarely seen at boutique hotels, including a fitness center and, above all, an indoor pool! In fact, the vibrant little pool space happens to be one of Seattle’s Best Hotel Pools. After a refreshing swim and a lounge, enjoy a craft beer at the Pineapple Quick Bites bar. When you feel like stepping out, the Maxwell even has a bicycle checkout program which you can use to explore the neighborhood at your will.
Plus, it even runs a shuttle service that takes you to some of the most popular attractions in Seattle. However, what travelers love the most here is the Naked Experience. From beds and pillows to towels, robes, and slippers, everything that you touch is so fresh, soft, and fluffy that you can be, well, naked!
Inn at the Market
1
Topping the list of the best boutique hotels in Seattle Downtown is the Inn at the Market, which has the distinction of being the “only” hotel actually to sit right within Pike Place Market! Choose from 76 amazing rooms and suites, all of which have floor-to-ceiling bay windows offering breathtaking views of the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound. Do you want to enjoy one hell of a memorable stay? Go for the “Deluxe Water View” room that even has a furnished terrace where you can enjoy spectacular sunsets with an evening glass of wine with your sweetheart. During evenings, make your way to the rooftop deck for a glass of Northwest wine and wind up the day with a dinner of French classics and fresh sushi at Café Campagne.
Recommended Restaurants/Bar in Seattle Downtown
- Cafe Champagne: Cafe Champagne has been a longtime Pike Place favorite and serves classic Parisian fare in a warmly-lit dining room. Ingredients come right from Pike Place Market and end up getting created in popular dishes such as chocolate cognac mousse, quiches, beef bourguignon, and crispy duck leg confit.
- Jerk Shack: This lively Belltown spot serves delectable Jamaican and other Caribbean-influenced cuisine, with signature favourites such as the eponymous jerk chicken. Other stars in their own right are the fried white fish with remoulade sauce and the potent rum cocktails.
Recommended Things To Do in Seattle Downtown
- Seattle Chocolate Tour: This tour is like a “foodie fast pass” for Downtown Seattle and Pike Place Market! This amazing tour takes you on a 5,000-year-old journey of the cacao bean and gets you to the best prepaid and pre-ordered chocolate tastings in town. Save some good space in your tummies, people!
- Seattle 3-Hour City Highlights Tour: Discover the delightful sights of Seattle with a knowledgable local guide on this roomy minibus. This enjoyable yet intimate small group tour takes you around the best attractions in Seattle, especially Downtown ones such as the site of the world’s first Starbucks in Pike Place Market.
Where To Stay in Seattle Downtown
Nestled between Lake Washington and Puget Sound, Seattle is nicknamed “The Emerald City” since it’s surrounded by urban green spaces, lush greenery, and the incredible Olympic Mountain range. Even Seattle’s Downtown is a huge neighborhood that comprises the main Downtown area, the Waterfront, the famous Pike Place Market, Belltown, and more. Unsurprisingly, it’s home to some of Seattle’s Best Hotels. So, you need to choose where you’ll stay during your visit to Seattle. To begin with, there’s Belltown, which is perfect for travelers on a budget. The buzzing neighborhood is all about chic coffee houses, vintage shops, and affordable boutique hotels in Downtown Seattle. Secondly, there’s Pioneer Square, which is the oldest and most established part of the city. It’s also the former heart of Seattle and is perfect for party animals and night owls. This is thanks to the endless array of nightclubs and bars that line the neighborhood.
However, the absolute heart of the city is Pike Place Market, which boasts great views of the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound. The market is one of the Best Places To Visit In Washington State and is famously home to the original Starbucks! Plus, it has lots of great dining options too. Finally, there’s the Waterfront District, which is the heart and soul of Seattle. It’s home to the marina and the waterfront, which is a favorite with couples, families, and all kinds of travelers.
Do you want to stay close to the airport? You might want to check out the Best Hotels in Seattle by the Airport.
