Seattle is an urban metropolis with a huge variety of interesting things to do. In the largest city in the Pacific Northwest, you can find almost anything. From the famous Space Needle, the lush of green at the Gas Works Park, and some iconic dining at Pioneer Square. This town also the home of several tech giants, such as Microsoft and Amazon. Welcome to the Emerald City, where you won’t want to click the heels of your shoes and go back home! Join in, as we search for some of the best hotels in Seattle and downtown Seattle.
Where to Stay in Seattle
Apart from being the rainy city of Washington, Seattle is host to several iconic structures such as the Space Needle and Columbia Center. The Emerald City is also the home of some amazing nature. Just a little south is Mount Rainier National Park, one of the 30 best places to visit in Washington State. You won’t be short of great times while here. In fact, there are at least the top 8 things to do in Seattle that worth checking out.
But to experience it all, you’ve to know the best neighborhoods in town and only select the best hotels in downtown Seattle. For those who don’t have much time, there are at least 11 best hotels in Seattle by the airport to choose from. Not only do they offer shuttle services, but most are also close to light rail stations. You should be able to reach the city center in less than half an hour.
First time to Seattle? The downtown area would be a logical choice. It’s right in the busiest area of the city, where culture is well represented by the Seattle Arts Museum. And since Seattle is one of the top 12 vegan-friendly cities in the world, there are supposedly tons of healthy delights to taste here.
For glamorous nightlife and fashion boutiques, Belltown is the place to be. Many consider this to be the coolest district in Seattle. Rock concerts at Crocodile are definitely a must, while Cinerama Theaters are recommended for a more vintage experience. Expect lots of entertainment in this second most walkable area of the city.
Still haven’t decided where to stay? Then check the following recommendations for the 11 best hotels in Seattle. All are carefully selected, so you won’t miss anything from Jet City
Warwick Seattle
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Experience the best of Emerald City, as the Warwick Seattle is only steps away from Pike Place Market. It’s one of the city’s most famous markets, where you can get a variety of the best local food products. If that’s not enough, this four-star property is also ready to welcome you to an on-site restaurant serving continental menus. Enjoy a complimentary hot breakfast in their impressive 23-story building, which directly overlooks the Space Needle.
Get ready for one of the best night’s rest of your life, as the Warwick Hotel offers spacious rooms. All feature unique individual decor, inspired by the vibrant and rich Seattle culture. Enjoy the best views of the city and its surroundings through Juliette’s balcony with floor-to-ceiling windows. If you need something to freshen your mood, treat yourself to a cup of coffee/tea in the minibar. Just like most of the best hotels in downtown Seattle, free WiFi is also provided here.
Boredom is the last thing you need to worry about while staying at Warwick Seattle. This luxurious accommodation is only four blocks from the downtown district, where you can find tons of restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Meanwhile, eight blocks away are the Seattle Center, the home of all the action in the Pacific Northwest’s largest city. But if you’re still not sure where to go, the hotel will be ready to help with arranging tours or other interesting activities. Great!
Executive Inn by the Space Needle
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The Space Needle is a brilliant piece of architecture that made Seattle’s name rise in the world. So, it would be logical for us to advise you to experience it to the fullest while in Queen City. And there’s no better way to do this than staying at the Executive Inn by the Space Needle. As its name suggests, this three-star hotel is only a five-minute walk to one of the city’s biggest tourist magnets!
Enjoy one of the best staying experiences in Seattle through the rooms at the Executive Inn. All are well-equipped and decorated in style. Browse as you wish, as WiFi is available at no additional cost. Open your day with a warm snack or a cup of coffee, as microwaves and coffee makers are also featured here. For quick entertainment, turn on the TV and catch some interesting movies or programs on cable channels. As with most of the best hotels Seattle, the hotel also offers room service. In case you need anything, they‘re only a call away.
If there’s one thing we pay the most attention to when choosing a hotel, it’s public transportation support. That’s precisely why we love staying at the Executive Inn. It is only a stone’s throw to the city monorail system. You only need a maximum of half an hour by train to get to the downtown district. Meanwhile, famous places such as the Pacific Science Center and Pike Place Market are within walking distance. For those who vacation with the family, 0.86 miles from here is the Seattle Aquarium. It’s a little pricey, but you’re guaranteed to get hours of aquatic entertainment like no other!
Hyatt House Seattle Downtown
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Just like most of the best hotels in downtown Seattle, the Hyatt House is very close to the city’s famous Space Needle. This three-star accommodation also features bright contemporary décor, with a very inviting atmosphere. You can plan your itinerary as long as you want since the hotel provides free WiFi internet at no extra cost.
Get a nice rest without shedding a single sweat, as all rooms at the Hyatt House Seattle Downtown come with air conditioning. To light the mood a little, use the iPod docking station and play some of your favorite tunes. Another entertainment alternative is a flat-screen TV, which is come with premium cable channels. If you need some snacks, hot coffee/tea, or the like, there’s a microwave, refrigerator, and coffee machine available.
Need a little exercise as part of your morning routine? Go to the hotel’s well-equipped gym and work on your cardio. It’s open 24 hours and is accessible to all guests free of charge. After that, you can enjoy a daily continental breakfast at the on-site restaurant. Unfortunately, we couldn’t find any information regarding the availability of vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free food.
Hyatt House truly knows how to satisfy their guests. For the convenience of exploring the surroundings, the hotel provides shuttle service within a 1-mile radius, free of charge! We highly recommend visiting the stunning EMP museum and the Olympic Sculpture Park, a public space offering breathtaking views of the Space Needle, Mount Olympic, and Puget Sound. It’s definitely worth checking out.
The Mediterranean Inn
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Finding the best hotels in Seattle close to the Space Needle isn’t difficult. In fact, we wouldn’t be surprised if you could identify tons of them. However, there’s one thing that makes The Mediterranean Inn stand out from the crowd. This three-star property has a lovely rooftop patio. It offers panoramic views of Elliot Bay, Mount Rainier, and the Seattle skyline. Enjoy them all while accompanied by a glass of your favorite cocktail. For us, this is a winner!
The rooms at the Hotel Mediterranean are no less interesting to discuss. All come with great amenities such as a flat-screen TV, microwave, small refrigerator, coffee maker, and kitchen utensils. The Hotel seems to know there are a lot of travelers having a hard time getting out of business during the holidays, so they have a full-size work desk here. Oh, and don’t bother packing too much, because there’s already a bathroom with complete toiletries. Hairdryer included!
Hotel Mediterranean doesn’t serve breakfast, but they make up for it with vending machines in the lobby area. You should be able to grab some snacks and drinks there. Once you’re ready, venture outside and discover the best of Seattle. The popular Pike Place Market is just 1.24 miles from here, while KeyArena, famous for events and sports, can be found within a three-minute walk.
Silver Cloud Inn – Seattle Lake Union
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If you want to get to know more about Seattle culture and its people, Silver Cloud Inn – Seattle Lake Union would be the ideal place to stay. As the name suggests, this three-star hotel is located in Lake Union, a district with a dense urban feel. You can expect to see some of the city’s new buildings and structures in this neighborhood, as most young professionals choose to live here.
Geography aside, all of the rooms at the Silver Cloud Inn were bright and spacious. The presence of wooden furniture makes the atmosphere feel warmer and more friendly. Get yourself a good time, thanks to amenities like TV, microwave, refrigerator, and coffee machine. For some productive moments, a work desk is also provided. And just like most of the best hotels in downtown Seattle, high-speed internet is accessible for free via WiFi.
Open your day with a fabulous breakfast in the hotel dining area. Located on the third floor, they offer continental cuisine and a gorgeous view of the lake. We couldn’t find any information regarding the availability of vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free food, which is a shame. However, we personally don’t think that this is a big deal-breaker since you can find lots of cafes and restaurants around the hotel.
1.1 miles from here is the famous Space Needle. Considered a city icon, this is actually an observation tower. Nearly 23,000 people use the elevator to get to the top floor and admire the view of Seattle from high up. And we recommend that you do the same because it’s truly an amazing experience!
Belltown Inn
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Belltown Inn is a popular choice for travelers in Seattle. Mainly because it is located in Belltown, the heart of the glamorous nightlife and luxury boutiques of Emerald City. If you consider yourself a party goer, this will make a great place to stay!
When it comes to rooms, Belltown Inn is arguably pretty standard. You get a 32-inch LCD TV, free toiletries in the en suite bathroom, and all of those usual facilities. But what we liked best was the fact that the hotel provided a coffee maker. Looks like they know there’s nothing better to kick your day after a night of wild parties, than a warm cup of joe!
Like most of the best hotels in Seattle, Belltown Inn has a 24-hour front desk. You can get some services such as dry cleaning, luggage storage, and a concierge here. Meanwhile, for business travelers who need a stable internet connection and a dedicated work station, there’s a business center nearby.
For those interested in learning science with a super attractive laser dome, virtual reality, and IMAX theater, a 10-minute walk from the Belltown Inn is the Pacific Science Center. But if you’re more into art, a 15-minute walk will take you to the Seattle Art Museum. Marvel at the works of geniuses like Alexander Calder, Richard Serra, and Cai Guo-Qiang, at this Pacific Northwest center for world-class visual arts.
Mayflower Park Hotel
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Experience a slice of Chicago history when you stay at the Mayflower Park Hotel. This four-star accommodation occupies a historic building dating back to 1927. Inside you’ll find several leisure facilities such as the highly recommended Andaluca Restaurant and the fabulous Oliver’s Lounge. Apart from that, the hotel also offers a premium location, as it’s only 10 minutes to Pike Place Market and four blocks from the Washington State Convention and Trade Center.
A night’s stay here’s guaranteed to be quite memorable. That’s because all the rooms at the Mayflower Park Hotel are elegantly decorated. Some feature large windows with gorgeous views of the Seattle skyline. In addition, you’ll also get amenities such as a flat-screen TV with premium cable channels, a desk, and an en suite bathroom. Like most of the best hotels in downtown Seattle, there’s a WiFi connection available free of charge.
Remember the Andaluca Restaurant we mentioned earlier? Here you can taste some of the best Mediterranean cuisines in Emerald City. But if heavy meals aren’t for you, there’s Oliver’s Lounge. Here you can sit back and enjoy your time, accompanied by a few martinis and light meals.
The Mayflower Park Hotel offers direct access to the Space Needle and Seattle Center, two of the city’s top attractions, via a nearby monorail service. Another recommended destination is the Seattle Art Museum, which is only 0.37 miles from here. Also known as SAM, this world-class museum is also one of the sleekest and contemporary buildings in the city.
MarQueen Hotel
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Here’s another of the best hotels in Seattle that offers historical charm. Set in a classic building dating back to 1918, MarQueen Hotel is conveniently located for Queen Anne. It’s one of the oldest neighborhoods in Emerald City, where you can find a number of famous performing arts such as the Seattle Opera and the Pacific Northwest Ballet. Meanwhile, the amazing Space Needle is just a few blocks away.
To ensure the best stay experience, MarQueen Hotel offers leisure facilities such as a spa and hair salon. Meanwhile, their spacious rooms are decorated in a classic style. It’s like something that came from the Victorian era, with a warm and cozy atmosphere. They also come with cable TV, free WiFi, hardwood floors, and period furnishing.
For your culinary desires, Tin Lizzie Restaurant and Lounge serves up some great food for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Enjoy it all on their outdoor patio, which offers gorgeous views of Jet City. Make sure to stop by, as all guests will get a 15 percent discount here.
Some of the recommended destinations around here include the Pop Culture Museum, Space Needle, and the Port of Seattle, all of which can be reached within 0.8 miles. For those who are curious about local food, we recommend Pike Place Market. This 108-year-old farmer market is well known for its fishmongers, produce stalls, and specialty food shops.
Inn at Queen Anne
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Due to its prime location, most of the best hotels in downtown Seattle tend to charge more for their stay. It takes a little extra effort to find accommodation that’s more ‘budget-conscious’. But you don’t need to go through all of that, because we’ve found the Inn at Queen Anne for you! It’s located in one of Seattle’s oldest districts and the building itself has a lot of history since it first started construction in 1928.
Offering the simple charm of a European-style inn, the Inn at Queen Anne may not be the most luxurious on this list. However, they have a service and hospitality that deserves the highest praise. Since you first set foot in the lobby, their friendly staff will greet you and are happy to help with your travel plans. Meanwhile, their affordable rooms come with fairly complete amenities. WiFi, comfortable bed, desk, fan, and en suite bathroom are all available.
For those looking to live like a local, this hotel in one of Seattle’s most popular neighborhoods is highly recommended. Dozens of restaurants, shops, and coffee houses are within walking distance. Hot spots such as Pike Place Market, Olympic Sculpture Park, and Elliott Bay waterfront are only 2 miles away. Business travelers will also want to make this accommodation a base, as it’s close to key businesses such as Microsoft, Amazon, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Green Tortoise Hostel Seattle
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While many may not consider Seattle the most expensive city in the United States, staying here can be quite expensive. But that doesn’t mean Emerald City is exclusively for wealthy or affluent travelers. You can still enjoy the rich culture and food of Jet City, by choosing a more budget-friendly hotel. Just like Green Tortoise Hostel Seattle.
Located on Pike Street, Green Tortoise offers dormitory-style accommodation with comfortable bunk beds. Get a complimentary breakfast of oatmeal, fruit, juice, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate every morning. The best part is that you can make everything on your own! Wireless internet access is available and can be used free of charge at no additional cost. The hotel also provides towels and linen blankets.
While this isn’t the fanciest hotel in Seattle, you’ll get a superior location to discover the best the city has to offer. Green Tortoise is just steps to the famous Pike Place Market and the Seattle Art Museum. We highly recommend getting the Seattle CityPASS. For around $ 100, you’ll have access to a number of top destinations, including the Space Needle, Seattle Aquarium, Argosy Cruises Harbor Tour, Museum of Pop Culture, and more. This mobile ticket is valid for 30 days and perfect for a multiple-day trip to Emerald City.
HI – Seattle Hostel at the American Hotel
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If you, like us, love to save money on something more essential, then HI – Seattle Hostel at the American Hotel is your ideal place to stay. With lower rates than other best hotels in downtown Seattle, this affordable accommodation offers a superior location. Lies in the Chinatown district, it’s only two blocks from public transportation. To reach tourist magnets such as Pike Place Market and Seattle Aquarium, you only have to walk for about 15 minutes.
Most travelers often worry about security when it comes to staying at hostels. But rest assured, because all dormitory rooms at HI – Seattle Hostel already come with lockers. Explore Emerald City to your heart’s content, as the hotel has a 24-hour front desk and doesn’t apply a curfew. Learn where to find the city’s hidden gems, as you browse the Internet using the provided free WiFi.
For leisure facilities, Seattle Hostel has a shared kitchen, library, and TV room. Need to take care of your dirty clothes? There’s a card-operated laundry facility on-site. And just like most of the best hotels in Seattle, you’ll get a continental breakfast buffet every morning in the dining area.
Recommended Restaurants/Bars in Seattle:
- Sitka & Spruce – One of the local favorites, this eatery is the brainchild of renowned chef Matt Dillon. Taste the incredible season-driven menus with the ingredients that guaranteed to be fresh and of the highest quality. All personally hand-picked from chef-owned Vashon Island farm.
- Maneki – Get a taste of Japan in Seattle, as this restaurant offers a unique dining room with tatami. Spend a great time enjoying an array of oriental cuisine and sake. If you’re not in the mood to go home yet, relax for a bit at their bar which is open until midnight.
- Taco Chukis – Enjoy one of the best tacos in Emerald City. The combinations presented here are actually very simple but are executed so well that they’re addicting. You’ll get a wrap consisting of pork, guacamole, melted cheese, and grilled pineapple. Take one bite and you’ll instantly see why so many people line up to order another one.
Recommended Activities in Seattle:
- Seattle: Pike Place Market Chef-Guided Food Tour – Discover the best of Seattle food, on a trip to explore the city’s best farmer markets. Accompanied by a local chef as a guide, stop by at least 10 artisanal vendors. Sample some of the best delights around, as you learn more about local production.
- Seattle: 3-Hour City Tour by Bus – If you don’t have much time, this 180-minute tour will be more than enough to let you know all the best that Seattle has to offer. From the Pike Place Market, Lake Washington, to the Space Needle, you can see everything on this guided trip. Have your camera ready, as the bus will stop a couple of times for some exciting photo opportunities.
- Seattle: Private Highlights Experience with a Local – If you’re really serious about discovering Seattle, this tour is highly recommended. Together with your local host, visit some hidden gems that are rarely exposed in travel brochures. Discover the best of Emerald City on this more personal and private trip.
