Where to Stay in Seattle: My Selection of the Best Accommodations

Wondering where to stay in Seattle? Looking for the best areas and districts?

You’re at the right place!

As I know Seattle very well, I have created this guide of:

• Seattle’s best areas for your stay (with details about the best places to visit and nearby attractions)
• For each area and district, the best hotels depending on your budget

Let’s find your dream hotel now!

My favorite hotels in Seattle

Here’s a quick summary of my favorite hotels in Seattle, in case you don’t have time to read my detailed article.

Simply click on the hotel names in orange to access details and rates:

• Where to stay in Seattle for sightseeing: Crowne Plaza Seattle, an IHG Hotel, located downtown
• Best district and hotel in Seattle for nightlife: Belltown Inn, in the lively Belltown district
• The best 5-star hotel in Seattle: Lotte Hotel Seattle, for its location and magnificent bay views
• Where to stay in Seattle on a budget: Green Tortoise Hostel Seattle
• Best family-friendly hotel in Seattle: Hyatt House Seattle Downtown
• My favorite hotel in Seattle for a romantic getaway: Hotel Andra Seattle MGallery Hotel Collection

In Downtown District (Close to Pike Place Market)

Downtown district is the heart of Seattle and the ideal place to stay for a first-time visit to the city!

The city center revolves around the famous covered market, one of the oldest markets in the United States. You will for sure love the authentic and lively atmosphere here.

In addition to the market, Downtown is also home to some of Seattle’s main tourist attractions, so it’s super conevenient!

I recommend this district for your stay in Seattle:

• For a first trip to Seattle, to easily discover the must-see spots
• To enjoy the lively atmosphere and local restaurants
• To be at the heart of the action, with easy access to public transport

This district is the perfect spot to discover:

• The historic Pike Place Market and its fish, flower, and souvenir stalls
• The Columbia Center, the tallest tower in the city
• The first-ever Starbucks that opened in 1971 on an alley of Pike Place
• Seattle Art Museum and its contemporary art collections
• The vibrant waterfront where you’ll find numerous seafood restaurants
• Seattle Great Wheel, the city’s iconic Ferris wheel
• Seattle Aquarium
• The Gum Wall, a famous wall covered in used chewing gum!
• The Smith Tower and its observation deck offering a nice view over the city and the bay
• Seattle Public Library, for its architecture.

Where to stay in Downtown District, Seattle?

• Crowne Plaza Seattle, an IHG Hotel: Located next to Pike Place Market. Very spacious double rooms with a nice city view, starting at $250, breakfast for $28. Strong points: the perfect location to do everything on foot, very comfortable. A great choice for its excellent value for money in Downtown Seattle.
• Mayflower Park Hotel: Situated a 10-min walk from the market. Double rooms with classic style and traditional furniture, starting at $280. Strong points: helpful staff, right in the city center, good bedding.
• citizenM Seattle Pioneer Square: Located in the heart of Seattle. Double rooms, some with bay views. Starting at $310, breakfast for $18. Strong points: room ergonomics, modern, well-placed.
• The Alexis Royal Sonesta Hotel Seattle: This 5-star hotel is a 5-min walk from the Columbia Center. It offers elegant and cozy rooms starting at $350. Strong points: the very welcoming staff, beautiful furniture, comfort of the beds. An excellent choice for a romantic stay in the center of Seattle!
• Lotte Hotel Seattle: This luxury hotel is located in the central district of Seattle. You’ll stay in beautiful modern suites with a lovely bay view. Starting at $560. Strong points: very nice hotel, central location, attentive staff. Simply the best luxury hotel in Seattle!

In Belltown District

Belltown district is a trendy and modern area located just north of downtown Seattle.

With its converted old factories and contemporary buildings, Belltown is know for its urban and artistic atmosphere. Here, you’ll find numerous art galleries, hip bars, and excellent restaurants.

The neighborhood is particularly lively in the evening.

You should stay in this neighborhood in Seattle:

• To enjoy the nightlife
• To be close to the attractions while avoiding the crowds.

This neighborhood is the perfect spot to discover:

• Olympic Sculpture Park, with its outdoor art installations
• Contemporary art galleries in old warehouses
• The best bars and restaurants in the city
• Concert halls and jazz clubs for musical evenings
• Vintage boutiques and concept stores.

Here’s my selection of the best hotels in Belltown district

• Belltown Inn: Located 15 minutes from Olympic Sculpture Park. Clean and comfortable double rooms starting at 200$. Strong points: the ideal location, the rooftop, bikes available. It’s an excellent choice for a stay close to downtown!
• Staypineapple, Hotel FIVE, Downtown Seattle: Located 5 minutes from downtown by public transport. Colorful double rooms starting at 250$. Strong points: the hotel concept, friendly staff, free coffee, water and cookies in the afternoon.
• Hotel Andra Seattle MGallery Hotel Collection: Situated in the southern part of Belltown, it’s only a 5-minute walk from Pike Place Market. Cosy Scandinavian-style double rooms starting at 335$. Strong points: the friendliness of the staff, the very comfortable bed, the quality of the restaurants. It’s my recommendation for a luxury stay in Belltown, Seattle!

In South Lake Union District

South Lake Union district is Seattle’s most modern neighborhood, transformed in recent years by the arrival of tech giants like Amazon.

It’s an area that mixes ultra-modern buildings with renovated old worker houses. During the day, you’ll encounter a vibrant ambiance with trendy cafes, food trucks, and green spaces along the lake.

The neighborhood is especially pleasant for strolling.

You should stay in this neighborhood:

• If you want to stay in a quiet district that’s still close to the center
• For a family trip
• To enjoy nautical activities on Lake Union.

This neighborhood is the ideal place to discover:

• The Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI) located in a former naval armory
• The Center for Wooden Boats, a museum about maritime history where you can also take sailing lessons or rent boats
• Amazon’s futuristic headquarters, including the “Amazon Spheres”, located slightly south of the district
• Lake Union Park
• The Streetcar that easily connects the neighborhood with downtown.

The best hotels in South Lake Union (Seattle)

• Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Seattle: Located between the lake and downtown. Modern and spacious double rooms starting at 245$, breakfast included. Strong points: the good breakfast, proximity to the center.
• citizenM Seattle South Lake Union: Situated 1 km from the lake. Functional and practical double rooms starting at 300$, breakfast for 18$. Strong points: fun lobby decor, great location, comfortable beds.
• Denny Park Hotel Seattle: This 5-star hotel offers spacious rooms with large windows and a bathtub starting at 450$, breakfast for 38$. Strong points: the quiet neighborhood, the view of Seattle, the great location to explore on foot. The best choice for a luxury stay South Lake Union district!

In Lower Queen Anne (Uptown) District

Lower Queen Anne district, officially renamed Uptown, is a vibrant area located just north of downtown Seattle.

It’s a dense urban mix of residential areas, restaurants, and shopping streets.

I recommend this neighborhood for your stay in Seattle:

• For easy access to public transportation
• To have the main tourist attractions within walking distance

This neighborhood is the perfect place to discover:

• The Space Needle, a 184-meter tall observation tower with a viewing deck and revolving restaurant
• Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), with its futuristic architecture
• The Pacific Science Center and its interactive exhibits
• Seattle Children’s Museum, for a family visit
• Chihuly Garden and Glass showcasing blown glass sculptures by the renowned artist Dale Chihuly
• The Climate Pledge Arena for sports events and concerts
• Kerry Park and its view of the Space Needle

Where to Stay in Lower Queen Anne?

• The Mediterranean Inn: Located a 10-minute walk from the Space Needle. Comfortable double room with kitchenette starting from $225. Strong points: the rooftop with a view, location, and tranquility.
• Staypineapple, The Maxwell Hotel, Seattle Center Seattle: Next to the Space Needle. Vibrantly colored double room starting from $260. Strong points: indoor pool, warm welcome, the design. One of the few hotels in Seattle with a swimming pool!

Where to Stay in Seattle on a Budget

If you’re on a tighter budget, here is a selection of affordable hotels in Seattle:

• Green Tortoise Hostel Seattle: Hostel located in Downtown. Dorm bed starting at $60, breakfast included. Strong points: central location, friendly welcome, clean. A great choice for affordable accommodation in Seattle.
• American Hotel Hostel: Hostel situated south of downtown. Dorm bed starting at $70. Strong points: free breakfast, cleanliness, common areas, laundry facilities.
• Marco Polo Motel: Located a 15-minute transit ride from downtown Seattle. Rooms starting from $100. Strong points: very friendly welcome, private parking. Another good budget-friendly address near downtown!

Staying in Seattle with Family

• Hampton Inn & Suites Seattle-Downtown: Located between Queen Anne and South Lake Union. Room with two double beds, cozy and comfortable starting from $230, breakfast included. Strong points: clean, perfect for exploring on foot, varied breakfast.
• Hyatt House Seattle Downtown: Situated between Belltown and Queen Anne. Studio for 3 or 4 people with living area and kitchen, starting from $350, breakfast included. Strong points: well-equipped kitchen, friendly staff, location opposite the Space Needle. I highly recommend this hotel for a family stay in Seattle!

What is the best hotel in Seattle?

If you are looking for the best hotel in Seattle, I recommend you the Lotte Hotel Seattle.

And if you’re looking for something a little more affordable but still luxurious, you should book a night or more at Hotel Andra Seattle MGallery Hotel Collection or at Denny Park Hotel Seattle.

Where to stay in Seattle: The best hotels

To give you a better overview of the best hotels in Seattle, whether in the city center or elsewhere, I’ve prepared a table summarizing all the ones I talk about in this article.

You can sort them by price or by district!

Hotel	District	Price (from)
Crowne Plaza Seattle	Downtown	250$
Mayflower Park Hotel	Downtown	280$
CitizenM Seattle Pioneer Square	Downtown	310$
The Alexis Royal Sonesta Hotel	Downtown	350$
Lotte Hotel Seattle	Downtown	560$
Belltown Inn	Belltown	200$
Staypineapple Hotel Five Downtown	Belltown	250$
Hotel Andra Seattle MGallery	Belltown	335$
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Seattle	South Lake Union	245$
citizenM Seattle South Lake Union	South Lake Union	300$
Denny Park Hotel Seattle	South Lake Union	450$
The Mediterranean Hinn	Lower Queen Anne	225$
Staypineapple, The Maxwell Hotel	Lower Queen Anne	260$
Green Tortoise Hostel Seattle	Cheap Hotel	60$
American Hotel Hostel	Cheap Hotel	70$
Marco Polo Motel	Cheap Hotel	100$
Hampton Inn & Suites	Hotel for families	230$
Hyatt House Seattle Downtown	Hotel for families	350$

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