Surrounded by breathtaking mountain ranges and sparkling waterways, this vibrant metropolis offers a perfect blend of lush outdoor adventure and a flourishing cultural scene. We’ve handpicked the best hotels in Seattle based on expert recommendations and thousands of genuine guest reviews. All of our recommended hotels have a review rating of at least 4 out of 5 stars.
Best cheap hotel in Seattle: The College Inn
Best boutique hotel in Seattle: Hotel Theodore
Best luxury hotel in Seattle: Four Seasons Hotel Seattle
Best hostel in Seattle: Green Tortoise Hostel
Sort list by price, rating or by value for money.
The Fairmont Olympic Hotel, affectionately known as Seattle’s "Grand Dame," has been a beacon of luxury since it opened in 1924. Built on the original site of the University of Washington, the hotel was designed by the New York firm George B. Post & Son in a stunning Italian Renaissance style. Its history is deeply intertwined with the city’s growth, having hosted countless celebrities, royalty, and even U.S. Presidents over the last century.
Frommers + 3 more“Covering an entire city block smack-dab in the heart of downtown, the Fairmont Olympic is Seattle’s grande dame of hotels and the place to stay if you want a traditional, full-service, grand hotel experience. The majesty, opulence and scale of its lobby and the Georgian Room is simply unparalleled.”
Featured as Frommer’s Exceptional Choice in Seattle.
Hotel Ändra is a chic boutique property in Seattle’s Belltown district that beautifully marries urban sophistication with Pacific Northwest comfort. Housed in a historic 1926 brick building, the property has a fascinating past; it originally served as efficiency apartments and even functioned as a transfer station for the Women's Army Corps during the mid-1940s.
New York Times + 3 more“A Downtown Scandinavian-themed boutique property with 119 guest rooms, two restaurants and a Northwest-meets-Nordic design aesthetic featuring Alvar Aalto-designed lounge chairs and stacked firewood beside the lobby’s large granite fireplace.”
The Four Seasons Hotel Seattle is a sophisticated, modern sanctuary located in the heart of downtown. Occupying the first ten floors of a sleek 21-story glass tower designed by NBBJ, the hotel masterfully blends contemporary Pacific Northwest style with clean, minimalist aesthetics. It serves as a true gallery, housing the most extensive private collection of Pacific Northwest art outside of a museum, featuring over 40 works by regional artists.
Fodors + 3 more“Seattle’s Four Seasons location overlooks Elliott Bay and the Puget Sound. From the modern Northwest-inspired design to the posh spa and infinity-edge pool, the hotel, which occupies the first 10 floors of a 21-story residential high-rise, offers an ultra-luxurious Seattle experience.”
Featured as Fodor’s Choice in Seattle.
Inn at the Market is Seattle’s only boutique hotel located directly within the historic Pike Place Market. Tucked away in a quiet courtyard, it offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling energy of the market, which has been operating since 1907. The hotel masterfully blends modern Pacific Northwest design with the timeless character of its iconic surroundings.
Frommers + 2 more“Connoisseurs of Seattle hotels have been enjoying Inn at the Market since it opened in 1986. One of the best small hotels in the Pacific Northwest, this charming hotel overlooking the Pike Place Market is one of the most romantic small hotels in the city.”
Featured as Frommer’s Exceptional Choice in Seattle.
The Sorrento Hotel is Seattle’s longest-standing boutique hotel, a true local landmark perched on the city's oldest neighborhood, First Hill. Opened in 1909 to accommodate visitors for the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition, it was envisioned by founder Samuel Rosenberg as a slice of European luxury in the Pacific Northwest. Architect Harlan Thomas designed the building in an Italian Renaissance style, famously convincing Rosenberg to name it after the coastal Italian town because the local topography and bay views reminded him of the Mediterranean.
Frommers + 2 more“The Sorrento is a hotel full of charming period details and rooms that convey personality rather than conformity, with carved wood moldings, restored vintage furniture, and white marble bathrooms with porcelain pedestal sinks and full-length mirrors.”
Featured as Frommer’s Exceptional Choice in Seattle.
Hotel Theodore is a cool, boutique gem in downtown Seattle that beautifully bridges the city's past and present. Originally opened in 1929 as the Roosevelt Hotel, the building is a stunning example of Art Deco architecture designed by the legendary John Graham Sr. After a massive floor-by-floor renovation spearheaded by Susan Marinello Interiors, it reopened in 2017 as Hotel Theodore, a tribute to the 26th U.S. President.
New York Times + 1 more“The Hotel Theodore is a refined 153-room property that reopened in 2017 after a style-minded renovation. In the Art Deco tower that formerly housed the Roosevelt Hotel, guests are now surrounded by Seattle-sourced products, from a collection of local art and artifacts to house-roasted beans in the on-site coffee shop.”
Featured in New York Times’ 36 Hours in Seattle.
The Arctic Club Hotel is a true Seattle landmark, deeply rooted in the history of the Klondike Gold Rush. Built in 1916 and designed by architect A. Warren Gould, the building originally served as an exclusive men’s social club for prospectors who returned from the Yukon with fortunes in their pockets. Today, it remains a designated City of Seattle Landmark, offering a fascinating window into the city's adventurous past.
Fodors + 1 more“This meticulously kept hotel just steps from historic Pioneer Square exudes charm and character. The handsome nine-story Beaux-Arts building, famous for the terracotta walrus heads that line its third floor, was originally commissioned in 1916 as an HQ for The Arctic Club.”
Featured as Fodor’s Choice in Seattle.
Cecil Bacon Manor, located in Seattle’s historic Harvard-Belmont Landmark District, offers an intimate escape steeped in character. Housed in a stately residential building with 8,000 square feet of space across four levels, this bed and breakfast emphasizes a sense of warmth and belonging. Guests are often charmed by its classic architecture, which features a grand piano in the common area and a romantic courtyard that connects the main house to the historic carriage house.
Lonely Planet“A 1909 Tudor mansion whose imposing exterior belies the quirky charm of its friendly hosts, this four-level B&B on a quiet residential street just past the Capitol Hill action is one of the best in the area.”
Recommended by:
Frommers, Lonely Planet, Fodors, Telegraph
Recommended by:
New York Times, Frommers, Fodors, Telegraph
Recommended by:
Fodors, Frommers, Forbes, Telegraph
Recommended by:
Frommers, Fodors, Telegraph
Recommended by:
Frommers, Fodors, Telegraph
Recommended by:
New York Times, Telegraph
Recommended by:
Fodors, Frommers
Recommended by:
Lonely Planet
Seattle is known for its unique diversified culture, excellent foods, art scenes, and more. But it is a big city and has a lot of best neighborhoods. For those who are visiting here for the first time, it can be challenging for them to the best one. However, this article can guide you in finding the neighborhood. Whether you want to enjoy a peaceful stay or explore the top attractions of Seattle, you have arrived at the right place. So, let's have a look into some of the best neighborhoods.
Top 5 neighborhoods in Seattle
Queen Anne
Located in the center of Seattle, equipped with most beautiful attractions and landmarks, Queen Anne is a perfect place to stay in Seattle. In fact, it is considered as the heaven of Seattle. This is the neighborhood where you can enjoy the real beauty of the city. Some of the attractions that you can find here are the Seattle Monorails, discovery park, Seattle Space Needle, Museum of Pop Culture, and more. You will definitely appreciate your visit to Queen Anne.
Belltown
Belltown is surrounded by some significant locations such as Downton Seattle, Belltown, and Queen Anne. It is the fashionable district in Seattle and houses bars, restaurants, clubs and boutiques. Want to enjoy the beautiful culture and a perfect nightlife? Choose this place. Balling on the budget? Don’t worry. Belltown has some budget-friendly hostels where you have an affordable stay. The place gives you the chance to enjoy every aspect of Seattle without stretching your pocket.
Pioneer Square
Want to enjoy the nightlife in Seattle? Then head toward Pioneer Square. It is the oldest neighborhood and central business district of Seattle. Here you will witness a contemporary living style combined with the rich history of Seattle. The place has classic architectures and a lot of historic charms that you will love to explore. An area perfect for unlimited fun and excitements, you will find bars and pubs where you can do party all-night. Choose this neighborhood for a fantastic night out.
Capitol Hill
The coolest neighborhood, Capitol Hill, is situated on the north side of Downtown. With its friendly and diversified atmosphere, it is a great place to stay in Seattle. Capitol Hill is also considered as the heat of the infamous musical culture of Seattle. The area boasts cafes, bars, nightclubs, theatres and more. It has something for all music lovers. Do you love shopping? Mover toward Pine corridor of Capitol Hills where you can find unlimited shops and boutique.
Downtown Seattle
This is the heart of Seattle and a perfect place for families. Downtown Seattle houses market places, famous landmarks, and much more things. As the place is not so large, you can explore it on foot. Just a take a short morning or evening walk, and you can enjoy the best of Seattle. Some major attractions that you can find here are Seattle Aquarium, the Paramount Theatre, Central Library, and more.
Just choose the place based on your requirements or likes and get ready to explore Seattle. Have a great stay in the city.
Also check out our guide about the best areas to stay in Seattle.
If money isn't a problem and you're looking for a luxury hotel in Seattle, then go for Four Seasons Hotel Seattle. The hotel offers excellent service, it's in a top location, it has been rated very highly by previous guests and renowned travel critics have recommended it.
Also check out our list of the best luxury hotels in Seattle, it's a manually curated list of the most exclusive 5-star hotels in the city.
If you're looking for a cheap hotel in Seattle, then book The College Inn. It's an excellent budget hotel offering great value for money. It's in a good location, it's been recommended by travel experts and the hotel has excellent customer reviews. Also check out our list of the best cheap hotels in Seattle.
Looking for a cozy place to stay in Seattle that serves you handmade and fresh breakfast in the morning? Go and check out Bacon Mansion Bed & Breakfast. The B&B has been recommended by well-known travel experts and recent guests have given it top ratings.
You like some luxury but don't like the famous chain hotels. If you're looking for the best boutique hotel in Seattle, you should check out Hotel Theodore. It's a very cool hotel that has been highly recommended by travelers and experts.
Also check out our list of the best boutique hotels in Seattle, it's a manually curated list of the most unique and romantic hotels in the city.
Looking for a good and affordable private room or cozy dorm? Check out Green Tortoise Hostel. The hostel has been highly rated by backpackers. Also check out our list of best hostels in Seattle.
If you're looking for a 3-star hotel in Seattle then you'll have to pay around $250 per night. For a 4-star hotel you have to pay about $315 per night and if you're looking for a luxury 5-star Seattle hotel that will cost you about $475 per night.
If you're looking for a romantic get-away in Seattle, then try the Inn at the Market. The hotel has excellent recent reviews from couples.
If you're looking for a room with a view, then try the Four Seasons Hotel Seattle. The hotel has excellent customer reviews about the views from the hotel.
If you're looking to visit Seattle with your family, then try Four Seasons Hotel Seattle. The hotel has excellent recent reviews by families.
Beneath The Streets Underground History Tour. Discover Seattle’s original neighborhood, Pioneer Square, on this guided walking tour. Explore the underground pathways that were built in the southwest corner of the Emerald City more than 120 years ago. Price: $29.
Seattle: Pike Place Market Chef-Guided Food Tour. Embark on a culinary tasting adventure of Pike Place Market with a local chef guide. Stop at 10 different artisanal vendors; learning about local production and tasting your way through the flavors of the Northwest. Price: $56.
Whale Watching from Friday Harbor. Get up close with the orca whales off the San Juan Islands near Seattle on this 4-hour whale-watching cruise. Price: $114.
More things to do in Seattle
Seattle, often hailed as the Emerald City, sits nestled between the deep waters of Puget Sound and the majestic Olympic Mountains, a geography that has fundamentally shaped its identity. Founded in the mid-19th century as a rugged timber town, the city’s early history was defined by the relentless pursuit of resource extraction. However, it quickly transformed from a frontier outpost into a thriving gateway to the Klondike Gold Rush, rapidly modernizing its infrastructure and expanding its reach. This spirit of reinvention became a hallmark of the region, carrying it through decades of industrial growth and eventual transition into a global technological powerhouse.
Today, Seattle stands as a vibrant epicenter of innovation and progressive culture. It is defined by a unique fusion of high-tech ambition and a deep, ingrained reverence for the natural world. The city serves as the headquarters for giants in aerospace, retail, and cloud computing, fostering a relentless drive for progress. Yet, this corporate dominance is balanced by an unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability and a legendary arts scene. Whether it is the iconic silhouette of the Space Needle or the bustling activity of Pike Place Market, the city exudes a creative, forward-thinking energy that attracts dreamers and disruptors from across the globe.
Beyond its popular landmarks, Seattle hides intriguing secrets. Few realize that beneath the polished streets of Pioneer Square lies an entire subterranean city, the original street level abandoned after the Great Fire of 1889. Additionally, the city’s unique topography once necessitated the regrading of massive hills, such as Denny Hill, which was leveled entirely to accommodate urban expansion. Furthermore, Seattle holds the distinction of having the first revolving restaurant in the United States, cementing its long-standing status as a city that consistently looks toward the future while honoring the complex, layered history beneath its feet.
We recommend you read our guide about where to stay in Seattle. It provides an excellent overview of the most popular areas, highlighting the main attractions and hotel recommendations for each area.
If you like our list of the best hotels in Seattle, then you should also check out our selection of recommended hotels in Portland or the best hotels in Nashville.