Four Seasons Hotel Seattle
Much like the eclectic city itself, Seattle's lodging offers something for everyone. There are grand, ornate vintage hotels; sleek and elegant modern properties; green hotels with yoga studios and enough bamboo for an army of pandas; and cozy bed-and-breakfasts with sweet bedspreads and home-cooked breakfasts.
Travelers who appreciate the anonymity of high-rise chains can comfortably stay here, while guests who want to feel like family can find the perfect boutique inn to lay their heads.
Two of the newest properties on the scene affirm Seattle's growing status as a world-class city: the Thompson Seattle, a boutique hotel with floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook Pike Place Market and Elliott Bay, and the Kimpton Palladian, a stylish and sophisticated urban retreat in a landmark 1910 building. Meanwhile, a pair of the city's most classic and sought-after Downtown digs have recently undergone dramatic modern transformations: the Fairmont Olympic and the Inn at the Market. A number of other tried-and-true hotels have upped the ante as new competition looms, a boon for visitors to this booming city.
Unfortunately, there’s no getting around the fact that staying in Seattle is expensive. Unless you’re willing to sleep in a hostel, expect to pay at least $130–$200 a night for basic accommodations anywhere in-city. Budget travelers will want to look outside the Downtown core, or try to finagle deals from online booking sites. And as always, the devil is in the details: parking fees, charges for Wi-Fi, and additional costs for view rooms can bump nightly rates $100 or more. As travelers have felt the squeeze, some hotels have responded with lower prices, special packages, and sensible extras, like free parking or meal vouchers. Many hotel bars and restaurants are also offering happy hours, sometimes twice a day, with an emphasis on food as well as cocktails.
And with all the convention and cruise travelers, high season can mean a scramble to find anything in the center of town. Never fear, though—most of the neighborhoods have relatively quick access to Downtown; a couple, like Queen Anne, South Lake Union, and Capitol Hill, are a quick walk away, and many hotels offer free shuttles to the core. Take a deep breath, book ahead, and aim high—you never know what sort of deals you might find.
From its jaw-dropping bay views to the fabulous location just steps from Pike Place Market, this is a unique place you'll want to visit again and again; excellent service and dining options make it even more worth the splurge. The inn is well-known for the friendly, helpful staff and excellent room service from Bacco (breakfast) and French charmer Café Campagne (dinner). The contemporary rooms feature a soothing white-and-beige palette, stylish furniture, and incredibly comfortable Hypnos beds. Foodies, romantics, and everyone in between will love the prime location. Rooms are differentiated by the type of view, but if you opt for a City Side room (a good deal even in high season), you can still enjoy uninterrupted water views from the spacious fifth-floor deck perched above Puget Sound. Across the courtyard, you'll find the superb Sushi Kashiba, helmed by renowned chef Shiro Kashiba, who trained under chef Jiro Ono (the subject of the documentary Jiro Dreams of Sushi); it's a splurge but arguably the best sushi in Seattle.
Designed by local star architects Olson Kundig, the 12-story Thompson Seattle (a Hyatt hotel) makes an impression with a contemporary glass exterior and sophisticated guest rooms that feature floor-to-ceiling windows (some framing epic water views), hardwood floors, a crisp white-and-navy palette, and leather and smoked-glass accents. An emerald-velvet sectional in the art book-filled lobby catches the eye, as do the Pacific Northwest–themed touches throughout the design-savvy hotel. The Thompson's Conversation restaurant offers regional cuisine (don't skip the Dungeness crab Benedict for brunch), while the hugely popular rooftop bar, The Nest, serves up craft cocktails and unbeatable views.
Originally called The Roosevelt, this historic Seattle hotel has continuously been in operation since 1929. It maintains that roaring twenties flair despite numerous renovations, most recently in 2016, when it underwent a complete rebranding. Now called Hotel Theodore, visitors enjoy old-school charm along with an updated, contemporary arthouse atmosphere in a central location. Each of the 150 guest rooms features unique artwork, as does the Roosevelt Penthouse suite, previously the owner’s private residence. There are also pet-friendly options.
Populus Hotel's embodiment of biophilic design is evident in every detail of this property, which seamlessly blends the abundant nature of the Pacific Northwest with the eclectic urban energy of Seattle. From the moment you step through the doors of the historic, repurposed building, you are enveloped by greenery: a collection of native plants stacked on steps, flowers sprouting from logs, tangles of moss draping from branches. Brick detailing, bold paintings by local artists, and modern aesthetic highlighting hues of blues and greens, accented by driftwood, shells, and mushroom-shaped lamps. Writers and book lovers can cozy up in the library and get lost in a collection of books about the Northwest, or grab a seat in front of the fireplace or along the communal table at the cafe, which serves artisanal drinks until the afternoon. Rooms are modestly sized, featuring luxurious beds, bright prints on the walls, and accents of deep blues in the seating areas, as well as touches like Aesop products and hand-painted flowers and plants from around the PNW on the doors. Zero-waste policies are incorporated into the property's ethos (only the second carbon-positive hotel in the United States), from the building materials to the restaurant's farm-sourced menu.
Located in one of Seattle's most vibrant and transforming neighborhoods, this hotel has undeniable draws, from the attractive and comfortable modern rooms to a happening lobby bar-restaurant serving Northwest cuisine and tapas, to the impressive views of the Space Needle and Lake Union. Even standard rooms feel spacious and feature an elegant palette of browns and blues, along with contemporary furniture and artwork and upscale touches like Hypnos beds, Herman Miller desk chairs, and soaking tubs tucked behind shoji screens. Eco-minded travelers will appreciate that Pan Pacific is one of the greenest companies in Washington. Part of a luxury condo development, the hotel offers guests access to a 24-hour fitness center with a large jetted whirlpool. Also across the courtyard, spa lovers should take note of the Vida Spa, a local favorite that features classic body and facial treatments along with specialty ayurvedic options in a soothing setting. The address is a short haul from the downtown sights so ask about the hotel’s free car service, which can drop you anywhere in a 2-mile radius, or hop on a trolley to get around.
1 Hotel Seattle debuted in spring 2025, when it took the place of the former Pan Pacific Hotel, and bridged Downtown and South Lake Union with a design that feels both rooted and rejuvenating. Moss drapes from light fixtures, driftwood lines the walls, and the two-story mural of Mount Rainier—crafted from moss, shells, and reclaimed wood—anchors the lobby in local character. The atmosphere is calm and organic, with plant-filled nooks, wood tones, nature books, and a cozy fireplace inviting you to linger. Guest rooms balance eco-conscious touches and soft luxury: filtered water taps replace bottles, glasses are cut from recycled wine bottles, and many rooms frame Space Needle views. Neutral palettes and plush beds make for a soothing retreat, and deep soaking tubs are a welcome indulgence after a day exploring. Like its sister properties, 1 Hotel Seattle leads with sustainability and wellness—offering a weekly yoga class, an expansive gym, and even a lobby farm stand with local fruit. The on-site restaurant La Loba draws attention for its Catalan–Pacific Northwest menu, but Drift, serving seasonal breakfast, lunch, and cocktails, is just as worth your time.
The closest B&B to Downtown offers all the charm of a classic bed-and-breakfast (exquisitely styled with antique beds and Oriental rugs) with the convenience of being near the action. The owner has impeccable taste, and even the small den that holds two public computers and stacks of travel guides, brochures, and laminated menus from the best local restaurants is thoughtfully arranged and decorated. Modest-size guest rooms all have private baths. A full breakfast is served in the elegant dining room. Don't worry about using the wrong fork, though—despite its formal appearance, the inn is a warm, laid-back place. All bedrooms are on upper floors with no elevators.
The Ace is a dream come true for anyone who appreciates unique minimalist decor, with touches like army-surplus blankets, industrial metal sinks, and street art breaking up any notion of austerity. The cheapest rooms share bathrooms, which have enormous showers. Almost everything is white—even the wood floors and brick walls have been painted—making elements like randomly placed tree stumps pop in the gallery-like spaces. Cook breakfast in the shared kitchen or satisfy munchies from the vending machine stocked with unusual items like Japanese snacks and hangover cures. This is a very specific experience and aesthetic: if you're not soothed (or stimulated) by the stripped-down quality of the rooms or not amused by finding a copy of the Kama Sutra where the Bible would be, you may want to stay elsewhere.
The stylish guest rooms received a top-to-bottom redo at the boutique Alexis Royal Sonesta, which occupies a pair of historic buildings (on the National Register of Historic Places, in fact) near the waterfront. The new design has a contemporary loft vibe, featuring sharp Northwest-inspired hues, textures, and furnishings that complement the hotel's high ceilings and walls of windows.
Outdoorsy types, visitors who want to stay in a low-key residential area, and anyone who wants to feel pampered and refreshed will enjoy this lovely B&B across the street from beautiful Green Lake. Some of the rooms feature private baths with jetted tubs, gas fireplaces, and new furnishings, and all are clean and charming. The full breakfast alternates between made-to-order savory (a spinach-and-feta omelet, for example) and sweet (such as Brie-and-apple French toast), with a few extra options for guests with food allergies or restrictions. Guests also love the complimentary wine-and-cheese hour on weeknights and the outdoor patio with views of the lake.
Scandinavian modern design lovers will swoon over Hotel Ändra, where the freshly renovated rooms feature stylish furnishings in a palette of grays, ochres, and pinks. The striking double-height lobby lounge still feels cozy thanks to plush seating and a large fireplace. Dine in for breakfast or dinner at the standout hotel restaurant, Lola.
In the heart of historic Ballard, this chic boutique hotel features a modern take on baroque style, with gilded mirrors and sumptuous carpeting and furnishings in every room. Even the outdoor chairs are ornately whimsical. If you can, splurge for one of the spacious fifth-floor courtyard suites, which include a fireplace, marble bathrooms with a walk-in shower and deep soaking tub, and a small outdoor space. The hotel's rooftop has an outdoor fireplace and offers sweeping views of Ballard and the Olympic Mountains. Guests get free access to the top-notch Olympic Athletic Club.
Built in 1906, the historic and serene Hotel Sorrento hits the perfect note between traditional and modern, with lovely Italianate architecture, carved wood moldings, white marble bathrooms, antique furnishings in sumptuous fabrics, and chic original contemporary artwork in the common spaces. The Sorrento’s stylish Stella restaurant features coastal Italian cuisine to go with the classic black-and-white striped patio umbrellas, and the cozy Fireside Room, complete with wooden details, plush leather couches, a piano, and a fire, is a perfect spot to unwind after a day of sightseeing with cocktails and regionally-inspired apps.
Housed in a striking reflective tower that connects to a historic church (now an event space), Lotte Seattle (by the South Korean Lotte brand) debuted in 2020. Philippe Starck-designed, mid-century-inspired interiors feature sleek mirrored surfaces (even in the bathroom), an eclectic mix of contemporary art, faux-bois motifs, and floor-to-ceiling windows, some with lovely views of Elliott Bay and Smith Tower. The hotel's restaurant—Charlotte—is also a splurge-worthy spot to sample regional seafood with views over the Sound.
This is the choice if you want to be near the action at Seattle Center—you're a leisurely 10-minute walk from the Space Needle and Climate Pledge Arena. Colorful, playful design in both the guest rooms and shared spaces is engaging for kids and charming for adults, and the staff embraces the friendly spirit. During a stay here you'll keep encountering artistic touches, from the elevators to the bright, high-ceilinged bar. Grab-and-go breakfast offerings are a weak point, but there's a large grocery store two blocks away.
Comfortable, old-world charm comes with sturdy antiques, Asian accents, brass fixtures, and florals, and though the hotel's main draw is its central location, street noise isn't much of an issue thanks to the sturdy old construction of the historic 1927 building. There is also a star restaurant, Andaluca, specializing in Spanish-style small plates, as well as Oliver's, a well-known martini bar, where even locals flock for perfectly poured cocktails.
From the huge exterior mural by artist Shepard Fairey to the gorgeous graphic wallpaper inspired by nearby Pike Place Market, every inch of this hip boutique hotel is eye candy, including stylish rooms with sleek, tiled rain showers, an eclectic and welcoming lobby, and vibrant Ben Paris bar and restaurant, where neighborhood locals are as likely to hang out as tourists. Tributes to Seattle's creative side and the city's movers and shakers can be found throughout, from the featured portraits on guestroom walls to the back wall of the lobby covered in repurposed doorknobs from the building's former medical offices. The rooftop terrace with views over Elliot Bay is a serious bonus to take in the scenery, hidden away from the crowds of Pike Place.
Timbers salvaged from a 19th-century warehouse are rustic counterpoints to sleek, modern design in this elegant spa hotel in the heart of Woodinville wine country. A stone fireplace dominates the lobby, and contemporary Native American prints and sculptures by local artists are spread throughout. Each large, elegant guest room has a gas-lighted stone fireplace and an oversize soaking tub. Wander the beautifully landscaped grounds, or pay a visit to the excellent on-site spa, which features beauty and rejuvenating treatments, as well as a hydrotherapy pool in a secluded courtyard. The hotel's Barking Frog restaurant is well-liked, while Fireside Cellars, Willows Lodge's casual lounge, often features live music and makes a relaxing spot to sip local wine after a day spent biking through the Eastside.
Conveniently located halfway between Downtown and Pioneer Square, the history of the Arctic Club extends well beyond its gilded entrance through terra cotta walrus heads. The building (completed in 1917) was originally constructed for the Arctic Club, a social club for those who had experienced the gold rush to Alaska. After undergoing several renovations, the building was transformed into a hotel, and the most recent edition opened in 2022. Nods to its rich history can be found in photos of explorers on the walls of common spaces and guest rooms, and the life-size polar bear statue in the Arctic Bar. Rooms are clean, comfy, and preserve the hotel’s vintage vibe, with views primarily overlooking the city. The real draw is in the hotel’s architecture, most of all the ornate stained-glass dome on the top floor.
Astra Hotel is essentially a standard Marriott, with clean, comfortable, fairly snug standard rooms in a handy central location. The lobby has colorful, quirky decor, and the rooftop bar has a sunset view and throbbing beats coming from the sound system. Local chain Caffe Ladro has a shop in the lobby, so you can wake up to a good cup of coffee—and even have it delivered to your room by Sparky, the hotel’s “robot butler.”
Travelers seeking an authentic Seattle neighborhood experience will fall hard for this charming budget-friendly inn right in the heart of Ballard, tucked between coffee shops, trendy boutiques, and restaurants. It's got character too: the 1902 property, a former bank, is done in a minimalist, modern Louis XIV style, from the giant black rosette chandelier in the black-and-white lobby to the gold-leaf French provincial dressers, blue walls, and quilted headboards in some rooms upstairs. Other than the deluxe king rooms, the rooms use shared bathrooms. Two of the four suites have separate entrances for a private apartment-like feel. Guests get free access to the top-notch Olympic Athletic Club.
Serene and traditional, this 1909 Tudor home is surrounded by opulent gardens and is near both Volunteer Park and Broadway—and it also has some rooms and suites that welcome children or pets. The living room is filled with comfortable furniture and lots of natural light. Guest rooms feel homey, though the rooms that haven't been recently updated seem a bit worn. Some rooms have views; some have hideaway beds in addition to the queen-size beds.
Part of the Hilton's upscale Curio Collection, the new Charter Hotel features chic, quiet rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, marbled wallpaper, 50-inch TVs, and spacious bathrooms. Don't miss the hotel's 16th-floor Fog Room bar, which has city and water views and outdoor seating.
citizenM Seattle South Lake Union proves that small can still feel smart. The rooms—150 square feet, with a wall-to-wall king bed tucked under a picture window—are compact but cleverly designed, complete with a petite desk, mini-fridge, and rain shower. Solo travelers will find it just right; couples, cozy at best. What the rooms lack in space, the buzzing lobby makes up for: think art books, bold color, a 24/7 bar, and a lounge that feels more like a living room than a hotel. It’s stylish, social, and unmistakably citizenM.
The Edgewater practically hovers over Elliott Bay, its rustic-chic rooms angled west toward ferries, sailboats, seals, and the distant Olympic Mountains, so skip the city view and go straight for the water. For a romantic splurge, book a premium waterfront room with a fireplace, cushy club chairs, and a claw-foot tub overlooking the Sound. Even the standard waterfront rooms capture that subtle magic of sleeping above lapping waves. Since opening in 1962, the Edgewater has hosted music legends from the Beatles to Kurt Cobain, and its lobby—framed by an enormous window onto Puget Sound—remains one of Seattle’s most cinematic spots to linger. The city-facing rooms feel small and overpriced by comparison, but you can still get a taste of the place at Six Seven, the hotel’s elegant restaurant with a bay-view patio and a lively, more casual bar.
The architecture in this historic landmark building, from the fireplaces to the stained-glass windows, makes it a charming place to stay. It shows its age in some of the details, but by and large the owners have done a good job with updating. The large common areas are comfortable and friendly, and the lovely backyard has something few other B&Bs can claim: a heated pool, open in summer.
With 16 stories and 154 rooms, the Graduate is the U-District’s biggest hotel; it’s been around since the 1930s, but renovations have made the rooms modern, with art deco design touches and lots of color (especially Husky purple). South-facing rooms on high floors have views of the city, and the rooftop Mountaineering Club bar is one of the neighborhood’s most appealing places to sip a cocktail.
Adjacent to the Washington State Convention Center, this view-centric hotel with spacious rooms appeals to business travelers, conventioneers, or brand loyalists who want a dependable Hyatt-level stay in a central Downtown location. The decor throughout is masculine-chic and not particularly imaginative but comfortably unobtrusive. Rooms above the 10th floor enjoy vistas of Elliott Bay. Suites are large, with separate sitting rooms, and executive quarters have mini-refrigerators and wet bars. Ruth's Chris Steak House is downstairs.