5 Best Hotels in Downtown, Seattle

Name: The Fairmont Olympic Hotel
Address: 411 University St., Seattle, Washington, 98101, USA
Telephone: 206-621–1700
Price range: $$$$

Reviews Updated by

Sydney Baker

Downtown has the greatest concentration of hotels, many of which are new or updated high-end high-rises, though there are also several boutique hotels and midrange properties in historic buildings. There aren't many budget properties in the area. All Downtown hotels are convenient (and within walking distance) to many major sights—including the Seattle Art Museum, Pike Place Market, and the Olympic Sculpture Park. Although the waterfront is an integral part of Downtown, there are surprisingly few hotels directly on the water. Many high-rises have water views, but make sure to specify that you want a room with a view.

THE BEST HOTEL IN DOWNTOWN

The Fairmont Olympic Hotel

$$$$ | 411 University St., Seattle, 98101, USA

Fodor's Choice

FODOR’S EXPERT REVIEW

The lobby and other social spaces (including the hotel's gorgeous The George restaurant) of this sophisticated 1920s icon meld old-world glamour with modern luxury to stylishly complement contemporary guest rooms that feature mid-century-inspired furnishings and all-marble bathrooms with rain showers and designer toiletries. The rooms are airy and inviting, with a gray-and-tourmaline palette, chic furniture, and luxurious bedding. Kids get perks like child-size bathrobes. The well-heeled leisure or business traveler will find everything they need here: afternoon tea at the ornate Georgian with its stunning Palladian windows; fabulous seafood and impeccable service at Shuckers, one of Seattle's oldest oyster bars; a fitness center with an indoor pool; a full-service business center; a day spa; and a shopping arcade. The café, 4th Ave, is the hotel's answer to Starbucks, opening early with espressos and savory bites.

THE BEST HOTEL IN DOWNTOWN

Four Seasons Hotel Seattle

$$$$ | 99 Union St., Seattle, 98101, USA

Fodor's Choice

FODOR’S EXPERT REVIEW

Just south of Pike Place Market and steps from the Seattle Art Museum, this Downtown gem overlooking Elliott Bay is polished and elegant, with spacious light-filled guest rooms; after a renovation in 2023, the fresh new design features serene hues that nod to the hotel's surroundings, museum-quality art reproductions, and comfortable high-end modern furnishings. An extensive day spa offers chaise-lounge mini-treatments on the hotel's glamorous terrace, which features an infinity pool perched above the beautiful Puget Sound. At the seriously stylish Goldfinch Tavern, taste fabulous cocktails and Northwest cuisine with stunning Elliott Bay views.

Hotel 1000, LXR Hotels & Resorts

$$$ | 1000 1st Ave., Seattle, 98104, USA

A short walk from Pioneer Square, the art museum, and the waterfront, Hotel 1000 (a Hilton Honors property) features ultra-comfortable rooms with on-trend contemporary design elements in shades of pale green and white, and unexpected touches like large soaking tubs that fill from the ceiling. Catered towards maximizing relaxation, the hotel features a small spa and a bath butler program. After undergoing an extensive renovation in the summer of 2023, Hotel 1000 now has reimagined art, a bar with seasonal themes, including a Swiss chalet in the winter, and a restaurant specializing in oysters and Mediterranean-meets-Pacific Northwest seafood dishes. Sports lovers and kids alike will love the Top Golf suite, with golf simulation and gaming programs available.

Recommended Fodor's Video

Hyatt Regency

$$ | 808 Howell St., Seattle, 98101, USA

The Hyatt Regency Seattle—right next door to the future Convention Center expansion—currently holds the title of the biggest hotel in the Pacific Northwest. The Hyatt's sophisticated 45-story tower practically feels like a small city, with multiple dining options, a large cutting-edge gym, and an especially swanky Regency Club. Rooms are modern, clean, and comfortable.

Palihotel

$$ | 107 Pine St., Seattle, 98101, USA

A fabulous shade of dark green coats most of the interior walls and brick surfaces at this eclectic boutique hotel in a historic building (circa 1898) just a block up from Pike Place Market. Other vintage-modern design touches are equally memorable, like bold graphic tile in the bathrooms, chintz headboards and accent pillows, and Smeg tea kettles. Treat yourself to a drink or brunch in the stylish Hart and Hunter, and if you're traveling with a four-legged family member, they're sure to be spoiled too, with treats, toys, and dog beds.

Seattle

Seattle

Reviews Updated by

FODOR’S EXPERT REVIEW

FODOR’S EXPERT REVIEW

Recommended Fodor's Video

Follow Us

Thank you for your interest!