5 Best Hotels in The Eastside, Seattle

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.

Near Bellevue Square and other downtown Bellevue shopping centers, the Hyatt looks like any other sleek high-rise but its interior is well-maintained and elegant with marble floors and a grand piano. Rooms are understated, with dark wood and earth tones predominating. Premier one- or two-bedroom suites include bar facilities and meeting rooms with desks and full-length tables. You'll have access to a health club and pool that share a courtyard with the hotel. The restaurant serves breakfast, and 50 restaurants and lounges are within the same sky bridge-connected complex. Request a room on a higher level for great views.

This restored historic seminary overlooks 326 acres of beautiful parkland, making it an incredible place to relax and take in the lush greenery of the Pacific Northwest. Perched at the top of the lake, it's convenient for getting to Woodinville Wine Country, but works just as well for staying put and wandering the hiking and biking trails. The well-appointed, modern rooms with classic architectural features like arched windows play into the chill vibes. On-site restaurants and bars serve menus inspired by local ingredients, while the library stays stocked with books, games, snacks, and non-alcoholic drinks, free to all guests.

A giant indoor pool at a hotel is a rarity in the Pacific Northwest, making this spot in demand for that reason alone, but the proximity to Woodinville's wine country and location in the historic suburb of Bothell are almost as compelling. Like all of the properties from quirky hospitality group McMenamins, the unique art (each room has a name, biography, and custom headboard) and fun story behind the property are part of the draw. While the guestrooms in the former 1930s junior high school are somewhat compact, guests can enjoy five expansive acres of grounds, with gardens, outdoor seating and live music, multiple bars, a restaurant, a brewery, and a movie theater. The 112-foot saltwater pool is heated to 88-90 degrees and set in a tropical-themed building with a pub that features more than 80 rums. Non-guests can swim for a fee by the hour, making this a worthwhile stop when in the area even when staying elsewhere.

Boat tours, waterside views, and complimentary kayak usage make this Kirkland hotel and yacht club, just 9 miles from Seattle on the shores of Lake Washington, a great bet. You'll pay more for the better views and rooms with balconies, but it's probably worth it. Great views can also be had from the upscale restaurant, Bin on the Lake, which serves tasty Pacific Rim fare like seared salmon and regional oysters. The Beach Cafe is equally good, and more casual.