2 Best Hotels in The Waterfront, Seattle

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.

Elliott Bay fills the windows of most rooms here—half even have small Juliet balconies—and the waterfront location puts both cruise terminals and top tourist spots within easy reach. Groups and cruise travelers flock to this reliable favorite for its comfort, convenience, and cushy beds. Public spaces feel warm and polished, while guest rooms are standard but well kept. The Hook and Plow serves straightforward American fare, though better dining waits just outside. For the prime view, spring for a north-tower room; it’s worth the upgrade.