The best houseboat and waterfront Airbnbs in Seattle

Experience Seattle in this cozy houseboat, floating right in the heart of the city. A small but relaxing space, this Airbnb features a living room area where you can sit and watch the world go by. There’s also an open lofted bed area with a double bed and when the weather’s nice, you can catch some rays out on the rooftop. The boat has a 32" TV and decent Wi-Fi, perfect for snug nights in. A compact space with the essentials you’ll need, and invites you to experience a different side of city life.

Rooms? One. Sleeps three guests.
Mood? Lake living. 
Budget range? Fairly affordable long-term stay.

This iconic Seattle houseboat Airbnb – Banjo – located on Union Lake by Gas Works Park is a major head turner and for good reason. Completely renovated and modern, but still keeping the original funky charm, it provides a comfortable and unique stay that is perfect for experiencing Seattle. Enjoy the breathtaking views of Seattle’s skyline and lake from the rooftop patio, where you can BBQ or sunbathe to your heart’s content. The boat has two bedrooms, ideal for a good night’s rest for up to four guests, and has a stylish kitchen and bathroom – with a shower. It also has a home office area (in case you need to jump on a quick Zoom call) and high-speed Wi-Fi. Within walking distance, you’ll find tasty restaurants, grocery stores, and coffee shops, as well as Gas Works Park. 

Rooms? Two. Sleeps four guests.
Mood? One for the books.
Budget range? On the spenny end. 

A home away from home, this historic houseboat Airbnb in Seattle’s quiet neighbourhood of Magnolia offers modern conveniences while respecting its roots. Built in 1927, you can head up to the wheelhouse with a good book to enjoy a cozy and old-timey vibe. Or, enjoy a late morning lie-in with the King-sized Tempurpedic mattress in the main stateroom, watching the morning news on the TV (with Apple TV, too). You’ll find a large custom-built walk-in shower at the head of the boat – super spacious considering it’s an old tugboat! Enjoy al fresco meals out on the deck with a BBQ and dining table, or chill out on the L-shaped couch in the living room. The kitchen is decked out with everything you’ll need for a romantic dinner. But if you fancy checking out a local restaurant, you’ll only be five minutes away from downtown Ballard.

Rooms? One. Sleeps two guests.
Mood? A slice of 1927 history. 
Budget range? 30-night stay minimum and pretty expensive. 

Soak up the beautiful views of the lake in this waterfront Airbnb, a short distance from Seattle, in Lynnwood, Washington. Ideal for self-renewal or a family trip, this cabin sleeps five guests in two bedrooms and is perfect for those keen to try out water sports. The cabin features a large, modern kitchen, fully equipped to ensure a practical and comfortable stay. The living area has a fireplace and overlooks the lake, the best place for winding down and watching the sunset. Outdoors, there’s a patio deck with a fireplace and stunning views of the lake and woods, plus a hot tub for a calming soak and some bubbles (in the tub and your glass).

Rooms? Two. Sleeps five guests.
Mood? Life on the water. 
Budget range? Decently priced.

Fall asleep to gentle waves on this adorable Seattle houseboat. Located in Lower Queen Anne, this ultra-cozy Airbnb is in a prime location, close to all amenities in Fremont or Ballard, as well as Seattle’s best nightlife and restaurants close by. Rest up after a busy day in a super comfy queen-sized foam mattress, making full use of the fast Wi-Fi or Smart TV. There’s a quaint woodburning stove in the living room, plus a private little nook with a single bed, allowing for two to three guests on the boat. Ideal for a calming retreat away or a romantic getaway.

Rooms? One. Sleeps two guests.
Mood? The modern houseboat.
Budget range? Three-month minimum stay but very affordable.

For a more tranquil trip, this lakefront cottage situated on the gorgeous Long Lake in Port Orchard is the perfect place for you to be one with nature. Only a 45-minute ferry ride to the center of Seattle, you can try out a variety of water sports on the lake and pump some adrenaline into your stay. Sleeping up to six guests in two bedrooms, you can gather the family or your best pals for a weekend packed full of exploring and fun. Wind down in the evening with after-dinner s’mores using the outdoor firepit or cook up a feast in the fully-equipped kitchen for an al fresco meal on the deck. From the living room, you can enjoy the views across the lake and use the free Wi-Fi to Google how to Kayak for the next morning.

Rooms? Two. Sleeps six guests.
Mood? Lakefront retreat.
Budget range? Super affordable for what's on offer. 

One of Seattle’s coolest houseboats, the beautiful location, and the comfy interior makes for a unique way to experience the city. Sleeping two guests in a queen-sized bed, this Airbnb is situated right by Seattle’s popular area of South Lake Union. Just a 20-minute walk away, you’ll find the Space Needle and Seattle Center, plus an abundance of restaurants and bars. There’s a 40" mounted TV with Netflix and fast Wi-Fi to help you unwind after a busy day of exploring. Or head up to the rooftop deck for views of the lake and the Space Needle. There’s a compact kitchen with coffee-making facilities – don’t forget to take a coffee up to the deck and enjoy the sunrise in the mornings – and a stove-top cooker for easy meals.

Rooms? One. Sleeps two guests.
Mood? Simplistic bliss.
Budget range? 10% discount on monthly stays.

Experience the neighbourhood of Echo Lake, Seattle, in this aptly named Lover’s Lakehouse. Wake up in an ultra-cozy queen-size bed and enjoy a coffee on the outdoor patio, overlooking the lake. The perfect setting for a romantic trip or a solo trip for a bit of R&R – pets are welcome, too. There’s Wi-Fi and a dedicated workspace – handy if you fancy writing a novel or journal while here – and the kitchen is equipped with all the modern conveniences you need. Located 15 minutes outside of Seattle, you can easily travel to the city center for a day of shopping, eating and sightseeing – before heading back to the Lover’s Lakehouse Airbnb to Netflix and chill or watch the sunset over the lake.

Rooms? One. Sleeps three guests.
Mood? Love nest energy.
Budget range? Super affordable.

Enjoy a private and scenic stay in this waterfront home situated on Lake Washington, close to Seattle. The modern and beautiful Airbnb features a spacious kitchen and an open living/dining room just steps away from the lake. The home sleeps two guests in a Queen-sized bed and the western-placed windows offer incredible views of the sunsets. There’s also a gas fireplace, cable TV, and Wi-Fi for cozy nights in. Or, venture out just a few minutes away to Downtown Kirkland and surrounding parks, where you’ll find plenty of bars and restaurants. 

Rooms? One. Sleeps two guests.
Mood? Lakefront bliss.
Budget range? Mid-range to high.