The 12 best hotels in Seattle, for a seaside city break

Hotels designed around a particular setting are abundant, but not every property captures a place's nuances as well as The Kimpton Palladian. The Belltown property is a reimagined downtown landmark from 1910 whose bold architecture, kitschy design and 97 well-appointed rooms serve as subtle reminders of Seattle’s past—shimmering accents to take you back to the gold rush, raw wood harkening to the timber industry days and a fantastic sound system, lest you forget you’re in the birthplace of grunge. It’s a few blocks from the busy Pike Place Market, but don’t expect to see a swarm of tourists in this lobby.

Our king Palladian suite, with just under 800 square feet of space, provided plenty of room to spread out, enjoy our room service burger from the downstairs bar Pennyrotal, and even comfortably take a work call while the other person slept (head lying comfortably on a pillow adorned with Brad Pitt's face). The separate living room with a wet bar and an extra-large conference table became the in-room amenities that we didn’t know we needed.

Something else to file under that category: a record player! The room came equipped with a Crosley record player and a selection of vinyls curated by Sub Pop—the same music label whose posters you’ll see plastered throughout the namesake suite and whose current roster of artists includes Father John Misty and The Shins. For inquiring minds, Sub Pop achieved fame in the early 1990s for signing the likes of Nirvana, Soundgarden and Mudhoney. You don’t need to be a fan of Seattle’s grunge era to appreciate that.

Time Out tip: Make time to dine at Shaker + Spear, the modern seafood restaurant just off the lobby. It was packed on a Thursday night with the smell of fresh, locally caught halibut and king salmon just wafting through the air

Address: 2000 2nd Ave #100, Seattle, WA 98121

Price: From $189 per night based on two people sharing

Closest transport: Westlake & Olive light rail station

You know where you stand with a Four Seasons hotel. This luxury hotel boasts an ideal downtown location just steps from Seattle attractions such as the Art Museum, Pike Place Market and the waterfront, meaning your Emerald City bucket list doesn’t stand a chance. The hotel’s 147 rooms range from single-bed rooms to a luxurious 10th-floor suite that sleeps four. Almost all of them offer views of the bay or the city, so you won't miss out on those charming views to accompany that all-important morning coffee (each room has a complimentary coffee concierge). If you’ve got the budget, the aforementioned 10th-floor suite is a real showstopper, complete with a romantic fireplace, a private fitness studio, a mini-kitchen, and a bar.

Top-tier amenities at the Four Seasons Hotel in Seattle include a 24-hour fitness centre, a lovely rooftop terrace, and a gorgeous infinity pool. A visit to the spa for treatments such as a deep-tissue massage or an anti-ageing facial is a recommended indulgence, particularly after a long day of sightseeing in Seattle. This is a city of hills, and you deserve that rejuvenation. The infinity pool is on the fourth floor and offers stunning views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. It is every bit as sumptuous as you imagine.

If you’re looking for a high-quality hotel in the heart of Seattle, you can do worse than booking a night or three at the Four Seasons. In fact, the hotel occasionally runs offers where a third night can be added at no extra charge, allowing guests to base themselves here and explore the wider area, from neighbourhoods outside downtown (Fremont and Ballard are musts) or nipping on a ferry across to fascinating Bainbridge Island. If you want to wring every drop of magic out of Seattle, this is a fantastic base for doing just that.

Time Out tip: The hotel can arrange unique Seattle experiences on request, such as private yacht trips and VIP tours around the Space Needle

Address: 99 Union St, Seattle, WA 98101

Price: From $505 per night based on two people sharing

Closest transport: Symphony light rail station

This downtown hotel sets itself apart with warm, welcoming hospitality, offering thoughtful touches such as bottles of wine and cheese platters at check-in for guests celebrating special occasions. Located in the former Alaska Gold Standard Mining building, erected in 1901, the renovated hotel is thoroughly modern, its 121 rooms featuring exposed brick and minimalist steel poster beds. The deluxe rooms are packed with charming furniture and all the modern conveniences a guest might require, but things are ramped up with the suites. The one-bedroom spa studio suite comes with a delightful soaking tub, while the gorgeous Grand Arlington suite will have you dreaming of moving to the Emerald City in no time.

Travelling with Fido? The Alexis is a pet-friendly hotel, and animals always stay for free. Travelling with friends? The twin rooms here are a cut above the usual fair, with Queen-size beds for each guest, as well as sofas, armchairs and plenty of refined decor. One charming highlight of the hotel is the Marquis of Seattle, the hotel’s curious orca mascot, who is always on hand to greet guests with a cheeky smile (in its own special way). All hotels should have mascots, as far as we’re concerned.

If you’re looking to build up a sweat during your time in Seattle (if the city’s hills aren’t enough), there is an award-winning fitness centre on the third and fourth floors, one packed with quality equipment. There is even a rock-climbing wall, if that is your sort of thing, and a Peloton bike to get that heart rate up. The hotel is also home to the Chroma Salon, one of the most popular salons in Seattle and a tremendous place to fix the barnet while you are in town. Of course, most people don’t go on holiday for a haircut, but the modern world takes you where it goes.

Time Out tip: Don’t miss a visit to the hotel’s Bookstore Bar & Café, where you’ll find a vast selection of rare whiskeys.

Address: 1007 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98104

Price: From $185 per night based on two people sharing

Closest transport: 3rd Avenue & Madison Street bus stop

Everyone can get a taste of the suite life at this new hotel, which offers apartment-style rooms in one of Seattle’s coolest neighbourhoods right on the edge of Lake Union. Each of the modern rooms houses everything you need for a plush, self-catered stay, including a desk, coffee machine, kitchen, personal outdoor balcony or patio and spacious living room. A range of suite sizes is available; it all just comes down to how many travellers are in your party. The open concept studio layout of the Level Suite makes it an excellent option for solo explorers, while the three-bedroom sky suite is a spacious option for families on the go. Feeling flush? Give one of the three luxury penthouses a look, and forever change your accommodation expectations on holiday.

However, it’s the shared amenities that really make the place pop. Guests also have access to two outdoor pools with cabanas, a fitness centre, yoga and spin studio with Peloton bikes, as well as private indoor dining and lounge areas. The fitness centre deserves a little more attention —a humongous space that is perfectly designed to keep you up to date with that all-important exercise routine. There are no excuses here. The Ananya Spa is the perfect place to seek serenity, whether through body or skin treatments or one of the excellent beauty packages available. The spa has a range of monthly specials, so keep an eye on the website to see if anything takes your fancy.

If this all sounds like somewhere you’d like to enjoy for a longer period of time, extended stays are available. Imagine waking up with all this at your fingertips at the drop of a hat? Yeah, we can’t blame you for casting a lustful glance in this direction.

Time Out tip: Need one of Seattle's finest? Head to the local coffee shop, Zoka, for a morning brew.

Address: 110 Boren Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109

Price: From $270 per night based on two people sharing

Closest transport: Denny Way & Fairview Avenue North bus stop

The Palihotel brand has gone from strength to strength in recent years, offering super-cute accommodation with an eclectic mix of vintage decor and a relaxed attitude. Their Seattle hotel is just across from the Elliott Bay Waterfront (read: excellent location) and is a great place to get energised and ready to explore the city. Its unpretentious vibe also makes it a good choice for multi-age groups, as its boutique charms will appeal to adults and teenagers alike. Simply put, there is a lot to like about the stylish spot in the heart of the city.

Where better to start than the rooms? There are 96 guest rooms at the Palihotel in Seattle, and each seems to be designed by a completely different mind. It all makes for a consistently exciting stay that defies identikit uniformity in favour of creativity and expression. Twin rooms are simple spaces perfect for duos, while the bunk rooms tick that same box for the more energetic (there is something nostalgic about bunk beds on holiday, even if we are confined to the bottom bunk these days). At the other end of the scale, the King Studio is a gorgeous space with heaps of mod cons, elite toiletries, bespoke furniture, and more. Some even have clawfoot tubs, adding another layer of excellence to the experience.

The Palihotel in Seattle lives up to its brand reputation by pulling out all the stops to make guests feel at home. If you book a stay of three nights or more, you can expect some healthy discounts, while the bed and breakfast offer is well worth splashing out for. The Palihotel in Seattle is also pet-friendly, with plenty of amenities available on the hotel’s excellent PAWLISOCIETY pet package, such as plush toys, special beds, courtesy bags, and more.

Time Out tip: Go all out with comfort food indulgences at The Hart and The Hunter Americana diner.

Address: 107 Pine St, Seattle, WA 98101

Price: From $150 per night based on two people sharing

Closest transport: 2nd Avenue & Pike Street bus stop

As the only Seattle hotel located in Pike Place Market, this comfy 79-room inn guarantees access to the market’s bustling atmosphere and delicious food. From fresh seafood selections (don’t forget to stick around the market to see some traditional fish-throwing) to being the first in line at the original Starbucks (trust us, there is always a line), you really can't beat this one. If you’re looking for a hotel that is quite literally in the heart of town, it doesn’t get much more central than smack-bang in Pike Place Market. Your legs will thank you for the location, and the views from the hotel's rooms simply cannot be beaten.

Views of what, exactly? Well, the bright, elegant Northwest-style rooms afford views of everything from the Seattle waterfront (and the Great Wheel) to downtown Seattle, Elliot Bay, and the surrounding area. Whether the sun is rising or setting, the vistas are magnificent. A wide range of rooms is available, including accessible rooms, rooms with two queen beds, one-bedroom suites, and more. The adjacent Beecher’s Loft is the undoubted star of the show, with spectacular floor-to-ceiling windows, exposed beams, iron counters, wooden floors, and a sense of grandeur that is infectious. In-room dining and massages are also available, if that wasn’t enough.

Outside of sleeping, the spacious rooftop deck is the perfect place to relax with an evening glass of local wine. The hotel is home to three excellent restaurants, and where better to start than Sushi Kasiba? There is plenty of fabulous sushi in the Emerald City, and this place might just be the best of the bunch. Elsewhere, Bacca serves breakfast daily using ingredients from the market (the espresso bar is fantastic), and Cafe Champagne serves up classic French fare to fill you up ahead of (or after) a day of sightseeing.

Time Out tip: The hotel’s varied packages offer a variety of cultural experiences, from brewery tastings and tours to special access to the Chihuly Garden.

Address: 86 Pine St, Seattle, WA 98101

Price: From $225 per night based on two people sharing

Closest transport: Westlake light rail station

This luxurious hotel is one of Seattle’s most spacious, with 457 guest rooms, 25,000 square feet of meeting space and a huge fitness centre equipped with a steam room. Excellent views include those of the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges, and easy access to downtown attractions like the aquarium, make the hotel’s Pine Street location a perfect one. Rooms feature comfortable contemporary decor, oversized bathrooms with both a shower and a soaking tub, electronic blackout drapes, and a 32-inch flat-screen television. There is a broad range available, from standard king rooms to rooms specially designed for athletes on the road (think soaking tubs, yoga mats, and Peloton bikes).

The suites are another story entirely. The Emerald suite is a spacious option with a huge bed, floor-to-ceiling city views, a deep-soaking tub, and an undeniable sense of class. The Vesuvio suite takes things to another level, adding a wet bar, a parlour, and a spa bath with a jetted tub. If that wasn’t enough, consider the Carrara suite, with its 125 square metres of majesty. However, the Onyx suite is top of the class, a 254-square-metre marvel with a smart bed, blackout curtains, two massive TVs, and more. If you’ve got the budget, you are in for a treat.

The Elliott Bar is the place to go for a colourful cocktail or three, expertly mixed by staff who toe the line between professional and personable. The champagne cocktails are particularly delightful. There are plenty of brilliant food options within the hotel, from authentic Chongqing hot pot to sushi, a NYC-style deli, and more. If you book a stay with access, the 27th-floor Grand Club Lounge has some of the best views in Seattle. Throw in a keen eye for artistic innovation, and you’ve got a spectacular stay in a stunning city.

Time Out tip: Stop in at Ruth's Chris Steak House downstairs for a juicy steak and a perfectly chilled martini, but be aware of the dress code beforehand

Address: 721 Pine St, Seattle, WA 98101

Price: From $540 per night based on two people sharing

Closest transport: Seattle Washington State Convention Center bus stop

If you’re someone who swoons for a bit of classic hotel glamour, The Paramount Hotel will be right up your street. It’s an on-the-larger-size boutique hotel where every detail has been expertly considered and executed. The ‘traditional’ rooms are a good choice if you’re here for work, and the ‘urban’ ones work best if you’re here purely to have a good time. They also, it’s worth noting, have a good range of accessible rooms if you need them. All the rooms tick the expected boxes on the modern conveniences front, with plenty of excellent views to swoon over in the morning or at night.

There are 146 rooms in total at the Paramount, including two suites. They are spacious accommodations perfect for travellers looking for something a little more upmarket, featuring a wet bar, classy furnishings, a large tub, and stunning views of Pike Place Market. No matter your choice of room, you’ll have no shortage of space and sophistication to enhance your stay in the city.

Valet parking is available for those making their way to the city by car, while the fully equipped fitness centre is on hand to make sure you don’t miss a single workout while you are on the road. This 100% smoke-free hotel is also home to some of the most convivial staff in the city, to the point where you might start questioning the validity of that whole ‘Seattle Freeze’ thing. Throw in frequent promotions (keep an eye on the website for new deals), excellent food, and a seriously impressive collection of contemporary art by local creators such as Arlon Rosenoff, Kate Protage, Layne Cook, and more, and you’ve got one of the best hotels in the Emerald City.

Time Out tip: The Paramount is home to a super Korean restaurant named Chan. Your taste buds will thank you later.

Address: 724 Pine St, Seattle, WA 98101

Price: From $410 per night based on two people sharing

Closest transport: Seattle Washington State Convention Center bus stop

Another winner from Kimpton, this downtown boutique hotel—despite the descriptor in its moniker—is all sleek and contemporary style, from the banquettes in the lobby to the coffee tables in the guest rooms. Inspired by Washington wine country, accommodations feature jewel-toned fabrics and hand-dyed recycled-cork art pieces. There are 124 rooms in the hotel, but don’t make the mistake of assuming there will be space. This place is plenty popular, so get those reservations in before it is too late. This award-winning hotel knows what it is doing in the rooms, with sumptuous yet straightforward features designed to enhance comfort and maximise any stay in Seattle. There are all the mod cons you’d hope for (think flatscreen TVs, workspace, coffee facilities, and more), and some of the rooms have delightful city views to rival those of other hotels.

Amenities include wine hours with generous pours from some of the state’s finest makers (Washington is an oenophile’s dream), in-room yoga mats, a modern fitness centre, complimentary bike rental, and lush Kerstin Florian soaps and lotions in the bathroom. Those travelling with furry friends should check out the pet package, which includes a welcome drink for the humans and treats for those on four legs. This is a hotel that pulls out all the stops for its guests, no matter their genus.

Another thing that helps the Kimpton Hotel Vintage stand out is its commitment to greenery. There are plants at every turn here, each perfectly placed to improve physical and mental well-being. There is even a ‘Plant Pal’ program, where guests can get a specific plant delivered directly to the room. If that isn’t a unique development in the world of boutique hotels, we don’t know what is.

Time Out tip: Head down to the on-site Italian restaurant Tulio for top-notch classics and a nightly wine hour with generous pours.

Address: 1100 5th Ave, Seattle, WA 98101

Price: From $175 per night based on two people sharing

Closest transport: Pioneer Square light rail station

Located within walking distance of Pike Place, the Seattle Art Museum and other major tourist attractions, Hyatt’s design-oriented boutique brand offers friendly service, 152 spacious rooms and suites and a sleek, well-decorated lobby with an excellent on-site restaurant. The modernist building, designed by Olson Kundig, also makes quite an impression from the outside — the irregular “glass lantern” design features floor-to-ceiling windows that jut slightly, mimicking the local street grid. The only draw or dealbreaker, depending on your disposition, is the Nest, the hotel’s extremely popular rooftop bar, which draws a steady stream of somewhat rowdy locals to the 11th floor for its stunning views of Elliott Bay. If you don’t mind sharing the elevators with mildly inebriated guests on weekend evenings, Thompson Seattle might be one of the best places to lay your head on your next visit to the Emerald City.

The 152 mid-century-inspired rooms and suites were designed by Toronto-based international design firm Studio Munge in collaboration with the Redmond architecture and design firm Jensen Fey. Each hotel room offers floor-to-ceiling windows with either city or Elliott Bay views. Rooms offer navy accents and dark wood accents, plus cosy, pristine 400-threadcount linens by Sferra, a luxury Italian home goods brand. The hotel also pays attention to minor details, like proper blackout curtains and adequate reading lights. The comfortable bathrobes are also a major plus.

In terms of hotel food and drink options, guests can grab breakfast, lunch and dinner at the Thompson’s New American lobby restaurant, Conversation Kitchen & Bar. Note that the Thompson Seattle shares a small gym with the neighbouring apartment building. The small but spacious gym includes complimentary fruit and a filtered water station, plenty of cardio equipment (including a rowing machine), plus free weights, a weight bench and a single set of TRX suspension straps.

Time Out tip: Look out for exclusive events during your stay, like rooftop yoga, cocktail lounges and cabarets

Address: 110 Stewart St, Seattle, WA 98101

Price: From $280 per night based on two people sharing

Closest transport: Westlake light rail station

Seattle’s most historic hotel has been in operation since 1924, but after a recent renovation, the property sparkles with modern touches, including a 10,800-square-foot health club with a pool and a European-style spa. Still, the hotel’s history is one of its most attractive features, as seen in its iconic lobby staircase and in its handsome 1930s oyster bar, Shuckers. Breakfast or afternoon tea in the Georgian Room, while a splurge, is worth it to enjoy the light flooding in from floor-to-ceiling windows and to sit under the dramatic, sparkling chandeliers. If you’re looking for a historic stay in the Emerald City, you won’t find any place with more stories than the Fairmont Olympic.

Of course, a hotel can’t flourish on history alone, and the rooms at the Fairmont Olympic hold up their end of the bargain. With 450 rooms, this is one of the larger hotels in the city, but it doesn’t sacrifice any intimacy along the way. Guest rooms are perfectly spaced to bridge the divide between comfort and continuity, while the suites offer a bit more space to stretch your legs and make the most of your stay in Seattle. There is also a range of accessible accommodations, so everyone can enjoy what the Fairmont Olympic has to offer.

There are also plenty of spa treatments available, including skin and body services, nail treatments, sugaring, and more. When it's time to dine, the Fairmont Olympic offers five food and drink options, so there's a little something for everyone. The George is the star of the show —an exquisite fine-dining establishment that showcases the hotel’s history in the most delicious way. For something a little more mysterious, head into the hotel’s Founders Club speakeasy for a cocktail or two.

Time Out tip: This is one of Seattle’s most aesthetic hotels, so charge the phone and get ready to enhance that camera roll

Address: 411 University St, Seattle, WA 98101

Price: From $325 per night based on two people sharing

Closest transport: Symphony light rail station

It might be in Seattle’s university district, but there’s nothing low-rent about this Art Deco masterpiece. The hotel opened as the Edmond Meany way back in 1931, going through many guises before settling under its modern moniker in 2018. Hilton purchased the hotel in 2024, but the changing names and owners have not diminished its commitment to quality, which has been the hallmark of this place for almost a century. Seattle has no shortage of modern constructions, but there is something delightful about resting your head in a real piece of history.

The interior celebrates the building’s 1930s origins with scalloped headboards in the bedrooms, fanned mirrors in the bathrooms, geometrically patterned carpets, and beautiful curved woodwork in the lobby: everything is laced with a Great Gatsby-style grandeur. There are 154 rooms in total, ranging from singles to spacious suites, covering all the bases required in the 21st century. Some of the rooms offer delightful skyline views, while others have tubs for travellers in need of a place to soak a weary body. The beds are all sorts of comfortable, and all rooms hold up their end of the bargain regarding modern conveniences.

As well as the plush surroundings, guests can treat themselves to drinks from the on-site coffee shop, complimentary bike rentals to explore the city and a gym sesh in the 24-hour fitness suite. Take a seat in the stunning lobby library to really feel like Fitzgerald, or at least like Fitzgerald if the iconic writer was staying in one of Seattle’s finest hotels in the 21st century. There are meeting rooms available for work events, and the hotel is also pet-friendly (although there is a non-refundable $75 fee for each furry friend).

Time Out tip: Don’t leave without sipping a drink in the hotel’s rooftop bar. Up on the 16th floor, the Mountaineering Club is packed full of interesting vintage trinkets, mixes a mean cocktail and has breathtaking views over the city and all the way to the snow-topped Mount Rainier. 

Address: 4507 Brooklyn Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98105

Price: From $150 per night based on two people sharing

Closest transport: U District light rail station