The 10 best Airbnbs in Seattle right now

Neighborhood: Lake Tapps

Aloha, lakeside cabin. Tucked right on Lake Tapps, this tiny Hawaiian-inspired retreat packs a lot into its 275-square-foot space, with a cozy king bed, kitchenette and private deck overlooking the water. Outside is where things really get going: there’s a covered Tiki-themed gazebo, fire pit and dock, plus kayaks and paddleboards for getting out on the lake in summer. It’s the sort of place where you’ll say you’re going to pop outside for five minutes and then somehow spend the entire afternoon there.

Time Out tip: Make the most of the waterfront setting by taking one of the complimentary kayaks or paddleboards out on the lake in summer. If you fancy exploring beyond the cabin, Mount Rainier National Park and the nearby towns of Enumclaw and Sumner are within driving distance.

Sleeps: 2 guests.

Perks: Lakefront location, private deck, Tiki-themed covered gazebo, fire pit, dock, two kayaks, two stand-up paddleboards, kitchenette, king bed, fast Wi-Fi, and free driveway parking.

Price: From $425 for two nights.

Neighborhood: Alki Beach, West Seattle

With Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains as your backdrop, this spacious two-bedroom guest suite is a pretty tempting home base for a Seattle escape. There’s a private patio for morning coffees and sunset drinks, while inside you’ll find a full kitchen, gas fireplace and plenty of room to spread out. Alki Beach is just a short stroll away, with restaurants, cafés, bars and shops along the waterfront, while the nearby water taxi can whisk you across to downtown Seattle in around 12 minutes.

Time Out tip: Leave the car behind and make the most of the neighborhood on foot. The beach is around a five-minute walk away, and the water taxi is a handy way to swap West Seattle for the city centre without battling traffic.

Sleeps: 4 guests.

Perks: Private patio with water views, full kitchen, gas fireplace, washer/dryer, Wi-Fi, dedicated workspace, two bedrooms, beach access and free on-street parking.

Price: From $630 for three nights.

Neighborhood: Pioneer Square

Settle into a little slice of old Seattle in this open-plan Pioneer Square loft, where exposed brick, soaring 14-foot ceilings and a dramatic arched window give the space plenty of character. There’s a curtained king canopy bed for maximum cosy-factor, plus a full kitchen and smart TV for when you’re not out exploring. Best of all, you’re right in the thick of historic Pioneer Square, with restaurants, bars, galleries, stadiums and the waterfront all within easy reach.

Time Out tip: City buzz comes with the territory here. The neighbourhood is lively at night and the loft sits above restaurants, so light sleepers should make use of the provided earplugs and sound machine. For a dose of Seattle history, the Underground Tour is an easy addition to your itinerary.

Sleeps: 2 guests.

Perks: Exposed brick walls, 14-foot ceilings, dramatic arched window, king canopy bed, full kitchen, smart TV, Wi-Fi, dedicated workspace, washer/dryer, air conditioning and free on-street parking.

Price: From $700 for two nights. 

Neighborhood: Queen Anne

A rooftop deck with Puget Sound views, a glimpse of the Space Needle and the Seattle skyline, all wrapped up in a slightly weird looking building? Yes please. This two-bedroom Queen Anne apartment makes the most of its elevated position, with both bedrooms and bathrooms upstairs and a private rooftop space for taking in the scenery. Inside, there’s a bright, open living area and a fully equipped kitchen with granite worktops and stainless steel appliances, while Seattle Center is just a five-minute walk away. The Space Needle, Climate Pledge Arena and plenty of the city’s other attractions are all within easy reach, too.

Time Out tip: Save some time for the rooftop. The private deck looks out towards Puget Sound, the city skyline and Mount Rainier, making it a particularly good spot for a morning coffee or an evening drink.

Sleeps: 4 guests.

Perks: Private rooftop deck with water and city views, Mount Rainier views, two queen bedrooms, two bathrooms, fully equipped kitchen, Wi-Fi, dedicated workspace, washer/dryer, air conditioning, TV and free parking.

Price: From $650 for two nights.

Neighborhood: Bonney Lake

If you want a cabin escape where the lake is quite literally on your doorstep, this A-frame on Lake Tapps makes a very strong case for itself. The cozy two-bedroom home has big waterfront views, a king bed, lofted queen bed and a fully equipped kitchen, while outside there’s a private dock, outdoor dining area, fire pit and plenty of space to settle in for the evening. Three kayaks and a paddleboard are included, too, so you can spend your days swimming, fishing and paddling before retreating to the fire as the sun goes down.

Time Out tip: The water is the star of the show here, so make the most of the seasonal kayaks and paddleboard (there’s even a kid-sized kayak for younger guests). The cabin is around an hour from Seattle itself, making it a handy option for a group wanting lake time without straying too far from the city.

Sleeps: 5 guests.

Perks: Lakefront location, private dock, three kayaks, paddleboard, fire pit, outdoor seating and dining area, charcoal BBQ, full kitchen, king bed, queen bed, sofa bed, Wi-Fi, air conditioning and washer/dryer.

Price: From $770 for two nights. 

Neighborhood: Snohomish

A five-minute walk through the woods leads to this seriously magical A-frame, tucked away on 80 private acres of Pacific Northwest forest. Handcrafted from salvaged old-growth timbers and hand-milled lumber, the cabin is packed with thoughtful details, from its live-edge doors and custom woodwork to the king-size bed tucked beneath old-growth rafters in the sleeping loft. There’s also a wood-burning sauna made from a single cedar tree, plus miles of trails winding through vine maples, Douglas firs, ferns and moss-covered stumps. It’s about as far from a standard city stay as you can get, but if you do fancy a day in Seattle, the city is still within driving distance.

Time Out tip: Pack light and leave the fancy shoes at home: you’ll need to carry everything you bring along a roughly 400-yard wood-chip path to the cabin, though a wagon is provided. Once you’ve arrived, settle into the forest, fire up the sauna and embrace doing very little.

Sleeps: 4 guests.

Perks: Private 80-acre forest, wood-burning sauna, sleeping loft with king bed, second bedroom with double bed, kitchen, firepit, private patio or balcony, Wi-Fi, air conditioning and free parking.

Price: From $550 for a night.

Neighborhood: Queen Anne

Yes, that is a turret. And yes, you can stay in it. This nearly 100-year-old Queen Anne castle apartment comes with a watchtower entrance, spiral staircase and sweeping views of downtown Seattle and Puget Sound from its picture window. Inside, there’s a queen bedroom, kitchenette and hardwood floors, while Seattle Center is just a five-minute walk away. It’s a little bit medieval, a little bit city escape and, frankly, a much more interesting way to visit Seattle than a standard apartment.

Time Out tip: Make the climb up the spiral staircase part of the fun, then head to nearby Kerry Park for one of the city’s classic skyline views. Queen Anne Avenue is also within walking distance for cafés, shops and a bite to eat.

Sleeps: 2 guests.

Perks: Watchtower entrance, spiral staircase, queen bed, city and Puget Sound views, kitchenette, Wi-Fi, air conditioning and free parking.

Price: From $590 for two nights. 

Neighborhood: Capitol Hill

A 1901 Dutch Colonial, a private patio and a gourmet kitchen with a huge oak island? We’re listening. This two-bedroom home occupies the entire main floor of a historic Seattle house, pairing period character with a cozy, loft-like feel and plenty of room for up to five guests. There are two queen bedrooms, each with its own bathroom, plus a gas fireplace, fast Wi-Fi and off-street parking, but the real star might be the location. Broadway is just one block away, Volunteer Park is around five minutes on foot and Capitol Hill station is four blocks away, putting coffee, restaurants, nightlife and the rest of Seattle within easy reach.

Time Out tip: Come hungry. You’re surrounded by cafés, bars and restaurants, but the kitchen is so well equipped you might actually want to stay in and put that enormous oak island to work. On a sunny day, move the dining table onto the private patio for an al fresco meal.

Sleeps: 5 guests.

Perks: Two queen bedrooms with private bathrooms, gourmet kitchen with gas stove and large oak island, private patio, gas fireplace, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, washer/dryer, and free off-street parking.

Price: From $660 for two nights. 

Neighborhood: Magnolia

Some Seattle stays are all about being in the thick of it, but this one makes a convincing argument for having a little breathing room. Set in a quiet part of Magnolia, this three-bedroom guesthouse has floor-to-ceiling windows looking out towards Elliott Bay and the Cascades, plus a private fenced backyard with loungers, outdoor dining and a BBQ. Inside, the bright, modern space has a king bedroom with standout views, two further twin-bed rooms and a generous kitchen island that seats five. There’s also radiant heated flooring, air conditioning, a fireplace and plenty of thoughtful extras, including kids’ toys and a Nespresso machine.

Time Out tip: The neighborhood is peaceful rather than ultra-walkable, so this is one for travellers who don’t mind hopping in the car. Ballard, Fremont and the city centre are all within easy reach, while the backyard gives you a lovely excuse to stay put for an evening.

Sleeps: 5 guests.

Perks: Elliott Bay and Cascades views, private fenced backyard, BBQ, outdoor dining and loungers, king bed, twin beds, well-equipped kitchen, radiant heated floors, air conditioning, washer/dryer, EV charger and free driveway parking.

Price: From $770 for two nights. 

Neighborhood: Capitol Hill

Tucked away in one of Seattle’s liveliest neighbourhoods, this 1901 Craftsman bungalow offers a quieter place to land after a day out exploring. Original hardwood floors, high ceilings and big bay windows give the two-bedroom home plenty of old-school charm, plus a cosy living room, dining room, in-unit laundry and a private patio. Best of all, Cal Anderson Park is about a five-minute walk away, with the restaurants, bars and shops of Pike, Pine and Broadway close by.

Time Out tip: Capitol Hill is made for exploring on foot, and this spot has a Walk Score of 96. Leave the car behind if you can (parking is limited and can be tricky to find) and spend your days wandering between the neighbourhood’s cafés, restaurants, parks and bars.

Sleeps: 4 guests.

Perks: Two bedrooms, king and queen beds, original hardwood floors, bay windows, fully equipped kitchen, private patio, Wi-Fi, washer/dryer, and free on-street parking.

Price: From $830 for two nights. 

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