The 12 best cheap hotels in Seattle

Seattleites know that the central Seattle neighborhood of Georgetown is one of the city’s most compelling, a former manufacturing center that’s home to a thriving industrial arts scene, chic converted lofts and some of Seattle’s best restaurants. Guests at the Georgetown Inn, located on bustling Corson Avenue, can take advantage of these local attractions, all while enjoying a clean, funky, minimalist space designed in partnership with local architect Tim Declue. Rooms are clean and comfortable, and amenities include free parking and a daily continental breakfast.

Perfectly located within walking distance of Pike Place Market and downtown Seattle, this historic hotel is reasonably priced and boasts comfy beds, handsome bathrooms outfitted with clawfoot tubs and fast, reliable Wi-Fi. Downstairs, the Moore Coffee Shop peddles excellent java, as well as breakfast waffles and sandwiches at lunchtime. Travelers whose wallets are especially slim should book a “Euro” room—the shared bathroom is located in the hall, but it’ll knock about $20 off your nightly rate.

Located in the vibrant University District, this affordable motel is a perfect choice for out-of-towners visiting students at the University of Washington. While a bit dated, the motel’s 21 suites are spacious and comfy, each outfitted with a large living room, a separate bedroom, a dining area, a full bath and a kitchen. Laundry facilities are available for guests’ use, and there’s a free parking garage in the basement—though you might not need to drive at all, considering how many great bars, restaurants and cafes are located within walking distance.

Well-located at the southern edge of downtown Seattle and just a block from the LINK light rail station, this large hostel inside a renovated 1924 building offers solid, no-frills private rooms, some with private bathrooms, that will more than satisfy guests on a budget. A daily breakfast is included in the room rate, with a well-appointed common kitchen that’s convenient for preparing lunch or dinner. For guests on a super-tight budget, dorm beds are available for as little as $35 per night.

Located in Belltown, a hip Seattle neighborhood dotted with boutiques, art galleries and restaurants, this adorably funky hotel stands out cheerily on its corner of Third Avenue, distinguished by orange checkerboard paint job. Inside, comfortable rooms are furnished with kitchenettes and 32-inch flatscreen televisions, and hotel amenities include both an interior courtyard and a rooftop deck where you can relax with a cold Pacific Northwest brew. Want to explore the ’hood? The hotel offers free rental bikes for guests.

The location of this Holiday Inn, to the north of downtown, helps keep its room rates moderate, and for visitors looking for comfort, it offers all the amenities of a pricier hotel—a heated indoor pool and whirlpool, plus an outdoor whirlpool; a 24/7 fitness center; and a complimentary hot breakfast buffet. Guestrooms are bright and spacious, with 32-inch flatscreen TVs, microwaves and coffeemakers, and Wi-Fi throughout the hotel is fast and free. And downtown Seattle’s just a 15-minute drive away.

This comfortable motel’s slightly off-the-beaten-path location in West Seattle helps keep room rates moderate. Basic rooms are clean and bright, equipped with flatscreen TVs, mini-fridges and coffeemakers, and the Wi-Fi is fast and reliable. There are laundry facilities on-site, and complimentary amenities include on-site parking and a daily continental breakfast. For guests who need to stretch out, suites include sofa beds and kitchenettes.

Despite the name, this surprisingly well outfitted property is actually a hostel, but guests who opt for one of the hostel’s well-priced private rooms might never know it. Located in the vibrant, artsy neighborhood of Fremont, Hotel Hotel is within walking distance of tons of excellent bars, breweries, restaurants and cafés, as well as a short bus ride from all 92 acres of Seattle’s Woodland Park Zoo to the north. Private rooms offer clean, comfortable bedding and a private bathroom, and complimentary breakfast is served daily in the lobby. For those on a strict budget, dorm beds are available for as little as $30 per night.

Despite the name, this surprisingly well outfitted property is actually a hostel, but guests who opt for one of the hostel’s well-priced private rooms might never know it. Located in the vibrant, artsy neighborhood of Fremont, Hotel Hotel is within walking distance of tons of excellent bars, breweries, restaurants and cafés, as well as a short bus ride from all 92 acres of Seattle’s Woodland Park Zoo to the north. Private rooms offer clean, comfortable bedding and a private bathroom, and complimentary breakfast is served daily in the lobby. For those on a strict budget, dorm beds are available for as little as $30 per night.

With an excellent location not far from downtown Seattle attractions such as Pike Place Market and the Space Needle, this former Best Western property is remarkably good value. Spacious guestrooms are decked out in earth tones and feature flatscreen TVs, microwaves and mini-fridges, plus fast, free Wi-Fi. There’s a 24-hour fitness room on site, plus a hot tub that’s perfect for relaxing after a day of hitting the Seattle streets. The complimentary breakfast features a waffle maker, plus bagels, yogurt and fresh fruit.