Meet The Seattle Expert
Richelle Gamlam is a travel blogger and Seattle native who has spent the last five years living in China. Founder of the Teach Abroad Squad, a course and community for people who want to rock their first year teaching abroad in China, Richelle also writes about Asia off the beaten path on her blog Adventures Around Asia.
You can also follow her on, , , and!
All photos in the post are Richelles unless otherwise specified.
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Where To Stay In Seattle In 2022
Seattle is a dynamic, visionary city thats a top-rated destination on the West Coast and one of the best places to visit in Washington state. If you want to guarantee youll have a good time here, choosing the right place to stay will seal the deal.
Not all neighborhoods in Emerald City are for everyone. Some are better for nightlife, others for kicking back with the locals, and some will help budgeters get the most out of their coins. Choosing where to stay in Seattle all depends on your preferred vibe and travel priorities.
As a longtime local, Ive spent a ton of time in each of these Seattle neighborhoods, so Ill help you decide which ones check your boxes so you can continue planning your epic trip to the Pacific Northwest!
Disclosure: Travel Lemming is an independent reader-supported blog. You can support us by purchasing via the affiliate links on this page, which may earn us commissions. Thank you!
Best Hotels In Seattle For Families That All Ages Love
- Tanner Wilkes
- May 31, 2022
When people think of an ideal holiday destination for the family, Seattle, Washington might not be at the very top of the list but why not Seattle?
There are excellent hotels, resorts and family suites in the area, and a lot to do when it comes to nightlife and luxury for adults and a lot of fun for the little ones.
If youre wonderingwhere to stay in Seattle with kids, check out this list of 11 different resortsand family-friendly hotels in Seattle that are all great for a family getaway.
Here are the besthotels in Seattle for families and just what youll find at each.
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Things To See And Do In Pioneer Square
- Enjoy a few moments of peace and tranquillity at Waterfall Garden Park.
- See the four towering totem poles at Occidental Park.
- Step back in time and explore Seattles most unusual attractions on Bill Speidels Underground Tour.
- Ride the manned elevator to the 35th-floor observation deck of Smith Tower, Seattles first skyscraper, and enjoy great views.
- Dance the night away at Trinity Nightclub.
- Eat, drink and listen to DJs spin the latest tunes at Club Contour.
- Hear the best EDM and trance music at The Underground nightclub.
- Listen to the latest music in Seattles oldest saloon at the Central Saloon.
- Catch the game and root for the home team at the Box House sports bar.
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Luxury: Hotel Palihotel Seattle
Palihotel Seattle offers accommodation in Seattle near Pike Place Market and Space Needle. This hotel was featured in the top 30 hotels in the Pacific Northwest. It offers a restaurant, a bar as well as a coffee bar and a cosy lobby lounge. It’s perfect for tourists who want to be close to attractions!
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Downtown/waterfront Seattle Center For The First Time
Downtown Seattle, also known as the waterfront area is the heart and soul of the city and one of the best recommendations for where to stay in Seattle for first-time visitors.
Seattle Downtown is also THE place to be if youre a business traveler or if youre looking for some world-class shopping, while still being close to all the main attractions and events. This lively area of the city has something for everyone, regardless if youre interested in gastronomy, sightseeing or splurging in a 5-star hotel. Needless to say that this is probably one of the busiest areas in the city, right? Ah, and this is also the place where youll find plenty of hotels with a harbor view that will make your stay simply unforgettable!
I am also recommending the Downtown area to families traveling to Seattle thanks to the amazing transportation system its so easy to get to the rest of the city from here!
Some of the most well-known attractions in the city center are the Seattle Art Museum, the Central Library, the Paramount Theatre and, last but not least, THE first and original Starbucks!
But the Downtown area is quite big and its divided into different, smaller areas that you can choose from. From the famous Pike Place Market to the budget-friendly Belltown, I will talk about each of them below:
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Where To Stay In Seattle: Complete Guide To 7 Great Areas
Grunge music. Coffee. Rain. These are a few things that Seattle is known for. Today, Seattle is world-renowned as the birthplace of Amazon and Microsoft, but there is so much more to this city for visitors to explore. I grew up in a suburb of Seattle, and lived in the city for 5+ years in the early 2000s, when Amazon was not the dominant force that it is today, and now we split our time between the San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle, and traveling.
I have a strong perspective on the best areas to stay in the city, and Im sharing them with you below to help you find the perfect place to stay for your trip. Below, youll find a guide to where to stay in Seattle from a Seattleite, with options for every budget and travel style.
I should say that this is by no means a complete picture of everywhere you could stay in Seattle. You could totally stay in West Seattle and spend your time exploring Alki Beach and going to Sound and Fog, one of the best coffee shops in Seattle. But getting from West Seattle to the rest of the city can be a pain, especially now that the bridge is closed, so I wouldnt recommend staying there for your first time in Seattle.
Think of this as a list of the places we will consider staying next time we find ourselves visiting Seattle. Which is, honestly, no matter when youre reading this, is probably soon.
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The Kimpton Alexis Hotel
The Kimpton Alexis Hotel is great if youre looking for luxury family accommodation in Seattle.
Suites are decorated with a real vintage, earthy look if you love the look of natural dark wood and elegant furniture to match, then youll feel right at home here.
Amenities like free wi-fi and a TV to every unit are a given, but what makes this hotel shine is its proximity to Pike Place, one of the most popular local destinations.
Youre free to enjoy the pool , or try out some fo the local restaurants for something different.
If youre looking for the best place to stay in Seattle with your family, the Kimpton Alexis is an excellent choice.
Things To See And Do In Queen Anne
- Take the elevator to the top of the world-famous 184-meter tall Space Needle and enjoy panoramic views of Seattle, Puget Sound, and beyond.
- Browse the exhibits and displays at the one-of-a-kind Museum of Pop Culture.
- Explore and play your way through the 13 exhibits at the marvellous Childrens Museum.
- See exquisite and colourful works of art at Chihuly Garden and Glass.
- Take in the stunning Seattle skyline from Kerry Park.
- Get lost in nature at Discovery Park, a 534-acre park that is composed of beaches, forests, bluffs, and more.
- Indulge in your love of SciFi, comics, graphic novels, and more at the Science Fiction Museum.
- Ignite your curiosity at the Pacific Science Centre.
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Where To Stay In Seattle: A Complete Guide To The 8 Best Places To Stay In Seattle
The best places to stay in Seattle vary based on personal preference and exactly what you are looking for. This comprehensive breakdown of some of Seattles major neighborhoods should help guide your decision.
Looking to find the right place to stay for your style, budget, and group size, but dont have time to read the entire guide below?
We hear you, and weve got you covered. Though wed would recommend heading down and reading the section youre most interested in to get a locals take on the best places to eat, drink, visit, and stay within that neighborhood.
- If its your first time in Seattle: Stay in Central Seattle in either Downtown, Belltown, or South Lake Union.
- If youve been to Seattle before and done the downtown stuff: Stay in either Capitol Hill, Ballard, or Fremont.
- If youre looking for a more local feel with fewer tourists: Stay in Ballard or Fremont.
- If youre a family with kids: Wed recommend Fremont, Queen Anne, or Ballard, which are more residential and low-key.
- If youre on a budget: Look at the University District, Fremont, or Ballard .
If You Are Notfully Vaccinated And Allowed To Travel To The United States By Air Through An Exception
You may be required to attest to some or all of the following measures, depending on the type of exception. For more information see Requirement for Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination for Air Passengers.
- Get tested for current infection with a viral test 3-5 days after arrival, unless you have documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 in the past 90 days.
- Stay at home or in your hotel room and self-quarantine for a full 5 days, even if you test negative, unless you have documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 in the past 90 days.
- Isolate if your test result is positive or you develop COVID-19 symptoms.
- If you intend to stay in the United States for 60 days or longer, become fully vaccinated against COVID-19 within 60 days of arriving in the United States or as soon as medically appropriate.
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Best Hotel In Belltown: La Quinta Inn & Suites Seattle Downtown
With its central location, comfortable rooms and plenty of amenities, La Quinta Inn & Suites is a fantastic choice for your time in Seattle. This hotel is close to the neighbourhoods best restaurants, bars and shops. It has spacious rooms and private bathrooms, and there are even on-site laundry facilities.
Best Hotel In Pioneer Square: Silver Cloud Hotel Stadium
Silver Cloud Hotel is our top choice for where to stay in Pioneer Square. It is located close to the city centre and is within walking distance of restaurants, bars and clubs. Rooms come with a microwave, fridge, and coffee maker, as well as ensuite bathrooms, its one of the best hotels in this area for sure.
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Queen Anne: Historic And Cultural
An affluent neighborhood that spreads over two main sections, Queen Anne is a blend of residential and commercial areas. Upper Queen Anne features historic mansions with fantastic views of the city, while Lower Queen Anne slopes down into Seattle Center and some of the citys major attractions, as well as the majority of the accommodation options. Queen Anne offers a slightly more local feel than downtown but still offers proximity to the city center.
Pros and Cons of Staying in Queen Anne
Pros:Its proximity to Seattle Center, home to many of the citys major attractions, is definitely in Queen Annes favor. The homes and views in Queen Anne are undeniably beautiful as well, offering a blend between urban and residential feel.
Cons:Queen Anne is quite spread out so depending on where you are staying and where you want to go, you might be conquering some big hills or having to take transportation. I dont find the restaurant and nightlife scene in Queen Anne as vibrant, nor the energy of the neighborhood as welcoming as other places in Seattle.
Queen Anne Highlights
The Best Places to Stay in Queen Anne
StayPineapple Maxwell Hotel:The Maxwell Hotel is situated right in the heart of Queen Anne in Seattle Center. The bright, bold art and murals bring this mid-range, dog-friendly hotel to life. Borrow their bikes to cruise around town and then come refresh in their pool after your day out.
Staypineapple The Maxwell Hotel Seattle Center Seattle
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Budget: Green Tortoise Hostel Seattle
Of course, if you want budget accommodation, hostels are usually the best option. Green Tortoise Hostel Seattle is no exception to this rule.
Breakfast? Wi-Fi? Both are included in your room price. Plus youll get access to a kitchen and a common room. You can choose from a variety of private and dormitory rooms, some female-only.
Green Tortoise has a fantastic location and is only a three-minute walk from Pike Place Market. Green Tortoise is budget-friendly and well-situated. What more could you ask for? Check out availability and rates on TripAdvisor / Booking
Staying at an apartment near Pikes Place? Book this highly-rated market tour that includes 9 stops for small bites and tastings. Youll enjoy Mac N Chees and Yogurt plus Pike Place Clam Chowder. Sample Seattles Rainier cherry and see where local chefs by their food. At the end receive a 10% discount to purchase your own ingredients to make at your apartment rental. More details here.
University District: Young And Budget
Located north of downtown, the University District is the neighborhood adjacent to the University of Washington and the University of Washington Medical Center.
Predominantly a university neighborhood, the U District as it has been nicknamed, has a young feel and a street full of budget-friendly restaurants, secondhand clothing shops, dive bars, and cafes to match.
Pros and Cons of Staying in the University District
Pros:The University District has a distinct vibe thanks to the proximity to the University of Washington. It tends to be more affordable for food and drinks due to the student population, is energetic during the day and night, and has readily available public transportation. Outside the main strip, there are some beautiful parks and waterfront spots in the neighborhood as well.
Cons:The U-District has a distinctly university town feel, which might not be what youre looking for if youre not a university student. Many of the best spots in the neighborhood revolve around the university and less about Seattle as a whole.
University District Highlights
The Best Places to Stay Near the University of Washington
Graduate Hotel Seattle:At Graduate Hotel, vintage meets contemporary mixed with a lot of Husky pride, the University of Washingtons mascot. This mid-range stay offers a range of rooms, a communal coffee table, a rooftop bar with mountain views, a café and wine bar in the lobby, and is just a short walk from University of Washingtons campus.
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Things To Do In South Lake Union Seattle
When in the South Lake Union neighborhood, visit the Museum of History & Industry. The museum introduces Seattles story and is a great way to brush up on local knowledge when visiting Seattle. Afterward, you can wander the twelve-acre Lake Union Park perhaps stopping for a bite to eat at the Italian restaurant Buca di Beppo when youve finished.
- Book this harbor cruise for a narrated 1-hour tour to see one of the worlds largest shipping terminals and many of Seattles top attractions including the Space Needle and the surrounding Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges.
South Lake is a great spot to stay in Seattle. You are just a short ride on the light rail away from attractions in Seattle Center like Pike Place Market and Smith Tower. However, youll discover a slightly quieter lakeside area of the city. The South Lake Union district is seen as Seattles business center. However, while it is busy during rush hours, crowds pass quickly, leaving as a relaxing place to explore Seattle most of the time.