The Best Areas To Stay In Seattle
Seattle has been my home base for the last 14 years. This is my guide to the citys best neighborhoods.
Pike Place Market and the surrounding downtown is where most first time visitors to Seattle will want to stay. There are several good hotels located close to Pike Place but only the Inn at the Market is located within the market boundaries.
For most visitors, the best area to stay is downtown Seattle . This is where most of Seattles best hotels, top restaurants, attractions, and shopping are located all within an area dense, compact, and walkable. Puget Sound views are incredible from here, and local transportation lines converge downtown, which makes it easy to get around greater Seattle without a car.
Just south of downtown, the historic Pioneer Square neighborhood and Seattles original downtown is now home to art galleries, leafy pedestrian squares, some of Seattles best restaurants, and the deservedly-popular Underground Tour. Pioneer Square is a great choice for visitors attending games or concerts at either of Seattles big sports arenas, CenturyLink Field or T-Mobile Park, as its easily walkable to both the stadiums and downtown attractions. Its also a good home base for those who are considering day trips from Seattle, as Seattles King Street Amtrak station is located nearby, and the Washington State ferries are within easy walking distance.
The Edgewater Hotel A Beautiful And Romantic Upscale Waterfront Hotel
Jutting out into the water atop of Pier 67 on Elliott Bay, this four-story upscale hotel is Seattles original waterfront hotel. Originally built for the 1962 Worlds Fair, the 4-star highly rated Edgewater Hotel is an iconic landmark in the city. Close enough to downtown to be convenient, yet with a waterfront vibe, this trendsetting Seattle accommodation has been home to such rock and roll legends as The Beatles, Pearl Jam, Led Zeppelin, and The Rolling Stones.
The unique and stylish bedrooms feature custom-designed furniture, buttery soft leather chairs, and open fireplaces, and come complete with uninterrupted views across the bay as well as all mod cons. Some have separated bedrooms and claw-foot tubs. Dont leave without experiencing Northwestern cuisine at its finest courtesy of the elegant Six Seven Restaurant or enjoying craft cocktails overlooking the bay.
- To book, check prices or availability for The Edgewater Hotel
Justluxe Designer Perfect Funky Luxury Apartments With Fun And Creative Decor
Luxe by name and luxe by nature, this designer inspired apartment JustLuxe Designer Perfect is situated just a short walk from Pike Place Market and the Seattle Centre. Offering a selection of quirky and eclectic interiors, each of the swanky apartments and suites offers first-class accommodation with a twist. Wingback chairs, velvet sofas, pool tables, and pianos can be found throughout, with every type of accommodation being as unique as the next. Perfectly situated for exploring all the very best eateries, bars, and shops that Seattle has to offer, JustLuxe offers fine and funky Seattle accommodation to suit every kind of visitor.
- To book, check prices or availability for JustLuxe Designer Perfect
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Hotels Vs Vacation Rentals In Seattle: Which To Choose
One thing I do want to touch on is vacation rentals in Seattle. Seattle is in the midst of a full-fledged housing crisis, and while I wouldnt point to vacation rentals as the primary cause, theyre certainly a contributing factor.
I have mixed feelings about staying in vacation rentals in cities.
On one hand, as a traveler who has Celiac Disease and usually needs access to a kitchen, they are a godsend that has allowed me to travel to places that just would not have been easy to visit if I had to stay in a hotel, where I MIGHT get a mini-fridge.
On the other hand, in cities where theres a housing crisis driven by a lack of supply and surging demand , vacation rentals contributes to the problem by taking long term rental units off the market, since the landlord can usually make more money by renting it out for a weekend at a time, and pushing rent and housing prices through the roof.
There are certainly pros and cons to staying in vacation rentals. To be a responsible traveler, our recommendation would be to try to stay in places where the owner lives onsite, like a basement guest suite or a backyard bungalow. Thats what weve tried to do in the past, and we think that its the most responsible way to use these platforms in cities.
There are tons of great hotels in Seattle, so if you want to avoid that choice altogether, youll have no problem finding an amazing place to stay.
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Best Hostel In Pioneer Square: Hi Seattle At The American Hotel
Located in Seattles hip Pioneer Square District is the HI Seattle Hostel. Its our favorite place to stay in Seattle on a budget, thanks to its free wifi and delicious complimentary breakfast. You wont have to spend a lot on public transport either, as many top bars, clubs, and attractions can be reached on foot.
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Pioneer Square Best Area To Stay In Seattle For Nightlife
Pioneer Square is south of downtown Seattles central business district. As the oldest neighborhood in the city, Pioneer Square seamlessly combines contemporary life with Seattles rich history.
It boasts classic architecture, cobblestone streets, and oozes historic charm around every turn.
Pioneer Square is also an area bursting with fun and excitement. This small downtown district is flush with wild clubs, lively bars and bustling pubs and cafes. Whether youre looking for an all-night party or just a few cocktails with friends, Pioneer Square is our recommendation for where to stay in Seattle for a great night out.
Where To Stay In Seattle: Pioneer Square
Great area for: City Center Nightlife Sightseeing Underground Seattle Sports Trips
South of Pike Place and Downtown, youll find Pioneer Square, Seattles original downtown and a neighborhood known for getting a bit crazy at night. Home to the grunge movement back when Nirvana and Pearl Jam were just getting their start at places like the Central Saloon , this area is great for heritage architecture, people watching, nightlife, and boutique shops and restaurants.
Its also the place to explore underground Seattle and were not talking about the music scene. In fact, Seattles current city is built atop an older version, and its possible to visit this older iteration on a tour of the Seattle underground, which gives a clue to what life was like in the pioneer days of Seattle.
If you are an American football or baseball fan, be sure to take a tour of the nearby CenturyLink Field and Safeco Field stadiums for some fun photo ops.
And definitely head to Tats Delicatessen for the best sandwiches in the area. For a lesser known spot, head to UPS Waterfall Garden Park to eat lunch or just snap some pictures.
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Loews Hotel 1000 An Elegant Modern Design Hotel Featuring A Virtual Golf Course And A Hip Eatery
Located in downtown Seattle, this is a contemporary hotel that absolutely screams elegance and luxury from the moment you see the exterior of the building. Looming modern architecture makes it look quite formidable, but walking inside brings a certain warmth to the atmosphere. Its relatively close to some interesting museums as well as swanky eateries, but a lot of this museums charm comes from within.
You will find a fully functioning spa at the Loews Hotel 1000 that is just waiting to help you relax and unwind in the best way possible, as well as a virtual golf course that lets you enjoy this classic American sport without needing to find a green. The library provides a place to chill out and seek some escape from the busy city, while the trendy hotel restaurant ends the day on a very welcome note!
- To book, check prices or availability forLoews Hotel 1000
Pensione Nichols Bed And Breakfast
Address: 1923 First Avenue
Located in West Seattle, this accommodation is a re-modelled studio apartment with full walls of windows overlooking the Seattle skyline and Elliot Bay.
It accommodates up to 2 people with everything that you need for your holiday including a washer/dryer room and a walk-in closet. The grocery store and coffee shop are a few blocks away and the ferry is down the hill.
Restaurants and more shops are a bit further, but itâs a beautiful walk. Or you can stay in and have dinner while looking out to the spectacular view of the Seattle skyline at night.
Stunning Views of the Seattle Skyline Seattle, Washington, United States
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Do Seattle Locals Use Umbrellas
Seattle receives rain about 155 days each year, so to newcomers, the fact that locals reportedly dont use umbrellas seems a bit mystifying. The are two major factors that go into our umbrella-shunning ways are the rain and the wind. While Seattle gets a lot of days of rain, it gets very little actual rain.
Queen Anne Where To Stay In Seattle For Your First Visit
Queen Anne is a haven for sightseers and culture vultures. Its centrally located and home to some of Seattles most iconic landmarks. Its where you can enjoy the best views of the city, and is our pick for where to stay if youre visiting Seattle for the first time.
Notable Queen Anne attractions include the Seattle Space Needle, Museum of Pop Culture, the Seattle Monorail, the Childrens Museum, and Discovery Park.
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Where To Stay In Seattle
A comprehensive guide on finding the best accommodation in Seattle
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Wondering where to stay in Seattle? You must be so excited to visit Seattle, and that’s why it’s time to book your accommodation in the city. Tucked between Puget Sound, Lake Washington, the Cascade and Olympic Mountains, the epic city of Seattle has a lot to offer. With a famous music scene known for growing some of Americas most notable artists, world-famous structures like the Space Needle, and a thriving arts and culture trail theres so much to do in Seattle you will never get bored!
Home of the first Starbucks, a renowned university, the exceptional Pike Market, the largest gay pride festival in the country, and a flourishing food and coffee culture the city has a lot to be proud of and loves to share it. Humbly, of course, because the laid-back vibes here are second to none!
To make sure you enjoy everything that Seattle has to offer, it’s important to pick the best place for your individual travel style. That’s why in this comprehensive accommodation guide we explain what are the best areas to stay in Seattle and why. Ready? Let’s go!
Where To Stay In Seattle: A Guide To 7he 7 Best Areas To Stay
Where you decide to stay while youre in Seattle will have a fairly big impact on what your trip is like.
The best neighborhoods for first time visitors would be Downtown Seattle, Belltown and Capitol Hill, which are both in the heart of the city, packed with things to do, see, and eat, and within walking distance of highlights like the Space Needle , Pike Place Market, and downtown Seattle.
If you have a short trip like a weekend getaway stay close to the Downtowncore in Belltown, South Lake Union, or Capitol Hill.
If youve been to Seattle before and youve done the Downtown stuff like Pike Place Market and the Space Needle, then venture out to the neighborhoods north Fremont and Ballard.
Planning a trip to Seattle? Dont miss our guide to the coolest hotels in Seattle to help you find the perfect place to stay for your trip.
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Where To Stay In Seattle: Belltown
Great area for: Hip & Trendy Nightlife & Dining Boutique Shopping Convenient & Central
If you want to veer slightly off the beaten path and stay in one of Seattles hippest neighborhoods, look no further than Belltown.
Located just north of the downtown business district , Belltown is young and fun, filled with cool spots to eat, shop and live. It has one of the best bar scenes in Seattle , and is easily one of the trendiest neighborhoods in the city.
If you like Italian food, List is known for having some of the fluffiest gnocchi around. Hit up El Gaucho for a great steak. Theres also Bathtub Gin & Co that is an alley-way speakeasy.
During the day, walk through the Olympic Sculpture Park for larger than life outdoor art and breathtaking views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains.
And on a rainy evening, catch a movie at Cinerama, where you can sip local wine, beer and cider.
The Inn at El Gaucho With a comfortable and personal ambience, dark woods and plush furniture dominates the interior of this hotel. Past guests love the spacious rooms and high value of this property, as well as giving staff top marks for exceptional service. Seattles famous El Gaucho steakhouse is located below the hotel, and the Belltown neighborhood is rip for exploring, with with trendy bars and restaurants within strolling distance.
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Kimpton Hotel Monaco Seattle An Ihg Hotel
Address: 1101 Fourth Avenue
Dry cleaningFace masks for guests availableGuests have the option to cancel any cleaning services for their accommodation during their stayNon-smoking throughoutBusiness centreWiFi available in all areasVIP room facilitiesBar
Motif Seattle is located in the Seattle city centre but features Elliot Bay and the Olympic Mountains in some of its rooms. Make sure to ask for a room on a higher floor because you might get lucky and have a view of Puget Sound from your window.
Everything is within walking distance from this hotel including the Seattle Art Museum and the Washington State Convention Centre. The Ferry Terminal is just 1.4 km from Motif Seattle.
Donât forget to have a drink in the outdoor patio bar and if youâre lucky, maybe theyll have local wine tasting during your stay.
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Best Budget Accommodation In Queen Anne: The Mediterranean Inn
This swanky hotel offers modern and comfortable rooms, as well as a rooftop terrace with stunning panoramic views of the city. Free wifi is available to guests, as well as a fitness centre and airport shuttle. The hotel puts you within walking distance of top attractions including International Fountain, Pacific Science Centre, and numerous restaurants.
Our Favorite Area: Central Waterfront
Central Waterfront is a port area located east of the city center. It covers from the coast of Pioneer Square to Downtown Seattle, the neighborhood of Belltown and Broad Street.
Among the activities to do at Central Waterfront, we recommend a walk around the Pier 55, where you can go to the amusement park, the aquarium, and shops or taste fresh seafood in restaurants by the ocean.
Around Central Waterfront, you will find the Frye Art Museum, comfortable hotels with stunning views of the bay, department stores, the Cinerama and souvenir shops.
It is also possible to visit the St. James Cathedral, with its neo-Renaissance style and, at night, you can attend the Showbox, where artists, comedians, and local groups perform.
Central Waterfront is connected by metro, light rail, and tram.
Central Waterfront is a recommended area to stay in Seattle because it os one of the most interesting areas on the coast of Elliot Bay.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Seattle:
- Elliot Bay
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Hotel Theodore A Chic Seattle Boutique Hotel
Lifting itself above the streets of the Pike/Pine shopping core in the heart of Seattle is Hotel Theodore. A masterfully designed hotel with generous spaces that grab elevated views at every opportunity. This place feels properly comfortable, like you can flump on the couch if you want, and the entire place is cleverly enhanced with cool art and artifacts not prints you might pick up in IKEA, but genuine pieces curated from a partnership with Seattles Museum of History.
Hotel Theodore is a thoughtful, hand-crafted, quality-cool slice of Seattle with everything youd expect in a top-class hotel plus many little quirks youll simply love.
- To book, check prices or availability for Hotel Theodore Seattle
Motif Seattle A Unique Hip And Very Instagrammable Downtown Boutique Hotel
Offering a superb rooftop lounge with fabulous views across the city, this highly-rated 4-star destination hotel is located between 5th Avenue and Pike and Union making it perfectly placed for your downtown Seattle adventure. With a sun deck and fabulous decor which includes natural hardwood floors and themes inspired by the Pacific Northwest, The Motif is a first-class hotel of distinction that is in touch with the rich art and music culture that the city is so famous for.
One of the best boutique hotels in Seattle, the bedrooms at this modern and chic Seattle accommodation are comfortable and spacious and are dotted with artworks, lyrics, and album cover art from the citys influential music scene. Superior suites also have views over the water and offer the best of both urban living and waterfront chic. Dont leave without dining at their hip restaurant which features a patio, fireplaces, and shuffleboard or drinking a cocktail on their truly fabulous rooftop bar coolness in Seattle!
- To book, check prices or availability for Motif Hotel Seattle
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