Belltown Where To Stay In Seattle On A Budget
Sandwiched between Queen Anne and Downtown Seattle is the trendy Belltown neighbourhood. One of the most fashionable districts in the city, Belltown is home to a myriad of bars, boutiques, restaurants and clubs. Its where you can go to enjoy a day of culture and a wild night on the town.
Surprisingly, Belltown is also our recommendation for where to stay if youre balling on a budget. Tucked between the vintage shops and chic coffee houses is a good selection of Seattles backpacker hostels and affordable boutique hotels.
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. Itâs perfect for tourists who want to be close to attractions!
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Downtown Seattle Where To Stay In Seattle For First Time Visitors
Located at the heart of the city, on the shores of Elliot Bay, Downtown Seattle is Seattles most popular area. Made up of numerous districts that include Pioneer Square, Belltown, and Pike Place Market, it is a diverse destination that makes a great choice for all manner of visitors to stay in Seattle.
Downtown is well-connected public transportations with light Rail, buses, monorails, streetcars. You can easily travel to other parts of the city without a car. As is usually the case in a major city center, the Downtown area is filled with major attractions, some of the best luxury hotels, and a plethora of amenities like bars, shops, and restaurants, all walking distance apart.
Among the most prominent attractions in Downtown Seattle is the Seattle Art Museum. Established in 1933, the Seattle Art Museum is home to more than 25,000 pieces, covering all different styles and eras, making a perfect stop for any fans of art or history.
In a similar vein, you also have the central branch of the Seattle Public Library. One of the most incredible buildings in the city and filled with more knowledge than you could learn in a lifetime, it is a fabulous destination for anyone interested in architecture or education.
Switching to attractions of a more traditional tourist nature, you have the Seattle Aquarium. Located on the Elliot Bay Trail, right on the Seattle waterfront, the aquarium opened in 1977 and receives almost 1 million visitors each year.
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Downtown Seattle Hotel Near Shopping & Dining
Experience the best of Seattle at the award-winning Crowne Plaza Seattle-Downtown. Our modern hotel near Lumen Field offers the inviting atmosphere and modern luxuries you need to make the most of your stay. Host your upcoming meeting or event in our stylish event venues. Choose from 10 meeting rooms with over 10,000 sq ft of total space. Headed by our dedicated Meetings Director, our friendly and professional staff is here to make sure all the details are executed smoothly. We also offer adaptive workspaces for brainstorming sessions, solo work, and more. Get a great night’s sleep in our guest rooms and suites with panoramic windows, productive workstations, and Beekman 1802 natural bath amenities. Be your best self with access to our 24-hour onsite fitness center offering free weights and cardio machines. Savor classic American entrees and craft beverages at our downtown Seattle restaurant, Regatta Bar and Grille. Explore popular attractions and hidden gems during your stay with Lumen Field, Climate Pledge Arena, T-Mobile Park, Pike Place Market, walking and boat tours, and more things to do near our hotel. Just because you’re in town for business doesn’t mean you can’t have fun. Find that perfect balance at Crowne Plaza Seattle-Downtown.
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.
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Ballard: Quaint And Sophisticated
Beautiful Ballard feels like its a small maritime town tucked within a major city. Situated along the Ballard Locks, this charming neighborhood boasts a proud Nordic history, waterfront views, and an innovative culinary and beverage scene.
Pros and Cons of Staying in Ballard
Pros:Ballard has the air of a quaint seaside town with all the pluses of a big city. The neighborhood has a fantastic food, café, and bar scene, is surrounded by water, has beautiful, walkable streets, and an energetic nightlife.
Cons:Ballard is far north and is a decent trip away from the heart of Seattle, whether by bus or by car. If youre wanting to spend a lot of time in central Seattle, Ballard will feel inconvenient. However, if youre looking for a unique Seattle experience tucked away from tourist spots, Ballard might be for you.
Ballard Highlights
The Best Places to Stay in Ballard
Hotel Ballard: A luxurious, boutique stay in the heart of Ballard, Hotel Ballard is worth the splurge if youre looking for a sophisticated stay with a Pacific Northwest twist. At Hotel Ballard, youll have access to a spa, athletic club, the tasty Stoneburner Restaurant, and a rooftop overlooking the marina with a fireplace to keep you warm on chilly evenings. Located centrally on Ballard Avenue, youll be in the center of the best of Ballards eclectic shops and eateries.
Capitol Hill Coolest Place To Stay In Seattle
Capitol Hill is far and away the coolest neighbourhood in Seattle. Located north of Downtown, this central district boasts a diverse, young, and friendly atmosphere. Its where you can find incredible shopping and epic nights out.
It is also the heart of Seattles infamous music scene. Capitol Hill is packed with nightclubs, bars, cafes, theatres and venues where you can see world-famous and upcoming acts. Whether youre into pop, trance, alternative, or Seattles favourite grunge, theres something for every music fan here. Capital Hill is known to be one of the trendiest and best areas to stay in Seattle.
Love to shop? Capitol Hills Pike/Pine corridor is filled with independent shops and local boutiques selling top quality goods, clothes and jewels.
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Apartment: Studio With Garden
This studio is a dreamy place to stay in Seattle. We think that quality outdoor and indoor spaces are equally important, and clearly, the owners of this property agree. The studio has a rustic feel not unlike the cabins in remote Washington. If you want a romantic, relaxing place to stay in West Seattle, this property is an ideal candidate.
The studio is in the backyard of a 1904 home and features a private patio and shared garden space. Youll have privacy from the rest of the world in the shared garden, with tall green hedges enclosing the space. Youll also have use of barbecue facilities which are perfect on a sunny day. There is a water fountain feature and a comfy seating area on your private patio.See Rates and Availability
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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South Lake Union: Cool New Neighborhood
South Lake Union is about as direct a name for a neighborhood as you can have. Its on the south end of Lake Union, which is the lake that is right in the middle of Seattle. Its a central neighborhood, just east of the Space Needle and Seattle Center, and just north of Belltown. Overall, its a great place to base yourself.
South Lake Union was not a place youd ever want to stay when I was growing up. It was rundown and generally not super pleasant. That is, until Amazon showed up. Now, its one of the nicest areas in Seattle, full of luxury high rise condos and slick Amazon buildings, along with some of the best food and drinks in Seattle.
Im not a huge fan of Amazon, but this is not the time or place to go through a laundry list of my concerns about their anti-competitive moves that hurt local small businesses, or their questionable labor practices and union busting.
I think South Lake Union should be on this list of Seattles best neighborhoods, regardless of how I feel about Amazon itself.
Theres no question that gentrification happened in South Lake Union, but its an interesting case study because it happened pretty much all at once, rather than happening over a decade or two like some of the other areas in Seattle.
Pros and Cons of Staying in South Lake Union
Pros: Its central, there are tons of places to eat and drink, and two of my favorite hotels in the city are there.
Cons:
South Lake Union Highlights
Where to Stay in South Lake Union
Where Not To Stay In Seattle
Not all parts of Seattle are ideal to stay in, even though they are definitely worth a visit.
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Best Airbnb In Queen Anne: Queen Anne Private Courtyard Suite
This cosy private room comes with its own entrance and courtyard, providing a calm oasis in the heart of Queen Anne. As well as a comfortable queen-sized bed, youll get an ensuite bathroom, workspace, microwave, and a minifridge. Shops, restaurants, and cafes are a short walk away, as well as parks and popular attractions.
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.
Check Availability & Prices onBooking.com / TripAdvisor
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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.
Budget: College Inn Hotel
Fancy reliving your college experience? Except maybe slightly more luxuriously. College Inn Hotel is a great budget hotel option.
College Inn has a range of suites, studios, and a few basic room choices. Guests receive free Wi-Fi and access to a shared lounge and in-house café. Overall, College Inn is a well-located and comfortable place to stay in the U district. Check rates and availability on TripAdvisor / Booking
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Seattle Travel Tip: How To Get Around Seattle
Getting from SeaTac Airport to Downtown Seattle
Most people arrive in Seattle by plane or car. If youre arriving via a flight at SeaTac, know that the airport is only about 10 minutes South of Downtown Seattle, and has a few convenient options for getting into the city center:
Light Rail: The cheapest and easiest way to get from Seattle airport to downtown is by taking the Link Light Rail service. The rail station is connected to the parking garage on the 4th floor, via Skybridge 6, close to baggage claim carrousels 15 and 16. There are plenty of signs to lead the way, and its a covered walkway the whole time . Youll need to purchase a ticket from the vending machine before you board the train, or download the TransitGo Ticket App. Fare from the airport will be $3.00 per person to downtown stations.
Uber/Lyft: At the time of writing, both Uber and Lyft ride sharing services operate in Seattle, and to/from Sea-Tac Airport. There is a specified ride share pick up area on the 3rd floor parking garage, in the Ground Transportation Area. Signs leading to the area will be marked TNC/Rideshare. A typical Uber ride will cost $35-$40 to downtown, but expect to pay more during surge pricing. Alternatively, Uberpool is available for less money of you dont mind sharing.
Taxi: Youll find taxis waiting in the Ground Transportation on the level 3 parking garage. Rides to downtown will cost about $40 plus tip, depending on traffic.
Getting Around Seattle
Best Airbnb In Downtown/waterfront: 2br House Close To Everything
Sleeping four guests, this townhouse provides a comfortable home-away-from-home for families deciding where to stay in Seattle. It features contemporary Scandinavian style furnishings, plush beds, a stocked kitchen, and laundry facilities. Its got a high walkability score, putting you within easy reach of entertainment and attractions.
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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.
A Crash Course In Seattle Geography
This west coast port city sits on an isthmus between the Puget Sound and Lake Washington. Just 100 miles south of the Canadian border, Seattle is the northernmost major city in the United States. Before European settlers arrived in the mid-19th century, the Seattle area had been inhabited by American Indians for several thousand years.
Named for the Chief Siahl of the Duwamish and Suquamish tribes, Seattle is situated on the southeastern shores of the Puget Sound, a 100-mile long inlet of the Pacific Ocean. The many waterways make the geographic layout of Seattle somewhat complex and that much more interesting. Downtown faces Elliott Bay, where the city was originally founded.
Seattle is divided in half north to south by an eight-mile-long canal that passes through Lake Union, Portage Bay, and Union Bay and connects Lake Washington to the Puget Sound in Shilshole Bay in the northwest of the city. The south of the city is divided by the Duwamish River.
For a simplified layout of the city, it generally can be divided by south, west, central, and north Seattle.
It is worth noting that central Seattle has a sizable unhoused population, largely due to the rising cost of living and housing costs over the past few decades.
There is a lot of energy and vibrancy in these neighborhoods, but it is a factor to consider when deciding on a place to stay, especially if you are traveling with kids.
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