The 17 best hotels in Seattle, for a seaside city break

The Kimpton Palladian captures the essence of Seattle, from its timber industry days to its grunge era and every period in between. While its Belltown location makes it ideal for first-time visitors looking to explore Seattle's major attractions (Pike Place Market, the Space Needle, Chihuly Gardens), the Palladian is friendly to all sorts of travellers: the hotel is pet-friendly, offers free bike rentals and partners with 4moms to provide guests with complimentary baby gear during their stay.

Where is it? Near the Waterfront, just two blocks away from Seattle’s famous Pike Place Market. 

Which room? Feeling plush? The Palladian and Belltown suites have wet bars, a dining table with room for entertaining and a Crosley record player so you can soundtrack your stay with some vinyl. 

Time Out tip: Check out the Kimpton Plant Pals Program, which lets guests check out a plant to keep in their room and keep them company during their stay. 

This luxury hotel boasts an ideal downtown location just steps from Seattle attractions such as the Art Museum, Pike Place Market and the waterfront. The hotel’s 147 rooms range from single-bed rooms to a luxurious 10th-floor suite that sleeps four. Top-tier amenities include a 24-hour fitness center, a lovely rooftop terrace and a gorgeous infinity pool. A visit to the spa, for treatments like a deep-tissue massage or an anti-aging facial, is a recommended indulgence.

Where is it? Bang in the middle of downtown surrounded by the Seattle Art Museum, Pike Place Market and Elliott Bay. 

Which room? Opt for a Bay View room for sweet, sweet panorama you can ogle at from your bed. 

Time Out tip: The hotel will sort unique Seattle experiences out on request, like private yacht trips and VIP tours around the Space Needle. 

This downtown hotel sets itself apart with warm, welcoming hospitality, offering thoughtful touches such as bottles of wine and cheese platters at check-in for guests celebrating special occasions. Located in the former Alaska Gold Standard Mining building, erected in 1901, the renovated hotel is thoroughly modern, its 121 rooms featuring exposed brick and minimalist steel poster beds. Traveling with Fido? The Alexis is a pet-friendly hotel, and animals always stay for free.

Where is it? Right next to the waterfront in Downtown Seattle. 

Which room? Travelling with friends? The twin rooms here are a cut above the usual fair, with Queen-size beds for each guest, as well as sofas, armchairs and plenty of refined decor. 

Time Out tip: Don’t miss a visit to the hotel’s Bookstore Bar & Café where you’ll find a vast selection of rare whiskeys.

Everyone can get a taste of the suite life at this new hotel which offers apartment-style rooms in one of Seattle’s coolest neighbourhoods right on the edge of Lake Union. Each of the modern rooms houses everything you need for a plush, self-catered stay including a desk, coffee machine, kitchen, personal outdoor balcony or patio and spacious living room. It's the shared amenities that really make the place pop. Guests also have access to an outdoor pool with cabanas, a fitness center, yoga and spin studio with Peloton bikes as well as private indoor dining and lounge areas. 

Where is it? Bang in the middle of the formerly industrial-turned-cosmopolitan area of South Lake Union, with access to leaf parks and the shores of Lake Union. 

Which room? Opt for a Two-Bedroom Sky Suite for enviable views. 

Time Out tip: Need one of Seattle's finest? Head to the local coffee shop, Zoka, for a morning brew.

The Palihotel brand has gone from strength to strength in recent years, offering super cute accommodation with an eclectic mix of vintage decorations and a relaxed attitude. Their Seattle hotel is just across from the Elliott Bay Waterfront (read: excellent location) and is a great place for getting you energised and ready to explore the city. Its unpretentious vibe also makes it a good choice for multi-age groups, as its boutique charms will appeal to adults and teenagers alike.

Where is it? In the Pike Place Market area of town, with Pier 62 and the Aquarium just across the way.

Which room? If you’re travelling with kids, book them into a fun bunk room, and get an adjoining Deluxe King room for yourself.

Time out tip: Go all out with comfort food indulgences at The Hart and The Hunter Americana diner.

As the only Seattle hotel located in Pike Place Market, this comfy 79-room inn guarantees access to the market’s bustling atmosphere and delicious food. From fresh seafood selections to being the first in line at the original Starbucks, you really can't beat this one. Bright, elegant Northwest-style rooms afford views of the Seattle waterfront (and the Great Wheel) and the spacious rooftop deck is the perfect place to relax with an evening glass of local wine. The hotel’s varied packages offer a variety of cultural experiences, from brewery tastings and tours to special access to the Chihuly Garden.

Where is it? In the heart of the iconic Pike Place Market. 

Which room? The King Room with Water View trumps anything else here. Trust.

Time Out tip: Enjoy a sundowner round the fire on the rooftop terrace and thank us later.

This luxurious hotel is one of Seattle’s most spacious, with 457 guest rooms, 25,000 square feet of meeting space and a huge fitness centre equipped with a steam room. Unbeatable views of the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges, and easy access to downtown attractions like the aquarium, make the hotel’s Pine Street location a perfect base. Rooms feature comfortable contemporary decor and huge bathrooms with a shower and a soaking tub, electronic blackout drapes and a 32-inch flatscreen television. 

Where is it? Another downtown gem, a quick walk away from all the major sites. 

Which room? Stay in one of the hotel’s Club Access rooms and you’ll get exclusive access to The Grand Club, a private lounge on the 27th floor with workspaces, views of downtown Seattle and complementary food. 

Time Out tip: Visit the Ruth Chris’ Steak House downstairs for a juicy steak and a perfectly chilled martini.

If you’re someone who swoons for a bit of classic hotel glamour, The Paramount Hotel will be right up your street. It’s an on-the-larger-size boutique hotel where every detail has been expertly considered and executed. The ‘traditional’ rooms are a good choice if you’re here for work and the ‘urban’ ones work best if you’re here purely to have a good time. They also, it’s worth noting, have a good range of accessible rooms if you need them.

Where is it? On Pine Street, a short and direct walk to Pike Place Market.

Which room? Stay in the Metropolitan Suite and you’ll be able to view your route to the market from your room.

Time out tip: The Paramount is home to a super Korean restaurant named Chan. Your tastebuds will thank you later.

This waterfront property is a perennial favorite for Seattle visitors, located in the heart of downtown and staffed by friendly, attentive personnel. Complimentary flutes of sparkling wine upon check-in set the tone for a comfy stay in one of Hotel 1000’s 120 guest rooms, each accentuated with hand-blown glass artwork by J.P. Canlis, Turkish terry cloth towels and Keurig coffeemakers. 

Where is it? Right on the Central Waterfront. 

Which room? Grab a waterview room for unrivalled scenes out the window. 

Time Out tip: Check out the hotel’s full-service luxury spa while you’re here – we particularly love the sound of the luxury bath experiences featuring chilled champagne, caviar and a personal bath butler. 

This fun hotel is one of downtown Seattle’s funkier options; it’s operated by Staypineapple, a chain of reasonably priced boutique hotels distinguished by colorful art and design, and silly touches like stuffed animals on the beds. Accented with bright pops of colour in both the hotel’s common spaces and its guest rooms, there’s also an indoor pool (filled with inflatable floating flamingos, of course), an on-site espresso bar and complimentary bicycle rental.

Where is it? In the heart of Seattle’s Queen Anne neighbourhood, where you’ll find iconic landmarks and special events aplenty. 

Which room? We love the suite which has enough room for six people, a seating area, a spa tub and a walk-in shower.

Time Out tip: Slippers provided for your stay can go home with you free of charge and a select number of rooms offer accommodations for up to two dogs.

Another winner from Kimpton, this downtown boutique hotel – despite its name – is all sleek and contemporary style, from the banquettes in the lobby to the coffee tables in the guest rooms. Inspired by Washington wine country, accommodations feature jewel-toned fabrics and hand-dyed, recycled cork art pieces. Amenities include in-room yoga mats, a modern fitness centre, complimentary bike rental and lush Kerstin Florian soaps and lotions in the bathroom.

Where is it? On Fifth Avenue in Downtown, not far from Pike Place Market, Pioneer Square and the convention centre.

Which room? Book a room with a city view to take in the Emerald City vibes best. 

Time Out tip: Head down to the on-site Italian restaurant Tulio for top-notch classics and a nightly wine hour with generous pours.

This bright, stylish luxury hotel is one of the city’s coolest and comfiest stays. Guest rooms feature Hypnos beds with 360-thread count Egyptian linen, bathrooms with a shower and a separate soaking tub, Keurig coffeemakers and 42-inch flatscreen televisions. Outside of the confines of your room, concierge is happy to set you up with local art and culinary tours.

Where is it? Belltown: a hip Seattle neighbourhood dotted with boutiques, art galleries and restaurants. 

Which room? Book a room with a Space Needle view for the ultimate Seattle skyline. 

Time Out tip: Take advantage of the free shuttle service that will drop you off or pick you up anywhere within a two-mile radius of the hotel. 

This dramatic downtown hotel makes quite the impression viewed from outside, its floor-to-ceiling windows creating a shimmering cube on Stewart Street. Depending on your room, those windows provide stunning views onto the Puget Sound. And if your room is tucked away, take in the same gorgeous view from the hotel's rooftop bar, the Nest. Considered one of the best in the city thanks to a vibrant atmosphere, house-bottled cocktails and tasty snacks. The comfortable guest rooms boast a warm mid-century style and offer 400-count Sferra linens, rain showers and oversized signature robes.

Where is it? In the middle of Downtown, just within sight of the waterfront. 

Which room? The Water View Studio Suite is something pretty special with striking views of the waterfront, a rainfall shower and a bar to mix up a tasty nightcap.  

Time Out tip: Look out for exclusive events during your stay like rooftop yoga, cocktail lounges and cabarets. 

The Fairmont has served as a home away from home for guests since 1924. Don't let that dissuade you, though. After a thoughtful renovation, the property sparkles with modern touches. Think a 10,800-square-foot health club with a pool and a European-style spa. Still, the hotel’s history is one of its most attractive features, as seen in its iconic lobby staircase and in its handsome 1930s oyster bar, Shuckers. 

Where is it? Another Downtown wonder next to Pike Place Market, the Seattle Art Museum and the Great Wheel. 

Which room? The Cascade suite is packed with regal touches and picture-perfect views if you’re willing to splash some cash. 

Time Out tip: Breakfast or afternoon tea in the Georgian Room, while a splurge, is worth it to enjoy the light flooding in from floor-to-ceiling windows, and to sit under the dramatic, sparkling chandeliers.

This fun hotel, another Staypineapple property, is even more reasonably priced due to its location outside of downtown Seattle in the University District – a perfect spot for guests visiting University of Washington students or faculty. Chill out on the bright, spacious hotel property, particularly in the afternoons when free Dillanos coffee and the hotel’s signature pineapple cupcakes are served in the lobby. Guests looking to work up a sweat have the option of visiting the hotel fitness centre or, during the warm months, taking a dip in the pool located at a sister property a few blocks away.

Where is it? Just a few steps away from the University of Washington. 

Which room? Book a King Studio Suite for ample space. 

Time Out tip: For those whose mission is purely sightseeing, the hotel offers free shuttle service to and from downtown sites like the Space Needle and Pike Place Market as well as free bike rentals. 

It might be in Seattle’s university district, but there’s nothing low-rent about this Art Deco masterpiece. The interior celebrates the building’s 1930s origins with scallop-edged headboards in the bedrooms, fanned mirrors in the bathrooms and geometrically patterned carpets and beautiful curved woodwork in the lobby: everything is laced with a Great Gatsby-style grandeur. As well as the plush surroundings, guests can treat themselves to drinks from the on-site coffee shop, complimentary bike rentals to explore the city and a gym sesh in the 24-hour fitness suite. Take a seat in the stunning lobby library to really feel like Fitzgerald. 

Where is it? In the heart of the University District, a 10-minute walk to The Quad and directly across from the U District Station of the Link. 

Which room? Book a Skyline room for extra space and even better views. 

Time Out tip: Don’t leave without sipping a drink in the hotel’s rooftop bar. Up on the 16th floor, the Mountaineering Club is packed full of interesting vintage trinkets, mixes a mean cocktail and has breathtaking views over the city and all the way to the snow-topped Mount Rainier. 

Elegance is the word that best sums up this unique boutique hotel tucked away in a stone-fronted townhouse in the historic Ballard district. The place has a European vibe with ornate wrought iron balconies decorating the windows, French-style furniture, sumptuous rolltop baths and British bathroom products in the 29 guest rooms. Onsite restaurant Stoneburner keeps the theme going, serving up Mediterranean cuisine and hand-crafted cocktails and guests can also take advantage of the wine room, cocktail classes and the athletic club. 

Where is it? Along Ballard Avenue, a strip of unique shops and eateries, minutes from Downtown and nearby Seattle's first year-round neighbourhood farmers market. 

Which room? Book a Luxury Suite for one of those gorgeous Juliet balconies with views of Ballard Avenue. 

Time Out tip: Make full use of the spa which houses a swimming pool, steam room and sauna.