The 12 best Airbnbs in Seattle, from cottage stays to lakeside getaways

Coming in as one of the top 1% of homes on Airbnb, this dreamy lakefront cabin truly has it all. From the wooden deck with stunning lake views to the Tiki-style patio, it's a stay you'll never forget. With its Hawaiian-inspired style, the vibes are immaculate all round. Just don't miss out on evening drinks by the firepit – it's the ideal way to end a day of chilling hard lakeside. 

Rooms? One. Sleeps two guests.
Mood? Say aloha to your new home.
Location perks? Did we mention the lake on your doorstep?
Budget range? Well priced for what's on offer.

Come for the city… Stay for the beach. Mix up your Seattle trip by staying in West Seattle’s Alki Beach. This well-loved strip of coast gives you the option of letting off steam with a round of volleyball or simply kicking back and admiring the views of Puget Sound with an afternoon cocktail to hand. You can fit up to four guests in this generously sized apartment, which makes it perfect for a double-date trip away or a small family getaway.

Rooms? Two. Sleeps four guests.
Mood? Zen escape.
Location perks? From the mountains to the beach, this place has all you need for a getaway.
Budget range? An amazing deal. 

This soft-lit loft in Pioneer Square models itself on the domestic conversions more famously associated with Manhattan and its surrounding areas. But although this achingly chic apartment has all its urban daydream points ticked off, there’s something unmistakably ‘Seattle’ rather than NYC about it. This space is a little softer, a little bit more laid-back, a little bit more concerned with giving you the perfect location for a morning coffee (followed by another morning coffee…) than simply acting as a crash pad within a mad city itinerary. Highlights include that lovely arched window and the modern four-poster bed with elegant drapes.

Rooms? One. Sleeps two guests.
Mood? Unshowy romance for city dwellers.
Location perks? Want for nothing with Pioneer Square as your base.
Budget range? A treat weekend price.

Yes, we know Seattle has many lakefront Airbnbs on gorgeous lakes to choose from... So, we thought we'd add one more. Introducing this jaw-droppingly beautiful A-frame waterfront home, complete with an outdoor seating area, firepit, string lights and a jetty – all to yourself. Inside, the design is modern but rustic (yep, it's possible) and honestly? You'll never want to leave. 

Rooms? Two. Sleeps six guests.
Mood? Waterfront living at its finest. 
Location perks? The jetty at sunset. It's magical. 
Budget range? Shockingly affordable – especially for a group of 6.

Does the rural location of this unique home slightly stretch the idea of ‘Seattle’ residences? Perhaps yes. But is it a seriously brilliant, quirky house well deserving of recognition and promotion? Also yes. Very much yes. Stay here and you’ll be in the deep dark woods of (the excellently named) Snohomish. And by ‘deep dark woods’ we mean a private 80-acre forest of vine maples and Douglas firs. The A-frame home was constructed by hand from salvaged timber and hand-milled lumber and contains a gorgeous little sleeping loft accessed via a ship’s ladder. We love this place big time and, if you really must leave it and the forest, you’re only about 40-mins by car from Seattle (oh yeah, remember that place?).  

Rooms? Two. Sleeps four guests.
Mood? A very stylish rewrite of a fairytale.
Location perks? 80 acres of sublime forest including monster ferns and towering trees.
Budget range? Not the cheapest, but this place is great.

This Seattle Airbnb is the ideal couple's getaway. Known as the "Sky Cabin", it does what it says on the tin. Offering stunning views of Lake Union below it, the Sky Cabin makes you feel on top of the world – literally. Other great features include a gas fireplace and A/C, wood paneling, and heated bathroom floors. As for the decor, it's modern with some eclectic accents, and the kitchen is fully equipped with all you need for date night. 

Rooms? One. Sleeps two guests.
Mood? Coastal dreams.
Location perks? The stunning landscapes are a wonder to wake up to. 
Budget range? A great price.

Here’s a house that’s a little bit ‘different’. And we mean that in a good way. From the outside, this home in Queen Anne looks like someone took off the roof, squashed it flat and reattached it sideways-on to the property. And you know what? We’re here for it. Inside, it keeps the Modernist dream alive with lots of uncluttered space, geometric shapes and a pallette of white-through-to-gray. There are also a few cozier additions too, like a tapestry wall hanging and snuggly bedspreads.

Rooms? Two. Sleeps four guests.
Mood? The house I built from Lego bricks.
Location perks? Drink in the grounding views of Puget Sound.
Budget range? If you’re booking for four, you’ll be super pleased with this price.

Call it a ‘hut’ or call it a ‘cottage’, this pint-sized home in a garden is simply a lovely spot to regain a sense of peace and equilibrium. You’ll be based in Magnolia, which gives you a slightly different sense of Seattle (while still being able to access, for example, the culture and bustle of Pioneer Square and so forth). From unhurried strolls around the Farmers Market to afternoon cake in a local café, this neighborhood knows how to treat its humans well. This sweet mini-home would make a nice romantic escape but we’re even more keen on it as a writer’s retreat for one. Pack your laptop and some comfy clothes and finally make headway on that novel.

Rooms? One. Sleeps two guests.
Mood? Emotional and creative redux.
Location perks? Enjoy the calm and cuteness of Magnolia – farmers markets and parks included.
Budget range? Snap it up and don’t look back.

Like the Pioneer Square neighborhood itself, this expansive loft apartment has plenty of historic appeal. Painted brick walls, dramatic dark wood furniture, oriental rugs, and views of Smith Tower give the place plenty of vintage charm. You can’t beat the central location, either.

Rooms? One. Sleeps four guests.
Mood? A little slice of history. 
Location perks? Nestled right n the center of Pioneer Square. 
Budget range? Very affordable.

If you’re looking for something a little bit different than the normal downtown stay, take a peek at this apartment in the neighborhood of Wallingford. When you get bored of city life you can recharge with a visit to the nearby Gas Works Park, maybe even enjoying a picnic while watching the sailing boats go by. We love the bright and light feel of this home, including the spacious living room with inviting sofas for the first coffee of the day.

Rooms? One. Sleeps three guests.
Mood? Digital nomad's dream.
Location perks? In the heart of the Wallingford neighborhood. 
Budget range? Mid-range but worth it. 

We didn’t expect to find a castle in one of Seattle’s top neighborhoods either, but here we are: a redbrick home with a turret to call your own. This seriously cool abode is located in Queen Anne, just five minutes from the Space Needle (of which you get really great views). Perks of the place include an unusual, curved room used as a mini seating area, an interesting cast iron gate and the spiral staircase leading the way up that turret.

Rooms? One. Sleeps two guests.
Mood? Modernity meets medieval in a one-of-a-kind property.
Location perks? Visit the local farmers market on Queen Anne Avenue on a Thursday.
Budget range? Less than you'd pay for an *actual* castle

Since it’s just a short walk away from the quirky shops and hip restaurants on Market Street and Ballard Avenue, this well-preserved Tudor house would be a great choice for travelers who aren’t bringing a car. A farmhouse sink, tiled fireplace, old-fashioned window treatments, and vintage furnishings add to the home’s charm.

Rooms? Three. Sleeps five guests.
Mood? Modern meets classic.
Location perks? Within easy walking distance from Ballard Avenue.
Budget range? A great deal.