The 10 best family-friendly hotels in Seattle for a no-drama holiday

We’re opening with an absolute winner. The Palihotel Seattle is a hugely attractive boutique hotel that will appeal to parents with a penchant for vintage design, while also answering all kinds of practical family-travel questions. The family rooms on offer here include a range of adjoining studios and bunk rooms (the twin rooms are also lovely). Additional cots are available to request for free and the deep green color scheme will leave you less afraid of spills and general ‘mess’. It would work for kids of all ages, but we think pre-teens through to mid-teens would find the bunk rooms a particularly nice option: fun but also pleasingly ‘grown-up’. The stylish diner serves up high-quality Americana classics that really will keep everyone happy.

Mood? Urban eclectic with vintage finds.
Location perks? Just across the road from Pike Place Market and its flying fish!
Budget range? Definitely worth the extra bit.

On first glance, the Kimpton Hotel might not look like somewhere designed with families in mind, but this beautifully decorated hotel has considered the issue like few others. Along with family rooms, and extra cots and beds to request, the hotel also boasts a genuinely family-friendly restaurant with burgers, fries and some very ‘extra’ ice cream sundaes. But alongside all that, it also subscribes to a Family Fridge Program providing Mini Me Milk Fridges for the safe storage of breast milk. Isn’t that nice? We think the Kimpton deserves a big old pat on the back for that. 

Mood? Super stylish and super friendly.

Location perks? Get some fresh air at the nearby Naramore Fountain Park.
Budget range? It’s not cheap, but it is great.

When thinking about travelling with kids, we love a hotel that doesn’t go for white-on-white stylings that are going to cause us to hyperventilate within 20 seconds of getting into the room. The Hotel Five from Staypineapple answers that prayer with its bold and funky design choices. Kids will love the funny like pineapple-embossed extras, while adults will appreciate the availability of family rooms, a snack bar and - of course - the in-room coffee machine. No cots or extra beds provided, but a nice choice for teens.

Mood? Bright and perky, with a pineapple on top.
Location perks? Get grossed out at the Gum Wall.
Budget range? Varies, but there are some good prices to be had.

Depending on what stage of family life you’re at, sometimes the whole ‘one room’ thing just doesn’t cut it. Instead, try the amazing range of suites and studios at Level Seattle - you can even get a three-bed suite here, which is a pretty rare find. You’ll also have use of full kitchen facilities, including washing machines and microwaves, and access to a kid’s playground, games room, table tennis, and karaoke facilities. And that’s before we get to the two pools, one outdoor and one indoor, both with shallow ends and both open to all ages all the time. All in? This is a superb choice for families, especially those with kids that are definitely still ‘kids’, not grownups-in-waiting. (Just one note: they don’t supply cots so bring your own travel one).

Mood? Suites so stylish you’ll struggle to believe they are also kid-friendly.
Location perks? Make museum trips cool again with a visit to the Museum of Pop Culture.
Budget range? Not the cheapest but you get a lot for your money here.

The Lotte Seattle is a five-star hotel that’s so assured of its own quality, it doesn’t need to show off by trying to look obviously fancy. Instead, it opts for a laidback, slightly hipster-ish mode of interior design that includes colourful rugs, lampshades and artworks. In terms of being obviously kids-friendly, the hotel provides children’s meals and extra cots and beds at no extra cost. But really it’s the ambiance and these homely furnishings that make this place feel inherently welcoming to people of all ages. Plus, there’s a very nice spa for when you finally get a few hours to yourself…

When you’re travelling with a family, it’s often the little things that make a big difference. The rooms at the Mediterranean Inn all come with a microwave, a fridge and a kitchenette (plus a full-sized desk for sudden colouring projects). There’s also a 24-hour laundry service and vending machines for snack emergencies. They don’t offer extra beds or cots, but there’s still a lot that’s convenient and good about this place as a family choice, not least the outdoor picnic area and garden. 

Mood? Relaxed and practical.
Location perks? Just ten mins from the Space Needle!
Budget range? Middle-ish.

One of Seattle’s most visually attractive hotels, the Hotel Theodore will make parents feel like they’ve gone ‘somewhere nice’, while still providing a host of kids-friendly policies. These include family rooms, with extra cots and beds for kids all the way up to 3-years-old provided free of charge. There’s also a fun restaurant serving American cuisine and seafood, which will happily welcome younger diners and leave them with big smiles and the need for lots of serviettes. If you need it, they’ll also provide board games and puzzles for quiet moments.

Mood? Stylish buy welcoming.
Location perks? Catch a moment of calm in Denny Park.
Budget range? Upper bit of ‘middle’.

One of the city’s most popular hotels, the Hotel Andra pays homage to Seattle’s  historic Scandinavian links through its Nordic-inspired decor. This equates to effortless chic with a side order of ‘hygge’ that helps keep things welcoming for all ages. They have family rooms available and will provide ‘pack-n-plays’ for free, but please ask in advance if possible. The two restaurants, one serving Greek and Mediterranean food and the other Italian, both offer room service - which technically means you could have a family pizza party in bed. Just saying.

Mood? Modern Nordic to keep you feeling snug.
Location perks? Between South Lake Union and Belltown, you’ll never be short of things to do within walking distance.
Budget range? A good price for this level of luxury.

Seattle’s downtown branch of Moxy is another unpretentious hotel that would hit a high note with teenagers of all ages, we think. Once again, there’s no cots or additional beds on offer, but the fresh, contemporary design choices would look great captured on an Instagram feed (or whatever the kids are into these days…). We’re particular fans of the flamingo shower curtains and the kick-back-and-relax shared areas of the hotel, including the 24/7 bar with its creative and tasty naans.

Mood? A ‘grown-up’ vibe your 14 year old will find super alluring (while also being appropriate).

Location perks? If you’re peckish, get to know the local food truck scene.
Budget range? A nice spread of mid-range options.

Another Seattle offering from our friends at Staypineapple, there are several reasons to consider The Maxwell if you’re bringing the family. The biggest one is this: it’s one of the very rare cases of a Seattle hotel that includes an all-ages indoor swimming pool. You can also rent bicycles, request kids' meals, and bring along a pet. All rooms, including the family ones, have a coffee machine and microwave. No extra beds or cots here, but someone has had a lot of fun with the furnishings here, creating a joyful and playful atmosphere.

Mood? Quirky, colorful, and super friendly.
Location perks? Take a deep dive into marine life at the Seattle Aquarium.
Budget range? A little pricier than you might expect.