Where to Stay in Seattle: Best Areas & Accommodation
Seattle is a huge city with many diverse neighborhoods and areas to visit. Finding where to stay in Seattle can be difficult if you don’t know the area well, as there’s so much ground to cover. While you can’t go wrong, knowing the difference between all the neighborhoods can make picking your hotel much easier.
Seattle has several main areas, including downtown, Capitol Hill, and South Lake Union. They’re all top picks for accommodation because they’re close to must-see attractions, various dining options, and coffee shops that showcase Seattle’s coffee culture. These areas have live music and nightlife options close by to keep you entertained every hour of your visit to Seattle.
Ready to find the best hotels in Seattle? Here is a breakdown of different neighborhoods and options to fit your budget and holiday desires!
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Seattle Accommodation Quick Guide
Looking for the best places to stay in Seattle? Here are the top picks in Seattle for every budget and traveler in a quick view!
- Hostel—Green Tortoise Hostel Seattle is the most popular hostel in Seattle. The beds are extremely comfortable with private curtains. There are also locked luggage cabinets under the beds. Enjoy free breakfast and free weekend walking tours!
- Budget—Belltown Inn: This hotel is in a prime location, just a 9-minute walk from Pike Market and a 14-minute walk to the Olympic Sculpture Park. The rooms are bright with large windows, kitchenettes, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs.
- Mid-range—StayPineapple The Maxwell Hotel: If you’re looking for a fun and quirky hotel, this is the top place in Seattle. Enjoy the retro decorations, including lime green couches and funky hot pink chairs. They have a coffee shop, bar, and restaurant inside the hotel.
- Luxury—W Seattle: By far, the best place to stay downtown if you want to be able to walk or take the monorail everywhere. Make sure to book a skyline view for incredible sunrises and lit-up nights.
Downtown
Downtown Seattle is definitely the best place to stay if you’ve never been to Seattle before. Being within walking distance of all the best attractions makes visiting Seattle easy. If you’re a coffee-lover, staying in a place downtown will give you the perfect opportunity to go coffee exploring every morning.
The Pike Place Market is the center of downtown Seattle. This establishment is a must-visit when touring Seattle. This famous market has been open since 1907 and is the perfect place to buy produce, eat fresh fish, and buy some gourmet cheeses and other foods.
Hostel- HI Seattle at the American Hotel: a great place to stay downtown right on the edge of the Chinatown and International Districts. It’s only a mile away from Pike City Market and a few miles away from Pioneer Square, so it has a great central location downtown.
They have a large kitchen where you can cook your own meals to save money. They also have a simple free breakfast every morning with coffee and tea!
Budget—PaliHotel Seattle: You can find all the amenities you need in this basic hotel. The entire hotel is retro and vintage, with some modern touches. They offer a free a la carte or American breakfast. They have an on-site restaurant and bar that’s open late for snacks and drinks.
If you want to walk around Seattle, you will love PaliHotel because it’s just around the corner from the center of downtown Seattle. You can also walk just a few blocks to Pike Place Market and the Space Needle.
Mid-Range—The Charter Hotel Seattle: For a modern and chic stay in the center of Seattle, choose the Charter Hotel Seattle. The views of the city are amazing. The hotel even has a restaurant and bar on terraces right in the middle of the best parts of Seattle.
For active vacationers, the Charter Hotel has one of the top-rated fitness centers in the city, so you can burn off those extra holiday calories. It’s also within walking distance of Pike Place Market and many restaurants and cafes.
Luxury—Seattle Marriott Waterfront: If you’re looking for the best views in Seattle, reserve your room at Seattle Marriott Waterfront. Every room has water or mountain views, both giving you perfect picture opportunities. They’re also within walking distance of Pike Place Market.
They’re also within walking distance of the Seattle Aquarium and the Seattle Art Museum. If you don’t feel like venturing into the city one day, you can chill out by the pool, visit the well-equipped fitness center, or have a drink at the bar.
Capitol Hill
If you’re looking for a more laid-back vibe while visiting Seattle, Capitol Hill is known for its hipster and liberal attitudes. The dining options also offer a huge variety, with almost every restaurant offering gluten-free and vegan options.
Like downtown, Capitol Hill is full of coffee shops. But, they are more relaxed and quiet than the ones found in Seattle’s busier parts. Almost every bar has live music at night for chill vibes, or you can head to the clubs on the weekend if you want to party.
Capitol Hill also hosts most of Seattle’s Asian community, so you can be sure to find tons of different dining options and museums and galleries showcasing the talent of the Asian community.
Budget—Warwick Seattle: A great place for a no-fuss stay that’s just a 15-minute walk to the Space Needle and an 8-minute walk to Pike Place Market. The small restaurant on-site is a great place to get tapas or appetizers during the day before heading out into the city.
The indoor pool is heated, and they also have a hot tub. The rooms are simple but elegant, with large TVs, work desks, and comfortable beds. Some rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows and whirlpool tubs. You can also upgrade to a suite if you want more space.
Mid-Range—Hotel Theodore: offers wine tasting upon arrival as well as unlimited access to tea and coffee. Enjoy the 24/7 fitness and business centers if you need to work out or do some work for the office!
Although the rooms are modern, they are still decorated warmly and make you feel right at home. The regular rooms have showers, mini-fridges, and coffee-makers, while the suites have whirlpool bathtubs and small kitchenettes.
Luxury—Hyatt at Olive 8: The most centrally located hotel with all the best dining and nightlife options. If you want to go out dancing, Hyatt at Olive 8 is on the same block as many nightclubs and bars. The Space Needle and Seattle Center are just a few stops away on the monorail.
They also have an on-site restaurant, a spa, and a fitness center. Some floors are pet-friendly, so feel free to reserve a room for you and your furry friend. All of their keys and services are also digital, so you don’t have to worry about keeping up with cards and papers.
South Lake Union
South Lake Union is known as the business district, where most business travelers stay when visiting Seattle. If you aren’t on business, though, this neighborhood still offers a lot.
As the name suggests, Lake Union Park is the top attraction in the area. It’s a great place to exercise or just go on a stroll while you’re in Seattle. South Lake Union is more of an up-and-coming area of Seattle, so it has a hip vibe and is full of young families and working professionals.
Check out the food trucks, coffee shops, and unique dining options throughout the district. There are restaurants and cafes within walking distance of almost every hotel.
Budget—EVEN Hotel Seattle Downtown – Lake Union: Situated right between downtown and Lake Union, this is one of the top hotel choices for those looking to be close to both neighborhoods. There’s a streetcar stop just 3 minutes away, so you can hop on and off the streetcars to experience the city.
The rooms are basic, but have everything you need, including large showers, TVs, Wi-Fi, and coffeemakers. The suites have a few extra amenities like pull-out couches, fitness areas, and stationary bikes.
Mid-Range—citizenM Seattle South Lake Union: Guest reviews frequently mention CitizenM’s proximity to public transit and the fantastic bar it has in the lobby! The lounge is funky and eclectic, with great views of the city. The Space Needle is only a 12-minute walk away, so no need to bring the car or hop on one of the buses.
Fitness lovers will love CitizenM since the gym is open 24 hours, and has tons of space and equipment. All the rooms are soundproofed with TVs, rainfall showers, and mini-fridges. Make sure to hit the free breakfast buffet in the mornings!
Luxury—Silver Cloud Inn – Seattle Lake Union: This wonderful hotel is less than 10 minutes away from the Seattle Space Needle, the Museum of Pop Culture, and Chihuly Garden. It overlooks Lake Union, so you’ll get a stunning view every morning when you wake up.
The indoor heated pool is perfect for relaxing no matter the season you’re visiting. Make sure to book a suite if you’re traveling with extra family members so you get the pull-out couch and kitchenettes. The upgraded rooms also have fireplaces, whirlpool tubs, and wet bars.
Top Things to Do in Seattle
Now that you know where to book your stay in Seattle, check out all the best attractions to make the most of your stay! Here are some of the top things to do in Seattle you won’t want to miss.
- Visit all the different stalls in Pike Place Market. Shop for souvenirs to take home, buy some locally made soaps and art, or get gourmet snacks to take back to the hotel for an evening treat.
- Get an aerial view of the city at the Seattle Space Needle. The main deck is 520 feet high and gives you a 360-degree view of Seattle and its different neighborhoods. You can’t visit Seattle without going to the top of the space needle!
- Check out the different artwork at Olympic Sculpture Park. 20 different sculptures were made by mostly local artists. You can also see Elliot Bay from the park.
- Take some great photos at Kerry Park. The park has the best views of the Seattle skyline, the Space Needle, and Puget Sound.
- Visit the Seattle Art Museum in downtown. Most of the exhibits are modern art, with some great photography exhibits as well.
- Check out the architecture at Pioneer Square. It’s the oldest neighborhood in Seattle and is a great place to see historic buildings or take a walking tour to learn about the roots of Seattle.
How to Get to Seattle
The easiest way to get to Seattle by plane is to fly into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). It’s a large airport and has daily flights on all major airlines. The city is also well-connected to parts of the United States and Canada.
You can reach Seattle on I-5, I-82, I-182, I-90, I-205, I-405, and I-705. You can use any of these roads to easily get to downtown Seattle or the surrounding suburbs.
How to Get Around Seattle
Seattle has many different public transportation options, so you don’t have to rent a car if you don’t want to. The Link Light Rail is one of the main ways to travel around the city. There are 14 stops, including several in the downtown and the SEA airport.
The King County bus services take you throughout downtown and to the surrounding suburbs. The Seattle Streetcar service is perfect if you stay in the South Lake Union or First Hill area because it connects both suburbs to downtown. The First Hill line also connects to Capitol Hill and the International District.
When to Visit Seattle
The best time to visit Seattle for low prices and mild weather is in September and October. Summertime is beautiful in the city, but hotel prices can break the bank. It is also extremely cold in the winter, and it won’t be comfortable to walk around and go sightseeing.
The rainy season starts at the end of October or the beginning of November and lasts until early spring. Springtime isn’t too cold, and walking in the light rain is common for both tourists and locals. Just make sure to bring some rain boots and a waterproof jacket!
Book Your Stay in Seattle Now!
Seattle’s coffee shops, art galleries, and endless attractions are waiting for you! All you have to do is book your room! Picking your neighborhood doesn’t have to be hard, just choose what attractions you want to do and then select a place nearby.
Thanks to Seattle’s great transportation system, you can hop from neighborhood to neighborhood easily every day.
No matter where you choose to stay in Seattle, you’ll surely have a great vacation in this timeless and hipster city. When you leave, you’ll miss the coffee and laid-back vibes of Seattle!
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