Looking for the best place to stay in Seattle?
Follow the guide, we have tested, listed and detailed for you the best areas to stay in Seattle as well as the best accommodation in this American city.
⏰ Don’t have time to read it all?
Here are the best neighbourhoods to stay in Seattle, with hotels ranging from high-end to budget. They all have great reviews and are in great locations!
🚨 These hotels are some of the most popular so don’t delay booking. Plus, they offer free cancellation, so don’t worry if you change your mind.
- Best upmarket hotel: Four Seasons Hotel
- Best value: Silver Cloud Hotel ❤️
- Best budget hotel: Belltown Inn
- Best family hotel: Grand Hyatt Seattle
- Best well-located flat: Nice Apartment
🌃Find other accommodation at the best price 👈
Table des matières
Where to sleep for the 1st time in Seattle: Downtown
Looking for the best place to stay in Seattle on your first visit? For most tourists, the best place to stay is downtown Seattle (and nearby Pike Place Market). This is where most of Seattle’s best hotels, restaurants, attractions and shops are located, all in a dense, compact, walkable area. The views of the Puget Sound are incredible from here and local transport links (light rail, bus, tram and monorail) converge on the city centre, making it easy to get around Greater Seattle without a rental car.
Just south of downtown, historic Pioneer Square – and Seattle’s first downtown – is now home to art galleries, leafy pedestrian plazas, some of Seattle’s best restaurants and the ever-popular Underground Tour.
Pioneer Square is a great choice for tourists attending games or concerts in one of Seattle’s major sports arenas, Lumen Field or T-Mobile Park, as it’s an easy walk to stadiums and downtown attractions. It’s also a good starting point for those planning day trips from Seattle, as the King Street Amtrak station is nearby and the Washington State Ferries are within easy walking distance.
To the west (and downhill) of Pike Place Market and Pioneer Square is Seattle’s waterfront – anchored by a bustling harbour at the south end and a shingle park to the north. Because it’s separated by a steep hill, this strip along the water seems a little removed from the rest of the city, but it’s where you’ll find many of Seattle’s best sights and activities – the Seattle Aquarium, Ferris Wheel, Washington State Ferries and Argosy boat tours – all of which offer great views of Elliott Bay, the Puget Sound Islands and the Olympic Mountains.
Best hotels in central Seattle
Upscale
- Four Seasons Hotel Seattle – This superb property could well be the best hotel in the entire Pacific Northwest! It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a great downtown Seattle hotel that offers everything you could want! The rooftop terrace, outdoor fireplace and on-site gym are just some of the highlights of this hotel. See price and availability.
- ❤️ Grand Hyatt Seattle – This is another great location and one of the best hotels in downtown Seattle if you want to be close to the Seattle Art Museum, Seattle Aquarium and Pike Place Market. It’s also one of the best places to admire Seattle’s magnificent skyline! See price and availability.
Best value for money
- ❤️ The Baroness – If you’re looking for a place that offers excellent value for money, this is your choice! If you book your room here, you’ll be within walking distance of all of Seattle’s top attractions, including Pike Place Market. This is an exceptional mid-range hotel! See price and availability.
- Palihotel Seattle – If you haven’t found the perfect downtown location near the market yet, check out this great hotel! You’ll have great views of the Seattle skyline and the Puget Sound, and it’s the best place if you want to take advantage of a 24-hour front desk, free Wi-Fi and room service. See price and availability.
Cheap hotel
- Green Tortoise Hostel Seattle – Travelling to Seattle on a tight budget? Don’t worry, I’ve got a solution! Stay here if you want a great view of the Seattle skyline and Puget Sound! One of the best things is that you’ll be close to a light rail station and Pike’s Market, which is great! See price and availability.
🌃 Find other accommodation at the best price
The tourist district in Seattle: Central District
The Central District may have changed over the years, but the soul of this historically black community is still alive in its local restaurants, such as Garfield Community Center and Fat’s Chicken and Waffles. As a first step, you’ll probably venture into this neighbourhood, just 3km from the city centre, to discover the former homes of Bruce Lee and Jimi Hendrix. Allow us to encourage you to look to the present as much as the past, as no trip to the Central District is complete without a look at the magnificent MLK mural and other works of art depicting African-American history around the Douglass-Truth Public Library.
Best hotels in Central District
Upscale
- Four Seasons Hotel Seattle – This superb establishment could well be the best hotel in the entire Pacific Northwest! It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a great hotel in downtown Seattle that offers everything you could want! The rooftop terrace, outdoor fireplace and on-site gym are just some of the highlights of this hotel. See price and availability.
- Grand Hyatt Seattle – This is another great location and one of the best hotels in downtown Seattle if you want to be close to the Seattle Art Museum, Seattle Aquarium and Pike Place Market. It’s also one of the best places to admire Seattle’s magnificent skyline! See price and availability.
Best value for money
- ❤️ The Baroness – If you’re looking for a place that offers excellent value for money, this is your choice! If you book your room here, you’ll be within walking distance of all of Seattle’s top attractions, including Pike Place Market. This is an exceptional mid-range hotel! See price and availability.
- Palihotel Seattle – If you haven’t found the perfect downtown location near the market yet, check out this great hotel! You’ll have great views of the Seattle skyline and the Puget Sound, and it’s the best place if you want to take advantage of a 24-hour front desk, free Wi-Fi and room service. See price and availability.
Cheap hotel
- Green Tortoise Hostel Seattle – Travelling to Seattle on a tight budget? Don’t worry, I’ve got a solution! Stay here if you want a great view of the Seattle skyline and Puget Sound! One of the best things is that you’ll be close to a light rail station and Pike’s Market, which is great! See price and availability.
🌃 Find other accommodation at the best price
5 things to do and see in Central District
- Madrona Park
- Café Peloton
- Viretta Park
- Lake Washington Boulevard
- Wilridge Winery
Where to sleep in Seattle with your family: Georgetown
South of SoDo is Georgetown, one of Seattle’s oldest neighbourhoods. Cosy cafes like All City Coffee and more welcoming bars like Star Brass Works Lounge are good local haunts, but the coolest place to explore with the family is the Georgetown Trailer Park Mall. That’s right: a collection of trailers acts as an open-air shopping mall where you’ll find everything from personalised aquariums and cookies to handmade jewellery and even a wedding chapel.
Best family hotels in Seattle
Upscale
- Four Seasons Hotel Seattle – This superb establishment could well be the best hotel in the entire Pacific Northwest! It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a great hotel in downtown Seattle that offers everything you could want! The rooftop terrace, outdoor fireplace and on-site gym are just some of the highlights of this hotel. See price and availability.
Best value for money
- ❤️ The Baroness – If you’re looking for somewhere that offers excellent value for money, this is your choice! If you book your room here, you’ll be within walking distance of all of Seattle’s top attractions, including Pike Place Market. This is an exceptional mid-range hotel! See price and availability.
Cheap hotel
- Green Tortoise Hostel Seattle – Travelling to Seattle on a tight budget? Don’t worry, I’ve got a solution! Stay here if you want a great view of the Seattle skyline and Puget Sound! One of the best things is that you’ll be close to a light rail station and Pike’s Market, which is great! See price and availability.
🌃 Find other accommodation at the best price
5 things to do and see in Georgetown
- Dumbarton Oaks Museum
- Georgetown Waterfront Park
- Tudor Place Historic House and Garden
- Dumbarton House
- Dumbarton Oaks Park
Where to stay as a couple: West Seattle
Are you looking for an area to stay in as a couple in Seattle? Accessible by water taxi from the city centre, this corner of the city feels self-contained – its own domain, if you will, with a friendly laid-back beach town vibe.
Free time is all about rollerblading, stand-up paddle-boarding and leisurely pedalling – the waterfront setting is really appealing. West Seattle eschews chain shops in favour of unique boutiques.
If shopping is your thing, head to the Junction, also known as Junction and Alaska Junction. This is the local crossroads, where life is a slow swirl of ice cream parlours and delis, as well as a factory-fresh and second-hand vinyl shop or two. You can dust off your bowling skills at West Seattle Bowl. And try stopping by Lady Jaye’s Smokehouse for pork belly sandwiches on rye and a Strawberry Manilow (tequila, vermouth, fino sherry, spiced strawberry and lime). You’ve arrived.
Best hotels for couples in Seattle
Upscale
- Four Seasons Hotel Seattle – This superb establishment could well be the best hotel in the whole of the Pacific Northwest! It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a great hotel in downtown Seattle that offers everything you could want! The rooftop terrace, outdoor fireplace and on-site gym are just some of the highlights of this hotel. See price and availability.
Best value for money
- ❤️ The Baroness – If you’re looking for somewhere that offers excellent value for money, this is your choice! If you book your room here, you’ll be within walking distance of all of Seattle’s top attractions, including Pike Place Market. This is an exceptional mid-range hotel! See price and availability.
Cheap hotel
- Green Tortoise Hostel Seattle – Travelling to Seattle on a tight budget? Don’t worry, I’ve got a solution! Stay here if you want a great view of the Seattle skyline and Puget Sound! One of the best things is that you’ll be close to a light rail station and Pike’s Market, which is great! See price and availability.
🌃 Find other accommodation at the best price
5 things to do and see in West Seattle
- Alki Beach
- Lincoln Park
- Schmitz Reserve Park
- Log House Museum
- Seattle Chinese Garden
A quiet area to stay in Seattle: Hillman City
Slow down your pace with a stroll through Hillman City, a quieter, mainly residential area in the south-east of the city. A short train ride from the city centre (followed by a hop on the bus), Hillman City is an intimate neighbourhood you’re sure to fall in love with. Its revival, after less prosperous periods, is a pleasure to experience.
5 things to do and see in Hillman City
- Hitt’s Hill Park
- Pop culture museum
- Pike Place Market
- Chihuly Garden
- Discovery Park
The place to go out in Seattle: Belltown
This neighbourhood was originally a hill, until the Denny Regrade project in the 19th and early 20th centuries flattened the land on which Belltown eventually rose. Known for its nightlife, this trendy part of town knew it had arrived when it was named the “barhopping hub” by the Seattle Times. The Crocodile bar, home to Nirvana, Cheap Trick and R.E.M., among others, recently gave up its famous premises for a new location, but it’s the neighbourhood’s must-visit spot. Don’t leave Belltown without a visit to Olympic Sculpture Park, with its monumental works of art spanning 3.6 hectares and views over Puget Sound.
5 things to see and do in Belltown
- Olympic Sculpture Park
- Seattle Glassblowing Studio
- Mack Gallery
- Bell Street Park
- Paccar Pavilion
Seattle’s luxury district: Fremont
As the self-proclaimed centre of the universe, Fremont is known for its eccentric, counter-cultural vibe. It’s home to major companies such as Google and Adobe Systems, as well as high-end boutiques. Seasonal events include the Fremont Sunday Market, Oktoberfest and the Summer Solstice Parade. Visitors can also grab a cup to go at the Fremont Coffee Company and discover the Fremont Troll at any time of year.
5 things to see and do in Fremont
- Fremont Troll
- Lenin Statue
- Fremont Peak Park
- Fremont Rocket
- Fremont Canal Park
The lively evening district : Queen Anne
Named after the style of most of the houses built on the hill, Queen Anne is one of Seattle’s largest neighbourhoods. The neighbourhood’s most important landmark is Seattle Center, home to the Pacific Science Center, the Museum of Pop Culture, the Space Needle and the Chihuly Garden and Glass. Music and performing arts shows are staged by the Pacific Northwest Ballet and Seattle Opera at McCaw Hall, and professional sports teams showcase their talents at Key Arena – home of the Seattle Storm – and Memorial Stadium – home of the Seattle Reign.
5 things to see and do in Queen Anne
- Space Needle
- Kerry Park
- Seattle Center
- Pacific Science Center
- Seattle Children’s Museum
Neighbourhoods to avoid in Seattle
South Park
Located south of downtown Seattle, South Park has a crime rate 187% higher than the national average, making it Seattle’s most dangerous neighbourhood. There are 23.25 daily crimes in the area for every 100,000 residents, and you have a one in twelve chance of becoming a victim at any time. So watch out!
Rainier Beach
Not far behind South Park is Rainier Beach. As a result, for every 100,000 inhabitants, 20.91 crimes are committed every day in the district, and this number has risen by 9% over the previous year. As a resident or visitor, you have a one in 14 chance of becoming a victim of some type of crime. Avoid this area!