Inspiration Hotels Best Hotels in Seattle By Amber Gibson Updated on 01/11/23 Share Pin Email Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links. Seattle is best known as a tech hub with great outdoor culture and a strong coffee scene. The city has more than 200 miles of shoreline, and a number of secret beaches, like Andover Place, for beachcombing. Many of our favorite Seattle hotels are centrally located downtown, within easy walking distance to the waterfront and top attractions like Pike Place Market, the Space Needle, and the Glass and Museum of Pop Culture. If you need guidance, most hotels have helpful concierge services to assist with reservations and insider tips, like skipping the absurdly long line outside the original Starbucks in favor of Storyville Coffee a couple of blocks away. Seattle's culinary scene is a true powerhouse: Make sure to visit the classic AQUA by El Gaucho for Elliott Bay views paired with the freshest local ingredients during your Seattle stay. Whether you're visiting for the vast attractions or a food crawl, check out our list of favorite Seattle hotels for the best full experience. The 9 Best Seattle Hotels of 2023 Best Overall: Fairmont Olympic Best Luxury: Lotte Hotel Seattle Best for Families: Four Seasons Hotel Seattle Best Rooftop: Thompson Seattle Best for Pets: Kimpton Hotel Monaco Seattle Best Boutique: Inn at the Market Best Budget: Palihotel Seattle Best Hotels in Seattle View All Best Hotels in Seattle Our Top Picks Fairmont Olympic Lotte Hotel Seattle Four Seasons Hotel Seattle Thompson Seattle Kimpton Hotel Monaco Seattle Inn at the Market Palihotel Seattle See More (4) Final Verdict Comparing the Best Seattle Hotels Methodology Best Overall : Fairmont Olympic Courtesy of The Fairmont Olympic Hotel See Rates on Tripadvisor.com Why We Chose It After a $25 million renovation, Seattle's century-old grand dame hotel is back and ready to impress with upgraded rooms and offerings. Notable Amenities Daily sparkling wine sabering class, lobby speakeasy, indoor lap pool Pros and Cons Pros Glamorous new lobby design Experienced concierge team Wide variety of beauty services Cons Room décor is uninspired No private lounge for Fairmont Gold members Hotel Overview Spanish design studio Lázaro Rosa-Violán has transformed the Fairmont Olympic Hotel's main lobby, lobby bar, and event spaces with a $25 million renovation in 2021. Statement pieces like the historic 300-pound chandeliers in the Spanish foyer and ballroom remain, while original terrazzo and marble flooring have been restored back to their original splendor. Guest rooms are a classic modern design with ample counter space and requisite bedside outlets. The marble bathrooms feature Le Labo toiletries too. Although not operated by the hotel, Penelope & The Beauty Bar on the lower level has a far wider array of spa and beauty services than most hotels, including nails, hair, lashes, and med spa injectables and fillers. For dinner, the new restaurant The George is a contemporary French brasserie with a romantic touch and plenty of booth seating for canoodling. The local geoduck crudo with housemade white shoyu (soy sauce) is fantastic and housemade nori sourdough is perfect for sopping up the extra melted butter with grilled artichokes. Best Luxury : Lotte Hotel Seattle Lotte Hotel Seattle room See Rates on Tripadvisor.com Why We Chose It Lotte Hotel Seattle is a striking new addition to the city's downtown hotel scene from the largest hotel group in Korea, with incredibly gracious service and sexy mid-century modern design. Notable Amenities Best facials in town, spectacular wedding venues, housemade chocolates by Executive Pastry Chef Artis Kalsons, all suites have deep soaking tubs Pros and Cons Pros Thoughtful Korean hospitality All rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows Super spacious marble showers Cons No pool No outdoor dining No blackout curtains Hotel Overview Seattle's newest and best luxury hotel comprises two buildings: a gleaming 44-story tower filled with modern guestrooms, a restaurant, gym, and spa. Plus, next door is a historic 1908 Beaux-style building that was previously America's first United Methodist Church featuring beautifully preserved stained-glass windows, a pipe organ, and domed ceiling. Designer Philipe Starck juxtaposes dark copper-toned hallways with bright, expansive rooms with sleek mirrors everywhere. The front desk, crafted out of a 3,000-year-old Sequoia tree log, pays homage to Seattle's logging town origins, along with rustic tree stump side tables and motifs throughout the rooms. No expense is spared in guestrooms, with high-end touches like Luigi Bormioli wine glasses. Soft white corridors feel like a pathway to heaven at Le Spa Lotte. You'll certainly be floating on clouds and glowing like an angel after a facial with the exclusive French skincare line Biologique Recherche. Pad down to the spa in a robe and slippers after a leisurely breakfast in bed—the avocado toast is excellent. Charlotte Restaurant & Bar is open for breakfast and dinner on the 16th floor with excellent renditions of troll-caught king salmon, taleggio gnocchi, and wagyu beef short rib. Pastry chef Artis Kalsons is brilliant, so save room for desserts like a lemon yuzu tart with matcha gelato meringue and raspberry red velvet soufflé. Best for Families : Four Seasons Hotel Seattle Courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel Seattle See Rates on Tripadvisor.com Why We Chose It High-touch service and amenities catering to kids ensure that little ones are delighted and parents can relax and feel like they're on vacation too. Notable Amenities Kid-sized bathrobes, kids' menu at Goldfinch Tavern, infinity-edged pool Pros and Cons Pros Wonderful spa Delicious desserts Knowledgeable concierge Cons No self-parking Lackadaisical restaurant service House car service is paused Hotel Overview In thoughtful Four Seasons fashion, kids and families are well taken care of here with plenty of adjoining rooms and kids' welcome amenities for all ages. There's everything from cookies and milk for toddlers, to popcorn and a complimentary movie pass (from On Demand selections) for tweens and teens. Plus, the hotel location is close to favorite family-friendly attractions like Pike Place Market, Seattle Aquarium Seattle Art Museum, and the Seattle Great Wheel. Parents can request babysitting services so they can enjoy adults-only time at the spa, where the massages are heavenly and include a specialty digital detox massage to release tension in the shoulders, neck, and back. For meals, stop by the hotel restaurant’s Goldfinch Tavern, which is operated by award-winning Seattle restaurateur Ethan Stowell and showcases the freshest regional seafood and produce in simple, contemporary, American style. Best Rooftop : Thompson Seattle Thompson Seattle See Rates on Tripadvisor.com Why We Chose It The cocktails and views of the Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains at The Nest rooftop bar and lounge are unparalleled. Notable Amenities The Nest rooftop bar, fitness and business centers open 24 hours, Sferra linen bedding, D.S. & Durga bath toiletries Pros and Cons Pros Chic modern design Great food and drink Pet-friendly Cons Rooftop is weather dependent Homelessness surrounding hotel No spa Hotel Overview This stylish hotel right next to Pike Place Market mixes playful irreverence with mid-century modern vibes. Olson Kundig, the Seattle architecture firm that designed the hotel to look like a geometric glass lantern, also recently renovated the Space Needle. Along with the comfortable residential design, the food and beverage program is another highlight. Executive chef Kaleena Bliss serves a far more interesting menu than most hotel restaurants at Conversation, incorporating locally foraged ingredients like morel mushrooms on seasonal flatbread, and showcasing global flavors in standout dishes like masala roasted cauliflower and grilled pork collar with fermented daikon and gochujang vinaigrette. The Nest is Thompson's crowning glory, serving small plates and cocktails in a sprawling indoor-outdoor setting accompanied by sweeping views of the Puget Sound. However, reservations are hard to score on weekends, even for hotel guests, so you'll want to make plans in advance. (Note that the rooftop can get very chilly during the winter and on rainy days, so it's best to skip it in inclement weather.) Pick up boozy chocolate truffles infused with single malt scotch and cognac from SELEUŠS Chocolates next door to pair with your rooftop libations. Best for Pets : Kimpton Hotel Monaco Seattle photo credit: Hotel Monaco Seattle See Rates on Tripadvisor.com Why We Chose It This cheerful hotel is super inclusive, making it easy to travel with any number of pets in all shapes and sizes. Notable Amenities 24-hour bodega market in lobby, doggy park, Peloton bike, lending book club at front desk Pros and Cons Pros No pet fee or size restrictions for pets Lively lobby happy hour daily Friendly front desk Cons No pool No self-parking No concierge Hotel Overview Kimpton's is known for being pet-friendly and Kimpton Hotel Monaco Seattle surpasses expectations, with an enthusiastic staff who will treat your furry friend like a true VIP. Pet amenities include food and water bowls, pet beds, treats, and disposable pickup bags. The hotel even offers complimentary premium access to Wag! with discounts for on-demand dog walking and pet sitting. The lobby fresco is inspired by ancient Greece and throughout the hotel, you'll find a whimsical collection of artwork from around the world. The gym is open 24 hours but it's pretty small and in the basement next to the ballrooms. The one noteworthy piece of equipment is the Peloton bike. Each day, there's a complimentary happy hour in the lobby living room with beer, wine, and live musical performances that might range from jazz vocalists to DJs. Best Boutique : Inn at the Market © Ian G Dagnall / Alamy See Rates on Tripadvisor.com Why We Chose It This independent property is the only hotel in the historic district of Pike Place Market, with an incredible communal rooftop deck. Notable Amenities Complimentary electric vehicle charging station, priority seating at Sushi Kashiba, in-room massages Pros and Cons Pros Located within historic Pike Place Market Communal rooftop deck with Elliott Bay views West facing rooms have iconic Seattle views Cons No room service City facing rooms don't have much of a view Valet parking only Hotel Overview This quiet hotel is an intimate oasis within the hustle and bustle of Pike Place Market, one of Seattle's top attractions. Guest rooms were renovated in 2017 and another soft renovation is planned for later this year. Although it's a small property, there are three restaurants on-site: Bacco for all-day breakfast, Café Campagne for Parisian bistro fare, and Sushi Kashiba for authentic sushi by legendary Seattle chef Shiro Kashiba. Half the rooms have unobstructed views of Elliott Bay, while city-side rooms are more economically priced. All guests can enjoy the views from the communal rooftop deck, open 24/7 with five fire pits. It's only accessible to hotel guests and is a great place for a picnic if you grab some delicious treats from market vendors, like a cheese plate from Beecher's Cheese. Best Budget : Palihotel Seattle Courtesy of Palisociety See Rates on Tripadvisor.com Why We Chose It Fun whimsical design and a great central location make Palihotel a fashionable yet affordable option. Notable Amenities Bunk bed rooms, Diptyque bath amenities, well-stocked minibar with local treats Pros and Cons Pros Great location next to Pike Place Market Comfortable lobby common area Moody Wes Anderson-inspired quirky, modern design Cons Some rooms can be dark Noticeable street noise No valet Hotel Overview This four-floor historic landmark property originally opened as the Colonnade Hotel in 1900 and still has a cozy timeless feel, with shades of deep, moss green and lots of mixed patterns and layered textiles throughout public spaces and guest rooms. The lobby lounge is a comfortable place to socialize or get some work done, with 15-foot high ceilings, bright skylights, and a fireplace. Hotel restaurant The Hart and the Hunter is a Southern-inspired modern diner, with great buttered biscuits and waffles. There's also a street-facing coffee counter for coffee on the go. All guest rooms have cute Smeg mini-fridges stocked with gourmet snacks and drinks including local favorites Scuttlebutt Living Daylights IPA and Straightaway Cocktails bottled cocktails. Final Verdict Seattle has a thriving assortment of hotels for every budget and type of traveler, with most hotels concentrated in the downtown district a short walk from the waterfront. Lotte Hotel Seattle stands out among the bunch, as the most luxurious and best hotel in the city. Fairmont Olympic Hotel has great amenities and the lobby bar is worth a visit even if you aren't staying overnight. Four Seasons goes above and beyond for families with kids while Kimpton Hotel Monaco pampers pets like no other. Whether you're traveling for business or leisure, for just a day or a week, you won't be disappointed with these Seattle hotels for friendly service, great spas, and delicious food and drink. Comparing the Best Seattle Hotels Property Resort Fee Room Rates Free Wi-Fi Fairmont Olympic Best Overall $29 $$ Yes Lotte Hotel Seattle Best Luxury $25 $$$ Yes Four Seasons Hotel Seattle Best for Families None $$$$ Yes Thompson Seattle Best Nightlife $28 $$ Yes Kimpton Hotel Monaco Seattle Best for Pets $25 $$ Yes Inn at the Market Best Boutique None $$ Yes Palihotel Seattle Best Budget None $$ Yes Methodology We reviewed more than 40 different hotels in Seattle to choose the best in each category. We evaluated over a dozen criteria when making our selection, including the design and quality of guestrooms and public spaces, service, value, and food and beverage options. Other considerations include the availability and quality of notable hotel amenities, like an on-site spa or pool. In determining the list, we analyzed hundreds of customer reviews and incorporated our first-person experiences at each property. George Rose / Getty Images Was this page helpful? 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