The 10 Best Budget Seattle Hotels of 2018

Centrally located in Capitol Hill, the 179-room Silver Cloud Hotel has it all: top-notch accommodations, a fabulous on-site restaurant, a warm, welcoming staff and budget-friendly prices. Pike Place Market is within walking distance, and many TripAdvisor members utilized the free shuttle service to points of interest in the downtown area. Stop by the hotel’s restaurant, Jimmy’s on Broadway, for breakfast favorites or American fare and seafood items, craft beer and local wines. Rooms have tasteful, fresh décor, free WiFi and basic kitchenette supplies, so don't have to dine out all the time. The hotel also offers a business center, indoor pool and fitness center. 

Location, location, location. Smack in the middle of beautiful Pioneer Square, the 75-room Best Western Plus is steps away from top attractions like Bill Speidel's Underground Tour, the Klondike Gold Rush and several art galleries. And Chinatown, the historic waterfront and Pike Place Market are all within walking distance, too. Housed in a historic Victorian-Romanesque landmark, the lobby area features a cozy marble stone fireplace, wood-paneled walls and free coffee and tea. Rooms have contemporary décor with a touch of Victorian charm. Continental breakfast is included in the room rate and free Internet access is available in rooms, as well as the business center.

The lively neighborhood of Fremont is the self-proclaimed “Center of the Universe,” and with Indie music clubs, art galleries, parks, bars and trendy restaurants, it's a great place for friends. The Hotel Hotel Hostel puts guests in the heart of it all, and has a social atmosphere (read: it can be noisy in the evenings in the lower-level bar) that’s ideal for those looking to catch up with old buddies or meet other travelers. Accommodation options include shared dorms or private rooms (recommended), with basic furnishings and shared baths. Free breakfast is included, the television lounge offers a place to relax and the décor is hip and modern.

Finding affordable digs that cater to families in Seattle is difficult, but the 102-room University Inn fits the bill, with fun and funky décor, an accommodating staff and all the perks families need. Kids will love the free pineapple cupcakes during the afternoon receptions, as well as the outdoor pool (open seasonally). Continental breakfast is included, but the café also offers organic lunch items a la carte. Located near the University of Washington, the hotel is perfect for parents visiting their kids at school or for families who prefer to stay outside downtown - the free shuttle and rental bicycles make exploring a breeze. The hotel is also smoke-free and pet-friendly, so the family dog can come as well. Parking is extra.

If you're looking for a slightly different boutique experience, the Ace Hotel delivers. Opened in 1999 from a re-designed maritime worker’s hotel, the Ace Hotel has vintage and re-purposed furniture, loft ceilings and stylish accommodations that give it a unique edge. Located in the heart of Belltown, the hotel is within walking distance to top Seattle attractions like the Space Needle, Sculpture Park and the waterfront district. Standard Rooms have artistic wall murals and minibars, however, bathrooms are shared (upgrade to a Deluxe and you’ll have a private bath). Travelers can mingle in the breakfast room over make-your-own waffles and some of Seattle’s finest coffee. TripAdvisor members noted that the stairs can be difficult for anyone with disabilities and there are no elevators.

If it’s not your first time in Seattle, or if you prefer exploring neighborhoods outside the main tourist area, the 45-room, Grove West Seattle Inn is an ideal base. To get a taste of West Seattle, TripAdvisor members suggest visiting Thunder Road vintage guitar store and Alki Beach (one of the few soft-sand beaches in Seattle). The inn is a cut above a standard motel: rooms are spotless and feature contemporary décor and free WiFi, and a continental breakfast included in the price. Free parking is another major plus. With excellent public transportation to downtown Seattle and bus stops right in front of the hotel, guests can park the car and forget about it.

For couples seeking a hotel with a touch of romance, the 160-room Mayflower Park is an excellent choice, with elegant furnishings, crystal chandeliers, a glowing fire crackling in the fireside room and historic grandeur that dates back to 1927. On Wednesdays, the hotel hosts a wine reception, or guests can sip martinis and listen to sultry jazz music in Oliver’s Lounge. The on-site restaurant is open for breakfast and dinner, and sets the tone with deep mahogany wood furnishings and a menu of Mediterranean dishes. Rooms have Queen Ann furnishings with amenities such as luxury bathrobes and free WiFi. The hotel is located near Westlake Park, and is just a seven-minute walk to Pike Place.

If staying in historic places is your thing, check out the MarQueen Hotel. The 59-room hotel was built in 1918 as the Seattle Engineering School and offers a taste of yesteryear. The hotel is located north of the tourism center in the lively neighborhood of Lower Queen Anne, an area known for its gorgeous craftsman homes. Rooms are extremely spacious for city standards, with a minimum of 400 square feet, and have hardwood floors, tapestry rugs and vintage furnishings. Guests can enjoy a free continental breakfast in the Tin Lizzie Lounge, which also has live music and fabulous cocktails in the evening. A spa and wellness center helps relieve tension for weary travelers. Some TripAdvisor members noted that being a historic hotel, it may be due for a refresh in the near future and there is no elevator.

In-the-know travelers who enjoy seeking out the new sights and trendy neighborhoods should consider staying at the Georgetown Inn. Surrounding the Kings Field Airport and home to the famous Museum of Flight, Georgetown is one of Seattle’s hip new neighborhoods. The area is now home to craft breweries (be sure to visit the Machine House brewing company), and old warehouse spaces have been transformed into art galleries and restaurants. If you're looking to be in the heart of this hip scene, the 240-room, Georgetown Inn is the place to stay. The inn has modern, comfortable accommodations with premium bedding, luxurious baths and kitchenettes (in some). Free breakfast, laundry and parking are included in the rate. TripAdvisor members loved the area and the amazing, attentive staff.

If you’re a traveler who prefers the cozy, social ambience of a bed and breakfast, the Gaslight Inn is a great choice. Designated a Seattle landmark, the interior décor of the hotel is part art gallery (the owner is an avid collector), part wilderness lodge. The Capitol Hill location places guests in an artistic neighborhood surrounded by fabulous restaurants, bars and parks (stop by Volunteer Park for outstanding views from the water tower). Cozy rooms have plaid pillow cases, wooden headboards and furnishings and the upper-level accommodations grant views of the Seattle skyline. A plentiful continental breakfast offers an opportunity to chat with other guests.