One of the world’s most progressive cities also has a fine collection of places to stay, from many trips here are my favorite spots in the city…
1. Thompson Hotel
This large design hotel really has the wow-factor! It has a sleek, contemporary design with a striking glass façade that has beautiful views of Puget Sound, I loved its striking interiors too which mixed mid-century modern like hardwood floors and floor-to-ceiling windows with carefully curated artwork and had an upscale and sophisticated vibe.
My hypoallergenic guest room (a Deluxe King Room with Water View) came with a chic boutique design, floor-to-ceiling windows with superb water views, luxurious bedding (very lush 400 thread count SFERRA linens!), a large rainfall shower, mid-century modern furnishings, and curated honesty bar.
I also discovered a farm-to-table restaurant, the Conversation Kitchen & Bar, their trendy rooftop bar ‘The Nest’, a cocktail lounge, a modern fitness centre and a superb buffet breakfast. I loved its pet friendly policies and its downtown location near the waterfront and iconic Pike Place Market.
My favorite highlights…
2. Palihotel
This gem is located along the peaceful coast of Elliot Bay. I love its relaxed atmosphere, which will lift the tension from your shoulders the second you arrive.
It’s close to popular destinations like the Pike Place Market and the Seattle Art Museum. Not to mention that you have the long stretches of coastline to enjoy each day on your travels. I loved that the style of each room was whimsical without being over the top.
The building has a vintage vibe; some rooms even offer bunk beds if you are traveling with friends and want to mix things up a little. I recommend upgrading the room, as the water views are stunning!
3. Graduate
The Graduate Seattle is in the middle of the University District, just a 10-minute stroll from the University of Washington main campus.
It is a quirky deco-style tower with an amazing rooftop bar, cheerfully named the Mountaineering Club because of the breathtaking views.
I loved its ever-so-slightly mad ruched-velvet and mahogany art deco explosion wrapped in a tartan blanket and splashed with the sporting purple of Washington University Huskies.
It is budget-priced eccentricity for the bon vivant of unusual, quirky chic, designed as an island of fun in a sea of academia.
4. MOXY Downtown
MOXY Seattle Downtown in the city’s South Union Lake area is a youthful, millennial hotel with quirky decor and serious comfort.
The location put me near a range of dining and entertainment venues, the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, and an awesome array of food trucks.
I was greeted at the contactless check-in with a free cocktail, which gave guests a chance to take in the unique decor in the lobby. The lobby features a fireplace backed by book-lined shelves, an axe wall recalling the area’s history, and a lifesized and lifelike statue of a bear presiding over the space.
The rooms have comfortable beds and seating and restful decor with occasional touches of color like the flamingo pattern on the shower curtains.
There’s a Grab and Go food service area downstairs and for a more relaxed time you can stop by at the Bar Moxy for wine or a local brew and their signature naan-with-toppings meals.
5. Inn at The Market
Uniquely located directly inside the world-famous Pike Place Market only a mile from the Space Needle, the 4-star and exceptionally rated Inn at The Market Seattle offers modern Pacific Northwest styling and comfort throughout and is ideally positioned for exploring the entire downtown area.
Choose from city-side rooms with bright retro interiors for a cost-effective price, or splash out on a water-view room overlooking Elliott Bay, home to a variety of state ferries, sailboats, yachts, and cruise ships.
My room had ultra-trendy floor-to-ceiling windows, a flat-screen TV, an iPod dock, free Wi-Fi, and in-room spa treatments.
Wherever you choose to lay your head, the rooftop deck will still allow you to catch breathtaking views across the water as far as the Olympic Mountains beyond. Superb eateries and bars are available in the hotel or the surrounding neighborhood.
6. Lotte Hotel
Not far from the island ferry in downtown Seattle is this award-winning spot. The stone deco frontage at street level is impressive, and it just gets better.
Everything about Hotel Lotte is designed to bowl you over, and it did me – this hotel is all about the experience!
The vast windows give panoramic views of an ever-changing city skyline outside. In contrast, inside are pictures, mirrors, and furnishings cleverly chosen to delight the senses with color, reflection, and shape. Even the spa and sauna have been unusually sculpted to make you smile.
On the 16th floor is the renowned Charlotte Lounge & Restaurant, which offers views of the ocean and mountains, contemporary fresh local cuisine, and clean, crisp comfort.
• To book, check prices or availability for the Lotte Hotel
7. The Ace
With a penchant for unfussy luxury, quirky interiors, and an unrivaled trendy atmosphere, it’s situated in the heart of Belltown, close to the attractions of downtown Seattle.
Lofty ceilings, hardwood floors, and art by original artists like KAWS and Shepard Fairey are standard in this affordable place!
You can keep costs down by booking a well-styled double bedroom with access to a shared bathroom, or you can go all out and book a spacious room with private facilities and water views.
This unique urban retreat is located in a trendy part of town. Its dedicated breakfast room offers Pacific Northwest favorites like waffles, juice, and Stumptown coffee. In my opinion, it’s a fantastic choice for passing hipsters!
8. citizenM South Lake Union
In my opinion, this modern and funky hotel located downtown defines affordable luxury. It features quirky decor, well-appointed rooms, and contactless check-in. Nearby, in the South Lake Union neighborhood, you’ll find the Amazon HQ, the Space Needle, and Pike Place Market.
Like other citizenM hotels, the entire first floor is set up like a shared living room, with Vitra furniture, books, and eclectic artwork, much of it from local artists.
My room had a simple layout and decor, with a focus on comfort. It included an extra-large king-size bed, fluffy pillows, a power shower, blackout blinds, and seamless tech that operated everything off an iPad.
The bathrooms have morning and evening shower gels and smart TVs with a free movie selection. If you get any food cravings in the middle of the night, I recommend hitting the 24/7 canteenM kitchen in the lobby for food, drinks, snacks, and cocktails.
9. The Edgewater Hotel
Jutting out into the water atop Pier 67 on Elliott Bay, this four-story upscale hotel is Seattle’s original waterfront hotel. Originally built for the 1962 World’s Fair, the 4-star, highly-rated Edgewater Hotel is an iconic landmark in the city.
Close enough to downtown to be convenient yet with a waterfront vibe, this trendsetting spot has been home to rock and roll legends such as The Beatles, Pearl Jam, Led Zeppelin, and The Rolling Stones.
My stylish bedrooms feature custom-designed furniture, buttery-soft leather chairs, and an open fireplace. They also have uninterrupted views across the bay and all the mod cons. Some have separated bedrooms and claw-foot tubs.
I recommend not leaving without experiencing Northwestern cuisine at its finest courtesy of the elegant Six Seven Restaurant or enjoying craft cocktails overlooking the bay.
10. Hotel Max
The perfect place to stay for the creatively inclined, this gem is geared towards lovers of all things arty and musical.
Just a 5-minute walk from the Westlake Centre and the Washington State Convention Centre, this spot will entice you with stylish bedrooms featuring original paintings, iPods and work desks, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and reasonable prices.
Everything your inner urban artist could desire can be found at the Max, including a complimentary craft beer hour, locally brewed coffee, the Miller’s Guild grill, and exhibits of iconic local photographers.
Located in the heart of downtown, it was a delight for anyone interested in the creative side of the city!
- To book, check prices or availability for Hotel Max
11. Hotel Theodore
Lifting itself above the streets of the Pike/Pine shopping core in the heart of the city is this gem! A masterfully designed hotel with generous spaces that grab elevated views at every opportunity.
This place feels properly comfortable like you can flump on the couch if you want. The entire space is cleverly enhanced with funky art and artefacts—not prints you might pick up in IKEA, but genuine pieces curated in partnership with the Museum of History.
It is a thoughtful, hand-crafted, quality slice of the city with everything you’d expect in a top-class hotel plus many little quirks you’ll simply love.
12. Hotel Andra
This swish boutique is situated on Fourth Avenue, right in the heart of downtown. With a charming atmosphere and a lobby that could easily be mistaken for a cozy living room, it is a relaxing oasis in the city’s heart.
This spot is within walking distance of such central iconic destinations as Pike Place Market, the Seattle waterfront, and downtown Seattle’s thriving retail core; you can enjoy the best of both worlds here.
The bedrooms at this gorgeous spot are comfortable and ultra-stylish and offer calming textures and a subtle Scandinavian design, complete with LCD flat-panel TVs, free WiFi, and spacious desks for mixing business with pleasure.
Head to the on-site gym, relax in the lobby by the fire or the bar, or dine in style at the Lola or Assaggio Ristorante during your stay—it’s just an all-around fine place to stay!
13. Hotel Maxwell
Ultra-colorful, modern, and art-filled, I love that it is just a 10-minute walk from the Space Needle and 2 miles from Pike Place Market. I could choose from hill rooms that look inwards towards the city or view rooms that face out across the Space Needle.
My funky room offered sumptuous surroundings, comfortable sleeping quarters, free WiFi, a flat-screen TV, an iPod dock, a mini-fridge, and a coffeemaker.
I would also recommend grabbing a coffee and a light snack at the Pineapple Espresso bar or asking the friendly staff to point you toward the best eateries in town.
You can also use the indoor pool, gym, on-site pizzeria, loaner bikes, and even afternoon pineapple cupcakes—how cute is that?
14. W Hotel
A hip urban retreat close to the best of downtown, I loved that this place is awash with big-city energy.
With scenic views across Puget Sound, this luxurious and effortlessly stylish hotel is perfect for anyone looking to experience Seattle’s true vibe.
With a funky gym, live music and DJs, a lobby bar and lounge, and the signature TRACE restaurant, this place is a hit with hip and trendy visitors of all ages.
My guest room was stylish, modern, and sleek and offered my very own urban lodge experience that combines Native American design with the beauty of the Emerald City, complete with Bluetooth speakers, WiFi, and flat-screen TVs.
Opt for an upgrade or a suite and find gorgeous floor-to-ceiling windows, lush city views, and even whirlpool tubs – nice!
- To book, check prices or availability for W Hotel
15. Motif
Offering a superb rooftop lounge with fabulous views across the city, this 4-star destination hotel is located between 5th Avenue and Pike and Union, ideally placing it for your downtown adventure.
With a sun deck and fabulous decor, including natural hardwood floors and themes inspired by the Pacific Northwest, Motif Hotel is a first-class hotel of distinction that is in touch with the rich art and music culture the city is famous for.
My bedroom was comfortable and spacious and came dotted with artwork, lyrics, and album cover art from the city’s influential music scene. Superior suites also have views over the water, offering the best urban living and waterfront chic.
Please don’t leave without dining at their hip restaurant, which features a patio, fireplaces, shuffleboard, or drinking a cocktail on their fabulous rooftop bar!
