Where to Stay in Seattle: A Complete Guide for First Timers

Standard rooms are surprisingly roomy, and some rooms have views of the Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains (though it will cost you a little extra). The decor leans a bit more traditional than modern, but everything is comfortable and well thought out.

The rooms aren’t inexpensive – you’re inside the boundaries of Pike Place Market, after all – but the location and amenities might be worth it if you’re not on too tight a budget.

They have a gorgeous rooftop deck, which overlooks the Pike Place Market sign and has sweeping views over the water out towards the Olympic Range.

The Green Tortoise Hostel: The Best Budget Hostel in Seattle 

If you’re looking to stay in a hostel in Seattle, this is it!

The main attraction of the Green Tortoise Hostel is its setting. It’s just a brief walk from Pike Place Market, and within easy walking distance of Seattle Center and the excellent Museum of Pop Culture.

They have your conventional dormitories, which include some queen beds that are ideal for couples, as well as private rooms .

Unlike most hostels, they have included small additional amenities like heated flooring in the bathrooms, and a well-stocked communal kitchen if you want to prepare your own meals to spend less money while you’re exploring Seattle.

South Lake Union: A Central, Modern Neighborhood

South Lake Union is about as straightforward a name for a neighborhood as possible. It’s on the southern end of Lake Union, which is the body of water located directly in the center of Seattle.

Centrally located just east of the iconic Space Needle and Seattle Center, and north of Belltown, it`s an excellent neighborhood from which to base your visit.

South Lake Union was not a place you’d ever want to stay when I was growing up. It was run-down and generally not super pleasant.

That is, until Amazon showed up. 

What was once a rather ordinary part of Seattle has since blossomed into one of its most desirable districts, packed with luxury high-rise apartments and sleek Amazon developments alongside some of the finest cuisine and drinks the city has to offer.

I’m not a huge supporter of Amazon, but this isn`t the time or place to go through a list of my concerns about their anti-competitive maneuvers that hurt small local companies, or their questionable employment practices and efforts to discourage unionization.

I think the South Lake Union area should be included on this list of Seattle’s best neighborhoods, regardless of my views about a certain company headquartered there.

South Lake Union Highlights

Here are some spots we enjoy visiting in South Lake Union.

• Mbar: The premier rooftop bar in Seattle boasts spectacular sunsets over the Space Needle and Lake Union. Arrive one or two hours before dusk to secure a spot as they limit occupancy. Beverages come at a premium but the scenic views compensate. Reservations can be made but cancelling within 24 hours incurs a $75 fee, and a credit card is required.
• Kati Vegan Thai: We were captivated by this location when we stayed at the CitizenM last year. Excellent Thai meals (particularly the curries), and though everything is plant-based, you would never know it.
• Cafe Hagen: A very acclaimed coffee shop in South Lake Union serving both good coffee and (highly praised, based on everyone I`ve gone there with) Scandinavian-inspired pastries.
• Flatstick Pub South Lake Union: Liquor and miniature putting. I challenge you to name a better pair. It’s a good time, and the course is vaguely inspired by Seattle.
• MOHAI: This basically functions similar to a Seattle history museum. I hadn’t visited in a few years until recently, and I was really impressed with the contents of the museum. It’s a comprehensive history of Seattle, and covers the two hundred years or so between Seattle being a port city, through its boom during the gold rush, and into the 2000’s when it became a tech hub. Worth a couple of hours if you’re interested in learning about Seattle’s story.

The Best Places to Stay in South Lake Union

Hotels are the central focus here. A few options have emerged as this part of the city was constructed over the past decade or so. Here are some of our favored South Lake Union lodgings for your trip.

CitizenM South Lake Union: Our Favorite Hotel Chain (We’ve Stayed Here)

During our latest trip, we lodged at the CitizenM Seattle in South Lake Union and completely enjoyed it. The hotel is modern, efficient, clean, stylish, and has some great common areas to spend time in.

We were so pleased with the accommodation that we`ve stayed at two additional CitizenM locations since then ( London and Boston), with plans to reside at a few more locations in the future.

This is one of the best hotels in Seattle. 

CitizenM is a Dutch hotel chain that has essentially made staying in a hotel very straightforward and streamlined, with all the modern conveniences (like USB charging and climate controls via iPad) that younger travelers seek without unnecessary extras (fluffy robes or sitting areas, for example) to provide good value.

The other thing we like is that, in the interest of simplicity and ease, they’ve stripped away all the somewhat distinct room types you find in most hotels (compact vs. compact deluxe vs. compact deluxe with partial city view), and there’s precisely one room type available: a compact room with an uber-comfy king bed.

Upon arrival, which is handled through convenient kiosks akin to checking in for a flight at the airport, you can pick which side of the hotel you want as well as whether a low or high floor, a customization we found rather pleasant.

Attempting to reserve accommodations facing John Street is recommended, affording景致 of the metropolis (guidance one of the wonderfully helpful staff graciously offered as we weighed options).

The rooms themselves are small (but you have access to their “living room” on the ground floor which has couches, desks, and more), but they have blackout curtains, they’re mostly soundproof, and the huge king beds are extremely relaxed.

Amenities throughout the accommodations – such as lighting, temperature controls, and room service calls – are operated through an iPad interface.

The spot is too outstanding. We walked from the hostel to Seattle Core (where you’ll find the Space Needle and the remarkable MoPop), Pike Position Business, and Capitol Hill. The area around the hostel is too complete of exceptional java shops, bars, and dining establishments.

However, there are a few qualifiers you ought to know before booking.

• First, they offer one room option only. It’s a single king bed with a maximum occupancy of two, which signifies it’s not suitable for families with young children traveling together (you’d need to get a separate room).
• Second, the living areas are compact. They’re well conceptualized, but they lack some of the additional features found in other upscale lodging establishments. Things like an in-room coffee preparation station (The Elm Coffee Roasters establishment is just down the street, where you’ll find some of the finest coffee in Seattle) or an ironing surface (If we’re being honest, I barely know what that is anyway).

• Access Point:Rock Spring Access Point

If your family consists of four people who all desire to lodge in the same accommodation, or you are a business traveler who wants to press your attire before an important meeting, possibly remain elsewhere.

Wanting to learn more about the CitizenM in Seattle? Read our comprehensive review of the CitizenM to decide if it’s the appropriate hotel for your time in Seattle!

Level: An Excellent Aparthotel for Extended Stays in Seattle (Kitchens + Laundry)

If you’re looking for lodging that`s between a standard hotel room and an apartment for an extended stay – a category we`ve mainly seen overseas but should see more of domestically – with extra living space and kitchen facilities, the Level Seattle would be a good choice.

The differences between their suites and standard hotel rooms include things like a full kitchen, in-suite laundry, and other amenities more suited for extended stays.

There’s also a huge fitness center, multiple outdoor decks with play areas for kids / dogs, and several pools (both indoor and outdoor) which is a nice touch.

All in all, if you’re looking for a place to stay for an extended trip to Seattle, this would be our selection.

All of those amenities – and there are a LOT of them – come with a cost in the form of a daily $25 amenity fee. JUST INCLUDE IT IN THE ROOM PRICE.

Capitol Hill: Our Favorite Neighborhood in Seattle

First of all, Capitol Hill is our favorite neighborhood in Seattle, undoubtedly. It’s vibrant during the day, lively at night, and all around a really fun neighborhood.

Capitol Hill is the best neighborhood in Seattle for food lovers, people in their twenties, and hipsters, with plenty of bars and restaurants, specialty coffee shops (don’t miss Victrola and Espresso Vivace), bars, theaters, and music venues showing a range of established and emerging acts.

The aquarium is a staple on many a Seattle itinerary, and is worth dedicating around half a day to exploring extensively.

There is no avoiding the fact that Capitol Hill has a rather hipster vibe and is full of thrift stores, independent fashion labels, and small boutiques that attract young, trendy individuals. Capitol Hill is also renowned for its LGBTQ scene.

As you’re walking around, you’ll notice the rainbow crosswalks, flags, and other subtle (and not-so-subtle) indications to the LGBTQ scene in Capitol Hill.

Capitol Hill is the best area for travelers to lodge in Seattle if they want to tour one of our favorite neighborhoods in Seattle, but also be near Downtown Seattle and the rest of the attractions tourists enjoy in the city, like Pike Place Market and the Space Needle.

Capitol Hill Highlights

Here are some of our preferred spots in Capitol Hill. Though, honestly, there are far too many excellent places to eat, drink, and shop to list here.

• Elliott Bay Books: This bookstore in Seattle holds the distinction of being what I consider the best. If we`re within a short distance, we`ll wander over to peruse the aisles. I particularly appreciate the staff recommendations sections, providing a great place to discover one`s next read.
• Analog Coffee: Potentially my preferred coffee shop in Capitol Hill, they import roasters from all over the Pacific Northwest (usually Camber from Bellingham is a staple) and have a nice selection of espresso-based drinks, and pour over options for coffee aficionados like myself.
• Atulea Tea House: Alysha`s preferred venue! They serve matcha and bubble teas superbly, and their matcha ice cream is enormously popular. Alysha is particularly fond of the Ube Matcha Latte.
• Molly Moons: Seattle’s pioneering ice cream spot, which now has locations all over the city. Great seasonal flavors made with fresh ingredients, and freshly baked waffle cones.
• Mamnoon: Lebanese cuisine offers a fun selection of very shareable dishes (like the mezze sampler, where you get to try a little bit of everything).
• In Capitol Hill, within a short walk there are three superb bars. Try Tavern Law for a speakeasy with quality libations. Check out Canon for an extensive whiskey selection. Stop at Footprint Wine Tap for wines served on tap (a more eco-friendly option than bottling).

The Best Places to Stay in Capitol Hill

The most difficult thing about Capitol Hill is that there are very few places available to stay. Aside from the Pike/Pine corridor and Broadway/15th, it’s a pretty residential neighborhood. There are just a few hotels and serviced apartments (aparthotels) to choose from.

Here are some of the most highly recommended places to rest your head in Capitol Hill during your visit.

Silver Cloud Hotel: Good Price and Great Location in Capitol Hill

While not particularly appealing, the Silver Cloud Hotel in Capitol Hill is likely the best location to stay in the neighborhood regarding both cost and place.

Again, there are no special amenities or rooms here, but it’s within walking distance of the heart of Capitol Hill (though it’s a little removed so that you’re not RIGHT in the thick of all the action, which is pleasant for the whole good night’s sleep thing).

Accommodation units are satisfactory – they`re rather traditional like most large hotels, with a revolving seat and desk typically found everywhere, but the cost and area are appropriate!

They offer parking for $40 per night, and pets are not permitted here.

Gaslight Inn: A Charming Bed & Breakfast in a Historic Home

This historic lodging is located inside a landmark Craftsman-style home.

There are six different room options to select from, some including private bathrooms, fireplaces, or city skyline views. All guests can take advantage of the outdoor heated pool and free continental breakfast each morning.

Sonder at Solis: Serviced Apartments in a Perfect Location

We’ve stayed at properties operated by Sonder in the past (specifically in New York City, which we found pleasing), and Sonder at Solis essentially functions as a hotel, though containing apartments (with kitchens and laundry amenities) rather than more conventional hotel-style rooms.

It`s a highly modern approach to travel, involving contactless check-in, a Roku for streaming, and staffless locations (which, it should be noted, can be a problem if something goes wrong).

We’ve previously chosen Sonder for longer stays and would recommend it here too. Especially because of the convenient location, which really could not be much better situated (it’s on Pike at the eastern end of the neighborhood, within two blocks of some of our favorite spots in Cap Hill).

The living spaces here come in a variety of measurements and layouts – specifically studio, one bedroom, and two bedroom – and all have large windows with good natural brightness, full kitchens, and laundry appliances within the unit.

They have an upper level deck with a perspective of the city, which is a nice inclusion for summer months. No pets permitted, though, so leave the furry companion at home.

A major downside: there is no on-site parking available. Street parking in Capitol Hill is notoriously difficult to find. If traveling by car, we strongly suggest selecting alternative lodging like the Level in South Lake Union that provides parking and apartment-style rooms.

Two Blocks Off Broadway (Two Bedroom Apartment)

Ramble along the waterfront heading east to head to the Monument of the Discoveries (in Portuguese, Padrão dos Descobrimentos), which pays tribute to Portugal’s amazing history of explorers. Do you remember from fourth grade who the first person to circumnavigate the world was?

In general, we have reservations regarding vacation rentals in major urban centers, as they deplete limited housing inventory that could instead support residents, exerting upward pressure on escalating rental costs in supply-constrained west coast cities such as Seattle (and, frankly, every other municipality in the region).

However, we do like alternative spaces being used as accommodations for visitors – think the loft above the garage or the basement level apartment – which is exactly what’s happening here.

This downstairs level of a 1902 home contains two full bedrooms and bathrooms, a full kitchen, and ample space to spread out. It was converted into a separate lodging to accommodate visiting family of the hosts upstairs, who come often enough that they opted not to rent the space annually.

If seeking a more expansive accommodation for a group of four, this would be an excellent choice. Onsite parking is also available, so the vehicle can be left off the street.

Queen Anne: Stay Blocks Away from the Seattle Center

The final of the five central neighborhoods in Seattle is Queen Anne, which is north of Belltown closer to Seattle Center, and west of South Lake Union.

The primary attraction here is the reality that the highlights at Seattle Center – the Museum of Pop Culture, Pacific Science Center, Caffe Vita at KEXP, Climate Pledge Arena, etc etc – will be immediately at your entrance.

Additionally, it’s conveniently situated close to Belltown and within walking distance to both South Lake Union and Pike Place Market.

Queen Anne covers a large area, from Seattle Center up to the Lake Washington Ship Canal and Fremont Bridge.

For the purposes of this guide, which is focused on helping you find the right place to stay in Seattle for a relatively short trip, when we say Queen Anne here, we mean Lower Queen Anne, which is the area immediately adjacent to Seattle Center (where you’ll find the Space Needle and a few worthwhile museums).

This part of the city is more central than Upper Queen Anne, which is in a residential area up the hill (too expensive for our budget), and has more lodging options.

Queen Anne Highlights

Here are a few of our favorite places to visit in Queen Anne.

• Dick’s Drive-in: Seattle’s classic response to In-n-Out Burger. It’s a simple burger establishment where customization is not permitted, and the food represents tremendous value by Seattle standards. It’s a very busy late night spot, with partygoers overflowing from the bars in Queen Anne and lining up for ages at Dick’s before heading home after dark.
• Toulouse Petit: Exceptional cajun creole cuisine. Opt for brunch or happy hour. It’s among the most popular places in Seattle, so prepare for a wait if you don’t make an advance reservation.
• Kerry Park: Our favored scene in Seattle. We take all guests that come to Seattle for the initial time up here. You can see downtown – which includes the Space Needle – and the ferries moving Elliott Bay. It’s magical. But it’s a well-liked spot, specifically at sunset.
• Coffee house visit in Seattle: One of my favorite coffee shops in Seattle in terms of atmosphere is located at KEXP, an independent radio station in the city. Caffe Vita has taken up residence in the large high-ceilinged space. The coffee, surroundings, and visit while touring Seattle Center are good.
• Queen Anne Ave N: This is the main stretch in Upper Queen Anne, and it is lined with places to eat, drink, and shop. Go to El Mezcalito for Oaxacan cuisine (lots of gluten free options, too!), Big Max Burger Co. for fancy burgers (much classier than Dick’s), and How to Cook a Wolf for a slightly fancier meal at one of the most famous restaurants in Seattle that serves Italian-inspired food.

The Best Places to Stay in Queen Anne

Most lodging in Lower Queen Anne, near Seattle Center, are options. Upper Queen Anne offers a more charming residential environment.

The journey up the hill is worthwhile to check it out – there are some fun places available for eating, drinking, and shopping (plus the perspective from Kerry Park!), but it`s not ideally suited for an extended stay.

Here are some places to stay in Lower Queen Anne that would make a good home base.

The StayPineapple Maxwell Hotel: Our Top Pick in Queen Anne (Great Value)

The atmosphere is inviting, bordering on crowded. You can generally get a table without reserving beforehand during the weekdays. However, it’s advisable to book in advance to ensure you obtain the spot you want at your preferred time slot.

The Maxwell Hotel is just north of Seattle Center, and has remarkably roomy accommodations for the cost.

Everything in this hotel has vibrant colors – from the huge pineapple in the lobby, to the brightly hued interior hallways. Room configurations vary depending on individual needs.

The property does require a daily $25 charge that provides Access to Wifi, beach cruisers that can be borrowed, the fitness center, and other amenities. It is felt that these items should be incorporated into the room cost (as Staypineapple should do), but recognizing this upfront is preferable to discovering it upon arrival.

It’s pet-friendly too (for an extra fee), and they have on-site parking (which is also an additional fee), which can be difficult to find in this part of the city.

The Mediterranean Inn

The Mediterranean Inn is precisely in the heart of Lower Queen Anne, merely west of Seattle Center. The rooms here have apartment-style configurations, which signifies you’ll have access to a small kitchenette that has a mini fridge, electric kettle, microwave, and more.

Rooms are simplistic yet comfortable, ranging from single queen bed rooms, to rooms with two queen beds.

One of the highlights here has to be the rooftop deck, which will give you spectacular views over the Downtown Seattle skyline, including the Space Needle. Plus, you can rent bicycles from the hotel to cruise around the city!

Where NOT to Stay in Seattle

Let`s examine areas visitors may want to avoid due to inconvenience or less appealing qualities.

The first place we’d avoid is Pioneer Square, which is located in a subsection of Downtown Seattle known as Pike Place Market. While we do recommend exploring Downtown Seattle, we would suggest staying further north in the area around Pike Place Market.

Pioneer Square is on the southern end of the downtown core towards the baseball and football venues.

One crucial factor regarding visiting Seattle is the noticeable unhoused population present here.

We aren’t going to debate potential causes and solutions here (the continuously increasing and now extremely high cost of living possibly has something to do with it), but the main thing to keep in mind is that they`re generally harmless to visitors.

Seeing someone struggle with homelessness or addiction can cause discomfort since it draws attention to one`s own security, yet those individuals should not be viewed as blights inflicting harm. They are human beings deserving of the same compassion as any other person.

The point I’m making here is that we’d avoid staying in Pioneer Square because, for a few reasons, there is a large, visible unhoused population that congregates in Pioneer Square. If that makes you uncomfortable, stay elsewhere.

The second area we’d avoid staying is West Seattle. Although the West Seattle Bridge has reopened and West Seattle is a fairly interesting place to explore, it’s still around a 20-30 minute journey to reach downtown.

And that’s without traffic.

With a short trip focusing on major tourist attractions, convenience won`t be optimal.

The third location (or locations) we wouldn’t remain in are Ballard and Fremont.This is regrettable, because we truly appreciate these two neighborhoods, but they`re just too distant from the primary attractions in Seattle.

With traffic, it can take 30-40 minutes by car (more by bus) to reach downtown.

Plus, they’re highly residential, and have very few lodging selections. They’re a great place to visit and spend an afternoon eating and drinking, but living here would be an error.

We’d include the University District (colloquially known as the “U-District”) in this group of places to avoid too, unless you’re visiting Seattle specifically to go to the University of Washington.

While there are some cool places to eat and drink (particularly in the University Village shopping complex), it’s quite removed from just about everything else in Seattle.

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