14 Cool Hotels in Seattle (2025)

Seattle has that instant “you’ll like it here” feel — a city of ferries gliding across the water, leafy streets dipping toward Elliott Bay, and neighbourhoods brimming with personality. One minute you’re staring at the mountains, the next you’re weaving through markets, cafes and craft breweries that locals actually love. Its hotel scene matches the mood: beach-style resorts for downtime, budget stays that don’t feel cheap, and boutique spots with plenty of character. So whether you want the best resorts, the most affordable hotels, or something with a bit of attitude, our coolest picks spotlight the Seattle stays genuinely worth booking.

For the views

• Luxurious and elegant, with incredible views over Puget Sound, Thompson Seattle is cool, but calm — until you get to the sleek rooftop cocktail bar, which has a pleasant buzz of chatter. Our favourites among the 158 rooms and suites have floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the water. Romantic, and extremely memorable — for all the right reasons.

For a city break

• Kimpton Palladian Hotel is an Edwardian grand dame, fantastically converted into a cool Belltown base, borrowing from the rock’n’roll vibe of the area: think traditional oil paintings depicting rock legends, well placed black walls, and a speakeasy style bar that appeals to the hip locals as well as guests. The 97 rooms and suites are spacious and simply decorated with plenty of white. And the suites are huge.
• Hotel Five is a quirky hotel in downtown Seattle with compact, cosy rooms and fun artwork. There are 116 rooms, and most of them can sleep four guests, which makes this a fun pick for families and groups. There’s no restaurant, but you’re surrounded by places to eat and drink, and Pike Place Market is just a few blocks away, as is the Space Needle. And there’s a cafe in the lobby.

For cool and original

• While it’s in the University District, we think it’s cool that Graduate Seattle has views of the Space Needle from some of its 154 rooms and suites. We also think the blend of Art Deco style and Varsity theme turns out a really original result. The library lobby lounge is elegantly cool, as is the restaurant, and the rooftop bar buzzes.

For the cool kids

• Steps from Pike Place Market, The State Hotel, Seattle channels Seattle’s creative streak with exposed brick, bold murals, and a rooftop terrace framing Puget Sound. The lobby bar plates up local flavours beside rotating artworks, while compact rooms feel fresh and curated—ideal for travellers who want a photogenic, downtown perch.
• A soaring lobby anchored by a dramatic, sculptural fireplace sets the tone at W Seattle. Expect splashy installations, a DJ-driven bar scene, and a sleek Pan-Asian restaurant. Spacious city-view rooms, lively social spaces, and a gym with complimentary yoga make it a dynamic base for exploring modern Seattle.

For families

• Sonder - Solis is a collection of 25 one or two bedroom apartments, decorated with chic simplicity, and with all the essentials in place for a comfortable stay — we’re talking dishwashers and washing machines etc. Above them all is a cool roof terrace with barbecues and incredible views. It’s a perfect base for families, and for long visits.
• Hotel Max is a boxy building, in a fantastic Downtown location, with contemporary interiors, confident local artworks, and glorious cityscape views. There are 163 rooms and suites, with a range of shapes and sizes that make it easy to find something for your family, and your dog. The hotel restaurant is popular, and serves Northwest cuisine, but there are restaurants all around.

For the design

• Philippe Starck’s Lotte Hotel packs architectural punch across its historic Sanctuary building and modern extension. Its 189 stylish rooms showcase industrial-chic design, while the 16th-floor Charlotte Restaurant delivers top tier Pacific Northwest cuisine with skyline views. Add a sleek spa and gym, and you’ve got a downtown base made for design lovers.

For romantics

• Mid-century furniture, green-accented walls, and local artwork give each of the 96 rooms at Palihotel Seattle a stylish, artsy vibe. Sip craft cocktails at the lively bar, savour Southern-inspired dishes at the restaurant, and enjoy a dog-friendly welcome—perfect for couples seeking a central, edgy Seattle retreat.

For foodies

• Perched above Pike Place Market with sweeping Elliott Bay views, Inn at the Market boasts light, airy rooms filled with mid-century touches. Three distinctive restaurants draw locals and visitors alike, while the rooftop terrace is perfect for soaking in the city skyline—an ideal base for foodies exploring Seattle’s culinary scene.
• Hotel Andra's Scandinavian-inspired interiors of warm wood, rattan, and natural fibres set a cosy tone, anchored by a grand lobby fireplace. Lola’s Greek-Mediterranean menu is a local favourite, and the Hot Stove Society offers hands-on cooking classes. Steps from Pike Place Market, it’s perfect for families or culinary adventurers seeking a chic, central retreat.

For great value

• citizenM Seattle South Lake Union is a classic example of the brand, with hip public spaces that invite you to hang out, and rooms like technologically advanced space pods. The vast hanger of a communal area includes space to work, as well as eat, drink and relax, and you’re within an easy walking distance of the Space Needle and Pike Place Market. An affordable choice.
• Seattle’s Ace Hotel was the first in the brand, located in Belltown, within a short walk of the Waterfront, and with views of the Olympic Mountains and the bay. There are just 24 rooms, all comfortable and simply dressed, with white walls and linens, hardwood floors, and original art. There’s no restaurant, but there are plenty around you, and they have a shared kitchen. Great value for money.

Still not sure?

• Browse through our recommendations for all the best places to stay in Seattle,
• Expand your search to include the best hotels in Downtown Seattle, the best boutique hotels in Seattle or the best hotel views in Seattle,
• Alternatively, contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.