The Hotel Guru
14 Cool Hotels in Seattle

14 Cool Hotels in Seattle

Seattle is a cool destination. Right up front you’ve got the Space Needle, which is a super cool architectural icon to have. Then you’ve got Pike Place Market, which is arguably the home of the whole foodie, microbrewery, artisan roastery movement. The views of the bay and the mountains are cool, and the list of cool museums and galleries is long, and… cool. So our Gurus pitched the idea of Seattle’s coolest hotels to us, and we bought it. “Cool” is a bit different for everyone, but there was consensus that these 14 hotels are a good representation of cool hotels in Seattle, and they’re all hotels we already rate by our Gurus’ stringent standards.

For the Views

Luxurious and elegant, with incredible views over Puget Sound, the 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

The 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.
The 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 the 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

The State Hotel is much loved by the cool kids for its location — close to hot nightspots, next door to Pike Place Market, and 200 metres from the original Starbucks — and for its chic, yet simple decor. It’s all very Instagrammable, especially the views from the roof terrace of Puget Sound, and the bar and restaurant with their eclectic local art and food that makes your eyes feel hungry. The rooms aren’t large, but the decor is right on trend.
W Seattle has a huge lobby space on the ground floor, with one of the largest fireplaces you’ll ever see, and colourful art installations. It also has a bar with cool DJ sets, and an Asian-inspired restaurant. And it’s big, 424 rooms and suites, for starters, and then the common spaces and meeting rooms, a gym and yoga studio where they offer complimentary classes. Our favourite rooms have huge windows looking out over the city.

For Cool 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.
The Hotel Max is a boxy building, in a fantastic Downtown location, with bold, 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 Cool Design

Philippe Starck designed the Lotte Hotel and it’s got his signature blend of functional industrial, and architectural cool about it. Occupying an historic central building, the Sanctuary building, plus a contemporary extension, this is now a large hotel, with 189 rooms and suites, so this isn’t the sort of boutique hotel with individually designed rooms, but they’re certainly designed with aplomb! The Lotte also has a slick spa, a gym, and the 16th floor Charlotte Restaurant, which offers incredible views and fantastic Pacific Northwest cuisine. Many of Seattle’s highlights are in walking distance.

For Romantics

With cool green walls, cool mid-century furniture, and interesting local art in all of the 96 rooms and suites — plus a super cool Smeg mini-fridge, the Palihotel Seattle is a cool, central pick. it’s also got a cool bar and restaurant offering fantastic cocktails and Southern-inspired food. And our Gurus think it’s cool that your dog is welcome too.

For Foodies

The Inn at the Market is at the market: within Pike Place Market, overlooking Elliot Bay. Even if you don’t stay here there’s a chance you’ll eat in one of its three super cool restaurants — all different and all popular with locals. If you do stay you’ll also benefit from the cool, retro-inspired decor, the incredible views — especially from the roof terrace — and from the spacious-feeling, 70 light, airy rooms.
The Hotel Andra is a chicly luxurious hotel with a definite Scandinavian flavour: think plenty of wood and rattan, neutral colours and natural fibres, and a huge fireplace in the lobby. The restaurant, Lola, is a big draw here, with a fresh Greek/ Mediterranean menu, and its cooking school, The Hot Stove Society, is well known round town and offers tuition at all levels. You’re also only a short walk from Pike Place Market. Great family options with interconnecting rooms and roll-away beds.

For Great Value

The citizenM Seattle South Lake Union is a classic example of the brand, with hip public spaces that really 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.
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.

Still not sure where to book?

You could browse our recommendations for all the best places to stay in Seattle
Or our Gurus’ recommendation for the best hotels in Downtown Seattle
Or peruse our Seattle collections, the best boutique hotels in Seattle, for example or the best hotel views in Seattle
Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.
- Palihotel Seattle Seattle 96 rooms from £116
  
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  Local exploring  -  Well positioned near Pike Place Market with many of the city's main attractions within walking distance
  Local markets  -  Sample regional favourites at the nearby Pike Place Market
  Restaurant  -  Hart & Hunter Restaurant
  Full of character
  Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, Tablet
  
  Boasting a central location in vibrant Seattle and cool contemporary design. Stylish rooms are decorated in green hues and feature smeg mini-fridges and retro furniture. The laid-backed restaurant serves Southern-inspired dishes and the bar offers delectable cocktails. A chic city base. See More
  
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- Graduate Seattle Seattle 154 rooms from £158
  
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  Views  -  For jaw-dropping views over Seattle and beyond book a Skyline View room; spot mountain peaks, iconic sites and lake vistas
  Roof terrace  -  Mountaineering Club, popular 16th floor rooftop bar, offers some of the best views of the city over cocktails and snacks
  Local exploring  -  Perfectly located whether you're in town for the university, game day or simply sightseeing; so much is walking distance
  City Style  -  Plush yet affordable, fun but with great amenities, this cool yet cosy property strikes the perfect balance
  Recommended by  -  Tablet
  
  Trendy boutique-style hotel set in University District. Inspired by the building's Art Deco origins, decor blends chic tassels & scalloped edges with bold varsity colours. Rooms & a buzzy rooftop bar offer pano city views while the library lobby lounge is the heart of the action. Lively yet luxe. See More
  
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- Sonder - Solis Seattle (Capitol Hill) 25 rooms from £158
  
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  Groups  -  Two-bedroom suites are ideal for friends and families with fully-equipped kitchens, laundry and plenty of space
  Families  -  One-bedroom suites all come with pull-out sofa beds which work well for couples with a child
  Minimum Stay  -  Two night minimum stay applies on all bookings
  Lively area  -  In the thick of the action.
  
  Airy and contemporary self-catered apartments in Seattle's cool Capitol neighbourhood. One & two-bedroom suites come with open-plan kitchens, dining & living areas plus modern tech and all the amenities of home. Enjoy a vast rooftop terrace with outdoor grills. Super comfortable for long stays. See More
  
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- W Seattle Seattle (CBD) 424 rooms from £239
  
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  Groups  -  Animated atmosphere and large footprint makes this a perfect property for boisterous stag & hen dos or large groups of friends
  Business meetings  -  Fab for dynamic events in the city centre with 16 light-filled meetings rooms, a ballroom, and 12 break out spaces
  Close to nightlife  -  Decorated with music paraphernalia, The Living Room Bar features live music on weekend evenings
  Local exploring  -  Perfectly located for exploring the city's Capitol Hill, Waterfront & Pioneer Square districts
  Recommended by  -  Tablet
  
  A hip & happening downtown hotel. Awash with bold colours & contemporary installations, The Living Room steals the show with cool DJs, a lively bar & an epic fireplace. Dine at an Asian-inspired restaurant or enjoy skyscrapers views from well-designed rooms. An urban retreat ideal for work or play. See More
  
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- The State Hotel, Seattle Seattle 91 rooms from £308
  
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  Restaurant  -  A real local favourite, ground floor Ben Paris restaurant features comfort food classics, counter service and great cocktails
  Local exploring  -  The neighbourhood is this hotel's best amenity; walk to all of the coolest spots in the city
  City Style  -  Considered Seattle's best hotel by the millenial Instagram crowd; expect lots of selfies
  Local markets  -  The city's iconic Pike Place Market is literally next door. Try and find the Pike Place Urban Garden
  
  Hip & cool boutique hotel with an unbeatable city-centre location. An on-trend restaurant, happening bar & eclectic local artwork add a real sense of place; there's also a fab roof terrace. Rooms aren't large but offer a great base for exploring; many boast views over Puget Sound. Feel like a local. See More
  
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- Hotel Max Seattle (Washington State) 163 rooms from £117
  
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  Sights nearby  -  Hop on the subway and check out the Space Neddle.
  Local markets  -  Pike Place Market
  Views  -  Great views from hotel
  Lively  -  Hip and happening.
  
  Hotel Max has had a modern revamp of bold colours, incorporating local artists works and a popular restaurant serving Northwest cuisine. The rooms house all the mod-cons and great downtown cityscape views. Great location for exploring Seattle by foot, bike or boat. See More
  
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- citizenM Seattle South Lake Union Seattle 264 rooms from £69
  
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  Local exploring  -  With the Space Needle and Pike Place Market within walking distance, this property is ideally located to explore the city
  City Style  -  Funky boutique design and plenty of high tech gadgets makes this a stylish city base
  Local markets  -  Discover exciting dining options at Pike Place Market
  Sights nearby  -  Take a stroll down to see the iconic Space Needle
  
  A funky youthful hotel well placed in the heart of Seattle. An enormous downstairs area with vibrant modern design is divided into a bar, restaurant, and work/living spaces. Rooms are clean and simple with crisp white linen, power showers and everything in the room controlled from a MoodPad. See More
  
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- Ace Hotel, Seattle Seattle (Washington State) 28 rooms from £101
  
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  Value chic  -  Stylish rooms start from as little as $129 per night if you're happy to share a bathroom.
  Local markets  -  Pike Place Market for a collection of restaurants, bars and shops.
  Short break  -  Great location and with all the facilities to make it your home.
  Sailing  -  Ballard Locks.
  Recommended by  -  Tablet
  
  Situated in Belltown with views of the Olympic Mountains and Elliot Bay this is the original Ace Hotel. Twenty eight comfortable rooms and interiors filled with loft ceilings, hardwood floors and interesting artworks. Plus a shared kitchen for creating your own breakfast. See More
  
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- Thompson Seattle Seattle 158 rooms from £426
  
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  Romantic Break  -  With beautifully appointed suites, sea views and a rooftop cocktail bar, book this hotel for an unforgettable couples' getaway
  Local exploring  -  Set a stone's throw from the waterfront, next to the best local bars and restaurants, book this hotel for city exploring
  City Style  -  With boutique interiors and an unbeatable downtown location, book this hotel for chic Seattle style
  Local markets  -  Visit Pike Place Market, a vibrant local market which neighbours the hotel
  
  This luxury hotel is nestled close to the Puget Sound waterfront in Seattle. Beautifully appointed guestrooms have sea views from floor-to-ceiling windows and a nautical-themed colour palette. The sleek rooftop cocktail bar makes this hotel a social hub in downtown Seattle. See More
  
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- Inn at the market Seattle (Washington State) 70 rooms from £195
  
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  Local markets  -  While you stay in Pike Place Market make sure you catch a glimpse of the famouse fish tossing.
  Sights nearby  -  Hop on the monorail to see the Space Needle.
  Great walks  -  Around town and along Michigan Lake.
  Views  -  Great views from hotel
  Recommended by  -  Tablet
  
  In Pike Place Market, overlooking Elliot Bay and home to three restaurants - this contemporary, comfortable hotel offers spectacular views from its rooftop and rooms. The feeling is one of space and light. Café Champagne, Bacco Bistro and Cha:n are all in-house and popular. Location is spot on! See More
  
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- Kimpton Palladian Hotel Seattle (Belltown) 97 rooms from £251
  
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  Business meetings  -  Chic meeting rooms with unique design make a change from standard hotel offerings; well-suited to high-end events & gatherings
  Local exploring  -  Ideal downtown location means guests are walking distance to the Waterfront, sites, restaurants, shops and nightlife
  Pet friendly  -  Pets are welcome at no extra fee plus welcome amenity. Ask about pet-sitting, grooming and dog-walking services
  City Style  -  Super stylish but doesn't take itself too seriously; ticks all the luxury boxes plus a sense of humour
  
  An Edwardian grand dame turned into a trendy Belltown base. Striking decor reflects the area's rock'n'roll heritage; expect pop art pillows, black walls, European baths & traditional portraits. Cutting-edge cuisine & a speakeasy-style bar attracts a lively local crowd. A playful blend of old & new. See More
  
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- Hotel Five Seattle (Belltown) 116 rooms from £205
  
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  Groups  -  Most rooms sleep up to four guests. A lively, good value and sociable place to stay with groups of friends
  Value chic  -  Affordable with fantastic location; works very well as a base to come back to after days out exploring
  Local exploring  -  Enjoy cool Belltown location as well as easy access on foot to Seattle Waterfront
  Local markets  -  Seattle's famous Pike Market is just a few blocks away. Cycle on one of the hotel's free beach cruisers
  
  A quirky hotel in downtown Seattle. Compact but cosy rooms boast European-style duvets, fluffy robes, fun artwork and generous in-room benefits. Grab a drink or light snack at the bar, work out at the gym or play games in the lobby. Walk to everything from this playful centrally-located base. See More
  
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- Hotel Ändra Seattle 123 rooms from £163
  
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  Foodies  -  The onsite cookery school The Hot Stove Society offers a range of classes for amateurs of all abilities!
  Local exploring  -  Hotel Ändra's central location makes it an ideal base for exploring Seattle
  City Style  -  Chic Scandi design in a superb central location
  Restaurant  -  Lola Restaurant offers delicious Greek/Mediterranean cuisine from renowned chef Tom Douglas
  
  Scandi chic luxury hotel with excellent restaurant in Seattle's bustling downtown. Sophisticated interiors offer plenty of Nordic design elements and a large slice of hygge! Rooms are dressed with subtle shades and boast light wood finishes, rattan headboards and luxury linens. A stylish city base. See More
  
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- Lotte Hotel Seattle Seattle 189 rooms from £300
  
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  Local exploring  -  Great central location which means that many of Seattle's best bits are within walking distance
  Views  -  You'll find epic views both over the Elliott Bay and city skyline from floor to ceiling windows
  City Style  -  The Philippe Starck designed interiors ooze sophisticated style and luxury
  Sights nearby  -  Pike Place Market, Seattle Waterfront and the original Starbucks are all within walking distance
  
  Philippe Starck designed luxury hotel with epic views. A stunning mix of old-meets-new is housed in the historic Sanctuary building and its modern addition. Floor to ceiling windows offer jaw-dropping vistas and the interior finish is seriously slick. A spa and superb dining complete the picture. See More
  
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