Where to stay in Seattle: the best hotels for every type of traveller

Sometimes, it really is the destination, not the journey, that matters most. And nowhere is this more apparent than in Seattle, a city whose hotels blend historic charm with forward-looking aesthetics. New openings lean into sustainable design and quiet luxury, while the past is relived in century-old buildings. 

1 Hotel Seattle

Best for: nature lovers

One of Seattle’s big shake-ups in 2025 was the arrival of 1 Hotel Seattle South Lake Union. More than just than just a lick of paint, the property underwent a biophilic overhaul, with eco-conscious design that prioritises recycled materials – such as biodegradable signage and natural wood. This homage to nature is clearest in the lobby, where more than 1,000 live plants surround a moss mural of Mount Rainier.

Community is fostered through curated guest experiences including yoga sessions, craft workshops and a book club. Neutral tones and greenery breathe calm into the 153 guestrooms, while blackout shades ensure restful sleep. Hungry? James Beard-nominated chef Oscar Amador Edo helms Mediterranean eatery La Loba. 

Populus Seattle 

Best for: culture vultures 

Where 1 Hotel sits calm on the fringes, Populus Seattle is in the buzzing fray of Pioneer Square, occupying a historic 1907 building less than a 10-minute’ walk from Lumen Field and T-Mobile Park. Expect hip rooftop bar Firn to be heaving on gamedays.  

During the rest of the week, the lobby doubles as a gallery space with a rotating collection of more than 300 works by established and emerging artists. The 120 rooms are homely and offbeat with brick walls, exposed beams, velvet chairs and brass fixtures. 

And Populus is equally committed to sustainability. To remain “carbon positive”, food waste is composted on-site and power comes from solar and wind farms. 

The Edgewater Hotel 

Best for: music nerds 

For music lovers, a stay at the Edgewater Hotel is obligatory. After all, who wouldn’t want to follow in the footsteps of former guests Elvis Presley, The Rolling Stones, Neil Young, Johnny Cash or Stevie Wonder? 

Constructed on stilts ahead of the 1962 World’s Fair, the hotel quite literally hangs above Elliot Bay. Reportedly because no other hotel would take them, The Beatles checked in for a night in 1964 and famously fished out the window. Today, the hotel leans into this musical heritage, and among its 223 rooms, one boasts a Pearl Jam-themed suite designed in collaboration with the Seattle band.  

Inn at the Market 

Best for: location, location, location 

Inn at the Market’s USP is clear: it’s the only hotel in Pike Place Market. Home to traditional fish-throwing, the historic farmer’s market is a spiritual hub of the city, encapsulating the city’s indie spirit through local artisans and street musicians.  

By staying amid its flower-lined courtyards, you’re not just minimising legwork and transport time – many of the 79 rooms boast balconies with bay views, as does the rooftop deck. On-site dining options include French restaurant Café Champagne. 

Hotel Ändra 

Best for: Nordic vibes 

Housed in a 1926 building in Belltown, Hotel Ändra epitomises quiet luxury with a restrained, minimalist aesthetic with warm woods and clean lines that reflect its Nordic influence. Books and trinkets line the walls around a blazing fireplace in the centre of the lobby, lending the space a warm and inviting feel. 

Upstairs, 123 guestrooms exude calming charm, decorated in pale blues, reds and golds. For locals, the draw is Lola, a Mediterranean venture by renowned Seattle chef Tom Douglas, whose Hot Stove Society also offers cooking courses on-site.  

Palihotel Seattle 

Best for: pet lovers 

With nine properties up and down the West Coast, Palihotel Seattle is a boutique brand rooted in vintage charm and modern polish. Housed in a 1900 Beaux Arts building, this 96-room property conjures sepia-memories with a cinematic yet unpretentious aesthetic. Instagram-friendly features include throwback bunk beds, clawfoot tubs and the checkered-floored diner, The Hart and The Hunter. It’s not just pet-friendly, but pet-forward, too, offering a Pawlisociety package, with beds, toys, walking bags and more. 

Lotte Hotel Seattle 

Best for: design buffs 

For a taste of East Asia far from home, check in to the Lotte Hotel Seattle . The first and only West Coast outpost of the South Korean chain wears its heritage subtly yet proudly, beginning with a welcoming cup of plum tea on arrival. From the outside, it’s an imposing glass fortress, with 189 rooms spreading across the lower 15 floors of the sleek F5 Tower. Each room features original artwork and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Elliot Bay or the cityscape, while French designer Philippe Starck’s influence is evident in the white marble and mirrored surfaces. Don’t miss the views from the Pacific-meets-Korean restaurant Charlotte on the 16th floor.