See Also
My Favorite Downtown Hotels
• 5-Star Hotel: Four Seasons
• 4-Star Hotel: Hotel Andra
• For Couples: Inn at the Market
• For Families: Four Seasons
• Convention Center Arch: Grand Hyatt
• Convention Center Summit: Olive 8
Hotels on Map: Hyatt at Olive 8 • The Paramount Hotel • Grand Hyatt • Mayflower Park Hotel • Hotel Theodore • The Charter Hotel • Sheraton Grand • Thompson Seattle • Inn at the Market • The State Hotel • Palihotel • Fairmont Olympic Hotel • Hotel Vintage • The Four Seasons • Hotel Monaco • Hotel 1000 • Alexis Royal Sonesta • Arctic Club • Green Tortoise Hostel
5 Things to Know Before Booking
- Street Smarts (The “3rd Avenue” Rule): While downtown is generally safe, the vibe changes street by street. 3rd Avenue is the main bus transit corridor and is the grittiest, with more loitering and disorder. I recommend walking on 1st, 2nd, 4th, or 5th Avenues instead. These streets are busier, have more retail/restaurants, and generally feel more comfortable, especially at night.
- Master the “Hill” Strategy: Downtown Seattle is built on a steep slope. Walking from the Waterfront (sea level) up to your hotel on 5th or 6th Avenue is a serious workout. Pro Tip: Use the public elevators and escalators inside Pike Place Market, Harbor Steps, or Pacific Place to tackle the elevation gain indoors rather than trudging up the steep sidewalks.
- Airport Transportation Strategy: Most visitors take a rideshare or taxi from the airport to downtown ($55–$75). Be aware that Standard Uber/Lyft and taxis pick up in the parking garage (a short walk via the skybridge); only Uber Black and Black SUV are allowed curbside at baggage claim. For budget-conscious or solo travelers, the Link Light Rail ($3) is a smart alternative that avoids rush-hour traffic. Get off at Westlake Station (for retail/convention center hotels) or Symphony Station (formerly University) (for financial district/library hotels).
- Beware of Parking Costs: Downtown parking is brutally expensive, often running $50 to $75 per night plus tax. If you are staying in the city center, you do not need a car. I strongly recommend renting a car only for the specific days you plan to leave the city (like for a Mt. Rainier day trip) rather than paying to store it in a garage.
- Know Your Cruise Terminal: Pier 66 (Norwegian, Oceania) is located on the downtown waterfront. While it looks close on a map, the walk involves steep hills; unless you are packing very light, I recommend a short Uber/taxi. Pier 91 (Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Holland America, Princess) is located miles away in an industrial zone; you will need an Uber or taxi to get there.
The 19 Best Hotels in Downtown Seattle
The Four Seasons in downtown Seattle, steps from Pike Place Market and overlooking a stairwell down to the Waterfront.
Near Pike Place Market
These hotels are located on 1st or 2nd Avenue, putting you steps from the Market and the waterfront.
The Four Seasons
The undisputed king of Seattle luxury. Located directly across from the Art Museum and one block from the Market, it offers the city’s only outdoor infinity pool with heated decking and views of the ferries crossing Elliott Bay. Service is flawless.
Inn at the Market
The only hotel located inside the Pike Place Market precinct. It is sophisticated, quiet, and romantic, with a hidden rooftop deck that offers one of the best views in the city. You are literally steps from fresh donuts, flowers, and produce, yet the rooms feel like a peaceful sanctuary.
Thompson Seattle
Sexy, modern luxury boutique hotel with floor-to-ceiling windows. The rooftop bar, The Nest, is a scene – packed with locals and guests enjoying cocktails and panoramic views. The design is mid-century modern inspired and very sharp. Basically, across the street from Pike Place Market.
The Charter Hotel
Upscale option that bridges the gap between the Market and the business district. It features a great rooftop lounge (The Fog Room) and a very well-regarded Argentine steakhouse (Patagōn). The rooms are spacious and polished.
Palihotel
A fun, quirky boutique hotel directly across from the Market entrance. The design is “eclectic vintage” – think green walls, floral prints, and SMEG fridges. It’s perfect for travelers who want personality over generic luxury. Includes the popular Hart & The Hunter restaurant.
The State Hotel
A stylish renovation of a 1902 landmark building. The vibe is local and artistic, with custom wallpaper and a fantastic ground-floor restaurant (Ben Paris). Guests get exclusive access to an 8th-floor terrace overlooking the Market sign and bay.
Green Tortoise Hostel
The best hostel in Seattle, period. Located directly opposite Pike Place Market, it is clean, social, and safe. They organize pub crawls and tours, and offer free breakfast (and sometimes dinner). Bunk beds feature privacy curtains and reading lights.
The Paramount Theater is one of the top venues in downtown Seattle for concerts, and steps from the The Paramount Hotel, the Hyatt at Olive 8, and the Grand Hyatt.
Retail Core & Convention Center Area
These hotels are central to shopping (Nordstrom, Westlake Center) and the Convention Center. They offer the easiest access to the Link Light Rail (Westlake Station) and the Monorail to the Space Needle.
Hyatt at Olive 8
Sleek, eco-conscious luxury hotel with a modern glass design. It features a stunning 65-foot indoor lap pool, a full-service spa (Elaia), and a “green” roof. The location is excellent – one block from the Paramount Theatre, Convention Center, and huge flagship Nordstrom. Rooms are minimalist and bright.
The Paramount Hotel
Classic, comfortable hotel located across the street from the historic Paramount Theatre and one block from the Convention Center. It’s an ideal choice for theater-goers or business travelers. The vibe is traditional and warm, with a fireplace in the lobby and an on-site Asian-fusion restaurant.
Grand Hyatt
Upscale business and leisure hotel known for its massive bathrooms – standard rooms feature deep soaking tubs and separate glass showers. It feels grander and slightly more traditional than its sister property (Olive 8) across the street. Upper-floor rooms offer sweeping views of the city and Puget Sound.
Mayflower Park Hotel
Seattle’s most charming historic hotel, built in 1927. It is the only hotel with direct indoor access to the Monorail station (at Westlake Center), meaning you can zip to the Space Needle without stepping outside. The interior is full of crystal chandeliers and antiques. Don’t miss Oliver’s Lounge, a classic martini bar off the lobby.
Hotel Theodore
Industrial-chic boutique hotel that celebrates Seattle’s history of makers and craftsmen. The lobby is a destination in itself, featuring a coffee bar that rivals the big roasteries. Rooms are stylish with a masculine, vintage edge. Located right in the heart of the retail district.
Sheraton Grand
A massive, bustling hub for travelers. This is one of the few downtown hotels with a top-floor indoor pool and fitness center with views. The lobby is a popular meeting spot with a Starbucks and multiple lounges. It’s arguably the most centrally located hotel for walking to both Pike Place Market (5 minutes) and the Convention Center (1 minute).
My room at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel.
Financial District & Pioneer Square
Slightly south of the retail core, this area is quieter at night but closer to the Ferries, Stadiums, and Pioneer Square historic district.
Fairmont Olympic Hotel
Seattle’s “Grand Dame.” Built in 1924, this Italian Renaissance masterpiece feels like a European palace. It is famous for its high tea service in the lobby and the high-end restaurant, The George. The pool is enclosed in a glass atrium. Along with the old-world luxury, it is super convenient for transit: the Light Rail station (for direct airport trains) is located less than a block away.
Hotel 1000
High-tech luxury near the waterfront. One of the top choices for golfers (it has a virtual golf simulator) and spa lovers. The major selling point: the bath tubs fill from a spout in the ceiling. It’s sophisticated and located halfway between Pike Place and Pioneer Square.
Hotel Vintage
A wine-themed boutique hotel. Every room is named after a Washington winery, and they host a nightly hosted wine hour in the lobby. The location is super central – next to the architectural marvel that is the Seattle Central Library.
Hotel Monaco
Playful, colorful, and extremely dog-friendly. The lobby is vibrant and social (featuring the famous hosted wine hour). It’s located in the business district, making it quiet on weekends but very close to the Ferry Terminal and shopping.
Alexis Royal Sonesta
Located right on 1st Avenue near the ferry terminal, this is an art-focused hotel with a gallery-like atmosphere. The rooms are large (many are suites) with exposed brick and a warm, residential feel. Excellent location for walking to the ferries or Pioneer Square.
Arctic Club
Steeped in history, this hotel was originally a private club for Klondike Gold Rush explorers. The exterior features famous terracotta walrus heads. Inside, the “Dome Room” ballroom is spectacular. It is located close to the Link Light Rail (Pioneer Square station) and the stadiums.