Best Seattle Hotels with Pools

All Destinations › Seattle › Hotels with Pools
Updated: June 27, 2026 • by Seattle Dave

Seattle is not really a pool-hotel city. This is not Scottsdale, Maui, or Orlando, where the pool can be the whole point of the trip. In Seattle, hotel location usually matters more: being able to walk to Pike Place Market, the Waterfront, Seattle Center, good restaurants, the Monorail, light rail, or a cruise pier will usually improve your trip more than a slightly better pool.

That said, a good hotel pool can be a real win in Seattle, especially for families, winter trips, rainy afternoons, longer stays, and luxury weekends. If you are traveling with kids, a pool can save the evening after museums and sightseeing. If you are here in December, January, or February, an indoor pool gives everyone something easy to do when the weather turns sideways. And if you are staying at the Four Seasons or Fairmont Olympic, the pool is part of the reason to book the hotel.

My advice: choose the best location first, then use the pool as the tiebreaker. The exception is a family trip where you know the kids will use the pool every day. In that case, book the pool hotel and build the trip around easy taxis, rideshares, Monorail, streetcar, and short walks.

My Favorite Seattle Pool Hotels

Best overall pool hotel: Four Seasons Hotel Seattle – best pool, best views, best luxury location near Pike Place and the Waterfront.
Best indoor pool hotel: Hyatt at Olive 8 – excellent indoor saline pool, strong Downtown location, good for couples and families.
Best classic luxury pool hotel: Fairmont Olympic – historic Seattle hotel with indoor pool, hot tub, spa feel, and a very central Downtown location.
Best family pool hotel: Residence Inn Seattle Downtown/Lake Union – suites, breakfast, indoor pool, and good family logistics in South Lake Union.
Best pool near Pike Place Market: Four Seasons Hotel Seattle – expensive, but the location is excellent and the pool is genuinely special.
Best value-ish Downtown indoor pool: Hilton Garden Inn Seattle Downtown – not glamorous, but practical for families who want an indoor pool without luxury prices.
Best pool hotel for sports fans: Embassy Suites by Hilton Seattle Downtown Pioneer Square – suites, breakfast, indoor pool, and easy walks to Lumen Field and T-Mobile Park.
Best pool hotel near Seattle Center: There is no perfect answer. I’d usually stay near Seattle Center for location, then taxi to a better pool hotel if the pool matters. For a true pool stay, look at South Lake Union or Downtown instead.

Quick Pool-Hotel Advice for Seattle

Seattle’s best pool hotels are mostly Downtown or South Lake Union. There are not many great pool hotels in the Pike Place/Market District itself, and even fewer near Seattle Center.
Indoor pools are more useful than outdoor pools for most Seattle trips. The exception is the Four Seasons, where the outdoor heated pool is one of the best hotel amenities in the city.
Families should care about room setup as much as the pool. A suite with a sofa bed, kitchenette, breakfast, and laundry access can matter more than a prettier pool.
Luxury travelers have the best pool choices. Four Seasons, Fairmont Olympic, Hyatt at Olive 8, Sheraton Grand, and Westin are the main high-end pool hotels to compare.
Always confirm pool hours before booking. Seattle hotels sometimes change hours for maintenance, private events, adult-only quiet periods, or seasonal operations.
Parking is expensive at most central pool hotels. If you have a car, price parking before you book. In many cases, I’d skip the rental car and use taxis, rideshares, light rail, and the Monorail.

Best Seattle Pool Hotels: Ranked

1. Four Seasons Hotel Seattle

Best for: luxury travelers, couples, Pike Place stays, Waterfront stays, special occasions, summer weekends, splurge family trips.

The Four Seasons has the best hotel pool in Seattle, and it is not close. The outdoor heated infinity-style pool sits above the Waterfront with Elliott Bay, ferries, the Great Wheel, and the Olympic Mountains in the background. This is one of the few Seattle hotels where I would say the pool itself is a major reason to book.

The location is excellent: between Pike Place Market and the Waterfront, with easy walks to the Seattle Aquarium, ferry terminal area, restaurants, the Market, and the Great Wheel. It is also one of the easiest luxury hotels for first-time visitors because you do not have to overthink the neighborhood. You are exactly where most visitors want to be.

For families, the Four Seasons works well if the budget fits. Rooms are large by Downtown standards, the service is polished, and the pool is memorable. But it is still a luxury hotel, not a kid-focused resort. If your children mainly want to splash for hours, you can spend less and get a more practical indoor pool somewhere else.

Pool type: Outdoor heated pool with bay views and hot tub.

Family usefulness: Great for a splurge, especially in summer. Less practical than suite hotels for longer family stays.

Location: Excellent for Pike Place Market, the Waterfront, Seattle Aquarium, ferries, and first-time sightseeing.

Room setup: Large luxury rooms and suites. Best for couples, luxury travelers, and families comfortable paying for extra space.

Parking: Expensive valet-style Downtown hotel parking. Do not bring a car unless you need one for day trips.

Nearby: Pike Place Market, Seattle Aquarium, Seattle Great Wheel, Waterfront, ferries from Pier 52, Seattle Art Museum.

Is the pool worth choosing over a better-located hotel? There is not really a better-located hotel if you want Pike Place and Waterfront access. If budget is not the issue, yes, this is the top Seattle pool hotel.

2. Hyatt at Olive 8

Best for: indoor pool, families, rainy-day stays, couples, convention travelers, Downtown sightseeing.

Hyatt at Olive 8 is my favorite indoor pool hotel in Seattle. The pool is better than the typical hotel rectangle in a basement. It feels more like a wellness amenity, with a large indoor saline pool, big windows, and a calm spa-adjacent atmosphere. It works for a real swim, but it is also useful for families who want an easy rainy-day activity.

The location is very practical. You are near the Convention Center, Westlake, Pacific Place, light rail, the Monorail, Pike Place Market, and a bunch of Downtown restaurants. It is not as atmospheric as Inn at the Market or as scenic as the Four Seasons, but it is central and easy.

For families, this is one of the best compromises in Seattle: good indoor pool, good location, reliable rooms, and easy access to both Pike Place and Seattle Center. You can walk to the Monorail at Westlake and be at Seattle Center quickly without dealing with parking.

Pool type: Indoor saline pool with a wellness/spa feel.

Family usefulness: Very good. Better for families than most luxury Downtown hotels because the pool is genuinely useful and the location is easy.

Location: Downtown, near Westlake, Convention Center, shopping, light rail, and the Monorail.

Room setup: Standard rooms are comfortable; families should compare larger rooms or suites if staying more than two nights.

Parking: Downtown parking is expensive. This is a good car-free hotel.

Nearby: Westlake Station, Seattle Monorail, Pike Place Market, Pacific Place, Convention Center, restaurants, shopping.

Is the pool worth choosing over a better-located hotel? Often yes. If you want an indoor pool and still want to be central, this is one of the easiest choices in Seattle.

3. Fairmont Olympic Hotel

Best for: classic luxury, indoor pool, couples, older kids, Downtown stays, winter trips.

The Fairmont Olympic is one of Seattle’s grand old hotels, and the indoor pool fits the property: polished, comfortable, and more elegant than playful. The pool is covered in a solarium-style space with a hot tub, and it is a good choice for travelers who want a luxury hotel with a reliable indoor swim option.

The hotel’s location is central but slightly different from the Pike Place hotels. You are in the business and retail core, close to the Seattle Art Museum, 5th Avenue Theatre, Benaroya Hall, light rail, and Pike Place Market. It is a good walking base, though not quite as instantly scenic as the Four Seasons or Inn at the Market.

For families, the Fairmont works best when you want a polished hotel and the pool is a bonus. It is not my first pick for toddlers who need kitchenette-style convenience, but it can be great for families with older kids who will appreciate a nicer hotel and an indoor pool after sightseeing.

Pool type: Indoor heated pool with hot tub and solarium feel.

Family usefulness: Good, especially for older kids. More elegant than splashy.

Location: Central Downtown, good for Pike Place, Seattle Art Museum, theaters, shopping, and light rail.

Room setup: Traditional luxury rooms and suites. Good comfort, but check bedding carefully for families.

Parking: Expensive Downtown parking. Better without a car unless you are doing day trips.

Nearby: Seattle Art Museum, Pike Place Market, Benaroya Hall, 5th Avenue Theatre, light rail, shopping.

Is the pool worth choosing over a better-located hotel? Yes if you want classic luxury and an indoor pool. No if your main priority is being directly beside Pike Place Market or the Waterfront.

4. Sheraton Grand Seattle

Best for: Downtown location, convention travelers, indoor pool with views, families who want a large full-service hotel.

The Sheraton Grand Seattle is a big, central, full-service Downtown hotel with one of the better indoor pool setups in the city. The pool is high up in the building, which gives it more of a Seattle feel than the usual windowless hotel pool. It is not a resort pool, but it is a useful amenity and better than many visitors expect.

The location is extremely practical: close to the Convention Center, Westlake, Pacific Place, Pike Place Market, and light rail. It is a strong choice if you want a pool but do not want to be tucked away from the main Downtown visitor core.

For families, I like the Sheraton when rates are reasonable and you want a central base with predictable hotel services. It can feel large and business-oriented, but that also means more rooms, easier availability, and good logistics.

Pool type: Indoor pool on an upper floor with city views.

Family usefulness: Good. Not intimate, but practical and central.

Location: Very central Downtown, close to Convention Center, Westlake, Pike Place, and light rail.

Room setup: Good range of rooms and suites. Families should compare two-bed rooms and suites.

Parking: Expensive Downtown hotel parking. Easy to stay here without a car.

Nearby: Convention Center, Westlake Station, Pike Place Market, shopping, restaurants, Seattle Art Museum.

Is the pool worth choosing over a better-located hotel? Yes if you want central Downtown and a real indoor pool. If you want charm or a boutique feel, no.

5. The Westin Seattle

Best for: families, Downtown access, light rail, Seattle Center via Monorail, travelers who want a familiar large-hotel setup.

The Westin Seattle is a practical Downtown pool hotel with a useful indoor pool, big rooms by urban standards, and a location that works well for sightseeing. It is not my favorite Seattle hotel for character, but it is easy, central, and often a good fit for families.

The Westin’s biggest advantage is the location near Westlake. From here, you can walk to Pike Place Market, take the Monorail to Seattle Center, use light rail to and from the airport, and get around without a car. For a family Seattle trip, that is a big deal.

The pool is good for kids and rainy-day downtime, though I would not choose the Westin solely for the pool if another hotel has a better rate or better room setup. It is more of a solid all-arounder than a pool destination.

Pool type: Indoor pool.

Family usefulness: Good. Central, easy, and useful for rainy evenings.

Location: Downtown near Westlake, light rail, Monorail, shopping, Pike Place, and Belltown.

Room setup: Large hotel with multiple room types. Good choice when you need predictable two-bed rooms.

Parking: Expensive. This is a good hotel for a car-free Seattle stay.

Nearby: Westlake Station, Seattle Monorail, Pike Place Market, Belltown restaurants, shopping, Seattle Center.

Is the pool worth choosing over a better-located hotel? Sometimes. If the rate is good and you want a central indoor pool, yes. If you want Pike Place charm, I’d still choose location over pool.

6. Residence Inn Seattle Downtown/Lake Union

Best for: families, longer stays, suites, breakfast, South Lake Union, Lake Union activities.

This is one of the most practical family pool hotels in Seattle. The pool is indoors, the rooms are suite-style, breakfast is usually included, and the South Lake Union location works well for families who want more space and a slightly calmer base than Downtown.

South Lake Union is not the most atmospheric Seattle neighborhood, but it is clean, modern, and logistically useful. You are close to MOHAI, Lake Union, the Center for Wooden Boats, Amazon offices, restaurants, and the streetcar. Pike Place and Seattle Center are not far, but you will use rideshares, streetcar connections, or longer walks more than you would from a Pike Place hotel.

For families, the room setup is the big win. A kitchen or kitchenette, sofa bed, breakfast, laundry access, and an indoor pool can make a rainy Seattle trip much easier. The tradeoff is that you are not stepping out directly into the Market or the Waterfront.

Pool type: Indoor pool.

Family usefulness: Excellent. One of the better family logistics hotels in Seattle.

Location: South Lake Union/Lake Union edge, good for longer stays and families but less classic for first-time sightseeing.

Room setup: Suites with more space than standard hotel rooms. Very useful for families.

Parking: Usually easier than Pike Place or the core Downtown hotels, but still not cheap.

Nearby: Lake Union, MOHAI, Center for Wooden Boats, South Lake Union restaurants, streetcar, Amazon area.

Is the pool worth choosing over a better-located hotel? Yes for families staying three or more nights, especially if room space and breakfast matter. For a short first-time visit, I’d still consider Pike Place or Downtown first.

7. Embassy Suites by Hilton Seattle Downtown Pioneer Square

Best for: families, sports fans, suites, breakfast, Lumen Field, T-Mobile Park, Amtrak.

Embassy Suites Pioneer Square is one of the best pool hotels for families who want space, breakfast, and easy sports logistics. The indoor pool is useful, the suite setup is family-friendly, and the location is excellent for Seahawks, Sounders, Mariners, and Amtrak arrivals at King Street Station.

The neighborhood is the tradeoff. Pioneer Square is historic and interesting, but it is not my favorite first-time family base if the main plan is Pike Place, Seattle Center, and general sightseeing. Around game time, it can be fun and energetic. Late at night, some blocks feel rougher and emptier than Pike Place, South Lake Union, or Seattle Center.

For a sports weekend, this hotel is a winner. For a family museum-and-market trip, I’d compare it carefully with Hyatt at Olive 8, Westin, Sheraton, and Residence Inn Lake Union.

Pool type: Indoor heated pool.

Family usefulness: Very good because of suites and breakfast.

Location: Pioneer Square, excellent for stadiums and trains, less ideal for a soft first-time Seattle base.

Room setup: Suites with separate living areas and sofa beds. Very useful for families.

Parking: Expensive. Game-day traffic and event parking can be annoying.

Nearby: Lumen Field, T-Mobile Park, King Street Station, International District, Pioneer Square restaurants, light rail.

Is the pool worth choosing over a better-located hotel? Yes for sports, trains, and suite value. No for most first-time families who mainly want Pike Place and Seattle Center.

8. Hilton Garden Inn Seattle Downtown

Best for: practical indoor pool, lower luxury price point, families with a car-light itinerary, Convention Center access.

Hilton Garden Inn Seattle Downtown is not glamorous, but it is useful. The indoor pool gives families something to do, the rooms are straightforward, and the location works for Downtown, South Lake Union, and Capitol Hill edges. It is a good choice when you want a pool but do not want to pay Four Seasons, Fairmont, or Hyatt at Olive 8 prices.

The exact location is practical but not charming. You are on the north/east side of Downtown, useful for the Convention Center and South Lake Union, but not right in the Pike Place sweet spot. Some walks are easy, some are uphill, and some families will end up using rideshares more than expected.

Pool type: Indoor pool.

Family usefulness: Good for the price, especially for a simple rainy-day swim.

Location: Downtown edge near South Lake Union and Convention Center.

Room setup: Standard hotel rooms. Families should check bedding and room size carefully.

Parking: Paid parking. Compare total cost against a more central hotel if you will use rideshares often.

Nearby: Convention Center, South Lake Union, Capitol Hill edge, restaurants, Downtown.

Is the pool worth choosing over a better-located hotel? Sometimes. It is best when rates are noticeably lower than the better-located pool hotels.

9. Staybridge Suites Seattle Fremont

Best for: longer stays, families with a car, Fremont, Ballard, Woodland Park Zoo, North Seattle visits.

Staybridge Suites Fremont is not a central sightseeing hotel, but it can work very well for specific trips. It has an indoor pool, suite-style rooms, kitchen facilities, and a more residential location north of Lake Union. If you are visiting family in North Seattle, want easier access to Fremont and Ballard, or have a car and do not want to stay downtown, it is worth a look.

For a first-time Seattle tourist trip, I would usually not stay here. Fremont is fun, and I like the neighborhood a lot, but the hotel is not in the most walkable tourist pocket. You will use buses, rideshares, or a car to reach Pike Place, Seattle Center, the Waterfront, and stadiums.

Pool type: Indoor pool.

Family usefulness: Good for longer stays and families who want kitchen space.

Location: Fremont/North Seattle, not Downtown.

Room setup: Suites with kitchens. Very useful for families and longer stays.

Parking: Usually more manageable than Downtown, though still confirm current rates.

Nearby: Fremont, Lake Union, Woodland Park Zoo, Ballard, Wallingford, Gas Works Park.

Is the pool worth choosing over a better-located hotel? Only if Fremont/North Seattle makes sense for your trip. For classic Seattle sightseeing, no.

10. Hampton Inn & Suites Seattle Northgate

Best for: North Seattle, Kraken Community Iceplex, UW-adjacent trips, families with a car, value compared with Downtown.

Hampton Inn & Suites Seattle Northgate has an indoor pool and can be a useful option if your trip is centered north of Downtown. It is not where I would put most first-time visitors, but it works for families who need Northgate, the University District, Green Lake, Kraken Community Iceplex, or easier freeway access.

The light rail connection from Northgate helps a lot. You can get Downtown without driving and avoid some parking headaches. But you are still outside the main visitor core, and the area around the hotel is more practical than charming.

Pool type: Indoor pool.

Family usefulness: Good if North Seattle is convenient for your plans.

Location: Northgate, north of Downtown.

Room setup: Standard Hampton-style rooms and some larger options. Breakfast is a plus.

Parking: Usually easier than central Seattle, but confirm current rates and availability.

Nearby: Northgate Station, Kraken Community Iceplex, Green Lake, University District, North Seattle.

Is the pool worth choosing over a better-located hotel? Not for first-time sightseeing. Yes if Northgate or North Seattle is part of the plan.

Best Seattle Pool Hotels by Traveler Type

Best Pool Hotels for Families

Residence Inn Seattle Downtown/Lake Union: Best overall family logistics because of suites, breakfast, indoor pool, and South Lake Union location.
Hyatt at Olive 8: Best central family pool hotel if you want to stay Downtown and use the Monorail, light rail, and short taxis.
Westin Seattle: Good for families who want a large Downtown hotel, indoor pool, and easy Westlake location.
Embassy Suites Pioneer Square: Best for sports weekends, Amtrak arrivals, and families who value suites and breakfast.
Sheraton Grand Seattle: Good central option when rates are competitive and you want a big full-service hotel.

For families, I would not judge only by the pool. I would compare:

Can you get two real beds? Sofa beds are useful, but not all are comfortable.
Is breakfast included? This matters more than people expect with kids.
Is there a fridge or kitchenette? Helpful for snacks, milk, leftovers, and early mornings.
Can you avoid renting a car? Downtown parking can erase any room-rate savings.
How easy is the evening? A pool plus nearby casual restaurants is ideal.

Best Luxury Pool Hotels

Four Seasons Hotel Seattle: Best luxury pool and best pool views.
Fairmont Olympic Hotel: Best classic luxury indoor pool.
Hyatt at Olive 8: Best wellness-style indoor pool.
Sheraton Grand Seattle: Best large luxury-leaning Downtown hotel with an indoor pool and views.
Westin Seattle: Best familiar large-brand luxury-lite pool option near Westlake.

If this is a romantic weekend or anniversary trip, I would usually choose Four Seasons first, then Fairmont Olympic, then Hyatt at Olive 8. If this is a luxury family trip, I would compare Four Seasons and Hyatt at Olive 8 carefully. Four Seasons has the better pool and location. Hyatt at Olive 8 is often more practical and easier to justify.

Best Indoor Pools in Seattle Hotels

Hyatt at Olive 8: Best indoor pool for actual pool quality and central location.
Fairmont Olympic: Best indoor pool for classic hotel atmosphere.
Sheraton Grand Seattle: Best indoor pool with city views.
Residence Inn Seattle Downtown/Lake Union: Best practical indoor pool for families and longer stays.
Embassy Suites Pioneer Square: Best indoor pool for sports and suite-focused family stays.

Indoor pools are the safer bet in Seattle. Even in summer, mornings can be cool, evenings can be breezy, and rain is always possible outside July and August. For December and January trips, I would strongly favor indoor pools unless you are splurging on the Four Seasons.

Best Pool Hotels Near Pike Place Market and Downtown

Four Seasons Hotel Seattle: Best pool hotel near Pike Place and the Waterfront.
Fairmont Olympic: Best classic Downtown luxury pool hotel within walking distance of Pike Place.
Hyatt at Olive 8: Best practical indoor pool hotel near Westlake and the Convention Center.
Sheraton Grand Seattle: Best large central Downtown pool hotel.
Westin Seattle: Best pool hotel for Monorail and light rail convenience.

If you are coming to Seattle for the first time, this is the pool-hotel zone I would focus on. You can walk to Pike Place, use the Monorail to Seattle Center, take light rail from the airport, and avoid the hassle of parking.

Best Pool Hotels Near Seattle Center

Seattle Center is good for families, the Space Needle, Chihuly Garden and Glass, MoPOP, Pacific Science Center, Climate Pledge Arena, and the Monorail. But it is not loaded with great pool hotels.

If you want to be near Seattle Center, I would usually do one of two things:

Stay near Seattle Center without a pool and prioritize location, room setup, and walkability.
Stay near Westlake or South Lake Union with a pool and use the Monorail, streetcar, taxi, or rideshare to reach Seattle Center.

Best nearby pool compromises:

Westin Seattle: Near Westlake Monorail, easy to Seattle Center.
Hyatt at Olive 8: Strong indoor pool and easy Monorail access from Westlake.
Residence Inn Seattle Downtown/Lake Union: Good family setup between South Lake Union and Seattle Center areas.

For more location-specific advice, see my guides to Seattle Center hotels and South Lake Union hotels.

Best Pool Hotels Near South Lake Union

South Lake Union is one of the better areas for practical family pool hotels. It is not as charming as Pike Place or as scenic as the Waterfront, but it is clean, modern, and useful.

Residence Inn Seattle Downtown/Lake Union: Best family pool hotel in the area.
Hilton Garden Inn Seattle Downtown: Practical indoor pool option on the Downtown/South Lake Union edge.
Hyatt at Olive 8: Not really South Lake Union, but close enough for many visitors and better for sightseeing.

South Lake Union works best if you want space, newer hotels, easy rideshares, Lake Union activities, Amazon-area convenience, or a calmer base than Downtown. It is less ideal if your dream Seattle stay is walking out the door into Pike Place Market.

Pool Quality vs Location: How to Choose

This is the key decision for Seattle.

First-time visitors: Choose location first. Pike Place, Downtown, Waterfront, Belltown, and Westlake usually beat a better pool in a weaker location.
Families with young kids: A pool can matter a lot. I would still avoid bad logistics, but a suite hotel with an indoor pool can be worth being slightly less central.
Winter travelers: Indoor pool hotels get more valuable in December, January, and February.
Luxury travelers: The pool can be part of the experience. Four Seasons and Fairmont Olympic are worth considering for the pool alone.
Cruise passengers: Do not over-prioritize the pool for a one-night stay. Location, pier transfer, luggage, and breakfast matter more.
Travelers with a car: Check parking before booking. A cheaper pool hotel can become expensive fast once parking is included.

My rule: for one or two nights, choose the better location; for three or more nights with kids, the pool and room setup matter more.

What to Confirm Before Booking a Seattle Pool Hotel

Hotel pool information changes more often than travelers expect. Before booking, confirm the details that matter to your trip.

Is the pool actually open? Maintenance closures happen.
Is it indoor or outdoor? Outdoor pools can still be heated, but indoor is safer for winter and rainy days.
What are the pool hours? Some pools close earlier than families expect.
Are there adult-only hours? This can be good for couples but annoying for families.
Is there a hot tub? Many parents care about the hot tub more than the pool.
Is the pool good for kids or more of a lap pool? Some Seattle pools are better for swimming than splashing.
Is access included in the room rate? It usually is, but spa-style amenities can have restrictions.
Are day passes sold? This can make a pool busier at certain times.
Is the pool area easy to reach from the room? This matters with kids, wet hair, and winter coats.
What is the parking cost? Always include parking in your total hotel comparison.

Family Logistics: What Matters More Than the Pool

I love a good pool for a family Seattle trip, but it is rarely the only thing that matters. A hotel with a pool and bad logistics can still make the trip harder.

For families, I would prioritize:

Room size: Seattle hotel rooms can feel small with kids, bags, stroller, and wet jackets.
Two beds or a real suite: Do not assume a sofa bed is equal to a second bed.
Breakfast: Residence Inn, Embassy Suites, Hampton, and some suite hotels can save money and morning stress.
Fridge or kitchenette: Very useful for Pike Place snacks, leftovers, milk, and early breakfasts.
Laundry: Helpful for longer stays, especially in rainy months.
Nearby casual restaurants: After a pool swim, you do not want a complicated dinner plan.
Transit access: Westlake for Monorail and light rail is especially useful.
Safe-feeling evening walks: The exact block matters more than the neighborhood name.

For more family-specific picks, see my guide to best Seattle family hotels.

Hotels Without Pools That Are Still Better for Many Visitors

Do not book a pool hotel automatically. Some of Seattle’s best hotels do not have pools, and I would choose them over a pool hotel for many trips.

Inn at the Market: No pool, but one of the best locations in Seattle, right at Pike Place Market.
The State Hotel: No pool, but great Pike Place location and strong Seattle feel.
Hotel Ändra: No pool, but excellent Belltown/Downtown location near restaurants and Pike Place.
The Edgewater: No pool, but unbeatable over-the-water Seattle atmosphere.
Ace Hotel: No pool, but a good Belltown choice for travelers who care more about neighborhood and value than amenities.

This is where Seattle is different from many warm-weather destinations. A hotel without a pool can still be the better hotel for the trip if it puts you in the right neighborhood.

For my overall rankings, see best hotels in Seattle. For neighborhood strategy, see where to stay in Seattle.

Best Seattle Pool Hotel Areas

Downtown and Westlake

Downtown and Westlake are the best areas for most visitors who want a pool and easy sightseeing. You can walk to Pike Place, use light rail to the airport, take the Monorail to Seattle Center, and avoid renting a car.

Best pool hotels here:

Hyatt at Olive 8
Sheraton Grand Seattle
Westin Seattle
Fairmont Olympic
Hilton Garden Inn Seattle Downtown

Best for: first-time visitors, families, convention travelers, car-free trips, rainy-day stays.

Pike Place and Waterfront

This is the best Seattle visitor area overall, but there are fewer pool hotels. Four Seasons is the standout. If the Four Seasons is too expensive, I would often choose a no-pool Pike Place hotel over a mediocre pool hotel somewhere else.

Best pool hotel here:

Four Seasons Hotel Seattle

Best no-pool alternatives:

Inn at the Market
The State Hotel
The Edgewater

Best for: first-time visitors, couples, luxury travelers, Waterfront stays, Pike Place-focused trips.

South Lake Union and Lake Union

South Lake Union is practical, modern, and good for families who want space. It is not my favorite area for classic Seattle atmosphere, but it works well when you want suites, newer hotels, and easier logistics.

Best pool hotels here:

Residence Inn Seattle Downtown/Lake Union
Hilton Garden Inn Seattle Downtown

Best for: families, longer stays, Amazon-area trips, Lake Union activities, medical visits, travelers who do not mind using rideshares.

Seattle Center and Lower Queen Anne

Seattle Center is great for families, but the pool hotel selection is weak. I would usually stay in this area for the location or stay closer to Westlake/South Lake Union if the pool is important.

Best nearby pool hotels:

Westin Seattle
Hyatt at Olive 8
Residence Inn Seattle Downtown/Lake Union

Best for: families visiting the Space Needle, MoPOP, Chihuly, Pacific Science Center, Climate Pledge Arena, and Seattle Center events.

Pioneer Square and Stadium District

Pioneer Square is best when you have a specific reason to stay there: sports, Amtrak, stadium events, or a short stay tied to the south end of Downtown. Embassy Suites is the main pool hotel to consider.

Best pool hotel here:

Embassy Suites by Hilton Seattle Downtown Pioneer Square

Best for: Mariners, Seahawks, Sounders, Amtrak, families wanting suites and breakfast.

Not best for: soft first-time Seattle stays, Pike Place-focused trips, travelers who are uneasy with rougher urban blocks.

Seattle Pool Hotels in Winter

A pool matters more in winter. December and January are dark, damp, and early-sunset months. You can still have a great Seattle trip, but you need indoor options.

For winter, I would prioritize:

Indoor pool over outdoor pool unless staying at Four Seasons.
Easy restaurants nearby so dinner does not become a cold, wet project.
Short walks or easy transit to museums and attractions.
Room comfort because you may spend more time at the hotel than you would in summer.

Best winter pool hotels:

Hyatt at Olive 8
Fairmont Olympic
Sheraton Grand Seattle
Residence Inn Seattle Downtown/Lake Union
Embassy Suites Pioneer Square

For seasonal planning, see Seattle in December and Seattle in January.

Seattle Pool Hotels for Cruise Passengers

For a one-night pre-cruise stay, I would not make the pool the main priority. Choose based on pier logistics, airport arrival time, luggage, breakfast, and what you want to do that evening.

Pier 66 cruise passengers: Four Seasons, Westin, Hyatt at Olive 8, Sheraton, and Fairmont are all workable. Four Seasons is closest to the Waterfront experience.
Pier 91 cruise passengers: No central hotel is walkable to Pier 91 with luggage. Choose the hotel you like, then take a taxi or rideshare.
Families before a cruise: Residence Inn Lake Union and Embassy Suites can be useful because of suites and breakfast, but compare transfer logistics.
Late airport arrivals: Do not overpay for a pool you will not use. Book the best logistics.

For most cruise passengers, the pool is a bonus. The real priorities are sleep, luggage, breakfast, and a simple transfer to the pier.

FAQ: Seattle Hotels with Pools

Are there many hotels with pools in Seattle?

No. Seattle has some good hotel pools, but it is not a pool-heavy hotel city. The best options are mostly Downtown, near Westlake, in South Lake Union, or at a few practical family/suite hotels outside the core.

What is the best Seattle hotel pool?

The best Seattle hotel pool is at Four Seasons Hotel Seattle. It has the city’s best combination of pool quality, views, luxury service, and location near Pike Place Market and the Waterfront.

What is the best indoor pool hotel in Seattle?

Hyatt at Olive 8 is my top indoor pool pick. Fairmont Olympic, Sheraton Grand Seattle, Westin Seattle, Residence Inn Lake Union, and Embassy Suites Pioneer Square are also good indoor pool options depending on your location and room needs.

What is the best Seattle pool hotel for families?

Residence Inn Seattle Downtown/Lake Union is the most practical family pool hotel because of the indoor pool, suite-style rooms, breakfast, and South Lake Union location. Hyatt at Olive 8 is better if you want to be more central.

What is the best pool hotel near Pike Place Market?

Four Seasons Hotel Seattle is the best pool hotel near Pike Place Market. If it is too expensive, I would compare central indoor-pool hotels like Hyatt at Olive 8, Sheraton Grand, Westin, and Fairmont Olympic, or choose a better-located no-pool hotel like Inn at the Market.

Are there Seattle hotels with outdoor pools?

Yes, but outdoor hotel pools are uncommon in central Seattle. Four Seasons Hotel Seattle is the standout outdoor heated pool hotel and the only one I would strongly recommend for the outdoor pool experience.

Should I choose a Seattle hotel just because it has a pool?

Usually no. Choose a good neighborhood first, especially for a short trip. A pool matters most for families, winter stays, longer visits, and luxury trips. For first-time visitors, location usually matters more.

Are hotel pools useful in Seattle in winter?

Yes, especially indoor pools. In December and January, an indoor pool can be a great backup plan for kids and a nice way to end a rainy sightseeing day.

Do Seattle hotel pools usually have hot tubs?

Some do, some do not. Fairmont Olympic and Four Seasons are good examples where the hot tub is part of the appeal. Always confirm current pool and hot tub details before booking.

Is South Lake Union a good area for a pool hotel?

Yes, especially for families and longer stays. South Lake Union has practical hotels, larger room setups, and easier logistics than some parts of Downtown. The tradeoff is that it feels more modern and less classic than Pike Place or the Waterfront.

Is it worth staying outside Downtown for a better pool?

Only sometimes. If you are staying several nights with kids, visiting family, or need North Seattle, a hotel like Staybridge Suites Fremont or Hampton Northgate can make sense. For a first-time sightseeing trip, I would usually stay central.

Bottom Line

For most visitors, the best Seattle pool hotel is the one that balances pool, location, room setup, and transportation. Do not chase a pool so far from the action that every museum, dinner, and market visit becomes a taxi ride.

If money is no object, stay at the Four Seasons. If you want the best indoor pool with a central location, stay at Hyatt at Olive 8. If you want classic luxury, choose the Fairmont Olympic. If you are traveling with kids and want space, breakfast, and an indoor pool, choose Residence Inn Seattle Downtown/Lake Union. If you are here for a game, Embassy Suites Pioneer Square makes a lot of sense.

For a first-time Seattle trip, I would still start with location. But when the weather is wet, the kids are tired, and everyone needs an easy hour before dinner, a good hotel pool can be exactly what saves the day.

SeattleDave.com