The Best South Lake Union Hotels

See Also

• Where to Stay in Seattle

My room at the 1 Hotel – the best hotel in South Lake Union but still only a 15-minute walk to downtown Seattle and Pike Place Market.

6 Things to Know Before Booking in South Lake Union

• The Vibe (Modern vs. Historic): This is “New Seattle.” If you are looking for cobblestones and historic charm, this isn’t it. South Lake Union is dominated by Amazon headquarters, meaning the streets are wide, clean, and safe, and the hotels (like Astra and Level) are modern high-rises with AC and floor-to-ceiling windows. It is the best neighborhood if you want to avoid downtown’s “grit” while staying central.
• Transportation (The Streetcar): The South Lake Union Streetcar (yes, locals call it the “SLUT”) is your best friend. It runs a loop from the lakefront to Westlake Center (downtown retail core) every 10–15 minutes. It bridges the gap between your hotel and the main sightseeing hub, so you don’t have to walk 15 minutes in the rain.
• Airport Logistics (The “Last Mile” Problem): The Link Light Rail from the airport does not stop in South Lake Union. It stops at Westlake Station downtown (1 mile away). From there, you must transfer to the Streetcar or walk 15 minutes to reach your hotel. If you have heavy luggage, I strongly recommend taking an Uber/Taxi directly from the airport ($60) to avoid this hassle.
• Walkable to Space Needle: One of the biggest perks of SLU is that it’s walking distance to Seattle Center, the Space Needle, Chihuly Garden and Glass, and Climate Pledge Arena in 10–15 minutes on relatively flat ground – a much easier walk than hiking over from downtown or the waterfront.
• Dining Patterns (The “Amazon Effect”): Because this is a tech hub, the restaurant scene is geared heavily toward office workers. Lunch and Happy Hour (4–7 pm) are bustling and vibrant. However, late-night dining (after 9 pm) can be quieter than in Capitol Hill or Belltown. Plan your dinners accordingly.
• Lake Life is Real: You are staying next to a working lake. Take advantage of it. The Center for Wooden Boats offers free Sunday sails, and Kenmore Air departs right from the water for scenic seaplane tours. It is the only neighborhood where you can watch seaplanes land while eating tacos at a waterfront restaurant (like Duke’s or White Swan).

Hotels on Map: Silver Cloud Lake Union • Courtyard Seattle South Lake Union • Residence Inn Lake Union • MOXY • Astra • Level • 1 Hotel

Astra – another great hotel in South Lake Union.