See Also
The new Pier 58 Playground on the revitalized Seattle Waterfront, with the downtown skyline rising behind it.
Hotels on Map: The Edgewater • Marriott Waterfront • The Four Seasons • Alexis (Royal Sonesta)
Note: The Four Seasons and Alexis are not located directly on the waterfront, but sit just one block up on 1st Avenue. They offer the best of both worlds: easy access to the piers via nearby walkways and immediate proximity to downtown dining.
Our room at The Edgewater – the best hotel on the Seattle waterfront.
6 Things to Know Before Booking on the Waterfront
- The “Vertical” Reality: The waterfront sits at sea level, while Pike Place Market and the rest of downtown sit on a steep bluff above it. To get from your hotel to the city, you have to go up. Pro Tip: Save your legs by using the public elevators in the Pike Place Hillclimb, the new Overlook Walk, or the elevator inside the Marriott Waterfront (accessible to the public) to bridge the gap.
- “On” vs. “Near” the Water: It is important to understand the layout. The Edgewater is the only hotel located directly on a pier over the water. The Marriott Waterfront is across the street from the water. The Four Seasons and Alexis are located one block “up” on 1st Avenue; they offer incredible convenience and views, but you are technically staying in the city, not on the boardwalk.
- The Train Noise Factor: BNSF freight trains run parallel to the shoreline along Alaskan Way 24/7. If you are staying at the Marriott Waterfront or in a city-facing room at The Edgewater, you will hear the rumble and whistles. I strongly recommend paying for a “Water View” room at these properties – not just for the scenery, but to put the building between you and the tracks.
- Airport Transport (Skip the Light Rail): Unless you are staying at the Alexis (walkable from Pioneer Square Station) or the Four Seasons (an easy downhill walk from Symphony Station), I advise against taking the Link Light Rail to waterfront hotels. For the hotels actually on the water (Edgewater, Marriott), the walk from the train involves dragging luggage down steep hills, stairs, or elevators. An Uber/Taxi ($55–$75) drops you right at the door and is the best option for most travelers.
- Cruise Terminal Advantage: If you are sailing on Norwegian or Oceania, this is the best place to stay. Pier 66 is located right on the waterfront, walkable from the Edgewater and Marriott. If you are sailing out of Pier 91 (Royal Caribbean, Carnival), you are still in a great location, but you will need a 15-minute Uber ride to get to the terminal.
- Dining Strategy: Restaurants on the pier level (Alaskan Way) pay for the view, and the prices reflect that. While places like The Crab Pot are fun for tourists, the food is generally much better and cheaper just one block up on 1st Avenue or in Pike Place Market. Drink on the waterfront; eat up the hill.