In a nutshell
- What to expect in this article: We tell it like it is — we only show you the neighborhoods and hotels in Seattle where we’d actually want to stay ourselves.
- Hotels in Seattle are simply expensive, like in most cities on the US West Coast. Prices start at $150 per night during peak season.
- The most affordable time to visit Seattle is during the winter months of November, January, and February.
- Spend a little more on a centrally located hotel and save yourself time. We recommend the Downtown, Belltown, and South Lake Union neighborhoods.
- Our 3 quick picks for the best hotels in Seattle: the CitizenM in Downtown, the Belltown Inn in Belltown, and the Moxy in South Lake Union.
The Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Seattle
We want to make finding a hotel in Seattle as easy as possible for you. So let’s start with a quick overview to give you a feel for the city.
These are the three Seattle neighborhoods we recommend for your stay:
- Downtown: great for your first trip to Seattle.
- Belltown: the nightlife district with plenty of restaurants and cafés.
- South Lake Union: a more upscale neighborhood for those who prefer a quieter vibe.
Yes, we know that Belltown is technically part of Downtown. But we think Belltown has a different atmosphere from the rest of Downtown, which is why we’re listing it as its own neighborhood.
The Best Seattle Neighborhoods on a Map
Staying in Downtown
A hotel in Downtown Seattle is ideal if it’s your first time in the city and you want to be as centrally located as possible.
Downtown Seattle is the heart of the city. The towering skyscrapers will definitely give you that big-city feeling.
In Downtown, you can reach almost everything on foot, and the infrastructure is excellent: hotels, restaurants, shopping — basically everything you need. In the evenings, the waterfront is a great spot to explore.
Downtown is the best base for sightseeing, as many top attractions in Seattle — like the Central Library, Pike Place Market, Pioneer Square, Smith Tower, and the Seattle Art Museum — are right nearby.
And if you want to venture into a neighborhood a bit farther out, Downtown offers excellent public transit connections to get you anywhere in the city.
Advantages of staying in Downtown Seattle:
- close to many top attractions
- almost everything within walking distance
- great selection of restaurants and hotels
Disadvantages of staying in Downtown Seattle:
- typical city noise
- very crowded streets
- hotels are expensive
Our Hotel Picks for Downtown
Better
Luxurious
Staying in Belltown
Belltown is the right neighborhood for you if you want to do plenty of dining and going out alongside your sightseeing.
Modern, hip, and full of energy — Belltown is Seattle’s nightlife and scene neighborhood.
There are an incredible number of cool cafés, restaurants, bars, and clubs. Belltown is known as the hipster neighborhood, but anyone who’s into coffee culture, nightlife, or just wants to wander the city will feel right at home here.
Especially in the summer, there are also lots of open-air concerts happening here.
Because Belltown sits right next to Downtown, you’re super close to the city center. Plus, you’re actually closer to the Space Needle — Seattle’s iconic landmark — than you would be staying in Downtown.
Another plus: Belltown also has some of the more affordable hotels in Seattle.
Advantages of staying in Belltown:
- lots of cafés, restaurants, and bars
- close to the Space Needle
- more affordable accommodations
Disadvantages of staying in Belltown:
- very touristy
Our Hotel Picks for Belltown
Good and affordable
Better
Luxurious
Staying in South Lake Union
A hotel in South Lake Union is our pick for anyone who prefers a quieter pace and is looking for particularly beautiful places to stay.
South Lake Union sits just above Downtown and is perfect if you’d rather not be right in the noisy, crowded city center. The neighborhood is quiet and very safe.
In our opinion, the real draw here is the beautiful location right on Lake Union. You can get out on the water or stroll along the promenade right from your doorstep.
And yet, you’re just a short streetcar ride from the city center.
South Lake Union has something of a neat, suburban feel. At the same time, it’s highly modern — several tech giants, including Amazon, are headquartered here.
We also especially recommend South Lake Union for families with children.
Advantages of staying in South Lake Union:
- peace and fewer crowds
- beautiful location on Lake Union
- safe and family-friendly
Disadvantages of staying in South Lake Union:
- a bit removed from the city center
- hotels are expensive
- fewer nightlife options
