Seattle Hotels

Seattle offers a diverse range of hotels to suit every traveler's needs, from luxurious waterfront retreats to budget-friendly options. Whether you're looking for the best hotels in Seattle or simply seeking a cheap hotel in Seattle, the city has something for everyone. From historic boutique hotels like Hotel Ballard to modern luxury hotels like The Edgewater, each hotel offers a unique experience. The Thompson Seattle provides chic accommodations with stunning views of Elliott Bay, while the Fairmont Olympic Hotel offers timeless elegance and exceptional service. Budget travelers can find comfortable options at places like the Green Tortoise Hostel or the Silver Cloud Hotel, ensuring a pleasant stay regardless of budget.

Seemingly supporting a verdant coat of green which pervades the city every time of the year due to the numerous evergreen trees, Seattle is often referred to as the Emerald City. Such wonderful colors is helpful to the city that has a variety of accommodations and enrich the stay of tourists. Most of these hotels are situated in strategic areas, which afford travelers excellent opportunities to tour Seattle’s thriving nightlife, shopping, and culinary activities. As a business or leisure traveler, the options of the hotels, ranging from classic and antique hotels and motels to more luxurious four-diamond and five-diamond hotels make for an unforgettable experience in this gorgeous city.

Things to Know Before Going to Seattle

• Seattle's rain is more of a mist, so a raincoat and waterproof shoes are more practical than an umbrella.
• Rideshare apps can be expensive, so consider public transit options like the Link Light Rail for more cost-effective travel.
• Seattle's city center has steep streets due to its history of rebuilding over ruins.
• While it's a popular tourist attraction, other observation decks like the Smith Tower Observatory and Sky View Observatory offer similar views at a lower cost.
• Many homes and small businesses don't have AC, so it's essential to check if your accommodations have it, especially during heatwaves.
• Seattle has a comprehensive public transit system, including buses, light rail, monorail, streetcars, water taxis, and ferries.
• Many parks, businesses, and public spaces welcome dogs, making it a great city to travel with your pet.
• You can experience the unique character of different neighborhoods like Georgetown, West Seattle, and Ballard.
• Locals are friendly, and there's no need to worry about unfriendliness.
• Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas like Pike Place Market, and keep valuables secure.
• Walking shoes are a better choice than a car to explore Seattle.
• Seattle's summers are mild due to the Pacific Ocean's cool breeze, but still pack a light jacket for cooler evenings.

Where is Seattle?

Seattle is a seaport city of Washington located on the West Coast of the United States, situated on an isthmus between Puget Sound, an inlet of the Pacific Ocean, and Lake Washington.

Where to Stay in Seattle?

Here’s a quick table of which areas in Seattle are great for tourists:

Best Hotels in Seattle 

Seattle hotels offer a blend of luxury and convenience, providing exceptional services and amenities for your trip to be more comfortable. Even though luxury hotels in Seattle may make you break the bank, they will be worth every penny thanks to their services. However, there are always mid-range and budget hotels in Seattle to enhance your days and make your city tour seamless. Tailored for everyone, finding what kind of accommodation you want won’t be hard as you think. Now, here are some of the best hotels in Seattle we recommend and why:

Best Seattle Attractions

• Space Needle: A 605-foot-tall structure built for the 1962 World’s Fair, offering views of Elliott Bay, the Cascade Mountains, and Mount Rainier.
• Seattle Center Monorail: A historic landmark connecting Seattle Center to downtown’s Westlake Center.
• Museum of Pop Culture: A museum covering music, science fiction, and pop culture, featuring exhibits on Nirvana, the Seahawks, and more.
• Pacific Science Center: A family-friendly museum with interactive exhibits on science and technology.
• Chihuly Garden and Glass: A museum showcasing the work of glassblower Dale Chihuly, including a 100-foot-long sculpture in a glasshouse.
• Pacific Northwest Ballet: A world-renowned dance company performing classical and modern shows at Seattle Center’s McCaw Hall.
• Pike Place Market: A historic market with local artisans, street performers, and iconic sights like the gum wall.
• Seattle Art Museum (SAM): The city’s largest museum, featuring a diverse collection of artwork across multiple eras and regions.
• Olympic Sculpture Park: An outdoor extension of SAM, open to the public for free.
• Seattle Central Library: A unique library with an architecturally distinct structure and a light-filled reading room.

Is Seattle Safe for Tourists?

In 2023, Americans rated Seattle as one of the top three safest cities in the US. Making the city a safe place to walk around at night, safe for solo travelers, and families. However, it’s still better to watch your surroundings as pickpocketing can occur anywhere in the world.

Is Seattle Expensive to Visit?

Seattle is one of the most expensive cities in the USA. Compared to NYC, which is considered the most expensive city in America, almost everything except housing is more expensive. In fact, many people claim that when you’re traveling in Seattle, many places will seem cheaper. However, budgeting is still possible as long as you find a cheap Seattle hotel and don’t overextend your pocket.

Currency & Exchange in Seattle

Being part of the USA, the US dollar is Seattle's official currency. You can exchange currency with many services throughout the city. Currency Exchange International (CXI) claims to have better rates than local banks and airports. Banks, on the other hand, may require an account to exchange and may be limited. Avoid exchanging currency at airports at all costs!

Spoken Languages in Seattle

English is the predominant language spoken in Seattle, serving as the primary language of instruction, business, and daily communication. Spanish is the second most widely spoken language in Seattle. Chinese, Tagalog, Vietnamese, Korean, Russian, Hindi, and Japanese speakers can also be found in the city.

How Many Days Are Enough to Visit Seattle?

Generally, 2-3 days are enough to see all the main highlights of Seattle. If you’d like to stay longer, you can explore the hidden corners of the city after the third day and discover hidden gems.

When is the Best Time to Stay in Seattle?

Generally, spring (April-May) and fall (September-November) are the best time to visit Seattle. As summer is the peak season with higher rates and more crowds, you may get overwhelmed and budgeting may be harder. If you’d like colder weather, winter can be ideal but your trip may be limited. Here’s the breakdown of seasons and the best time to travel to Seattle:

What to Pack for Seattle Trip?

• Summer (June to August)
  • Shorts and T-shirts for warm weather
  • Lightweight layers for cooler evenings
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Swimwear for water activities
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Water bottle
  • Miscellaneous:
  • Portable charger
  • Reusable shopping bags
  • Umbrella (optional)
• Spring and Fall (March to May and September to November)
  • Layers for unpredictable weather (fleeces, vests, waterproof jackets)
  • Waterproof shoes or boots
  • Waterproof pants for hiking
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Hair tie for wind
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Water bottle
  • Miscellaneous:
  • Portable charger
  • Reusable shopping bags
  • Rain jacket
  • Waterproof backpack or daypack
• Winter (December to February)
  • Warm layers (fleeces, sweaters, waterproof jackets)
  • Waterproof shoes or boots
  • Waterproof pants for hiking
  • Warm socks and gloves
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Water bottle
  • Miscellaneous:
  • Portable charger
  • Reusable shopping bags
  • Waterproof backpack or daypack
  • Waterproof camera case

What to Eat in Seattle?

Seattle is a city that has a wide variety of foods available for when it comes to deliciousness. Here are some of the popular foods in Seattle and where you should eat them:

• Oysters: Seattle offers a wide variety of seafood including fresh oysters exported from the Pacific. Check them out at The Walrus and the Carpenter, Taylor Shellfish, or at Ballard Annex Oyster House.
• Salmon: Another popular food which is available in many restaurants and markets in Seattle. These include Market Grill, Ray’s Boathouse, Ivar’s Salmon House and Chinooks.
• Pho: Vietnamese people are a part of the population in Seattle and Pho would be categorized as an easy food. You can taste it in Pho 99 Authentic Vietnamese, Ba Bar, Meekong Bar, Pho Bac or Pho Lily.
• Sushi: Seattle has a lot of sushi bars, which can be cheap or very costly depending on where you eat. One can go to Shiro’s Sushi Restaurant, Sushi Kappo Tamura, By Tae, Sushi Kashiba, or Maneki.
• Chicken Teriyaki: This is the local favorite dish that comes with a side order of vegetables; it has a Japanese flair to it. It can be tried in Toshi’s Teriyaki Grill or any other Japanese restaurant.
• Coffee: Seattle is actually the birthplace of Starbucks, however, there are many independent cafes to try. Go to Herkimer Coffee, Sound and Fog or Elm Coffee Roasters for another kind of coffee.
• Dutch Baby: This fluffy, custardy pancake is what people get whenever they order pancakes in Seattle. Better still have it at Tilikum Place Café or any other food joint within the area.
• Curry Beef Hom Bow: Not to mention this delicious looking curry beef filled Chinese bao! It is available at Mee Sum Pastry in pike Place Market.
• Geoduck Sashimi: This is a seafood dish that is common in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. You can try it at Taylor Shellfish and in other restaurants nearby.
• Lasagna: If you’re in Seattle and craving some Italian food then check out The Pink Door’s take on lasagna!

Seattle Nightlife

Seattle is known for its vibrant nightlife scene, offering a diverse range of activities and venues to suit various tastes and preferences. Here are some of the best nightlife spots and experiences in Seattle:

Visit local favorites like Stoup, Fremont, Elysian, Old Stove, Pike, and Rueben’s for a laid-back beer experience.

Flatstick Pub offers indoor mini-golf and local brews.

Enjoy the views at Gasworks Park, Alki Beach, and Golden Gardens, which often host outdoor concerts and events.

Visit the Kraken Arena for a variety of events and performances.

Ascend Prime Steak & Sushi is for to enjoy a high-end dining experience with a unique cocktail menu.

Laugh out loud at improv theaters or comedy clubs like CSz Seattle, Comedy Underground, and Laughs Comedy Club.

Explore local breweries like Pike Place Market, Elysian Brewing Company, Holy Mountain Brewing Company, and Cloudburst Brewery.

Catch opera shows, Broadway performances, and more at venues like Seattle Opera, Paramount Seattle, and 5th Avenue Theatre.