One of the world’s most progressive cities also has a fine collection of places to stay, from many trips here are my favorite spots in the city…
1. Thompson Hotel
This large design hotel really has the wow-factor! It has a sleek, contemporary design with a striking glass façade that has beautiful views of Puget Sound, I loved its striking interiors too which mixed mid-century modern like hardwood floors and floor-to-ceiling windows with carefully curated artwork and had an upscale and sophisticated vibe.
My hypoallergenic guest room (a Deluxe King Room with Water View)Â came with a chic boutique design, floor-to-ceiling windows with superb water views, luxurious bedding (very lush 400 thread count SFERRA linens!), a large rainfall shower, mid-century modern furnishings, and curated honesty bar.
I also discovered a farm-to-table restaurant, the Conversation Kitchen & Bar, their trendy rooftop bar ‘The Nest’, a cocktail lounge, a modern fitness centre and a superb buffet breakfast. I loved its pet friendly policies and its excellent downtown location near the waterfront and iconic Pike Place Market.Â
My favorite highlights…Â
- Dining at their stylish Conversation Kitchen & Bar which had a varied menu featuring fresh local produce. I opted for the Forest Mushroom Bisque, which was topped with smoked pimenton cream and crunchy cashews – a very a hearty and comforting dish!Â
2. Palihotel
I thought was a stylish gem of a place! It’s a charming boutique which has wonderfully eclectic decor mixing contemporary style with vintage-inspired decor, bold colour palettes and custom furnishings. The result is a laid-back but sophisticated boutique which has a playful feel.
My guest room (a Queen Room) came with strong green decor, luxurious Bellino linens, a sleek marble bathroom complete with Diptyque amenities, a Nespresso machine, a trendy SMEG mini fridge, a fully stocked minibar and a large rain shower.Â
I also was won over by the trendy The Hart and The Hunter restaurant, cozy lobby lounge, cute coffee bar, and fine downtown location across the road from the famous Pike Place Market.
My personal highlights…Â
- I loved the calendar of fun events it hosted every night of the week – I especially loved the Martini Thursdays where I enjoyed a frosty gin for just $5!Â
3. Graduate
This is a stunning and unique, Art-Deco inspired boutique! Inside I found wonderful vintage quirky charm mixed with a playful university-themed decor – there were retro furnishings, bold patterns, and collegiate-inspired details. I loved the nostalgic yet youthful and lively atmosphere which suited its buzzy University District location.
My guest room (a King Room) came with its signature Art Deco and university-inspired decor with an extra-large double bed, interesting art, large windows with scenic views, air con and a soaking tub.
I also discovered an amazing rooftop bar, cheerfully named the Mountaineering Club because of the breathtaking views, a 24-hour fitness center, bicycle rentals, pet-friendly policies, and on-site dining options. Â
My highlights…Â
- Going for cocktails and inventive campsite-inspired bites at the stunning rustic-chic rooftop bar, The Mountaineering Club Hot – I opted for ‘Hot Chockablock’ which the additions of hemp milk and vegan marshmallows made it very unique!
4. MOXY DowntownÂ
This is a fun and funky hotel with a youthful, upbeat energy! I was a big fan of its playful, industrial-chic design which came with modern comforts, open-plan social spaces, eclectic retro-styled furniture, colorful murals and industrial-chic style exposed concrete and piping!Â
My guest room (a King) was compact but with their signature quirky design (I especially loved the colorful vintage telephone!), an extra large bed with comfy bedding, LED lighting, wall-mounted smart TVs, a large rain showers, air con, and clever storage solutions.
I also really enjoyed the trendy lobby bar which featured a cozy fireplace backed by book-lined shelves, the very handy 24/7 grab-and-go dining options, a well-equipped fitness center, pet-friendly policies and lively Downtown location.
My personal highlights…
- I really liked the personal touches it offered! For example I was greeted at the contactless check-in with a complimentary welcoming tropical cocktail (there was also a mocktail option for the non-drinkers)!Â
5. Inn at The Market
This is a charming boutique hotel located in a fabulous central location! Located directly inside the world-famous Pike Place Market, I loved that it felt like a serene retreat with floor-to-ceiling bay windows offering beautiful views of both Elliott Bay and Pike Place Market and a contemporary Pacific Northwest design mixed with classic design features.
My room (a king room) was spacious and with a bright retro-style and had partial views of Elliott Bay through huge windows. It also had an extra large custom-made bed with Sferra linens, a flat-screen TV complete with video games and cable channels, a Keurig coffee maker, an iPod/smartphone dock, and in-room massage treatments (for an extra fee).
I also discovered the rooftop deck which had breathtaking panoramic views of Olympic Mountains and Elliott Bay and a zen-like ivy-covered courtyard. In keep with its surroundings it was also a foodie paradise with no less than four on-site dining options; Café Campagne offered French classics, Bacco Café served up fresh breakfast and lunch options, Chan was filled with modern Korean fare, and Sushi Kashiba had exceptional sushi!Â
My highlights…Â
- My breakfast, which was served in the cozy Bacco Cafe, was exceptional! The cafe had a varied menu focused on local and organic produce and I opted for one of their ‘Extraordinary’ options! It was a good choice, the breakfast twist on ratatouille with eggplant, onions and garlic was divine!Â
6. Lotte Hotel
This is a sophisticated upscale boutique hotel! Inside I found a chic, contemporary design with some impressive classic details such as floor-to-ceiling windows, rich marble finishes, and subtle art deco influences. It felt luxurious but still warm and welcoming!
My guest room (a deluxe king room) was spacious with a soothing boutique design (I loved the orange wing-back chairs!) and featured floor-to-ceiling windows with superb views of the city skyline, a luxurious marble bathroom complete with a large rain shower, and huge mirrors.Â
I also loved the buzzy downtown location, the modern full-service spa complete with sauna and steam room, the 24-hour fitness center, and dining on creative Pacific Northwest cuisine in the Charlotte Restaurant & Lounge located on the 16th floor while gazing at beautiful views of the Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains.
• To book, check prices or availability for the Lotte Hotel
My personal highlights…
- Going for a Signature Gua Sha Facial at the luxury spa which was located on the third floor. I was fascinated how it used ancient Chinese therapies to help combat the early signs of ageing, and then this was rounded off with a collagen-boosting LED red light session!
7. The Ace
This quirky and creative boutique is perfect for hipsters! It has a retro-inspired minimalist design with fun, eclectic details and original artwork, vintage furnishings, and high ceilings. I really liked the vibe which was trendy and sociable but also laid back and and not too intimidating.Â
My hypoallergenic guest room (a deluxe room) was spacious and featured high ceilings and painted exposed brick walls and hardwood floor and a very creative eclectic design (I loved the original Shepard Fairey artwork!). It also came with a private bathroom and complimentary Rudy’s hair and body products.
I was also won over by its equally hipster-friendly Belltown neighborhood location, its pet-friendly policies, access to the on-site Cyclops Café and Panther Room bar and a communal kitchen which came with a free breakfast!Â
My personal highlights…Â
- I loved how they took retro them very seriously such as the vintage record player in my room complete with a box of vinyls – in homage to the city I was staying in, I played the Soundgarden, Nirvana, and Pearl Jam records I found!
8. citizenM South Lake Union
In my opinion, this modern and funky hotel located downtown defines affordable luxury. It features quirky decor, well-appointed rooms, and contactless check-in. Nearby, in the South Lake Union neighborhood, you’ll find the Amazon HQ, the Space Needle, and Pike Place Market.
Like other citizenM hotels, the entire first floor is set up like a shared living room, with Vitra furniture, books, and eclectic artwork, much of it from local artists.
My room had a simple layout and decor, with a focus on comfort. It included an extra-large king-size bed, fluffy pillows, a power shower, blackout blinds, and seamless tech that operated everything off an iPad.
The bathrooms have morning and evening shower gels and smart TVs with a free movie selection. If you get any food cravings in the middle of the night, I recommend hitting the 24/7 canteenM kitchen in the lobby for food, drinks, snacks, and cocktails.
9. The Edgewater Hotel
Jutting out into the water atop Pier 67 on Elliott Bay, this four-story upscale hotel is Seattle’s original waterfront hotel. Originally built for the 1962 World’s Fair, the 4-star, highly-rated Edgewater Hotel is an iconic landmark in the city.
Close enough to downtown to be convenient yet with a waterfront vibe, this trendsetting spot has been home to rock and roll legends such as The Beatles, Pearl Jam, Led Zeppelin, and The Rolling Stones.
My stylish bedrooms feature custom-designed furniture, buttery-soft leather chairs, and an open fireplace. They also have uninterrupted views across the bay and all the mod cons. Some have separated bedrooms and claw-foot tubs.
I recommend not leaving without experiencing Northwestern cuisine at its finest courtesy of the elegant Six Seven Restaurant or enjoying craft cocktails overlooking the bay.
10. Hotel Max
The perfect place to stay for the creatively inclined, this gem is geared towards lovers of all things arty and musical.
Just a 5-minute walk from the Westlake Centre and the Washington State Convention Centre, this spot will entice you with stylish bedrooms featuring original paintings, iPods and work desks, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and reasonable prices.
Everything your inner urban artist could desire can be found at the Max, including a complimentary craft beer hour, locally brewed coffee, the Miller’s Guild grill, and exhibits of iconic local photographers.Â
Located in the heart of downtown, it was a delight for anyone interested in the creative side of the city!
- To book, check prices or availability for Hotel Max
11. Hotel Theodore
Lifting itself above the streets of the Pike/Pine shopping core in the heart of the city is this gem! A masterfully designed hotel with generous spaces that grab elevated views at every opportunity.
This place feels properly comfortable like you can flump on the couch if you want. The entire space is cleverly enhanced with funky art and artefacts—not prints you might pick up in IKEA, but genuine pieces curated in partnership with the Museum of History.
It is a thoughtful, hand-crafted, quality slice of the city with everything you’d expect in a top-class hotel plus many little quirks you’ll simply love.
12. Hotel Andra
This swish boutique is situated on Fourth Avenue, right in the heart of downtown. With a charming atmosphere and a lobby that could easily be mistaken for a cozy living room, it is a relaxing oasis in the city’s heart.
This spot is within walking distance of such central iconic destinations as Pike Place Market, the Seattle waterfront, and downtown Seattle’s thriving retail core; you can enjoy the best of both worlds here.
The bedrooms at this gorgeous spot are comfortable and ultra-stylish and offer calming textures and a subtle Scandinavian design, complete with LCD flat-panel TVs, free WiFi, and spacious desks for mixing business with pleasure.
Head to the on-site gym, relax in the lobby by the fire or the bar, or dine in style at the Lola or Assaggio Ristorante during your stay—it’s just an all-around fine place to stay!
13. Hotel Maxwell
Ultra-colorful, modern, and art-filled, I love that it is just a 10-minute walk from the Space Needle and 2 miles from Pike Place Market. I could choose from hill rooms that look inwards towards the city or view rooms that face out across the Space Needle.
My funky room offered sumptuous surroundings, comfortable sleeping quarters, free WiFi, a flat-screen TV, an iPod dock, a mini-fridge, and a coffeemaker.
I would also recommend grabbing a coffee and a light snack at the Pineapple Espresso bar or asking the friendly staff to point you toward the best eateries in town.
You can also use the indoor pool, gym, on-site pizzeria, loaner bikes, and even afternoon pineapple cupcakes—how cute is that?
14. W Hotel
A hip urban retreat close to the best of downtown, I loved that this place is awash with big-city energy.
With scenic views across Puget Sound, this luxurious and effortlessly stylish hotel is perfect for anyone looking to experience Seattle’s true vibe.
With a funky gym, live music and DJs, a lobby bar and lounge, and the signature TRACE restaurant, this place is a hit with hip and trendy visitors of all ages.
My guest room was stylish, modern, and sleek and offered my very own urban lodge experience that combines Native American design with the beauty of the Emerald City, complete with Bluetooth speakers, WiFi, and flat-screen TVs.
Opt for an upgrade or a suite and find gorgeous floor-to-ceiling windows, lush city views, and even whirlpool tubs – nice!Â
- To book, check prices or availability for W Hotel
15. Motif
Offering a superb rooftop lounge with fabulous views across the city, this 4-star destination hotel is located between 5th Avenue and Pike and Union, ideally placing it for your downtown adventure.
With a sun deck and fabulous decor, including natural hardwood floors and themes inspired by the Pacific Northwest, Motif Hotel is a first-class hotel of distinction that is in touch with the rich art and music culture the city is famous for.
My bedroom was comfortable and spacious and came dotted with artwork, lyrics, and album cover art from the city’s influential music scene. Superior suites also have views over the water, offering the best urban living and waterfront chic.
Please don’t leave without dining at their hip restaurant, which features a patio, fireplaces, shuffleboard, or drinking a cocktail on their fabulous rooftop bar!Â
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