Seattle is one of the most stunning and energetic cities in the country. Every year, millions of tourists flock to this metropolis, and it’s easy to understand why. Seattle is home to several attractions, such as the recognizable Space Needle and the busy Pike Place Market. What about the undiscovered jewels, though? The less well-known locations that only residents are aware of?
This article will discuss the best places to stay in Seattle, Washington. We have everything you need, whether you’re looking for a charming bed and breakfast or a chic boutique hotel. Prepare to find some of the top lodging options in Emerald City that you may not have known existed.
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The Best Neighborhoods in Seattle, Washington
Below is a list of the best and most amazing neighborhoods or places to stay in Seattle, Washington.
#1. Capitol Hill
One of the best places in Seattle, Washington, to stay in if you’re searching for a lively, varied, and culturally rich location is Capitol Hill. It has a definite counterculture feel and is popular with the LGBTQ community. Although a little more sleepy, the northern end has lots of adorable shops, cafes, and parks. The best pubs and gay clubs in Seattle can be found around the major section of the Pike/Pine Corridor.
Volunteer Park, home to the Seattle Asian Art Museum and a magnificent conservatory is a great place for outdoor enthusiasts to decompress. Spend hours browsing Elliot Bay Bookstore and sampling the treats at Molly Moon’s Ice Cream for a true taste of the neighborhood.
#2. South Lake Union
East of the Seattle Center, at the base of Capitol Hill, sits South Lake Union (SLU), which has a decidedly “techy” air. Due to its proximity to the Convention Center and the trendy bars and restaurants that surround Lake Union, it is ideal for business travelers who don’t want to stay in the city’s center.
For fantastic views of the Space Needle, kayakers, joggers, cyclists, and anyone else who desires to spend some time on the water frequent Lake Union Park. SLU can be quiet at night, which means business travelers won’t have to worry about being kept up too late by noise.
#3. Lower Queen Anne
One of the top attractions in Washington State, Seattle Center, is located in the Lower Queen Anne district. It has hip eateries, lively pubs, a thriving music scene, and cultural events. It is a fantastic choice for families because there are many kid-friendly play areas, activities, and lodgings. Kerry Park is located higher up Queen Anne Hill, providing one of the best views of the city, and buses are available to take you to the downtown waterfront or Pike Place Market.
#4. Belltown
For Seattle’s vibrant nightlife, Belltown is a fantastic neighborhood to stay in. Restaurants, pubs, and clubs abound in this area, which is situated between downtown and Queen Anne. The Olympic Sculpture Park and quaint shops are open to visitors during the day. They can go dancing, visit Jazz Alley, or get drinks at Bathtub Gin and Co. in the evening.
It’s not the best choice, though, for families with young children or those who want a peaceful night’s sleep because it can get loud and chaotic at night. Additionally, the number of homeless people in the region has increased since the 2020 health crisis.
#5. Pioneer Square
The earliest area in Seattle, Pioneer Square, was built in the late 1800s and is dotted with structures in the Romanesque architectural style. It serves history aficionados and sports fans and is situated west of the International District and south of downtown. The original underground city is open for tours, and neighboring T-Mobile Stadium or Lumen Field are great places to catch a game.
During city art walks, there are many bars, restaurants, and art galleries to visit. It is convenient for visitors to reach locations like Bainbridge Island because they can walk to the ferry station. The unhoused population is prevalent due to the abundance of social services facilities in the region, and some areas of the neighborhood can be seedy.
#6. University District
This is also one of the most beautiful places to stay in Seattle, Washington. The University District is a neighborhood near the University of Washington that exudes a hip, college-town ambiance, offers inexpensive lodging and food options, and is close to a light rail stop. It offers a wide range of stores, independent eateries, affordable meals, and eccentric culture.
The University of Washington campus’ Quad is nearby, and travelers can cycle along the Burke-Gilman path or take a bus, Lyft, or Uber to other exciting neighborhoods in north Seattle. From the light rail station, it is simple and quick to get to Columbia City and other nearby areas, as well as downtown.
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The Best Hotels in Seattle, Washington, to Stay in
Below is a list of the best hotels in Seattle where tourists can lodge for comfort.
#1. The Hotel Sorrento
The Hotel Sorrento, which is situated in the exciting First Hill district, is a fantastic choice. The hotel, a Seattle landmark for more than a century, offers elegant and traditional rooms with contemporary facilities. The Sorrento also has a restaurant, a bar, and a pleasant parlor by the fireplace where guests can relax with a book or a drink of wine.
#2. Kimpton Palladian Hotel
The downtown Seattle location of the Kimpton Palladian Hotel offers yet another fantastic boutique alternative. This hotel is renowned for its chic and diverse design, with each room showcasing distinctive furnishings and artwork. Along with a restaurant and bar serving food made from sustainable and locally sourced ingredients, The Palladian also provides its visitors with a daily wine hour.
#3. The Thompson Seattle
The Thompson Seattle is an excellent option if you want a more modern and slick experience. Besides, the Thompson boasts breathtaking views of the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound and is close to the famous Pike Place Market. Modern and contemporary, the rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows and opulent amenities. The hotel also has a rooftop restaurant and bar with expansive city views.
#4. The Maxwell Hotel
Original artwork and vibrant furnishings are features of the Maxwell Hotel in Seattle Center. The use of the fitness center and indoor pool is complimentary for visitors. Each guest room has 42-inch flat-screen TVs, complimentary WiFi, and wood floors. The ensuite bathrooms come with walk-in showers, luxury amenities, and marble countertops. In the afternoon, visitors can take advantage of free coffee and snacks made of pineapple.
There is also a business center on-site, and guests can rent bicycles. The Seattle Center Monorail, which makes it simple to get into the city center, is only 8 minutes stroll from the hotel. The Washington State Convention Center is 2.9 km and the Seattle Aquarium is 3.1 km from the hotel, respectively.
#5. Watertown Hotel
Four blocks from the University of Washington, the Staypineapple, Watertown, University District Seattle, provides complimentary WiFi, cable TV, microwaves, mini-refrigerators, gourmet coffee makers, and bottled water. A workout center, bike rentals, and free laundry facilities are also included. The hotel is less than 3.2 kilometers from Seattle Children’s Hospital and 10 minutes from the Space Needle. It is truly one of the best places to stay in Seattle, Washington.
#6. Edgewater
Vistas of Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains are available from the guest rooms at the Edgewater Hotel, which is situated at Pier 67 on Seattle’s waterfront. It has a minibar, an in-room coffee maker, views of downtown Seattle and the Puget Sound, knotty pine furnishings, leather seats, a European-style spa bathroom with free bath amenities, gas fireplaces, and all of these things.
Fitness facilities, a full-service restaurant, and a gift store, including the Seattle Ferry Terminal for the Victoria Clipper, are all on-site for guests to use. The closest airport, SeaTac International Airport, is around 23 kilometers away.
#7. Hotel Andra
The Hotel Indra in Seattle’s downtown is an outstanding alternative. This chic boutique hotel offers cozy bedding, Scandinavian-inspired decor, and opulent extras such as room service and a 24-hour fitness facility. The hotel’s on-site restaurant serves delectable Pacific Northwest fare, and guests are welcome to indulge.
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The Best Beaches in Seattle, Washington
Below is a list of the best beaches in Seattle, Washington, where tourists can go and have fun.
#1. Alki Beach Park
Seattle residents like visiting Alki Beach, which stretches from Duwamish Head to the Alki Point Lighthouse. It is a 2.5-mile paved stretch that runs parallel to the shore and is popular with skateboarders, cyclists, and rollerbladers. When the sun is out, Alki Beach and the nearby promenade turn into Seattle’s collective backyard, making it a perfect place to settle in with a beverage and take in the sights. The majority of West Seattle’s favorite beach is sandy, making it perfect for constructing sandcastles and other beachside activities.
#2. Golden Garden Park
North Seattle’s Golden Gardens Park is a well-liked beach that spans 80 acres and has more than 300 feet of sandy beachfront. It serves swimmers, boaters, volleyball players, kite fliers, and others who just want to throw a towel down and take in the view. It also overlooks Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. Additionally, it has off-leash dog areas and hiking trails through forests, and campfires are welcomed and encouraged in designated fire pits.
#3. Green Lake Park
Five miles north of the city center is the well-known outdoor attraction, Green Lake Park. Great running trails can be found there, along with a historic bathhouse and two designated swimming sites that have lifeguards on duty throughout the summer. Additionally, it offers numerous access points for non-motorized boats like kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards, as well as plenty of sand where you can spread out a towel. Both beaches are surrounded by a vast, grassy park area, which makes for great spots for a picnic.
#4. Madison Park Beach
Madison Park Beach is one of the well-liked places to stay in Seattle, Washington. On the far eastern side of the Madison Park area, northeast of downtown, is Madison Park North Beach, a “secret beach” in Seattle. It has a designated swimming section with a lifeguard on duty and is 400 feet long. A wide lawn with tennis courts, well-maintained walking trails, and close-by cafes and restaurants can all be found in the neighboring Madison Park. A magnificent Lake Washington overlook is located over a rocky seawall at Madison Park North Beach, which is one block away for even more isolation.
#5. Richmond Beach Saltwater Park
In the community of Shoreline, 15 miles north of the center, Richmond Beach Saltwater Park offers a private location to explore Puget Sound. The mile-long beach is accessible by a steep downward trek from the parking area, but once you’re on the sand, expansive views of the lake and the Olympic Mountains emerge on the horizon.
Popular activities at the beach include picnics and quick trips out of the city. With a designated off-leash dog area, the park that leads to the beach also offers recreation opportunities for canine companions. And a neighboring playground is a well-liked spot for families to chill out.
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The Best Restaurants in Seattle, Washington
Below is a list of the best restaurants in Seattle, Washington, where you can dine.
#1. Canlis
Canlis is aware that there is nothing quite like exquisite eating. The restaurant offers exquisite panoramic views of the city (which include the Cascade Mountain range and Lake Union), wonderful food, and professional sommeliers to assist you in choosing the ideal pairing from their wide wine list—making it ideal for a special date or a really fancy event.
#2. Xi’an Noodles
Some of Seattle’s tastiest noodles can be found at the modest Xi’an Noodles in the University District. The ideal accompaniments for chewy, soft, hand-pulled noodles are hot chile oil, spicy cumin lamb, and stewed pig.
#3. Bruciato
It can seem a bit extravagant to take a ferry to a restaurant, but in this instance, that is precisely what you should be doing. One of the greatest slices you’ll ever eat is served at Bruciato, which has a wood-burning stove on the premises. The restaurant guarantees to provide you with one of the most sublime pizza-eating experiences of your life by serving pies packed with chorizo, honey, and morel mushrooms.
#4. Matt’s in the Market
You should go to Matt’s in the Market if you’re in Pike Place Market and need to escape the crowds. Matt’s in the Market offers fish and vegetables from the market below it, but it can be a little difficult to spot because it’s up some rather unassuming back steps off of First Avenue. You will be Instagramming your lunch and your surroundings with a view of the Olympic Mountains, the Pike Place Market sign, and the busy street below.
#5. Westward
Westward, which has a view of Lake Union in Seattle, showcases all the culinary delights the Pacific Northwest has to offer. The location is ideal for a romantic evening when couples can sit in an Adirondack chair overlooking the lake and watch the sun go down. Westward is indeed one of the most amazing places to stay in Seattle, Washington.
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Is Downtown Seattle Dangerous?
Though Seattle’s downtown is not particularly risky, like most large cities, it can feel insecure at night. To assure your security, stay with a friend, stroll in well-lit places, and pay attention to your surroundings.
Where Should You Not Stay in Seattle?
Avoid staying too far east of Capitol Hill, north of Northgate, or south of SoDo if you’re visiting Seattle. These locations are isolated from the rest of Seattle, and there may not be many transportation choices.