Susan B. Barnes

If you’re traveling through the Pacific Northwest, chances are your journey will take you through Seattle—and with good reason, too. The city is known for its lush surrounding forests (and the rain which keeps it so green) as well as being the birthplace of grunge. So, those paired with its quirky late-night scene and impressive art institutions make it a prime destination for a city break, and handily, we’ve compiled this guide so you can make an informed decision on the best places to stay. New inclusions for fall and winter 2025 include 1 Hotel Seattle, Lotte Hotel Seattle and Thompson Seattle, but scroll on for a freshly-curated list of Seattle’s top hotels.  Which area is best to stay in Seattle? Is it your first time in the Emerald City? Then we’d recommend opting for Downtown or Seattle Center—you’ll have all the major attractions on your doorstep, that way. If you’re traveling with your family, head to Seattle’s Waterfront or Queen Anne, but if a younger, cooler neighborhood is more your bag, go for Belltown or Capitol Hill. Oh, and if heading out of town towards the city’s dreamy greenery is on the agenda, Ballard might be the place for you.  Seattle’s best hotels at a glance: 💎 Most luxurious: Grand Hyatt Seattle 👛 Best budget: Graduate Seattle 🌃 Best view: Lotte Hotel Seattle 🧖🏽‍♀️ Best spa: Level Seattle Downtown, South Lake Union 🤩 Most iconic: Fairmont Olympic Hotel 📍 Discover our ultimate guide to the best things to do in Seattle How we curate our hote

Walking into 1 Hotel Seattle, I’m instantly surrounded by lush, green foliage filling the lobby—turns out, more than 1,100 live plants are placed throughout the hotel’s public spaces and guest rooms—and upon blinking, my eyes are drawn to an impressive mural rising behind a winding staircase leading to the second floor. Upon closer inspection, I see the mural is made of natural materials like moss and stone, and after a few moments I realize it’s a depiction of Mount Rainier.  Hungry after a full day of travel, I stop by the Farm Stand next to the reception desk and grab a piece of fresh fruit delivered by local farmers before adjourning to my room. A friendly dog bounds off the elevator when the doors open (it’s not surprising that the hotel in a city filled with dogs is itself dog-friendly) and though I’ve been in Seattle for less than an hour, I already feel right at home.  Why stay at 1 Hotel Seattle? Eco-conscious travelers, this is the hotel for you. 1 Hotel Seattle leans into the city’s sustainability ethos by walking the walk, starting with the building itself. Formerly the Pan Pacific Seattle, the interior has been completely transformed to align with 1 Hotel’s commitment to preserving the natural environments and cultures of destinations in which they have properties. Think existing tiles refinished and reused for flooring in public spaces; signage made from locally sourced wood that will naturally biodegrade over time; and biophilic design that’s found throughout p