boutique hotels Seattle skyline with the Space Needle and mountain
April 14, 2024

10 of the Best Boutique Hotels Seattle Has to Offer

LEAVE COMMENT 0
8 min read

Summary

Reflection Questions

Journal Prompt

Write Journal

While they might not boast a rooftop infinity pool or a five-star restaurant, these boutique hotels are steeped in personality, great design, and historic charm. Many of Seattle’s boutique hotels are centrally located in fascinating neighborhoods, providing easy access to the city’s best galleries, museums, and dining scenes. They often feature unique architectural details and luxurious amenities that set them apart from larger chain hotels, making your trip both memorable and comfortable. For those seeking a more intimate and curated travel experience, boutique hotels in Seattle promise an immersive introduction to the city’s diverse offerings. Read on for our list of the top ten boutique hotels in Seattle.

The Top 10 Boutique Hotels from Downtown Seattle to Queen Ann

Inn at the Market

Inn at the Market exudes the charm of Seattle’s historic Pike Place Market right at its doorstep, merging modern Pacific Northwest style with stunning waterfront views. The design of this Downtown Seattle hotel reflects the vibrancy and artistic spirit of the surrounding market, featuring local artwork and natural materials that echo the region’s scenic beauty.

Guests can enjoy a unique culinary experience with in-room dining or visit one of the three popular onsite restaurants, indulging in fresh seafood and local produce directly sourced from the market below. Special amenities like in-room massages and boutique retail shops offer a luxury experience, making it a perfect getaway in the heart of Seattle’s bustling environment.

Hotel Andra Seattle – MGallery

Hotel Andra Seattle – MGallery stands out with its Scandinavian-inspired design, nestled in the bustling shopping district of downtown Seattle. The hotel’s interior boasts a minimalist yet warm atmosphere, featuring clean lines and natural textures, all inspired by Nordic aesthetics. It is home to a renowned on-site bar and restaurant that offers an array of Nordic cuisine, with dishes prepared using traditional Scandinavian techniques and local ingredients.

The location of Hotel Andra makes it ideal for explorers eager to shop at nearby centers and explore the cultural offerings of the city. Unique features such as handcrafted Swedish wood artworks in each room add a personal touch, setting this hotel apart as a serene urban retreat.

Hotel Sorrento

Hotel Sorrento, located in Seattle’s First Hill neighborhood, offers a luxurious blend of vintage charm and modern amenities, making it one of the city’s cherished historical landmarks. The hotel’s decor features a sophisticated blend of Italian Renaissance architecture and contemporary furnishings, providing a rich, cultural atmosphere.

Guests can unwind at the fireside lounge or enjoy Italian cuisine at the on-site restaurant, which adds to the hotel’s old-world charm. Hotel Sorrento is distinguished by its intimate and personalized service, along with hidden historical treasures throughout the property, creating an unforgettable stay steeped in luxury and history.

Lotte Hotel Seattle

Lotte Hotel Seattle, downtown Seattle located, is celebrated for its blend of historical and contemporary design. Situated at 809 5th Avenue, the hotel’s strategic location places it within walking distance of major attractions like the famous Pike Place Market, the Seattle Art Museum, the Seattle Ferry Terminal, and the Space Needle, making it a prime choice for travelers looking to explore the city.

The hotel features 189 guest rooms and suites, each designed with a mix of artistic flair and modern amenities. Rooms are equipped with floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic views of the downtown skyline or Elliott Bay. The hotel’s design, crafted by the renowned French designer Philippe Starck, beautifully integrates the historic Sanctuary building with a modern skyscraper, providing a unique aesthetic that combines reverence with playful modernity.

Dining at the hotel is an experience in itself, with the Charlotte Restaurant & Lounge located on the 16th floor, offering a menu that highlights Pacific Northwest cuisine alongside breathtaking city views. For relaxation, guests can indulge in the full-service spa, Le SPA de l’hôtel LOTTE, which offers a range of treatments designed to pamper and rejuvenate.

Lotte Hotel Seattle has been recognized for its exceptional service and luxurious accommodations, consistently ranking high among Seattle’s top hotels. The combination of its prime location, unique architectural design, and top-tier amenities makes it a standout option for anyone visiting Seattle.

Pan Pacific Seattle

Pan Pacific Seattle is a beacon of modern luxury in the city’s cultural epicenter. This boutique hotel is designed to reflect the tranquil and refined elements of the Pacific Northwest. The hotel’s interiors are characterized by sleek, contemporary design with subtle Asian influences, creating a serene and sophisticated environment.

Located near the South Lake Union district, this city hotel offers easy access to tech hubs and cultural landmarks, making it popular among both business and leisure travelers. Guests can enjoy exceptional boat-to-table cuisine at the on-site restaurant or unwind in the elegant spa. Pan Pacific Seattle is known for its commitment to sustainability and refined luxury, setting it apart in a bustling cityscape.

Mayflower Park Hotel

Mayflower Park Hotel is an integral piece of Seattle’s history, established in 1927 and boasting a central location that connects guests to the city’s vibrant cultural scene. The hotel’s classic European elegance is visible in its meticulously restored interiors, featuring antique furnishings and crystal chandeliers that complement its historic charm.

Guests can enjoy modern conveniences melded seamlessly with old-world hospitality, including fine dining at the on-site restaurant and cocktails at the sophisticated lounge. The historic ambiance that this boutique hotel offers, coupled with its dedication to personalized service, makes it a distinguished choice for those seeking a blend of tradition and comfort.

The Alexis Royal Sonesta Hotel Seattle

The Alexis Royal Sonesta Hotel Seattle is a fusion of art and luxury, strategically located near Seattle’s waterfront. It offers a comfortable base close to Seattle Center, where you can visit major attractions such as the Space Needle, Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), and Chihuly Garden and Glass.

The hotel’s decor is an eclectic mix of contemporary art pieces and classic elegance, making it a cultural hub within the city. It hosts a variety of artistic events and showcases a permanent art collection that attracts art lovers from all around.

The Bookstore Bar & Café within the hotel offers a cozy retreat for guests to enjoy craft cocktails and fine literature, enhancing the intellectual atmosphere. Its luxury accommodations and distinctive artistic flair make it a premier choice for travelers seeking sophistication and creativity.

MarQueen Hotel

Nestled in the historic Queen Anne neighborhood, MarQueen Hotel carries a story of its past life as an engineering school from the early 20th century. The hotel’s architecture and decor reflect its rich history, featuring vintage furnishings and classic Edwardian styling.

Each room offers a unique glimpse into Seattle’s past with modern comforts like spa services and an on-site restaurant specializing in local cuisine. The hotel’s location provides easy access to Seattle’s key attractions while offering a quiet, historical sanctuary for guests. Its blend of historic charm and modern amenities makes MarQueen an enchanting choice.

MarQueen Hotel’s charm with the area’s vibrant cultural and entertainment offerings. Special amenities like vintage claw-foot tubs and evening wine receptions provide an added touch of luxury, ensuring a memorable stay steeped in history and elegance.

Hotel Max

Hotel Max in Seattle is a sanctuary for art and music enthusiasts, nestled in the heart of downtown. This hotel is vibrantly decorated with over 350 original artworks, including a piece by Andy Warhol, and each floor highlights works by different local photographers, contributing to its unique aesthetic. Music lovers will appreciate memorabilia like a bass guitar signed by Nirvana’s Krist Novoselic. Hotel Max stands out with its funky, creative vibe and offers amenities like free loaner bikes and a complimentary craft beer hour, making it a haven for contemporary culture lovers.

Thompson Seattle

Thompson Seattle offers a sophisticated and luxurious experience right next to Pike Place Market. It is notably located very close to the Seattle waterfront, providing stunning views and easy access to the surrounding waterfront area. This makes it an excellent choice for visitors who are looking to stay near the water and enjoy the vibrant local scenery and activities that the Seattle waterfront has to offer.

The hotel boasts a sleek, modern design with floor-to-ceiling windows in many rooms, providing stunning views of Puget Sound and the city skyline. It is particularly famed for its rooftop bar, one of Seattle’s most popular, where guests can enjoy craft cocktails and a vibrant atmosphere overlooking the market. The Thompson’s location and its stylish, contemporary decor make it a prime choice for travelers seeking luxury and convenience in the heart of Seattle’s bustling market scene.

A Quick Guide to Seattle Neighborhoods

Whether your hotel has an outdoor swimming pool, free Wi Fi, or a flat screen cable TV is not nearly as important as the neighborhood in which it was built. Seattle is a city of distinct and diverse neighborhoods. Each of these neighborhoods provides a different slice of Seattle life, from the historic cores to modern hubs of innovation and culture. Before you book your hotel, get to know Seattle’s neighborhoods a bit better.

Downtown Seattle: The bustling heart of the city, Downtown Seattle is where you’ll find major attractions like Pike Place Market, the Seattle Art Museum, and the waterfront, which is currently undergoing a major revitalization. The area is dense with shopping, dining, and high-rise office buildings.

Belltown: North of downtown, Belltown is popular with young professionals and has a lively scene with trendy restaurants, art galleries, and boutiques. The area is also known for its nightlife and is a great place to find live music and craft cocktails.

Pioneer Square: As Seattle’s original neighborhood, Pioneer Square features Romanesque Revival architecture, art galleries, and a bustling nightlife scene. It’s also known for its historic underground tours that explore the city’s early history.

Queen Anne: This neighborhood is split into Lower and Upper Queen Anne, with the lower area featuring more commercial activities and the upper known for its residential streets with beautiful historic homes. The top of Queen Anne hill offers some of the best views of downtown Seattle and Puget Sound.

Fremont: Known as the “Center of the Universe” by locals, Fremont is quirky and colorful with art installations like the Fremont Troll under the Aurora Bridge. The neighborhood hosts a popular Sunday street market and has a vibrant arts scene.

Capitol Hill: Known for its vibrant nightlife, eclectic shopping, and the hub of Seattle’s LGBTQ+ community, Capitol Hill is also a cultural center with venues like the Paramount Theatre and a variety of bars, coffee shops, and independent stores.

Ballard: Once a sleepy fishing village, Ballard has transformed into one of Seattle’s hippest neighborhoods, known for its Scandinavian heritage, bustling Ballard Locks, and thriving nightlife with numerous bars and restaurants.

South Lake Union: Rapidly developing due to the tech industry (Amazon’s global headquarters are located here), South Lake Union offers a blend of new residential high-rises, office buildings, and recreational spaces like Lake Union Park, which is great for kayaking.

West Seattle – Offering a more laid-back vibe, West Seattle is known for its beaches like Alki Beach, panoramic skyline views, and a slower-paced lifestyle with a strong sense of community.

Green Lake – Known for its recreational activities centered around the lake, Green Lake is perfect for those who enjoy outdoor activities like jogging, paddle boating, and picnicking right in the heart of the city.